Our Design Process
Phase I
The Andison Invitation
Consultation & Proposal
2-4 weeks
Our studio accepts a select number of commissions each year. Before any agreement is signed, we take the time to make sure we are the right partners for your home, and that you know exactly what working with us will look like.
1. The Private Consultation (Initial Consultation)
- Together
- An unhurried conversation, in our studio or on your site, to explore your vision, walk through our portfolio, and define what your home needs to be.
- Our Stewardship
- We review your site, project parameters, and aesthetic direction to confirm a genuine fit.
- Your Project Gains
- The Project Framework, a concise summary of your goals, parameters, and next steps.
2. The Proposal Presentation (Design Proposal & Fee Agreement)
- Together
- A personal presentation of your tailored design roadmap, your dedicated team, the timeline, and the investment, delivered in person rather than as an emailed PDF.
- Our Stewardship
- Scope definition, fee structure, retainer schedule, and agreement preparation.
- Your Project Gains
- The Design Proposal & Home Design Agreement
Phase II
The Andison Studio Experience
Design
10–14 weeks
This is where your home takes shape. Every conversation in this phase centres on one question: how do you want to live?
1. The Vision Briefing (Design Brief & Site Analysis)
- Together
- Immersive sessions about your daily rhythms: your mornings, how you entertain, where you retreat, and how you want your home to feel.
- Our Stewardship
- Lifestyle analysis and a detailed study of your site, including orientation, light, views, and topography.
- Your Project Gains
- The Vision Charter & Site Analysis
2. Concept Design
- Together
- The first time you see your home, as floor plans and room relationships sketched for your review.
- Our Stewardship
- We sketch concepts by hand in Morpholio, an iOS drawing app, keeping the earliest ideas fluid, creative, and personal.
- Your Project Gains
- Hand-Drafted Concept Design
3. The Architectural Unveiling (Schematic Design & Exterior Elevations)
- Together
- A dedicated presentation revealing your home’s facade, materials, and rooflines for the first time.
- Our Stewardship
- The approved concept is refined digitally, and the exterior elevations are composed within a defined architectural language.
- Your Project Gains
- Blackline Plans & Exterior Elevations
Phase III
Andison Studio Production
Permits & Drawings
14–18 weeks
Once your design is approved, our production team takes the lead. Much of this work happens behind the scenes by design. We manage the municipality, the consultants, and the technical detail, and keep you informed at every milestone.
1. Development Permit
- Together
- We guide your design through the development permit process on your behalf, with no chasing and no paperwork for you.
- Our Stewardship
- Municipal meetings, bylaw review, a written Applicant’s Planning Overview, and all required revisions.
- Your Project Gains
- Development Permit Package & Filing Confirmation
2. The Tender Release Issued for Tender Drawings
- Together
- Your complete drawing set is released to your selected builder.
- Our Stewardship
- Tender drawings are prepared and delivered to your selected builder.
- Your Project Gains
- The Issued for Tender (IFT) Package
3. The Master Handover (Construction Drawings)
- Together
- The moment your home moves from our studio into your builder’s hands.
- Our Stewardship
- Architectural documents are coordinated with structural engineering, energy modelling, floor and truss layouts, and everything required for building permit approval.
- Your Project Gains
- The Master Issued for Construction (IFC) Set
Phase IV
The Andison Build Partnership
Construction Support
Optional
An optional extension of our service for clients who want the studio beside them from permit to completion. Your design intent stays protected long after the drawings leave our studio.
1. Building Permit Securement (Building Permit)
- Together
- We work alongside your selected builder to obtain and secure your Building Permit, so construction can begin without delay.
- Our Stewardship
- Permit submission support, responses to municipal review comments, and any required drawing revisions or consultant documentation.
- Your Project Gains
- Issued Building Permit & Construction Release
2. Construction Administration Support
- Together
- The studio remains your design advocate through construction, available to you and your builder whenever questions arise.
- Our Stewardship
- Responses to builder questions, drawing clarifications, review of proposed material or product substitutions, and site visits as agreed.
- Your Project Gains
- Construction Administration Support through completion
Have questions about timelines, fees or working remotely?
Working with Dave and staff at Andison design has been a pleasure – cooperative, flexible, clear easy communications and timely completion are some of the descriptors that come to mind. We would definitely recommend Andison design and consider Dave as one of our preferred design associates.
– Capstone Custom Homes