Architectural Design and Planning for Residential and Commercial Projects

Our design services cover each stage of a project, from the first layout to the drawings used on site.

Concept and Design Development

We start with how the space needs to work: the program, the site or existing building, and the constraints of zoning and the Building Code. Concepts are developed into a defined design with layouts, elevations and key materials.

Space Planning

Layouts that organize rooms, circulation, storage and equipment around how the space is used day to day, whether it is a family home or a retail floor.

Interior Design

Finishes, fixtures, millwork and lighting developed as part of the overall design.

Renovations, Additions and Conversions

Design for work within and around existing buildings, where measured existing conditions, structure and building systems shape what is possible.

Construction Drawings

Detailed drawings that describe how the project is to be built, with enough information for contractors to price and construct the work accurately.

Permit Drawings and Documentation

Drawings and supporting documents prepared for municipal building permit review. See our building permit services.

3D Visualization and Rendering

Visual models of the design before construction begins. See our 3D rendering services.

Architectural Drawings for Home Renovations and Additions in Newmarket

Renovations and additions depend on what already exists. Before design begins, we review the existing house, the property's zoning and any conditions that affect the project, such as setbacks, lot coverage and height.

In Newmarket, zoning information is available through the Town's Navigating Newmarket portal, which also identifies properties within the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority area or on the Heritage Registry. For additions and additional residential units, the Town requires a Zoning Preliminary Review before the building permit application is submitted. Addressing these steps early prevents redesign later in the process.

For homeowners planning a larger project, see our home renovation services in Newmarket.

Commercial Space Planning and Design for Franchises and Business Locations

A new business location has to work for customers, staff and operations, meet brand requirements and satisfy the Building Code, often inside a building that was designed for a different tenant.

For franchise owners and business operators, we develop space plans and design drawings that coordinate the brand's layout and finish standards with the realities of the space: existing structure, exits, washrooms, ventilation and electrical capacity. Because design and mechanical engineering are prepared together, equipment and ventilation requirements are reflected in the layout from the start.

When Do You Need a Licensed Architect in Ontario?

In Ontario, the Architects Act defines which projects must be designed by a licensed architect. Many common projects fall within exceptions set out in the Act, including:

• Buildings of up to three storeys and up to 600 m² in gross area used for residential, business, personal services, mercantile or industrial occupancies
• Houses of up to three storeys with one dwelling unit, or two attached dwelling units, built on grade
• Interior design, including commercial tenant fit-ups, that does not affect the structure, fire safety systems or fire separations, exits, main entrances or public corridors, exterior walls, or add usable floor area

Projects outside these exceptions must be designed by or under a licensed architect from the start of planning. Home Fresh Air is a design and engineering firm; we identify at the outset whether your project falls within the scope that requires a licensed architect.

Coordinated Architectural and Engineering Design

Most design problems show up late: a duct run that does not fit the ceiling, a drain that cannot reach its stack, or an electrical panel that conflicts with the floor plan. When architecture and engineering are prepared by separate consultants, these conflicts are often found on site, where they are most expensive to fix.

At Home Fresh Air, design and mechanical engineering are developed together. Ceiling heights, equipment locations, duct and pipe routes and structural elements are coordinated on the drawings, so the construction set describes a building where the systems actually fit.

3D Visualization Before Construction

Plans and elevations describe a building precisely, but they do not always show how a space will feel. We prepare 3D visualizations and renderings alongside the technical drawings, so clients can review layout, light and finishes before they are committed to construction.

Our design work uses AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Rhino and Lumion, allowing the same design to move from technical drawings to visual models without being rebuilt from scratch.

Our Architectural Design Process

Every project is different, but design at Home Fresh Air generally follows these stages:

1. Consultation and site review. We review your goals, the property or existing space, zoning and applicable requirements.
2. Concept design. Layout options and an initial design direction.
3. Design development. The selected concept is refined with materials, systems and engineering input.
4. 3D visualization. Renderings to review the design before it is finalized.
5. Construction and permit drawings. Detailed drawings for pricing, permit review and construction.
6. Permit and construction support. Responses to municipal review comments and support through construction, where included in the project.

The Team Behind Our Design Work

Sogol Abbasi, Co-Founder and Design Consultant, has more than 10 years of experience in architectural design, interior design, construction documentation and project coordination, with a BSc in Environmental Design from OCAD University. Her project experience includes residential renovations, custom interiors, commercial spaces, retail environments and business locations.

Hooman Abedan, P.Eng., Engineering Consultant, brings more than 25 years of experience in engineering, building systems and construction, and leads engineering coordination on our design projects.

Meet the Home Fresh Air team.

What to Prepare for Your First Design Consultation

• The property address and a description of what you want to build or change
• Existing drawings, a survey or photos of the space, if available
• Your intended use of the space and any must-have requirements
• For commercial projects: the lease plan, landlord requirements and franchise design standards
• Your budget range and target timeline