From Our Team.

Exterior rendering of a custom home elevation

Field Notes · 4 min read

What to Budget for Permit Drawings and Approvals Before Construction Starts

A candid look at the money and time that go into paperwork long before a single wall gets framed — and why the honest number is bigger than most people expect.

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Design Notes · 5 min read

Custom home vs. major renovation: how to actually decide between the two

The rear exterior of a custom home, showing massing and window rhythm

Field Notes · 5 min read

What an Architect Does That a Designer Doesn't — and When You Actually Need Which

The rear elevation of a custom home under design

Field Notes · 5 min read

Minor Variance vs. Rezoning: Which One Does Your Project Actually Need?

A basement suite layout under study, showing living space, kitchen, and egress

Field Notes · 5 min read

Legal basement suites (ARUs): what qualifies, what it costs, and what trips people up

A rendered building extension showing new massing joined to an existing structure

Field Notes · 6 min read

Renovation vs. Addition: Which Permit Path Applies, and Why It Changes Your Budget

Rendered street-facing view of a two-storey residential addition in Milton

Field Notes · 5 min read

The Case for Building On, Not Moving On

Field Notes · 5 min read

Making One Property Work Harder

September 7, 2026