with hourly billing, we understand the concern that a design process could feel unnecessarily drawn out, affecting your budget. choosing the wrong design partner can genuinely cost you in time and in money. at Banfield Design Co., we operate on a foundation of honesty, giving clients full access to design details, specifications, and direct contacts for trades and suppliers throughout the project. that's what real collaboration looks like.

being meticulous and organized isn't optional for our team we're helping lay the groundwork for one of the most significant investments our clients will make, whether that's a simple bathroom update or a bespoke family home. communication matters, and we take pride in prompt responses, accurate feedback, and resourcefulness when problems come up.

above all, we prioritize the health of our relationships with our team, our clients, and our industry partners. That's why we run a regular "project health check," a touchpoint to review progress and make sure everything's on track. It's part of how we deliver not just a successful project, but a satisfying, stress-free experience.

we know our clients are busy people. To keep collaboration productive and valuable, we've structured our design process into clear deliverables, phases, and pricing. drawing on past projects, we customize this structure to each client and project accounting for the time needed to do things right, and to consult properly with clients, vendors, and industry professionals. our goal: a design package that genuinely reflects your personality and how you live.

project scope varies widely a custom home from scratch might involve twenty-plus meetings, while a simple bathroom refresh might need just four. much of our value happens behind the scenes, in the curation work most clients never see directly. but how we handle presentations, communication, and feedback is what keeps a project moving smoothly.

we build in accountability for everyone involved, homeowners included so design goals stay targeted, deliverables stay detailed, and time gets used well. It's a clear roadmap where every step has a purpose.

we've invested in a dedicated project management platform for our clients and trade partners a single hub for everything: documents, specifications, drawings, budgets, timelines, daily communication, meeting notes, and site photos. It keeps your project organized and up to date, with everything at your fingertips on your own time.

alongside that, we use whatever mix of communication works best for you and the project: email for quick written exchanges, Zoom for virtual face-to-face conversations, and phone calls when something needs to move faster or go deeper.

we also know design has a tactile side, so we arrange in-person meetings at our studio, on-site, or at vendor showrooms whenever it's useful to actually touch and see materials together.

this blended approach keeps every phase efficient and organized, while still making room for the hands-on collaboration that builds a home you'll actually love.

Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 4:00PM. we believe in a healthy work-life balance for our team, so weekends, evenings, and statutory holidays are protected downtime. that said, we're happy to accommodate virtual or in-person meetings as promptly as we can, alongside our existing commitments.

we accept pre-authorized credit card payments, online credit card processing, e-transfers, cheques, and EFT payments whatever's easiest for you.

hourly and fixed-fee services are billed bi-weekly, on the 1st and 15th, with payment due within 15 days. All out-of-pocket expenses and special order items are due on receipt.

we appreciate your prompt attention to invoices, which keeps our process smooth and lets us keep delivering the level of service you expect.

our fixed fee structure exists to eliminate hidden costs and guesswork. you know your design fees upfront no surprises later. fixed fee proposals are grounded in real data: a clearly defined scope of work, phased steps, and time allocations pulled from similar past projects. We focus on the overall deliverables rather than micromanaging every task, because every client and project is different. a clear process is how we get to great outcomes efficiently and intelligently.

when a clear scope of work is hard to define upfront, hourly billing may be the better fit. this approach adapts to a project's specific needs, with our team working within an agreed scope and budget. because it's as-needed, hourly billing is priced higher than a fixed-fee package, and we ask for a minimum retainer-equivalent engagement.

residential renovations and custom builds involve a lot of moving parts. our coordination service oversees third-party consultants site documentation, surveys, arborists, engineering, geotechnical, and more so nothing falls through the cracks.

we apply a 15% coordination fee on top of these services, reflecting the communication, quality assurance, and project management that goes into keeping everything on track. It lets you focus on the exciting parts of your project while we handle the oversight.

