Designing Secondary Suites and Duplexes: What You Need to Know

AI Generated Image of a completed secondary suite in the basement showing a living room, kitchen, and window
If you’ve been thinking about adding a secondary suite or converting a home into a duplex—but aren’t sure where to start—this is exactly what I’ll be covering in my upcoming live webinar with Learn Formula.

Designing Secondary Suites & Duplexes: What You Need to Know


Secondary suites and duplex conversions are one of the most effective ways to add value, increase rental income, and make better use of existing housing. But they also come with a unique set of design challenges, zoning considerations, and building code requirements that can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a clear roadmap.

I’ve worked with many homeowners and investors navigating this process, and I see the same questions come up again and again:

  • What’s actually allowed on my property?

  • How do I design a layout that works and meets code?

  • What are the biggest mistakes to avoid?

That’s exactly why I’m teaching this session with LearnFormula.

In this live webinar from May 1, 2026, I’ll walk you through the practical side of designing secondary suites and duplexes, including:

  • How to evaluate whether a property is suitable

  • Key zoning and building code considerations (with a focus on real-world application)

  • Smart layout strategies that maximize space and functionality

  • Common pitfalls that can delay permits or increase costs

This isn’t just theory—it’s based on real projects and the actual issues that come up during design and permitting.

AI Generated image of an open laptop showing a webinar on the screen

Live Session + Recording Option

The live version of this webinar ran on May 1, 2026, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn alongside others who are actively working on similar projects.

If you can’t make it live, or want to revisit the material later, the recording will be available through Learn Formula either as a standalone purchase or included with their membership.*

You can find all the details and register here:
https://architecture.learnformula.com/course/designing-secondary-suites-duplexes-1

If you’re planning a project, considering an investment, or just want to better understand how these conversions work, this session will give you a clear, practical foundation to move forward with confidence.

*Disclosure: We are paid royalties for all purchases of the paid recording of this course, including those that choose to take the program that are members of LearnFormula.  We thank you for your support!