Accessibility
Accessibility is crucial in architectural projects because it ensures that buildings and spaces are usable by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. By incorporating accessible design, we create environments that are inclusive, promoting independence and equal opportunities for all users. This not only enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also benefits the broader community by fostering a more inclusive society. Additionally, accessible design often leads to innovative solutions that improve the overall functionality and aesthetics of a space.

Interior design
Almost every project involves some level of interior design, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the overall look and functionality of a space. Recognizing this, when the project is limited to items such as flooring, cabinets, and fixtures & finishes, we typically perform these services in-house.

When projects require specialized expertise for items like furniture, rug, window coverings, and décor, we can recommend a consulting interior designer we have successfully collaborated with in the past. Typically, when going this route, we will have the interior designer also specify interior finishes and fixtures.

Single family design
Single-family architectural design focuses on creating homes for individual families, emphasizing functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. These designs often consider the unique needs and preferences of the family, incorporating elements like open floor plans, ample natural light, and outdoor living spaces. The goal is to create a harmonious living environment that balances private and communal areas, ensuring both privacy and opportunities for family interaction. Whether it’s a modern minimalist home or a house inspired by tradition, we design single-family homes that provide a personalized and inviting space for its occupants.

Multifamily design
The transformation of many single-family zones into multifamily zones aims to address the housing shortage. This shift brings both opportunities and challenges in designing denser, yet livable spaces that also promote a sense of community. As people live closer together, considerations such as acoustic separation, visual privacy by analyzing window views, providing private outdoor spaces, and maximizing solar access become increasingly important design considerations. Using 3D modeling and 3D point cloud scanning helps us analyze how our designs integrate into existing conditions to optimize views, privacy, and daylight. Additionally, we can implement tailored sound separation strategies, which vary based on whether we are working with new construction or an existing structure.

Multigenerational design
As housing, daycare, and long-term care costs rise, multigenerational design has become increasingly popular. This approach influences both the architectural layout and design details to enhance accessibility as mobility decreases with age. We have found it is crucial to create both private and shared family spaces, while also considering acoustic separations. Features like elevators can be included in the initial construction or added later as needed (if appropriately planned). Designing with multiple generations in mind also future-proofs buildings, making them adaptable to the changing needs of our diverse population.

Aging in place
Aging in place helps older adults to live in their own homes and communities safely, more independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. We can help adapt living environments to meet the changing needs of seniors. Sometimes this requires remodeling, but other times it is limited to installing grab bars, improving lighting, and ensuring easy access to essential services. Aging in place allows individuals to maintain their routines, social connections, and a sense of familiarity, which can significantly enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.

Adult family house design
An adult family home is a residential facility licensed to provide personal care, special care, and nursing care for up to six residents. We design these homes to offer a more intimate and homelike environment than traditional nursing homes or assisted living facilities provide. Many of our clients are from the medical professional, such as nurses or doctors, that have the necessary skills to run a small facility where caregivers assist with daily living activities, medical needs, and also provide social and recreational activities to enhance residents’ quality of life.

Drainage design
When a project exceeds specific thresholds, often due to increased impervious surfaces, drainage design is usually required. Each jurisdiction has its own set of requirements. We’re here to guide you through the regulations relevant to your project. Whenever possible, we handle the drainage design in-house, but for certain projects, a licensed civil engineer may be required.

Steep Slopes + Landslide Prone
Working on steep slopes and landslide-prone sites require careful planning and specialized expertise. These areas are susceptible to soil movement, which can pose significant risks to structures and safety. Geotechnical, Civil, and Structural Engineers play a crucial role in assessing the stability of the site and recommending appropriate measures, such as slope stabilization, drainage control, and deep foundation design. These projects require our extensive collaboration with consultants and local authorities to help ensure compliance with regulations and to implement effective mitigation strategies.

Wetlands
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems offering benefits like water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat. However, developing near wetlands is challenging due to stringent regulations designed to protect these areas. An Environmental Consultant can assist in classifying the wetland and determining setback requirements. Coordinating with the consultant and local authorities often takes time to understand how the wetlands will impact the project. We can help you navigate this complex process.

