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.
1. Schematic Design
We start each project by understanding our clients’ vision for their home. We then review existing conditions to identify opportunities and constraints. From there, we create floor plan options while reviewing budget estimates. We then arrive at a final scheme and investigate if any special approvals will be needed.
2. Permit Drawings
After a scheme is settled on, we develop the drawings necessary to attain building permits. This includes demolition plans, construction plans, exterior elevations and building sections. We also work with structural and mechanical consultants to integrate those essential aspects into a cohesive design.
3. Detailed Design
After sorting out the spatial, structural, and mechanical components of the house, we then look at the details of each major interior space and building feature, using 3-D models and drawings to decide on the look and function of important things like cabinets, stairs and fireplaces.
4. Product Selection
Using renderings and extensive product knowledge, we help select materials, finishes, and furnishings to bring the design to life—from plumbing fixtures and flooring to furniture and window treatments. This phase is very flexible, and we tailor our support as needed to address our clients’ needs.
5. Contractor Bidding
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.
6. Construction Administration
While the contractor manages the logistics of construction, we help ensure that their work meets the high standard of our design. We do this by regularly visiting the site, explaining the design documents as needed, checking fabricator shop drawings, and finalizing certain site-specific elements of the design
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What kind of projects do you specialize in?
A: 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.
Q: Do you have a particular design style?
A: 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.
Q: How much will my project cost, and what are your fees?
A: 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.
Q: How long will my project take to complete?
A: 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.
Q: Do you incorporate sustainable design?
A: 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.
Q: Do you offer interior design services?
A: 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.