SERVICES

Primary Services:

Site Design & Master Planning
New Building Design & Construction Documents
Building Additions and Renovations
Tenant Improvements
Exterior Facade Upgrades

Supportive Services:

Photo-realistic Presentation Drawings & Video
Land-use Bylaw Analysis
Building Code Analysis
Space Planning
Detailed Architectural Drawings for Building Permit & Construction
Prime Consultant for a Team of Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical & Geotechnical Engineers.
Tendering and Tender Evaluation
Construction Contract Administration
Consulting during Construction
Field Reviews during Construction

Our Design Process:
Axiom Architecture Inc. generally follows a phased approach to the design process. Each phase reaches a logical tangible milestone in the development of the project’s design which also functions as a checkpoint for client review and input. The following is a list of design phases with explanations of what you can expect from Axiom Architecture Inc.

Conceptual Schematic Design - Phase 1

During our initial meeting we will help you share your vision of the project with us by asking pertinent questions about your ideas and for examples of designs you find appealing. We will make every effort to understand what it is you envision, and what you expect from us. We will respectfully offer recommendations to support and enhance your ideas while conforming to bylaw and building code regulations and any other restrictions that are applicable.
Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, we will proceed to develop conceptual design sketches and drawings that reflect our interpretation of your vision along with our recommended enhancements previously discussed. The conceptual design will include schematic layouts for site and floor plans, and may also include basic exterior concept sketches. The conceptual design drawings will be presented to you and your constructive criticism will be invited. We will work together respectfully until you are completely satisfied with the conceptual design.

Development Permit Application - Phase 3

Once you approve the Preliminary Design & Presentation Drawings, Axiom Architecture Inc. will prepare all the plans, elevations and specifications required to submit to the municipality for application for development permit. We will meet with local authorities, if required, to discuss and resolve any issues pertaining to the project. Typically, information required for development permit application includes detailed and fully dimensioned site plans, landscaping plans, floor plans, all exterior elevations, land use bylaw and building code summaries.

In many cases they also require coloured renderings, site survey plans, site grading plans, site storm water management plans, site service plans. As required, Axiom will make recommendations for any special consultants required by the municipality to provide any additional information that they may require. If you prefer, Axiom Architecture Inc. will act as your legal agent to apply for the development permit. During the Development Permit review process, we will promptly address any concerns that the Municipality may have so that the development permit can be issued without delay.

Construction Drawings & Specifications - Phase 4

Upon receipt of the Development Permit and your written approval to proceed, Axiom Architecture Inc. will confer with you and our affiliated team of interior design and engineering sub-consultants and then proceed to the Construction Drawings and Specifications Phase. Incorporating any conditional revisions required by the local Municipality, we will prepare all the detailed construction drawings and specifications required for a Building Permit application. These documents will also provide a comprehensive set of instructions for your builder to follow, so that our collective vision for the project will be correctly constructed.

Drawings and Specifications provided for Building Permit & Construction typically include:

Architectural:
Final dimensioned Site Plan & Details, Landscaping Plan & Details, fully dimensioned and referenced Floor Plans & Details, Enlarged Room Plans, Roof Plan, Building Sections, Wall & Stair Sections, Door & Window Schedules, Architectural Specifications.

Interior Design: (if required by the owner):
Floor Finish Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans & Details, Finish Schedules, Millwork Plans and Details, Interior Design Specifications.
Structural:
Foundation Plan & Details, Floor Framing Plans Sections & Details, Roof Framing Plan Sections & Details, Structural Specifications.
Mechanical:
Mechanical Site Plan, Plumbing Plans, HVAC Plans, Mechanical Schedules & Details, Mechanical Specifications.
Electrical:
Electrical Site Plan, Power Plans, Lighting Plans, Electrical Schedules & Details, Electrical Specifications.
Energy Modeling:
The Mechanical & Electrical Engineers will model the design for energy use in conformance with the current National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. A report will be provided for submission to the Municipality for Building Permit.

Civil: (Civil Engineering Firm to be commissioned by Owner):
Site Survey Plans, Site Grading Plans, Site Storm Water Management Plans, Site Service Plans, Civil Specifications.
Geotechnical: (Geotechnical Engineering Firm to be commissioned by Owner):
Geotechnical engineer will conduct a study of the site soil conditions and provide a report that the Structural engineer will use to design the foundation system. The geotechnical report will also specify, among other things, the required preparation of the subgrade for paving.

