Reimagine your space.

Our Process

Renovations are often more complicated than new construction projects. We’re familiar with the challenges older homes face and can find solutions to awkward layouts or outdated styles. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout your project, from planning and design, to completed drawings and beyond.

  • We begin this phase by doing a thorough review of any easements, covenants, or other restrictions that might be on a property. We look at zoning, as well as any applicable bylaws that we will have to consider in the design. At this time, we also like to connect with the contractor and other professionals that will be working on the project.

  • When submitting a permit for a renovation, cities or districts require an existing plan and a proposed plan. We visit your house and take measurements to ensure we have a clear representation of the house in its current state. This also gives us an opportunity to see any potential challenges or “quirks” that often accompany older homes.

  • The house design process begins with a thorough review of client requirements and preferences. We have a comprehensive questionnaire and ask clients to share any inspiration. With that in hand, we sit down with the client to review the spatial relationships of each room. With all these parameters in hand, we begin drafting the first design set for the client to review. From there we revise until the client is happy with the floor plan.

  • In the next step, we take the floor plans and develop detailed construction documents. We review any elements that will fall outside Part 9 of the BCBC and collaborate with structural engineers if necessary. The resulting building permit plans are submitted to the authority having jurisdiction and the contractor to begin construction.

  • Changes happen. When it comes to renovations, there are often surprises when you open the walls of an older home. We offer continued support throughout the building process should any unforeseen circumstances arise that would necessitate revisions.

A modern, bright kitchen with white cabinets, black hardware, white subway tile backsplash, dark wood flooring, and a small window above the sink. There is a vase of colorful flowers on the white countertop. In the background, a dining area with black chairs and a round table, a white refrigerator, and a glimpse of the living room with a sofa and framed pictures on the wall.
Dark outdated 80's kitchen with orange oak cabinetry and almond coloured appliances.

  • We loved our house and our location, so we didn’t want to move, but our family was growing and it was an older A-frame design. I couldn’t find any examples of additions that didn’t look awkward, but Marken Drafting & Design made it look easy! The renovation looks seamless and has completely updated the look. I love our home even more now and am so happy that we can stay here for a long time!

    Sheridan Acton