FAQ

FAQS

We understand the importance of finding the right fit for your project. The following aims to address common queries and provide clarity on our design process, expertise, and approach.

General

“At SCD, we offer a unique and comprehensive approach to residential design that sets us apart from the rest. There are two key reasons why you should choose us as your designer:

1. Integrated Approach: We provide both architectural and interior design services under one roof. This integrated approach ensures seamless coordination and cross-involvement from the outset of your project. By having everything in one office, we can streamline the design process and project management, resulting in a smoother and more efficient experience for our clients.

2. Commitment to Advanced Building Science: We are dedicated to designing homes based on advanced building science principles. Unlike many in the industry who adhere to code minimums, we strive to exceed industry standards and deliver homes that stand the test of time. We continuously educate ourselves on building science principles, embrace technological advancements, and collaborate with industry leaders to ensure the highest quality of work. Our commitment to quality and innovation sets us apart in an industry that often prioritizes tradition over progress.

By choosing SCD, you’re not just investing in a design firm—you’re investing in a team that advocates for excellence, pushes boundaries, and delivers exceptional results.”

“Did you know that the average new build requires over 100,000 decisions to be made? As experienced designers, we are adept at navigating the complexities of the construction process and are here to guide you through each step with ease.

For all new-builds, and many renovation projects, an architectural designer is required to stamp your drawings for permit. These not only illustrate what your project will look like but also provide detailed instructions for your builder regarding the composition of your structure and building systems. It’s imperative to have a skilled designer who values quality and possesses advanced knowledge of building science to ensure your project is constructed to the highest standards.

In many ways, your designer is even more critical than your builder, as they provide the instructions for your builder to follow on-site.”

“Interior designers play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life while ensuring functionality, aesthetics, and practicality. Beyond selecting colors and finishes, they ensure cohesion and harmony in design, guiding the construction process effectively.

Their expertise extends beyond aesthetics; they understand technical aspects, preventing disorganization and dissatisfaction in projects.

With an interior designer, clients receive well-executed projects that surpass expectations, creating enjoyable, beautiful, and functional spaces.”

Our preliminary 30-minute discovery phone call and a complimentary 30-minute video call are both free. These meetings serve as a meet and greet where we get to know our potential clients and vice versa. During these calls, we discuss the project and gather information to prepare a design estimate. Subsequent site visits or in-office meetings are billed on an hourly basis until a contract is executed.
Our preliminary 30-minute discovery phone call and a complimentary 30-minute video call are both free. These meetings serve as a meet and greet where we get to know our potential clients and vice versa. During these calls, we discuss the project and gather information to prepare a design estimate. Subsequent site visits or in-office meetings are billed on an hourly basis until a contract is executed.
We primarily serve Muskoka, Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville, but our expertise spans across Ontario and includes select projects across Canada and North America.

“Our team possesses expertise in a wide range of styles, allowing us to tailor our designs to meet the unique preferences of each client. Traditional, modern, or transitional, we do it all.

While we are adept at accommodating various styles, we have gained particular recognition for our transitional and traditional designs.”

“The distinction between architectural design and interior design, as well as interior design and interior decorating, can be somewhat blurry. However, the distinction lies in their focus and scope of work.

Architectural design involves the planning and creation of the overall structure and form of a building, including its layout, exterior appearance, and structural elements such as walls, floors, and roofs.

Interior design concentrates on the interior spaces within the building, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and the use of space. This includes interior finishes, millwork design, and lighting,

Interior decorating involves the selection and arrangement of furniture and decor items within a space. These items, often referred to as “”the finishing touches,”” are not attached to the structure and can be freely placed within the space.”

“Yes, of course. While we offer both architectural and interior design services in-house, we understand that some clients may wish to work with another designer for part of their project. Our studio values collaboration, and we’re more than happy to work alongside your chosen interior designer to bring your vision to fruition.

We do, however, suggest involving the designer early on in the process, so that we can all evaluate if we will be a good working team. We are always happy to review potential designers for our clients and provide feedback.”

“As our client, your involvement in the design process is essential to us. We value your input and aim to collaborate closely with you every step of the way. From initial concept discussions to final approvals, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your vision and preferences shape the design.

At the same time, it’s essential to recognize and respect our expertise as designers. While we wholeheartedly welcome your ideas and feedback, we kindly ask for your trust in allowing us the creative space to work. By entrusting us to guide you through the process, we can ensure a cohesive and successful outcome that exceeds your expectations.

Rest assured, we’re fully committed to delivering a design that not only meets but surpasses your vision, all while ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for you.”

At SCD, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of residential projects. While we’re happy to consider any project, our design process and fee structure may not be as economical for smaller-scale endeavors, such as single-room renovations. Typically, our projects involve new builds or major renovations to homes and cottages, ranging from approximately 1,500 sq. ft to over 10,000 sq. ft. If you’re unsure whether your project fits within our scope, we’re more than happy to discuss it further and explore potential options together.

