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 through each phase of the process. Below are the services we offer from initial concept to finished construction. At each step of the way, our aim is to make every design goal coalesce into a singularly beautiful home.

Finding the possibilities within your home

We start by understanding how you live and what you hope to achieve with your project. After documenting existing conditions and reviewing zoning constraints, we present layout options alongside cost estimates, helping you choose the best direction forward.

01 SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Coordinating approvals and technical design

After helping you decide on the best scheme for your goals and budget, we develop the drawings necessary for building permits, coordinating with structural and mechanical consultants as needed to ensure a cohesive design.

02 PERMITS

Developing the interior and exterior details

We use 3-D modelling to develop the interior and exterior character of the house, focusing on cabinetry, staircases, fireplaces, and other key elements while resolving the structural and mechanical components of the design.

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. Because every client’s needs are different, we tailor our support as necessary during this phase.

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 and manage the bid process as needed. We happily provide recommendations for trusted contractors, and are just as glad to meet new ones, as well.

05 CONTRACTOR SELECTION

Supporting your job from start to finish

While the contractor manages day-to-day construction, we continue our work as guide and advocate for the design. We do this by visiting the site regularly, answering questions, reviewing progress, and otherwise ensuring that the finished work meets the high-standard of our design intent.

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.