a development permit is a type of municipal or local government approval required for certain renovation projects. the specifics vary by location, but generally, a development permit concerns the use of land and buildings. [Read More]

a building permit is a legal document issued by a municipal or local government agency, granting permission to proceed with construction or renovation work. it's primarily concerned with the safety and structural integrity of the work. [Read More]

preliminary design approval from the municipality is a step toward permission to build or significantly renovate a home. it's especially important for projects requiring a more comprehensive review due to size, location, or neighbourhood impact. [Read More]

a development permit is a type of municipal or local government approval required for certain construction projects, generally concerning the use of land and buildings. [Read More]

for new builds, a building permit is a critical legal document issued by the municipality authorizing construction. It ensures the proposed build meets local building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. [Read More]

our process begins with a Meet + Inspire session with lead designer Jamie Banfield, where we dig into your specific needs and walk through the design, planning and permitting or soft goods proposal. once approved, we move into the pre-design phase an in-depth review of site documentation, site constraints, and your preferences.

this includes a detailed meeting with you and any coordinating consultants to shape your space's direction, where we present and refine a preliminary concept. We also review all provided building details walls, floors, ceilings, structural elements, HVAC so nothing gets missed. your input at this stage is essential; it's how we tailor the design to your actual vision and needs.

this is where we develop a clear, workable initial concept you can easily understand and approve. these preliminary designs show the basic layout, scale, and relationship between spaces. we refine the project's scope, explore alternatives, and lay the groundwork for an early cost analysis.

our designer pairs schematic drawings with written explanations, since not everything reads clearly from graphics alone. these early drawings are also what estimators use for a preliminary cost estimate. Key elements space planning, exterior design, building methods get reviewed and refined with you and our build team to confirm feasibility.

the permitting phase is where conceptual designs become approved-for-construction reality. We navigate both the development and building permit phases, preparing and submitting the necessary documents to local authorities.

the development permit phase confirms the design aligns with zoning regulations, land use policies, and urban planning guidelines sometimes involving site analysis, contextual studies, or public consultation depending on the project. our goal is full compliance with municipal requirements around building height, setbacks, and neighbourhood impact.

the building permit phase is more technical, focused on structural safety and code compliance. we submit detailed architectural and engineering drawings covering structural integrity, electrical and plumbing plans, fire safety, and energy efficiency.

throughout, we manage submissions, liaise with authorities, and handle any required revisions preventing delays and extra costs, and keeping your project legally sound, safe, and on track toward construction.

here, we move beyond the schematic concept to detail and define every critical aspect of your project materials, building systems, and how space and function come together. it's where you start to really understand how the finished project will look and work.

we resolve outstanding questions from the schematic phase here, which significantly reduces the chance of major changes later. Some details will naturally keep evolving through construction documentation and bidding, but our focus now is finalizing exterior and interior designs, finishes, and costing, and confirming feasibility with vendors.

during this phase, we prepare and issue the pricing design package to the build team and key vendors confirming that every element of the design is practical and on budget. we run a collaborative "stress test" with vendors, suppliers, manufacturers, and the build team to gather accurate information for realistic bids on timeline and investment.

as we refine the design, we adjust details and selections to stay aligned with the schedule and budget, working closely with the homeowner, trades, vendors, and builders. this stage also allows for final client-requested revisions, followed by a thorough internal review before the design package is issued for construction.

compiling accurate, realistic quotes typically takes 4-10 weeks depending on project scope, and this phase generally represents about 3-6% of the total project timeline.

we work closely with our build team throughout the construction process, from the initial Class-D estimate to the comprehensive Class-A estimate each stage adding detail and precision as the design and budget evolve. this keeps every estimate aligned with your vision, with transparency and trust built in at every step.

Phase 1: Class-D Estimate The feasibility study begins here, at the early stages of a new residential project. This preliminary estimate built by the renovation contractor or build team gives you a rough sense of probable costs based on your initial requirements. our design team works alongside the build team to gather your vision, desired features, and quality expectations, comparing them against data from similar completed projects. the Class-D estimate factors in square footage costs, current labour and material prices, historical project data, risk, inflation, and estimated timeline a rough but informed starting point.

Phase 2: Class-C Estimate as the project progresses, the build team develops a Class-C estimate once schematic design elements and a preliminary schedule are in place. this phase digs deeper into layouts, spatial arrangements, and preliminary material selections, offering a clearer view of projected costs based on the latest design specifications and a chance to confirm the budget aligns with your vision before the design is finalized.

Phase 3: Class-B Estimate once design development wraps, we prepare a work-in-progress design package for the build team to create the Class-B estimate built on complete design documentation, including site and installation plans, geotechnical reports, and comprehensive designs across all major project aspects. This is the final checkpoint before execution, allowing for any last adjustments.

