The role of the architect is to realize the Client’s vision within the context of community and the environment. This results in spaces that are functional, healthy, elegant and uplifting.
We provide fully coordinated architectural services to take your ideas from a concept, to a complete and construction-ready project.
Whether you’re an experienced developer, homeowner, or business owner, we simplify the complexities of building, while giving material and form to your vision. Our team of experienced professionals is trained to deliver architectural services quickly and efficiently.
Our work is informed by industry-leading environmental standards, including Passive House, Living Building Challenge, Zero Carbon Buildings, and the BC Energy Step Code. Whether or not your project seeks certification, you will benefit knowing your services have been provided with this knowledge at its core.
Architectural services begin with thorough research. We assess municipal zoning, define programmatic needs, perform a detailed site analysis, and evaluate the project's potential through multiple lenses. Design work is then undertaken in three phases that develop the project from general to specific. Consultant work is coordinated, drawing sets are created, and project details are clearly defined. We then aid in selecting the right Contractor and recommend the right form of CCDC contract for your project. Throughout construction, Fold performs field reviews, manages the consultant team, and provides guidance to the Contractor to ensure the project meets the requirements and expectations defined in previous phases. We work to make the transition from construction to occupancy, as smooth and efficient as possible.
What use is permitted on a property? Will your program fit within the site boundaries, setbacks or maximum height? Is your vision achievable on this site? What other opportunities or challenges does the property present? Our team has developed a series of tools to rapidly assess the potential of a property and provide evidence-based answers to support a ‘go/no-go’ decision, within the subject review period of purchase. Pre-Purchase assessments are especially valuable for Infill developments, providing buyers with essential data on project feasibility, without a high price tag.
Rezoning is a negotiation between you and the municipality, required when a project does not fit within the permitted uses of a property’s current zoning or when additional density is being pursued. Because every rezoning or subdivision application is unique to the property, program, and local regulations, Fold provides design drawings and assists with administrative requirements, offering options and solutions to support the negotiation between you and the municipality. Rezoning proposals always include Concept Design and can be provided as a standalone service, separate from full Architectural Design Services.
Development permits are typically required for projects where municipal regulations govern the form and character of construction. These permits define the overall look and feel of a project and give the municipality a clear understanding of its intended use, materials, site design, as well as the impacts on civil and engineering infrastructure. When required, a development permit must be approved before a building permit can be issued. At Fold, we collaborate closely with Clients and municipalities to guide projects through the development review and approval process. We balance project goals with regulatory requirements, provide strategic guidance to support approvals, coordinate with consultants as needed, and prepare plans that respond to both community needs and zoning regulations.
In most cases, municipalities require building permit applications to confirm that projects comply with zoning and building codes. The building permit drawings communicate the project in detail, including site and zoning analysis, floor plans, elevations, sections, and typical construction details. Building permits are typically submitted at the end of the Design Development phase, once assemblies and details have been fully resolved. Fold includes building permit applications as part of our Basic Services. We coordinate with municipalities throughout the review process, providing professional input as needed to support timely approval. The building permit set forms the basis of the Construction Drawings, allowing your project to move into construction as possible once your permit is issued. Per AIBC regulations, Fold is unable to offer Building Permits independently from Architectural Design Services.
Every project has the ability to positively impact the environment while improving the health and wellbeing of people. Based on the principles of regenerative and holistic design, The Living Building Challenge provides a comprehensive framework to bring any project closer to this goal, regardless of scope, scale or project type. Whether seeking a fully certified project or simply developing a project using LBC ideology, Fold provides Clients with a range of strategies to allow projects to work with nature (not against it), while reducing carbon dependency and improving the health of occupants and the community at large. Living Building consulting services may be provided separately or together with Architectural Design Services.
Passive House Certified buildings use only 10-15% of the energy used in conventional construction, providing occupants with unparalleled health and comfort, while significantly reducing the operational carbon footprint of each building. Designing to Passive House performance targets offers Clients region-specific solutions, design flexibility, and a way to make a meaningful environmental contribution at an affordable price tag. Fold has extensive experience designing within the rigorous Passive House framework and brings a wealth of knowledge to projects pursuing Step 5 and Passive House targets. Passive House Consulting services may be provided separately or together with Architectural Design Services.
