SERVICES

Whether you’ve worked with an architect before or this is your first time, CAB Architects will put you at ease and keep you well-informed along each step of the design process. Below are the services we offer, which follow a project from initial concepts through construction, depending on your needs. Whatever your goal, our aim is to make your home coalesce into a beautiful, cohesive design.

Finding the possibilities within your home

We start by understanding how you live and what you hope to achieve. We review site and zoning constraints, document existing conditions, explore layout options, and develop initial concepts with budget estimate. We refine the design based on your feedback to arrive at the best solution.

01 SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Negotiating approvals, technical coordination

After settling on a scheme, we develop drawings for building permits, including demo and construction plans, exterior elevations and sections. We also coordinate with structural and mechanical consultants to integrate these aspects into a cohesive design.

02 PERMITS

Developing the exterior, interiors & details

We resolve the spatial, structural, and mechanical components of the home and design the details that matter - cabinetry, staircases, built-ins, fireplaces, and more. We create 3-D models and drawings to define major spaces and ensure clarity for construction.

03 DETAILED DESIGN

Choosing the materials and finishes that bring the design to life

We help you select finishes, fixtures, and furnishings with care and confidence. From tile and flooring to lighting and hardware, we create a cohesive palette that reflects your style and elevates your home. This phase is very flexible and we tailor our support as needed to address our clients’ needs.

04 PRODUCT SELECTION

Finding the right builder for your project

The right contractor can make all the difference, so we help our clients find strong candidates, managing the bid process as needed. We are happy to recommend contractors that we’ve worked with in the past or meet new people. The most important thing is to find the right fit for the job.

05 CONTRACTOR SELECTION & BIDDING

Supporting your project from start to finish

While the contractor manages day-to-day construction, we advocate for the design. We visit the site regularly, answer questions, review progress, check shop drawings, and ensure the finished work meets the intent and quality of the design.

06 CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

  • We focus primarily on renovations, additions, and custom homes, with a particular emphasis on designing for challenging urban lots, heritage properties, and environmentally-sensitive sites within Toronto.

  • Our approach prioritizes beauty while expressing the unique character of both the home and the people who live there. To achieve this, we follow a set of guiding principles: (1) create places to linger, (2) make each part unique, (3) embellish with detail, and (4) finish with warmth and personal character. This flexible, thoughtful approach allows us to design homes that feel timeless, inviting, and truly reflective of each client’s personality and lifestyle. See our blog post here for more detail on our approach.

  • Every project is different, and costs depends so much on the particulars. However, to give you an idea, please read this detailed blog post. Our fees vary depending on the what’s needed, but they are typically 10–15% of construction costs for our full range of services; less for more limited assistance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • On average, from the day you hire us to the day construction finishes, the process takes about one to two years. This can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project, but for a typical major renovation, this is a reliable timeline.

  • We always integrate sustainable strategies into our designs wherever possible, starting with energy-efficient building envelopes and mechanical systems. For clients who want to take sustainability even further—whether through geothermal systems, blower door tests, staggered stud framing, or other specialized technologies—we are happy to customize the design to meet those goals.

  • Yes, we always work with our clients to select all interior finishes for anything that’s part of the building itself — tile, wood flooring, countertops, paint, lighting, and more. This is a standard part of our process to ensure the interiors flow seamlessly with the architecture. For clients who want additional help with furniture selections, interior styling, window treatments, or other decor elements, we’re happy to offer those services as an add-on when requested.