Commercial Building Design Made Easier Precise construction-friendly plans that ensure efficiency and practicality.
Practical approach to structural design and aesthetics.
Did you know that as Registered Building Designers we are experienced and qualified to provide many commercial design services? Rather than assuming you need an Architect for your simple or straightforward project check with us first!
And while you’re at it, we can help investigate the opportunities presented by new BC legislation that allows up to 6 dwellings on a single family property. We offer the same exceptional expertise and collaborative processes as with our residential design services but at a commercial level.
Have a project coming up?
Multifamily Homes
It’s true - as Building Designers in BC we can design duplexes and townhouses with up to four dwellings units per building. We draw on our innate understanding of construction to create stunning plans that are cost-effective to build - ideal for when you are developing a property or adding income potential to your own property.
Office Renovations
Whether you just moved into a new office space or need to make your current space more functional or appealing, our Designers can help. Considerations will include space layout, room designations, accessibility features, storage solutions, and flexibility to accommodate future change or expansion.
Tenant Improvements (TIs)
We’ll simplify the process of obtaining plans to customize or alter your commercial rental space so that it meets your business’ needs. Your tenant improvements may include interior modifications, additions, upgrades to enhance functionality, and compliance with your specific industry standards.
Small Commercial Buildings
We take a pragmatic approach by prioritizing structural design and building science in order to provide comprehensive plans. There are still many small office buildings and commercial spaces that we can design for you even though we are somewhat limited by the BC Architects Regulation by size.
How Does My Commercial Project Benefit from a Building Designer?
Enlisting a Registered Building Designer for your commercial project means tapping into a specialized skill set tailored for the meticulous design and planning of structures. Our Designers bring valuable insights, honed through close collaboration with contractors and Building Officials, to ensure your project's success and efficiency.
A highly practical approach is fueled by our deep understanding of building science and structural design. Aesthetics and construction considerations are top priorities throughout the process, making Building Designers a preferred choice by many contractors.
Possess a solid grasp of construction practices from working closely with contractors and trade professionals, as well as personal field experience in construction.
Collaboration with professionals including Engineers, Architects, Contractors, Interior Designers, and others to ensure that your project is optimised and meets all of your needs and local codes.
Special understanding and proper interpretation of local building codes and regulations, ensuring a smooth permit application process and compliant structures.
Cost-effective services that are a more affordable option compared to using an Architect without compromising creativity, style, knowledge, and experience.
Take a Peek Recent Commercial Design Work
Mixed Use Building - Hope, BC
Tenant Improvement, Exterior Redesign - Abbotsford, BC
Office/Retail - Aldergrove, BC
GLAD YOU ASKED! Commercial Design FAQ’s
It depends on the size and purpose of the building. Currently, Building Designers (that’s us) can design any single family dwelling, duplex or townhouse with up to four dwelling units per building. We can also design commercial, agricultural, and industrial buildings up to a certain size. In addition we can also design inns, motels, hotels, and care facilities within certain size limits. We work within the requirements of Part 9 of the BC Building Code but have to comply with restrictions put in place by The Architects Regulation. If you have a project in mind - contact us and we will let you know a definitive answer of whether we can help.
Building Designers and Architects share many tasks in designing and producing building permit and construction drawings. Building Designers can provide comprehensive design and drafting services for homes, renovations, and small commercial buildings within specified limits based on size and purpose. Architects have broader authority in Part 9 of the BC Building Code. Due to regulations, only Architects, Interim Architects, or Architectural technologists recognized by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) can use certain titles.
The answer is probably yes! The Province of British Columbia is enacting new housing legislation to increase the availability of small-scale, multi-unit housing options such as townhomes, triplexes, and laneway homes. Depending on municipality population, lot size, and proximity to transit, between 3 to 6 units will be permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use. Note that your local municipality still has to adopt these new bylaws and we are in a transition period.
The timeline for completing a typical Tenant Improvement project is 1 to 3 months.
Design and plans for a Multifamily project such as a duplex or fourplex is 3 to 5 months, assuming a development permit is not required.
These are estimated timeframes and can vary based on a number fo factors including complexity of the project, level of customization, client responsiveness, zoning requirements, and more.
We will typically use a fixed fee for smaller commercial projects. Larger commercial design projects use square footage pricing model. Following our initial meeting where you can learn more about us, we’ll provide a transparent written quote allowing you to confidently budget for your commercial building plans.
The permit process for commercial projects, including duplexes or tenant improvements, is primarily managed by the owner or contractor. Our Design team will collaborate closely with Building Officials and City Planners during the planning stages and we aim to help provide any necessary paperwork to facilitate a streamlined permit acquisition process.
Still have questions that we haven't answered yet? Send us a message and we'd be happy to help!
Committed to quality plans, style that 'wows', and a design experience that's smooth and enjoyable.
(NO PRESSURE, NO EGOS, JUST GOOD IDEAS)
