The Process
AC Architectural Design Inc. guides you through a straightforward process, from initial planning to producing the construction drawings for your building permit!
Initial Planning and Compliance
• Step by Step Guide
• Zoning bylaws Compliance
• Authorities Consideration
• Minor Variance Application
• Building Code Review
The first step is to collaboratively determine your general needs, consider your budget, discuss potential challenges, and provide you with a comprehensive guide for the entire project.
Once we understand your goals, we'll investigate the local rules that govern how your property can be used. This includes determining the maximum allowable height, required setbacks from property lines, permissible building types, the maximum building area, and other additional requirements.
Your land may fall under the jurisdiction of organizations that manage land, water, and natural resources, such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) or the Hamilton Conservation Authority. If so, you will also need a permit from them. We'll identify their requirements and assist you in meeting them.
If the project exceeds zoning regulations, we can apply for a minor adjustment, allowing slight changes to how the property can be used or built.
At every step, we will review the rules and standards that govern legal construction, including structural, fire protection, foundation requirements, and more.
Concept Design and Visualization
• As Built Drawings
• Concept Design
• Site Plan
• 3D Modelling
If your project involves a renovation, we will need to measure and create as-built drawings of your existing home. These drawings are used to design new layouts and assist in producing the detailed construction drawings
Showcase hand-drawn or digital sketches of the floor plan layout and building exteriors to help visualize the design, gather feedback, and align expectations. This is also an opportunity to discuss the building’s assemblies, materials, and the consultants needed for its systems, structures, and site conditions.
While the concept design is being developed we will simultaneously develop the site plan and ensure the design aligns with the site’s physical and regulatory constraints.
​Once the concept design is approved, we can create realistic 3D images of your project to visualize its appearance in real life before proceeding to the construction drawings.
Comprehensive Construction drawings
• Wall | Roof | Floor Assembly
Construction drawings are the blueprints or working drawings that detail how to build your project. One of the details they specify is the assembly components: how they meet energy efficiency requirements, the appropriate structural sizes, methods for damproofing and waterproofing, fire protection measures, sound transmission considerations, and both interior and exterior finishes.
• HVAC & Structural Design
The plans also outline the configuration of the HVAC and structural systems, ensuring seamless integration without conflicts. We invest significant time in optimizing the structural design to ensure it fits both the project's requirements and budget.
• Precise Dimensions
The construction drawings include precise dimensions to ensure builders, contractors, and suppliers can execute the construction accurately and efficiently.
• Consultant Coordination
Before finalizing the architectural drawings, we may need to collaborate with various specialists, including surveyors, grading experts, septic professionals, mechanical and electrical consultants, plumbers, structural engineers, general contractors, builders, truss suppliers, arborists, and interior designers
• Essential Details
The final step in developing the construction drawings is to cover all the essentials: detailed wall specs, consultant input, sectional views, window and door schedules, and specification notes. This ensures the plans are clear and efficient for building permit approval and a smooth construction.
Safety and Accessibility Integration
• Fire and Sound Resistance
For business, mercantile, and multi-unit buildings, extra safety measures are crucial. One key aspect is making sure that assemblies act as barriers to prevent the spread of fire and minimize noise transmission.
• Barrier-Free Design
Barrier-Free Design, also known as Accessibility Design, ensures that spaces are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities. The design must consider features like ramps, wide doorways, accessibility signage, universal washrooms, wheelchair spaces and adaptable seating.
• Means of Egress
Means of egress are the designated routes that allow occupants to safely exit a building during an emergency. Proper design is crucial for safety and compliance, involving enough exits, adequate width, and clear, accessible paths.
Permitting and Ongoing Support
• Building Permit
• Speedy Permit Resolution
• Visits throughout Construction
Once the construction drawings are completed, we can assist with submitting and managing the permit application process. This includes Building Permits, Conditional Permits, Demolition Permits, Site Alteration Permits, Excavation Permits, Tree Permits, Septic Permits, Lot Severance, and Access Permits.
If the municipality has any concerns, we quickly address them by submitting a formal response letter. We'll outline any updates made to the plans and explain how they resolve the issues, helping to keep your project on track for approval.
Site visits during construction are essential to ensure the project is being built according to the approved construction drawings and to address any issues that may arise. By staying involved, we can help prevent costly mistakes, keep the project on schedule, and ensure the final result meets your vision and expectations.