AC Architectural Design Inc.
Architecture firm delivering architectural designs for custom homes, renovation projects, multiple-unit developments, and small commercial projects in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Design Scope
Our architectural designs include quality architectural drawings, thoughtful floor plan layouts, and efficient construction drawings that detail the blueprints for bringing your vision to life.
Custom Homes
✓ Traditional House Design
✓ Modern House Design
✓ Tiny Homes
✓ Luxury Homes
✓ Cottage Designs
✓ Accessory Structures
Multiple-Unit Developments
✓ Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
✓ Apartment Buildings
✓ Townhomes
✓ Condominiums
✓ Stacked Townhomes
✓ Mixed-use Developments
Renovation Projects
✓ Interior Alterations / Conversions
✓ Basement Walkout Addition
✓ Bearing Wall Removal Renovation
✓ Secondary Suites Renovation
✓ Porch / Deck Addition
✓ Floor Addition
Small Commercial Projects
✓ Office and Retail
✓ Restaurants*
✓ Small Shops / Stores
✓ Laundries*
✓ Storage Buildings
✓ Barn Buildings
Design Process
AC Architectural Design Inc. guides you through a clear, step-by-step process—from initial planning through to the delivery of construction drawings for your building permit.
Why Choose Us
Choosing AC Architectural Design Inc. means clients benefit from transparent services, precise & efficient drawings, and timeless designs that maximizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Transparency
In the architectural design process, it's easy for ideas to sound appealing in theory but prove unfeasible in practice, especially when economic constraints come into play. Misunderstandings or a lack of clarity in documenting client expectations can lead to significant setbacks, including costly revisions, legal complications, and prolonged timelines. We’ve seen firsthand how even experienced architectural designers and well-resourced clients can face these challenges.
We believe in fostering complete honesty and engaging in meaningful dialogue from the outset. This approach helps to uncover unrealized needs and wants while encouraging a collaborative process. We aim to ensure your ideas are carefully considered, aligned with practical realities, and that the project is well-executed, leading to a successful build.
Timeless Principle
Whether traditional or modern in style, our approach is to design a lasting aesthetic that avoids fleeting trends, enhances space functionality, and elevates your property’s appeal. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we draw upon established principles such as the golden ratio, Fibonacci sequences, Vitruvian proportions, dynamic symmetry, and many others.
These principles are crucial for crafting aesthetically pleasing architectural designs. Ignoring them can result in designs that appear disproportionate, are arbitrarily scaled, and have dimensions that feel awkward or uncomfortable. By incorporating these time-tested principles, we ensure that our designs are both visually harmonious and highly functional. We are dedicated to delivering a timeless architectural design that aligns seamlessly with your vision.
Precise As Built Drawings
As built drawings capture the true state of a building, from the basement to the roof. The challenge lies in capturing critical elements, such as the structure and hidden systems like HVAC and plumbing. While some assumptions are necessary due to limited access, it's important to minimize them to avoid inaccuracies and costly revisions.
We strive to document measurements of all spaces, including room dimensions, ceiling heights, and the placement of doors and windows. We identify the structural configuration to gain insights into load-bearing walls, beams, and other critical elements that impact space utilization. Lastly, we investigate the existing systems to help prevent accidental damage and aid in designing new spaces. Our goal is to ensures the as built drawings accurately reflect the building’s current state and provide a reliable basis for future design or renovation work.
Efficient Construction Drawings
The construction drawings outline the blueprint for building your project. It includes dimensioned floor plans, sections, technical drawings, structural drawings, building systems, schedules, and specifications. Too often, construction drawings are cluttered with unrelated information, missed details, or oversized structural elements. This can leave builders confused, create unnecessary significant expenses for you, and increase the chance of errors.
Many architectural designers lack the certification to design structural drawings. Our team is equipped to handle both structural and architectural drawings, giving us an edge in creating cost-effective solutions. We include only relevant details, avoiding unnecessary clutter in the technical drawings. Our goal is to produce efficient, legally compliant construction drawings that ensure a smooth build.
Andrew
Honest, thorough, and dedicated worker who is there to help you through all of your architectural projects! I recommend to anyone looking for an [architectural designer.]
Testimonial
Alejandro
Professional, kind and well organized architect. You will not have any problems using this service.
David
Thank you for the Professionalism with your work.
Best Regards from the team at Angel Gear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What’s included in your architectural services?
Our services encompass every aspect of the architectural design process, offering flexibility to suit your needs and project scope. Each phase can be customized based on your desired level of involvement. If you have a clear vision for your home, we can streamline the initial concept stages. Experienced builders may only need basic construction drawings, allowing for faster progress. If you prefer to manage permitting on your own, we can accommodate that too. Whatever your situation, we’re adaptable and ready to tailor our approach to ensure your project works for you.
❓ How much will it cost to design my project?
The cost naturally reflects the level of involvement you want. As with our services, fees vary based on your project's complexity, size, and customization needs. Typical projects range from $2,000 up to $15,000. After discussing your architectural requirements, we provide a clear quote that breaks down each step involved—no surprises, no hidden costs. You’ll always know upfront what to expect in terms of budget.
❓ How long does the architectural design process take?
Timelines depend on the project’s scope, typically ranging from 6 to 12 weeks, while smaller renovation may be quicker. If you're on a tight schedule, we’ll do our best to prioritize your project if possible. Our goal is always to balance speed with quality because rushing an architectural design often leads to issues during construction, which can ultimately cause delays. We focus on doing it right the first time.
❓Do you manage the construction process too?
Our expertise is in architectural design. While we don’t directly manage construction, we work closely with contractors, ensuring they understand every detail of the technical drawing. We’re here to answer their questions and provide clarity to help keep the build on track and make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
About Architectural Designer
Gabriel Alvarez-Colman has 10+ years of first-class industry experience. Gabriel's vision is rooted in providing breathtaking yet economically viable solutions that maximize value and quality. Operating primarily in Hamilton Ontario, services are extended across Canada to many clients seeking high-quality architectural designs.
Licensed BCIN Architectural Designer