How to Clearly Convey Your Design Needs for Your Project
When working with a BCIN-licensed designer on an architectural project, whether it’s a renovation, addition, or new build, clear communication is essential. Unlike interior design, architectural design focuses on structural integrity, building code compliance, and functional layouts that support your lifestyle. The more detail you provide upfront, the smoother the process will be. Here are practical ways to help your designer understand your vision:
1. Create a List of Priorities
Start by identifying what matters most to you. Is it maximizing natural light? Needing to add an additional bedroom? Adding a home office? Improving energy efficiency? A prioritized list helps your designer allocate space and resources effectively while meeting Ontario Building Code requirements.
2. Share a Pinterest Board or Houzz Ideabook
Visual references are powerful. Collect images of architectural styles, exterior facades, and floor plan layouts you love. Focus on structural elements, such as rooflines, window configurations, and material choices, rather than just décor, especially for exterior renovations and new builds. You can always share these ideas with us on Pinterest.
3. Compile Screenshots with Comments
If you find plans or elevations online that resonate with you, save them in a document with notes explaining what you like (or dislike). For example: “Love the open-concept kitchen but prefer a separate mudroom for storage.” “I don’t like to see the stairs from the living room, but I like the way this staircase is a straight run.”
4. Provide a List of Ideas
Include any must-have features such as:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Accessible design considerations
- Energy-efficient upgrades
- Future-proofing for aging in place
- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
- Walkout basement
These details help your designer incorporate functional and structural solutions early in the planning stage.
5. Build a Mood Board for Architectural Elements
Beyond Pinterest, consider a mood board that highlights exterior finishes, roofing materials, and window styles. This helps align the aesthetic direction with structural feasibility. Not sure how? Creating a document with screen shots or photos with your comments on what you like and don’t like is one idea.
6. Describe Your Lifestyle & Functional Needs
Architectural design is about how you live in the space. Share details like:
- Number of occupants and their routines
- Need for multi-purpose rooms
- Storage requirements
- Accessibility needs
- Site restrictions (e.g. the need for a septic system, or the inability to have a basement due to bedrock)
This ensures the layout supports your day-to-day life.
7. Share Photos or Videos of Your Current Space
A visual tour of your existing home helps identify structural limitations and opportunities for improvement. Include problem areas you want resolved. Think: tight hallways, lack of natural light, or insufficient storage.
8. Provide a “Do Not Want” List
Sometimes what you dislike is just as important as what you love. If you hate split-level layouts or prefer not to have open staircases, let your designer know upfront.
9. Budget & Timeline
Architectural projects involve permits, inspections, and compliance with Ontario Building Code. Sharing your budget and timeline expectations early helps your designer propose realistic solutions. While cost of materials and labour varies across the province, having a rough idea of what your absolute must haves are vs. your budget helps keep a project on track.
10. Complete a Design Questionnaire
Many BCIN designers offer questionnaires covering lifestyle, structural preferences, and compliance considerations. Filling this out ensures nothing gets overlooked. Check out the House of Three Questionnaire.
Clear communication saves time, reduces revisions, and ensures your design meets both your vision and regulatory requirements. By providing these details, you empower your designer to create a plan that is functional, beautiful, and code-compliant.
Ready to start your project? At House of Three, we specialize in architectural e-design for renovations and additions. Contact us today to begin shaping your dream space.