Artist Studio, Toronto, ON

Designing artist spaces is a delicate balance between creating an inspiring environment and allowing room for interpretation. This client requested a dual-purpose studio and garage with lots of natural light. Our design team turned towards brutalism for this solution and opted for simple concrete forms. This provides the artists with an expansive, blank slate that allows creation to be the focal point.

Because this space is aimed to facilitate creativity, our team kept in mind the years to come of mess and clean-up, thus choosing extra durable materials like epoxy flooring and commercial-grade appliances. A wall of windows and skylights accompanied by a gas fireplace brings physical and visual warmth into the otherwise cool space. The skylights and awning windows are electric to provide ease when used to naturally ventilate the studio.

This studio is fully equipped for years of endless creation, mess, and clean-up.

Blunted Aisle, Toronto, ON

Our commercial architecture specialists designed a cannabis retail store that combines a high-end retail experience with a friendly and approachable atmosphere. StijlTree worked alongside Blunted Aisle to reflect their company values and enhance their brand impact when designing this interior. Our goal became creating a sleek, modern space all while being a familiar face to the community that Blunted Aisle has been serving for 70+ years.

This small 130 sq ft commercial storefront on Queen St East was fit with etched vertical wood slats that draw the eye upwards to a bright coffered ceiling. These two features set the tone for a space that feels large and bright while still being visually interesting. To comply with Ontario dispensary standards, a vestibule was proposed to obstruct the view of the point of sale counter from the street. We turned this requirement into an anchoring point of the store by defining the first wall in Blunted Aisle burgundy. This visually directs customers to the brighter main portion of the cannabis shop while emphasizing the brand presence. These combined aspects made this commercial architecture project into a bright, refined space that feels approachable to the community.

Modern Home Renovation, Toronto, ON

Our interior design team gave this classic Bay and Gable home a well deserved interior facelift. We took care to maximize space by creating an open concept main floor with plenty of storage and light by including built-in cabinets and bay window seating.

The third floor is where the biggest transformation is seen. A large dividing wall and dropped ceiling were removed to reveal a grand area perfect for a master suite. The bay window alcove was converted into a luxury spa with a large stand-alone bathtub and built-in wall storage that can be seen from the bed.

The front of this house was also given a minor facelift with the addition of a new porch and balcony. The existing rooftop to the rear of the house was pre-equipped with skyline views so a rooftop patio was aptly built. These minor additions bring major value to this family home by expanding the usable outdoor spaces available.

Interior Home Renovation, Markham, ON

This luxury home renovation includes coffered ceilings, upgrades to the fireplace, and the removal of the original dining room wall for a more open concept on the main floor. The spiral staircase helps highlight the high ceilings in the foyer complimented by a modern chandelier.  The foyer and the kitchen feature marble flooring. These aspects combined make great use of space and light. The new design and layout of the home lend to an updated and more modern feel. The removal of the dining room wall makes the space feel larger, and the design is cohesive and polished.

The dining room

The foyer

The renovation also featured a new kitchen. The updated kitchen includes an island with a bar with seating for four. The kitchen also features and adjacent breakfast nook. The kitchen features custom cabinetry and an under-mount range hood for the gas range. The kitchen contains ample counter space and the custom cabinetry features intuitive design, such as a built-in spice rack next to the gas range.

Close up of the kitchen island with gas range and under-mount range hood.

“We hired Simply Exquisite team to do our main floor renovation... I’d say they really exceeded our expectations, went way beyond what we had in mind and they were very pleasant to deal with, always picked up our calls and were always there for us!”

— Jayshree Sanghavi

The customer reported a high level of satisfaction with the finished product and their experience working with Simply Exquisite Construction and StijlTree. The client was very happy with the accommodating service and quick, professional responses and assistance from our team. They were very pleased with the results of removing the wall that was between the dining room and kitchen and how the designers and contractors were receptive to feedback throughout the project.

The living and dining room, viewed from the kitchen.

Full Client Testimonial:

“We hired Simply Exquisite team to do our main floor renovation which included taking down a load bearing wall, gutting down the whole kitchen and putting up a new kitchen, new flooring, building a fireplace, installing under mount range hood (down draft ) putting up a coffered ceiling, feature walls, putting up a new staircase etc… and more. The job was quoted for 6 to 8 weeks but it took a couple weeks extra because we had to finalize the permit from the city other than that they were extremely accommodating to our needs and did the job very precisely and professionally, I’d say they really exceeded our expectations, went way beyond what we had in mind and they were very pleasant to deal with, always picked up our calls and were always there for us, I will recommend Richie, Gagan and their team to anyone who needs to do any kind of renovation like their name they were simply exquisite!!!”

— Jayshree Shanghavi

Obtaining Building Permits in Stouffville: Tips from an Architectural Designer

Building Permits in Stouffville

Dealing with the Building Code and Zoning review team in Stouffville can be a daunting task for any project. Whether it is your first time submitting an application or if you have reservations about getting your project approved, this article aims to give people the best chance to get their projects and permits approved.

