About Us
Who We Are
SQUARE PEG STUDIO INC. ARCHITECT is a firm which draws on past experience of its members who have designed projects from large scale Institutional buildings through to small scale projects including single family homes. The repertoire of experience is of a variety of project types including Recreational and Commercial projects, and Residential design. The practice of designing large scale projects learned at the senior level is brought to the firm and is coupled with the individual design portfolio of the principal in single family residential design and large scale commercial projects. Design of Recreational and Institutional projects is applied to projects which are usually conceived of by large scale firms, but take advantage of a smaller team of senior people to focus on a specific project. This practice continues to develop residential, recreational and institutional projects of a scale varying from 500 ft2 renovations to 70,000 ft2+ new constructions.
Square Peg Studio Inc. is dedicated to providing full architectural service from Pre-Design through to Post Construction service. This firm benefits from the experience of design and project management received from large design and production offices and set within a smaller scale practice to offer close personalized service to the client and attention to the project. Square Peg Studio Inc. is organized to manage projects that although larger in scope, require attention to small details by a few senior consultants who have the expertise to make decisions and administer complicated contracts.
What We Do
Educational
As a new firm we began with the programming and design of a music rehearsal facility and continue to pursue projects in the Performing Arts and Education. We involve ourselves in the review of schools' programmatic needs and can assess the facilities for re-organization and renovation or new construction to suit those needs. Our projects involve the design of classroom, library, auditorium, and music (orchestra) rehearsal facilities, as well as the athletic facilities which are a direct result of our Recreational Experience.
Commercial
Many of our projects belong to communities of people and are used by the public. We have much of our experience in recreational projects (multi-purpose arenas) which extends to facilities for the viewing of performing arts as well as large convention and event spaces. We continue pursuing the design of facilities that are intended for Conventions or Trade Shows, as well as extending our experience into performance facilities and some casino design. In addition, we have re-designed interiors for commercial Office Buildings and lobbies, which as renovations are much smaller projects, and require a close attention to detail from a design point of view.
Recreational
A significant amount of our knowledge base comes from senior experience in the development of entertainment and recreational facilities. This includes hockey arenas, typically developed as Multi-Purpose Facilities for communities to use for sporting events as well as concert productions. These facilities extend to include additional recreational components like gymnasia, swimming pools, and other athletic facilities, as well as library and Community Centered meeting rooms.
Residential
The office continues to design renovations and new home designs for single family residential projects, and have experience in multi-unit buildings. The involvement of Square Peg Studio Inc. is in providing the full service for the design of homes. This includes offering designs for homes where alternative materials and methods of construction need to be employed. Budget is often a factor for home design regardless of the neighbourhood and quality of finishes, and is an important part of our design process.
How We Do It
Our Services
Square Peg Studio Inc. Architect Provides Full Architectural Service From Pre-Design Through To Post Construction Service; Managing Projects – Large Or Small In Scope – With Attention To Detail By Senior Level Consultants Who Have The Expertise To Make Decisions And Administer Complicated Contracts.
Integrated Design Process
We are committed to the Integrated Design Process and recognize the importance to Team Building and Reaching Consensus. We facilitate the IDP to ensure that all stakeholders are able to contribute to the design as a whole and meet with all of the consultants for a comprehensive and holistic exchange of ideas. The building is therefore not designed by an Architect in isolation of Clients and Specialty Consultants. Instead it recognizes the valuable input that Client, Construction Manager and all Consultants have, to arrive at a complete building package. It streamlines the process and reduces waste by ensuring that Program and Design issues receive scrutiny from all participants in the process. It allows issues like durable buildings and efficient integration of HVAC with Architectural design to be amalgamated from the onset and lead to a fully sustainable building.
This process is available to any Clients who wish to be engaged in it throughout the Design and Development process – choosing the level of involvement and frequency. It is not an additional service but rather a paradigm shift in the conventional design development of a project. The extent of the process varies depending on the project need and can also involve the Construction Manager or Contractor. Client, Construction Manager, and Consultants are all contributing to the project as one team with all interests directed towards a common goal.
Pre-Design
At the first meeting we discuss the client needs to determine how we can serve them. This is a no cost consultation where we listen to our potential clients’ concerns and discuss how we can help. We discuss how to go about determining the budget and touch on some of the concerns and/or regulations that one may have for their particular project. Following the meeting, we put together a fee proposal based on the anticipated scope of work required.
Concept Design
Once the client’s needs are made clear through the course of our discussions (this may change as the design progresses) we present Drawings and Sketches of the Concept, outlining in general terms the approach to the site and building, based on the spatial requirements and sizes – this process may take one meeting or several depending on the project. Once the client is satisfied with the concept we move on to develop the design.
Design Development
In Design development the conceptual design information is translated from drawings and sketches into more detailed drawings, defining placement and size of rooms and describing materials in more detail. This is a more detailed follow-up to the approved conceptual design.
Construction Documents
When the design has been developed to a satisfactory level, it moves into the production of working drawings and specifications. The exact boundaries of the building are defined and the materials and their treatment are listed in the specifications. At the conclusion of this stage, the building permit is applied for, and any other permits required are applied for along the way as well.
Bidding And Negotiations
Assisting the Client – depending on the particulars of the project – we determine the course of action to take in Selecting a Contractor that the Client will want to work with. This leads to determining the actual cost of construction and type of construction delivery method, and will define the schedule.
Contract Administration (Construction Review)
Reviewing the progress of construction and reporting on the status: the level of detail varying in direct proportion to the size of project. This is to ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the drawings, and that all of the required regulating bodies are being notified.