The Accessibility of Design

A soon-to-be new addition to our family has recently resulted in multiple trips to Ikea. It got me thinking about how things have changed for design in the home. IKEA has taken a design philosophy and made it accessible to the everyday consumer by lowering price points and placing themselves where customers can find them. Other retailers have done the same thing, opening up the market for good design to more and more families. It's now a totally realistic goal to live well within your space and to do it on a budget. This philosophy of accessible design is touching so many parts of our lives, and now people who would have never considered it are designing or redesigning their own homes. In addition, people's appreciation for good design and a clean simple aesthetic seems to be spreading, and I believe places like IKEA are to thank for that.

Architectural Technologists are enjoying the benefits of this trend, and more and more customers are turning to them to help realize their visions. Our job is to help make good design accessible for our clients, and I love doing that on a daily basis. The final product is the ultimate reward, especially when the client is thrilled with their new and improved space. The best part - no assembly required.

Energy Efficiency Update for Large Buildings – July 2011

Updated Supplementary Standard SB-10, dated July 1, 2011.

A challenging and great second storey addition

When I saw the existing conditions of this 1980s cottage in Penetanguishene, I thought the second storey addition over it wouldn’t be possible, the existing roof lines didn't allow me to envision the addition. I knew I was up for a challenge. After measuring the existing structures, and chatting with the owners, and understanding their vision, something clicked. I headed back to my drafting table back in the city, and started working right away…and not only it ended looking great, but also given the client a new larger and open concept kitchen and dining. The second floor accommodates a new master bedroom overlooking the lake, with large closet space and ensuite... The owners are both boat aficionado that is where the windows inspiration came from....Clients loved it.

My latest cottage design





Location: Penetanguishene (Midland)

Size: 2,200 square feet on one and half storey + 200 square feet Screened-in porch

  

Upper Beaches Addition + Renovation

Check out Geometra Design's latest project!

Before: Originally an outdated, 1000 square foot detached bungalow with good bones in the East Beaches, Toronto.

After: This house was fully gutted, redesigned, restructured and renovated to include a second floor, resulting in 2400 square feet of gorgeous, well thought out and contemporary living space.

The story: The builders wanted a house that fit in with traditional Toronto architecture, but with a modern touch.

Design highlights:
- Ceiling heights were raised in the basement and 1st floor to open up the space.
- Unique and modern dark stucco and cedar created a striking, contrasting exterior,
- The layout was opened up for more flow.
- Creating a formal and informal area allowed for future owners to entertain guests in a stylish, elegant setting while keeping their family’s space comfortable and functional.
- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and plenty of closet space were created on the second floor.
- Most notably, every inch of the floorplan was put to good use. No space was wasted in the layout in this house.

The sale: The house sold after only 5 days on the market well over above the asking price.

Designer: Gabriele Guiducci, M.A.A.T.O.

Builders: Alexander Tencate: www.alexandertencate.com


The Agent’s Take: “[It’s] a stunning, contemporary home that is unique for the area in terms of its quality of finishes,” Ms. Kaushansky says. “It had a thoughtful design with a great layout ideal for families.”

What is an Architectural Technologist?

The Architectural Technologist , also known as a Building Technologist, provides building design services and solutions and is trained in architectural technology, building design and construction. They apply the science of architecture and typically concentrate on the technology of building design and construction. They can or may negotiate the construction project, and manage the process from conception through to completion.

Most architectural technologists are employed in architectural and engineering firms, or with municipal authorities; but many provide independent professional services directly to clients, although restricted by law in some countries. Others work in product development or sales with manufacturers.

In Britain (Chartered Architectural Technologist), Canada (Architectural Technologist or Applied Science Technologist), and other nations, they have many similar abilities as Architects and can work alongside them. There, they are sometimes directors or shareholders of an architectural firm (where permitted by the jurisdiction and legal structure). To become an architectural technologist, a degree or diploma (or equivalent) in Architectural Technology is required, followed by structured professional and occupational experience. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Architecture