Why Work With a Licensed Architect/Designer
Some projects, like large multi-unit residential or commercial properties have a building code mandated, legal requirement to work with a licensed designer (ex: Architect, Licensed Technologist, or BCIN - depending upon the project). This is generally because these are publicly accessible or employment type buildings where the need for safety and conformance to building codes is of paramount importance.
For an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling there are not generally any legal requirements to work with a licensed designer (though rentals and multi-unit properties do require a licensed designer), meaning that you could draw up plans yourself and submit them for permit as long as the home is under about 6000 square feet in total floor area and only you and your family are living there (although unless you have significant experience in construction and design we wouldn’t recommend doing so!).
To receive a permit you’ll need to ensure that your submitted drawings comply to local zoning regulations, building codes, and that you fully understand the permitting and inspection processes in your jurisdiction (timelines and submission requirements may vary) - you’ll also need to know how you want things built (ex: layers in your walls, vapour barriers, waterproofing details, beam/joist/lintel sizing, etc.) and what finishes etc. are included for your contractor to price your project and build from to ensure the finished product meets your expectations/vision.
Applying for a permit is tough, especially in busy cities where the process has become arguably over complicated over the years. You wouldn’t diagnose your own medical issue, you wouldn’t represent yourself in an important court matter… and for the exact same reasons you shouldn’t try to take on your own build/reno without help.
The above lays out the difficulties in managing the design, permitting, and construction of your home/reno on your own, read below to learn about some additional perks that you’ll enjoy when working with a licensed designer like Atelier Lupo.
Vision + Design
Every architectural project comes from a desire and/or need. Sometimes these needs and desires are easier to define (“we need another bathroom”), and sometimes they are more obscure (“we need more space for our growing family”). Working with a licensed architectural designer can help you define what you want to build, and with a greater understanding of needs - develop a vision for your project.
Even when you know what you want to achieve (ex: the bathroom example above) you’ll need a greater vision for the project to help guide the many decisions that you’ll need to make as the design is refined into its final form. You may need a bathroom but what type of tub would be best? Will there be any restrictions on the type of plumbing fixtures you can use (ex: many clients love wall mounted toilets but they require very specific framing to be used). What floor coverings will you use - what are their performance standards for slip resistance and how will the finish interact with floor cleaning solutions? The list goes on and on.
Licensed architects/designers have a broad knowledge of design, materials, and construction methods, which allows them to solve problems in creative ways and avoid design errors. Designers may also bring alternative options and new solutions to the table that you may not have otherwise considered.
Expertise
As with any licensed professional, there is a considerable amount of requirements to reach licensure. Every architect/designer must complete mandatory education, training, and evaluations to obtain their license. Licensed architects/designers are required to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of building science, fire & life safety requirements for buildings, building codes and zoning regulations. Designers are also required to log continuing education hours to stay updated in the fields of architecture, building science, building codes, and construction techniques.
Licensed architects/designers are trained to understand and work with zoning by-laws - which controls the use of land in your community (how land may be used, where buildings can be located, the types of buildings that are permitted, the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and densities, and setbacks from the street). Knowledge of zoning restrictions can help to ensure that your proposed project is something that can actually be built - and if you'll need to request variances at the Committee of Adjustment, a licensed designer will be your best ally and can represent you and your interests at the hearing.
Protect Your Investment
Your home is almost certainly the most expensive purchase you are going to make in your entire life (only to be beaten if you sell and purchase another one!), and a renovation to your home can easily be the second most expensive purchase you’ll make.
Licensed designers carry insurance as a requirement of their licenses, with coverage for errors and omissions in their work and general liability generally being the minimum standard (good licensed designers will also verify the insurance status of any other consultants brought in on the project). If the worst happens and something goes wrong on your project it should provide peace of mind to know that your team of professionals will be able to determine the issue, and if they are at fault make it right again.
Working with a licensed designer will also help ensure your project follows all of the correct procedures, for example ensuring that your construction inspections take place and that the permits are closed correctly so the issue doesn’t prevent you from selling or remortgaging the property in the future.
An experienced and licensed designer should also be able to help ensure that the construction of your home or renovation is long lasting and durable, and can help to prioritize/ensure resale value increases where this is an important factor.
Cost Savings and Pricing Accuracy
There are many ways that working with a licensed architect/designer will inevitably result in cost savings. Firstly, through the very nature of the design process architects/designers can see and communicate the design before it is physically built. This also allows them to see where any missing pieces are (if any), and it allows changes to be made more easily in the planning stages of the project - avoiding costly changes that may have otherwise happened during construction.
Having a detailed set of design drawings can also help with getting accurate pricing from contractors. Too often have we heard stories of disputes between homeowners and contractors where the project was started on a basic contract without plans or finishes being determined ahead of time, which might help get the project started asap but will inevitably lead to disputes later on when discussing finishes and what is “included” in the price that was quoted (homeowners will often be on the hook for all finishes, fixtures, and could be liable to pay extra for work that the contractor did not consider “included”). When disputes happen during construction the homeowner rarely comes out ahead without representation - when you hire a licensed designer we detail as much of the design as possible for contractor pricing, which ends up forming part of the contract that you enter into with your builder. Having a designer on your team also means that if you are facing a dispute with a contractor you can call in your designer who will advocate for your interests and be able to understand the complexities of the problem.
Unlike most builders and interior decorators, who prioritize cost-savings on their bottom line, licensed architects/designers are required to pass along trade discounts. That means any savings on fixtures, furnishings, or finishes are fully enjoyed by the client - many of our clients have enjoyed discounts equal to our fees on their projects, meaning that hiring us had paid for itself.
Make your life easier - hire a licensed designer like Atelier Lupo for your project.
Atelier Lupo
Tanya & Justin