Understanding the Process

When a building permit application is submitted it goes through a three stage process: a completeness check, a code review, and a zoning review. The completeness check is done at the counter when you submit a permit. A clerk will briefly go through a checklist to make sure that all the drawings required are present. Once the completeness check is passed, a code reviewer and zoning reviewer are assigned to your permit.

The Code Review checks the drawings against the specifications set out in the 2012 Ontario Building Code. For most projects, this review looks for fire safety, load bearings, and the structural stability of any new structures or additions. The code examiner may ask for revisions to the drawings or provide a provisional stamp on the drawing. After this review is complete, the code examiner will make her comments and pass your file to a zoning examiner.

The Zoning Review checks the proposed work on your drawings against the current provisions set out in the zoning law. This review primarily checks for property setbacks, lot coverage, and green space conservation. If the zoning examiner finds that your proposal violates a provision in The Zoning Act, you must go through a Minor Variance Application and a Committee of Approval.

How soon will you get your permit? If all goes well, then a permit will be issued by the city. Permits are guaranteed by the Ontario Building Code to be issued or refused within a set number of days. (Division C, Article 1.3.1.3., Table 1.3.1.3.) Most residential project permits are issued within 15 business days.

 Tips For Submitting Permits to Stouffville

1. Make sure you plan ahead! A building permit should be submitted very early in your project to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.

2. It is a common myth that your drawings need to be professionally done. If you are willing to invest the time to find out what information the clerks require on your application, you can submit a sketch of your proposed work. This is a great way to keep your project on the DIY side, but be warned that this process is slow.

3. Include a site plan with every submission! any alteration will require a site plan. It doesn’t have to be exact. You can grab the satellite imagery off of Google Maps and draw over it. Make sure to add dimensions and, if possible, lot lines.

4. Include a north arrow on all your plan drawings! This simple thing gets left off of so many plans

5. Make sure your project is not in the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority Area. A large part of Stouffville is under the Oak Ridges Moraine so sometimes you can find yourself trying to deal with a few different agencies to get your permits approved.

Have more questions? Get in touch with us over at our Facebook page!

If you have your own experiences working with Stouffville’s Planning Department, you can share them in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or by emailing us!

Rental Cottage, Huntsville, ON

This Cottage in beautiful Huntsville, ON sits right on the edge of a lake. It combines wonderful architecture with a scenic view like no other!

Apartment Complex, Windsor, ON

This Apartment Complex in Windsor, ON, connects people to the surrounding neighbourhood with an emphasis on views of the river and a subtle neoclassical motif.

The Apartment Complex's interior apartments feature modern design that focuses on light and playfulness. Healthy, happy living is what inspires this space and connects it with the outdoors

This parking Garage seeks to provide variance and a play of light and form with its cantilevered storeys and allusions to the Brise-Soleil of Le Corbusier.

Hand Drafted Rendering of the parking garage with swimming pool.

Exterior Rendering of the Apartment 

Interior Rendering of the Apartment

Isometric 3d BIM model of apartment with Interior View

AutoCAD section connecting walkway

Queen Anne Home, Kentucky, USA

Replicating a masterpiece

This Queen Anne Home was designed to replicate an existing historical home and incorporate a modern interior. The client wished for a beautiful recreation in the Queen Anne Style, complete with ornamentation and witch hat.

Exterior render of the Queen Anne Home

“A wonderful experience—so good in fact that Gagan is now working on another project for me!”

— Ken Kaiser, Kentucky

The home features 3 stories, inclusive of a basement and an attic. The main living space was on the spacious first floor, complete with a kitchen in the rear. The high ceilings and thick walls give this home a solid, homely feel. The client is an artist that uses the hexagonal room for a studio space. This allows them to have an abundance of light and inspiring views of the surrounding plains.

Interior render of the bathroom

Interior Rendering of the studio

Exterior render of the Queen Anne Home

Interior render of the attic

interior render of the attic

Exterior render of the Queen Anne Home

Jaffari Community Centre Exterior Addition, Richmond Hill

The Jaffari Community Centre is looking to expand with further classrooms. The design follows the hierarchy of the rest of the building with a central entrance that extends forward past the rest of the building. The lancet arches reflect Byzantine architectural styles and add to the rhythm of the building.

Sketch for Jaffari Community Centre Addition Elevation

Winter Cottage, Alberta

Exterior Render of Alberta Cottage

The Cottage in the shadow of Rockies reflects the mountains in its roofline and design. The abundance of light and tall open spaces allows for the integration of natural motifs and views.

Isometric Revit Model

“Gagan was very helpful in providing our drawings for our cottage in Alberta. He was quick to make changes, gave us good suggestions and patient with us as this was our first home build. We were happy with with work and would recommend him”

— Terrin & Adrian Daeman, Alberta

Revit Floor Plan