Our Process

Our Process

Our Process

 

It takes a particular set of skills to design a beautiful, functional, and liveable home. Trust the team at First Step Design to turn your definition of “home” into a reality, using this 4-Step Process that sees your project through from consultation to construction:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Not sure where to start? With over 18 years of experience, we’ll help you to make sense of your home design, addition, or renovation project.

 

Step #1 is the Initial Consultation—a collaborative effort between our team and our clients: We’ll work closely with you to learn your specific goals and priorities, to uncover potential pain points, and to gain a thorough understanding of your specific wants and needs.

 

This session is as much an investigation process as it is an opportunity for you to learn more about the services we offer. Our goal is to understand your needs from start to finish, while at the same time, allow you to ask questions, discover how we can help you to develop your vision, and in the process, become truly excited about your project.

Take the first step now—book your complimentary consultation today.

Step 2: Design

It’s important to know what you do and do not like when it comes to home design and building. But you also need a partner who can take that vision and turn it into an actionable plan.

 

In Step #2, we apply the details learned in our consultation to the task of building a design that meets your distinct project needs, but that’s also an architecturally, structurally, and financially sound investment. Once completed, we review and revise that design as needed to be certain that it aligns perfectly with your vision of “home.” And upon design sign-off, we’ll organize zoning reviews, layout and interior design consultation, design drawing development, and any other services required to meet your particular project’s needs.

Step 3: Permits

The permitting process can make or break a construction project. Be sure that you’re working with a partner who has the experience and industry certifications to see permitting completed quickly, easily, and with as little fuss as possible.

 

Once you’re fully satisfied with the design, we move to Step #3: Building Permit Submission. It sounds straightforward, but it’s not. To obtain the necessary permits for your project, we’ll prepare architectural drawings and project-specific details, and collaborate with consultants to finalize every last element before we submit the plans for legislative approval.

 

Our ongoing membership with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) in tandem with our designation as a fully BCIN-licensed designer, is a stamp of approval that your project will not only deliver on your individual wants and needs, but will also meet the exacting standards set out by the industry.
Then, as your agent, we’ll represent your interests with your municipality (including consulting with municipal approval departments, such as heritage, conservation, and zoning regulatory teams) and handle any questions or feedback arising from the application directly.

Step 4: Construction
The construction phase is when the design plan is put into action.
Most clients are too busy to manage this process alone, and few have the expertise required to keep the project moving forward on time and on budget.

 

That’s where First Step Design comes inFrom contract reviews and pre-construction coordination to scheduled site visits and reviews with builders, framing walk-throughs with the client, and more, we’ll stay by your side throughout the construction process and ensure that the design is executed exactly as planned, so that the vision of your “dream home” becomes a reality before your eyes.  We’re here to support you and your builder every step of the way to completion of your project.