Waterfront + Dock design
Waterfront sites offer stunning views and a serene environment, making them highly desirable for development. However, these locations come with unique challenges that require specialized knowledge to address. Waterfront sites often suffer from soil stability issues, erosion, and flooding. We will assemble a team of consultants and work with local authorities to navigate the complex regulations and environmental issues associated with waterfront development. Proper planning and the implementation of measures like erosion control, flood defenses, drainage systems, and foundation design are essential to protect the natural environment, the built structures, and your significant investment. This collaborative approach ensures that waterfront developments are both beautiful, sustainable, and resilient.

Streams + Rivers
Streams and rivers, though picturesque, can complicate development due to environmental concerns. Generally, development must be set back from the water’s edge, with the distance varying based on the stream or river’s classification. Fish-bearing streams often necessitate larger setbacks. Typically, an Environmental Consultant and a good surveyor are needed to delineate and classify the waterway.

Settlement prone sites
In our region, certain areas need deep foundations for new and existing structures. These locations are often near water bodies where poor soils exist or sites which were once ravines that have been filled to create level ground. We can assist in evaluating strategies for such sites and bring together the right team of consultants to help address these challenges.

Abandoned landfill sites
Occasionally we encounter structures constructed on abandoned landfills that require methane gas mitigation measures. We can collaborate with an appropriate consultant to design venting systems to help ensure these structures are safe to occupy.

Indoor air quality + natural ventilation
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential in architecture as it significantly affects the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants. Poor IAQ can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, while good IAQ enhances well-being and cognitive function. We can help implement natural ventilation techniques and specify advanced ventilation and filtration systems to maintain high IAQ. Additionally, by incorporating adaptable infrastructure in new constructions or remodels allows for future upgrades to address evolving environmental challenges, such as the increasing prevalence of wildfire smoke in our area.

Building envelope + energy modeling
The Building Envelope includes all the elements that separate the interior from the exterior environment, such as walls, roofs, windows, and doors. It plays a crucial role in regulating the building’s energy efficiency by controlling heat transfer, air leakage, and moisture infiltration.

Energy modeling analysis involves using computer simulations to predict a building’s energy consumption based on its design, materials, and systems. This analysis helps in optimizing the building envelope to enhance energy performance, reduce operational costs, and improve occupant comfort. By evaluating different scenarios, energy modeling can guide decisions on insulation levels, window types, and other design features to achieve the best energy efficiency outcomes.

We can help design and specify the building envelope to meet your unique requirements. Utilizing advanced software, we can simulate various scenarios to identify the optimal solution that aligns with your budget and goals.

On-site energy production
Onsite energy production involves generating energy directly at the location where it will be used, typically through renewable sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems. This approach reduces reliance on external energy supplies, lowers long term energy costs, and minimizes the carbon footprint of a building. By producing energy onsite, buildings can achieve greater energy independence and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. We can help identify cost effective solutions and integrate them into the overall design of the structure. It’s important to start this discussion early since elements like solar panels will influence the form of a structure to maximize the number of panels and optimize solar orientation.

Smart lighting, controls + energy monitoring
Smart lighting and energy monitoring systems significantly enhance energy efficiency and convenience in buildings. By integrating smart lighting, you can automate lighting control based on occupancy, daylight availability, and user preferences, which reduces energy consumption and improves comfort. Energy monitoring systems provide real-time tracking and analysis of energy usage, offering valuable insights into consumption patterns and identifying opportunities for savings. We can assist in integrating these technologies into your building, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective operations.

High performance + Passive house design
Passive house design is a rigorous standard for energy efficiency in buildings where we aim to reduce the ecological footprint. This design approach focuses on high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and the use of energy-efficient windows and doors to minimize energy loss. By optimizing natural light and heat, passive houses maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal reliance on active heating and cooling systems, resulting in significant energy savings and enhanced indoor air quality. This sustainable design method not only lowers energy costs but also contributes to a healthier living environment.

While not all projects aspire to achieve Passive House level, we can help you design a High Performance house that dramatically exceeds code requirements.