Tendering Package - Phase 5a (Tendered Project)

Axiom Architecture Inc. offers to prepare a comprehensive tendering package that regulates and organizes the process for contractors to bid on construction of the project. The detailed construction drawings & specifications are included in the Tendering Package for contractors to calculate accurate bids for construction. Along with the drawings and specifications, the Tendering Package includes components such as specialist reports, instructions to bidders, bid and agreement forms, special conditions, restrictions, allowances and procedures, etc.

Together with you, we will determine the list of general contractors to invite to bid on construction. We will issue copies of the Tender Package to all of the invited general contractors, as well as the local construction associations. During the Tender process, Axiom Architecture will field all the contractor’s questions regarding the project. We will issue addendums as necessary to ensure that all bidders have equal opportunity. We will analyze the bids and make recommendations for you to consider in your choice of general contractor. Axiom Architecture Inc. will set up the Stipulated Price Contract for you and the general contractor to sign, then you will be ready to start building.

Non-Tendered Project - Phase 5b (Non-Tendered Project)

Alternatively, you may choose to tender the project yourself, or you may have a construction manager, or you may even be a general contractor. In this case, Axiom Architecture would simply issue the drawings and specifications directly to you. (Proceed to Phase 6b)

Contract Administration - Phase 6a (Tendered Project)

By acting as your agent, Axiom Architecture Inc. can minimize stress during the construction process and help to achieve a successful project. We will liaise with the general contractor on site to assess if the project is being constructed according to the drawings and specifications, and we will deal with the technical construction queries for you. Through regular site meetings and open communication with the general contractor, we will foster a smoothly running construction process. Modifications to the design, whether for improvements or cost saving measures, will be documented by change notice and change order so that you are always included in any decisions contrary to the initial design. Field Reviews, performed by all of the registered professionals of record, will be strategically scheduled during construction to maximize the efficiency of the Field Review therefore minimizing the cost to you. When we have witnessed that construction appears to be as per the drawings and specifications and in conformance with the building code, we will issue Schedules of Professional Involvement that are required by local authorities to obtain an occupancy permit. A Warrantee Field Review will be performed one year after conclusion of contract, so that any deficiencies can be documented and claimed under warrantee.

Administration during Construction - Phase 6b (Non-Tendered Project)

For non-tendered projects, Axiom Architecture Inc. will respond to contractor’s questions during the pricing and construction stage of the project, and will be available for site meetings during construction, as required. We will coordinate the review submitted shop drawings and materials testing results, as well as prepare and issue clarifications, field orders, change orders or instructions as required. Field Reviews, performed by all of the registered professionals of record, will be strategically scheduled during construction to maximize the efficiency of the Field Review therefore minimizing the cost to you. When we have witnessed that construction appears to be as per the drawings and specifications and in conformance with the building code, we will issue Schedules of Professional Involvement that are required by local authorities to obtain an occupancy permit.

Preliminary Design & Presentation - Phase 2

Further discussion concerning details of your vision, and ours, will prepare us to proceed to the next design phase. Using the latest 3D computer design software, we will develop the Conceptual Schematic Design Drawings into Preliminary Design Drawings. Land Use Bylaw and Building Code regulations will be reviewed and adhered to while developing a more detailed representation of the site plan, floor plans and exterior design.During this design phase, you will see your project come to life by experiencing an exciting three dimensional photorealistic presentation of the project. You will have the opportunity to see exactly what the final product will look like prior to beginning production of the construction documents. Again, your constructive criticism will be invited, and any required modifications will be addressed prior to proceeding to the next design phase.

Serving Clients Throughout Alberta, British Columbia & Saskatchewan

SERVICES

Primary Services:

Site Design & Master Planning

New Building Design & Construction Documents

Building Additions and Renovations

Tenant Improvements

Exterior Facade Upgrades

Supportive Services:

Photo-realistic Presentation Drawings & Video

Land-use Bylaw Analysis

Building Code Analysis

Space Planning

Detailed Architectural Drawings for Building Permit & Construction

Prime Consultant for a Team of Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical & Geotechnical Engineers.

Tendering and Tender Evaluation

Construction Contract Administration

Consulting during Construction

Field Reviews during Construction

Conceptual Schematic Design - Phase 1