rooted in excellence. we are with you from concept to completion.
take a quick look at our bespoke and custom services.
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We have done this enough times to know that we need to know your unique property and the bylaws & conservation authorities that affect it from the start. Then we put pen to paper and create a 2D design that is just right for you.
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Seeing is believing. More than just pretty pictures and sketches - our experts craft detailed 3D model renderings so you know exactly what your design will look like. Real products also mean a real budget so you can make informed design decisions and invest in what is worth it to you.
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Now in the final stretch - although we always consult our experts from the beginning of any design proposal, it is time to work out all the specifics. We also work with your contractor or one of our preferred contractors so you can get accurate pricing that leaves no questions. We also can handle any building permits, pool permits, and more that are needed to bring your design into reality.
our process and specialties:
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Site Analysis & Research
We start we you and your property. We believe it’s important to get to know each of our clients. We learn about your lifestyle, family, goals… anything that will influence what makes a design perfect for you. Then we use our experience and extensive knowledge of local bylaws etc and map out what is possible with your property. This isn’t one size fits all - every design is custom from start to finish for YOUR NEEDS and YOUR SITE.
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Preliminary Design - 2D Plans
Time to hit the drawing board! Our team works to create a 2D schematic design for you. We explore the best ideas and layouts and present a 2D design (complete with colour so you KNOW what you are looking at). We present our plan to you to make sure we are on the right track and discuss preliminary budgets to give you an idea of what is realistically involved. With your approval, we will expand on the idea and begin specifying materials, equipment & finishes to help bring the picture to life.
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Design Development - 3D Renderings
One of our favourite steps - seeing really is believing. Using the latest technology, software, and skilled professional modellers, you can literally see the picture come together. With renderings, you can see how your house finishes look with the patio or how those trees will block that window from the neighbour. Sightlines, finishes, furniture choices. All of it will be integrated into your custom 3D renders so we leave no decisions to chance.
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Design Finalization and Quoting
Many architectural firms may skip over this but we leave no questions unanswered. Which light fixture, paint colour, windows, doors, plants? All of these are specified and detailed so you know what you are getting and can compare apples to apples when you get quotes from a contractor. Of course, we will help guide you and give you an idea of the cost along the way, but now it’s time to send out those details to the amazing craftsmen who will turn the design into a reality.
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Working Drawing Packages
This step includes creating all those documents to ensure the job is built right! Many overlook this crucial step when it comes to landscape design - if your house has one, so should your landscape design! This is the second most time-intensive process but we know it’s essential to make sure that you don’t have added stressors during the build and everything is built right. We produce detailed working drawing packages for your contractor to build from. We’re talking 3D details for the pool cabana, planting plans, grading plans, lighting plans, and more. All to make sure that your design is executed the way we intended.
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Permit Drawings & Submissions
Does your building need a permit? Your pool? We can handle the full process and even know most of the city officials by name - we can take care of all the trouble and produce the drawings you need. Many times this involves our architect creating building drawings, filling out the tedious forms, and creating drawings that meet each different city/governing body’s requirements to get that permit as fast as possible and on time for your build. Although we will be the first to tell you those timelines are sometimes out of our control and will give you honest estimates based on our experience.
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Care Packages
No more finishing a build and running off leaving you high and dry. Care packages are the final information documents to help you maintain your new outdoor space! With planting plans for your reference when your friend asks you what that flower is, to how to clear snow off your new driveway without damaging your natural stone. And who the heck comes to fix the broken irrigation head? our care packages - lovingly named after my mother’s name for takeaway containers of leftovers at holiday dinners - leave you with everything you need completely customized to your design.
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Additions & Building Design
Many are surprised to learn that most of our time as landscape designers is actually focused on finishes and construction! From your pool cabana complete with a full bath to an addition off the back of your home. We can create new covered and fully enclosed living spaces complete with heaters, fans, fireplaces and so much more. We are not just exterior designers but also interior designers - specifying your paint finish, floor tile, building stone, fireplace models, and anything else.
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The "Exterior Designer" Package
It’s like interior design - for exteriors. Furniture plans, pillows, the perfect umbrella for that outdoor rug. We can plan every detail with you - and even show the ACTUAL models in your 3D renderings. See how everything looks together and know you have made choices that fit perfectly and look just like that Studio McGee photo you found on Instagram - but better. Our team can guide you and share our tips of the trade for a beautiful and functional space - like having a tabletop cover for your firepit or the right finishes for your pool chaise that won’t wear away from the salt water.
