Field Notes

Studio updates and thoughts from the practice.

What does an architect cost in Vancouver BC — Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

What Does an Architect Cost in Vancouver?

A plain-language guide to architectural fees in Metro Vancouver. Covers the AIBC Tariff, percentage and hourly rates, construction costs by area, soft costs unique to Vancouver, and what drives fees up or down.

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How long does it take to design and build a custom home — Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

How Long Does It Take to Design and Build a Custom Home in Western Canada?

A realistic phase-by-phase timeline from first meeting to occupancy, including design, permit timelines by city, and construction duration for Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, and across Western Canada.

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Building on Vancouver Island — guide by Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Building on Vancouver Island: Victoria, the Coast, and What Makes the Island Different

Greater Victoria's permit process and heritage rules, the Zero Carbon Step Code, coastal materiality for Tofino and Ucluelet, and why Island projects are a distinct architectural challenge.

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Building in Kelowna Okanagan — guide by Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Building in Kelowna: Hillside Sites, Wildfire, and Architecture for the Okanagan

The Hillside Development Permit Area, geotechnical requirements, wildfire resilience, passive design, and the Kelowna building permit process.

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Building in Edmonton Alberta — guide by Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Building in Edmonton: Infill, the RS Zone, and Architecture in a City Finding Its Design Voice

Edmonton's 2023 Zoning Bylaw, the RS zone, mature neighbourhood infill, garden suites, and how to choose an architect for Edmonton's inner-city communities.

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Building in Vancouver BC — guide by Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Building in Vancouver: Multiplexes, Character Houses, and the R1-1 Zone

The R1-1 zone, character house retention, heritage permits, seismic requirements, and what makes Vancouver's residential permit process distinct from other Canadian cities.

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Building an infill home in Calgary — guide by Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Building an Infill Home in Calgary: What to Know Before You Start

Zoning, permit timelines, contextual design rules, secondary suites, and what to look for in an architect for a Calgary infill project.

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Architect vs designer in Alberta — Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

Architect or Designer: What Do You Actually Need for Your Project in Alberta?

A plain-language breakdown of the legal distinction between architects and designers in Alberta, and when each is the right choice.

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What does an architect cost in Calgary — Anonymous Architecture Field Notes

What Does an Architect Cost in Calgary?

A clear guide to architectural fee structures, typical ranges by project type, and how to compare proposals fairly.

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