Architectural

It’s advisable to engage an architectural designer as early as possible in your project timeline. If you’re considering purchasing a property, involving us beforehand allows for a review of potential building options. If you already own a property, early engagement provides ample time for the design process. It’s beneficial to hire a designer before selecting a builder to ensure a cohesive vision and smooth project execution.
Our architectural design service charges vary depending on project specifics such as location, size, and level of detail. Typically, we use a price per square foot model, supplemented by hourly fees for administrative tasks and revisions. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
The duration of the architectural design process varies depending on factors such as project size, level of detail, number of revisions, and client responsiveness. For new build homes, we typically recommend budgeting 9 months to 1 year to allow for a thorough design process and ample time for review and adjustments without feeling rushed. Renovation projects vary greatly depending on scope; small renovations may take 4-6 months, while major renovations are akin to a new build in duration. Ultimately, we prioritize quality and collaboration to ensure the best possible outcome for each project.

“Construction costs are influenced by various factors such as builder selection, materials, project size, and design complexity. Without architectural plans, it’s challenging to estimate exact costs, though price per square foot estimates can provide a rough guideline. While we consider budget constraints when designing, it’s important to note that as designers, we do not provide exact pricing for construction.

We strive to align our designs with your target budget, but the final cost can only be determined through the tender process with builders. Involving your builder early in the design process can help manage costs effectively. Clients also play a crucial role in controlling costs by prioritizing design elements and avoiding unnecessary additions.

We believe in investing in quality design and meticulous detailing rather than focusing solely on size. It’s often more beneficial to reduce size while maintaining quality and detail than to prioritize size over aesthetics and functionality”

At SCD, our commitment to your project extends beyond permit submission. We remain actively involved throughout the build process, providing ongoing support to the builder, addressing any queries that arise, and conducting site reviews to ensure adherence to our design intent and quality standards.
No, we are not exclusively tied to specific builders. While we have trusted builders we can recommend based on past collaborations, clients are welcome to choose their own builder. However, we do review all builders against certain criteria before releasing our drawings for construction to ensure quality standards are met.
Yes, SCD is adept at handling minor variance submissions. Depending on the specific requirements, additional consultants may be necessary to facilitate the process smoothly. We handle all permit submissions and possess extensive experience in managing zoning applications and minor variance submissions.

Interior Design

It’s highly advisable to engage an interior designer early in your project timeline, ideally after hiring your architect and well before permit submission or construction begins. Whether you’re planning a new build or a renovation, involving an interior designer from the outset ensures that your design vision is seamlessly integrated into the overall project plan, minimizing changes and conflicts down the line. Additionally, having your design details and finishes pre-selected can help ensure an accurate project budget, reduce delays due to ordering and delivery timelines, and reduce construction stress.

Our interior design service charges are divided into two categories. Interior 3D renderings are billed on a price per square foot basis, while general interior design tasks are billed hourly. However, we aim to provide a comprehensive estimate after initial client discussions to ensure clarity regarding costs.
The duration of the interior design process can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the level of detail required, client responsiveness, and number of revisions. While it’s challenging to provide an exact timeframe without specific project details, most new-build projects typically take anywhere from 4-9 months to design. This is why we recomend integrating the interior design timeline into the architectural timeline. It is important to discuss your project’s specific timeline with your interior designer to establish realistic expectations.
Interior design costs for construction can vary based on factors like project size, level of detail, and materials. While we aim to work within your budget, exact construction costs are determined by your chosen builder/trades and other project specifics. Our goal is to create a design that aligns with your budget while meeting your aesthetic and functional needs. Additionally, we always obtain three estimates for internally sourced items, such as millwork or plumbing fixtures, for clients to review.
Once construction begins, SCD remains highly involved in your project. We conduct frequent site visits, engage with builders, and follow up with suppliers to ensure the smooth progress and successful execution of your design.
Yes, we offer comprehensive product sourcing and material selection services. We have accounts with a wide range of suppliers for items such as millwork, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, furniture, and decor. We prepare detailed design proposals that showcase our suggested products, provide three estimates for your review, and manage the ordering and delivery process to ensure a seamless experience.

decorating

Budgeting for furnishings and décor can vary based on factors such as space size, custom vs. standard order items, chosen brands, and materials. As a rule of thumb, allocating 10-15% of your construction budget for furniture and décor is a good reference point.
We recommend ordering furniture and decor 16-20 weeks in advance of when you anticipate needing them. Most made-to-order items take 9-12 weeks to ship, with an additional 2 weeks for transit. Having this buffer period ensures that your items arrive in time and can be held until the site is ready for installation.
When procuring furniture and decor items, we bill on an hourly basis instead of applying mark-ups. This approach ensures that our staff is compensated for their time and provides transparency to our clients. Clients are invoiced for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) or the discounted price of the goods, without any additional design markup fees.
No, we manage all furniture purchases internally. While clients may find a single unique piece themselves, any item we recommend is ordered in-house by us. This is because most of our selections are direct-to-trade and not available for clients to purchase directly. Managing purchases internally allows us to coordinate timing, ensure correct finishing selections, and oversee delivery.