Phase 4: Class-A Estimate the final estimate, prepared once construction documents are complete. this is the most detailed and accurate cost reflection a coded, line-item breakdown of labour, materials, and sub-trades, including budget allowances and contingencies. it's the financial blueprint that carries the project into construction with everyone build team, Banfield Design Co., and homeowner aligned.

the Issue for construction phase is where every detail of the project gets primed for build-readiness. we finalize design tweaks, confirm material selections, and develop a comprehensive drawing package and specification document elevations, sections, and construction details included that becomes the build team's guide for turning design into reality.

this documentation has been building since your very first design meeting. as the design becomes fully detailed, our team integrates all technical aspects layout, power, communication, lighting, finishes into final plans and specification notes. once approved, these documents become the legal basis for the contractor's bid and construction execution. Finalizing, auditing, and issuing typically takes 2-4 weeks. any further changes requested after this point are billed to the client.

from excavation to framing, systems installation, and final touches this is where your project physically comes to life. our role as designers is to craft and refine the plan so the general contractor can execute it well. While the general contractor or home builder manages the physical build, our design expertise remains essential to a smooth transition from plan to reality, keeping every stage aligned with your vision.

this phase bridges the gap between design and construction with ongoing support:

Coordinating with teams: working closely with the build team, vendors, and you, managing contract documents so everyone has accurate, current information.

Site visits and oversight: scheduled or as-needed visits to confirm work matches the design plans. Any deviations get flagged and resolved promptly.

Issue resolution: if conflicts or information gaps come up, we provide solutions and keep you updated on any impact to design, timeline, or budget.

Billing:Design support typically runs 5-15% of the total design budget, beginning once the design package is issued for construction. It's billed separately from fixed-fee design packages at $155.00 + GST/hour, invoiced monthly.

Consultation and communication: we remain your dedicated consultants for questions on the build process, permitting, or anything in between, coordinating with third parties as needed.

for elements like electrical and lighting layouts or site-specific questions, we may need to review the site directly or connect via Zoom or phone.

pre-billing for site visits during construction is core to our fixed-fee process, ensuring we can allocate the right time and resources for quality oversight. whether by Zoom, FaceTime, or in person, these visits protect the integrity of the drawing package, confirm the site matches what vendors have on hand, and catch issues early before they become costly.

additional items like communication, research, and design updates outside the fixed scope are billed at $155.00 + GST/hour, invoiced on the last day of each month.

a change order is a directive from our design team to the contractor, client, and vendors triggered by updated site conditions, budget shifts, or discontinued/back-ordered items. We create and issue these documents to keep everyone aligned, billed at an hourly rate throughout the construction phase.

yes, we take an integrated approach, partnering with skilled renovation contractors and home builders. Integrity and transparency are the foundation of our project management, ensuring a seamless transition from design to execution.

our role goes beyond design: we participate in site meetings, adapt drawings and specifications, design custom furniture, manage tendering, and oversee installation and budgeting for furnishings and decor. clear communication and teamwork keep every project moving, in step with homeowners, our design team, and everyone else involved.

we work closely with Build by Banfield, a division of Banfield Design Co., combining our collective expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and construction management while keeping design quality and aesthetic appeal front and centre.

this approach includes a project management fee of 20% of material and labour costs, starting after the design phase wraps. It's an intensive process, and it's key to bringing your project to life the way it was designed.

trust is the cornerstone of what we do especially when it comes to your home. Banfield Design Co. is fully insured with commercial general liability, professional liability, contracts errors and omissions Liability, and cyber and privacy liability Insurance. It means both our clients and our team can move through every project with confidence.

every project is different, and we communicate design in whatever way suits it best inspiration images, 2D drawings, 2D rendered drawings, 3D clay models, or 3D realistic renderings.

we offer three levels of renderings, depending on your project and budget:

AI-Generated Renderings: the most cost-effective option, co-directed by our interior design team to give you a clear sense of form and overall feel.

2D Rendered Elevations: showcasing the blocking of colour, texture, and pattern across a space.

3D Realistic Renderings: fully developed in-house for the most accurate, true-to-life view of your finished space.

for most projects, we don't produce full 3D realistic renderings but when we do, pricing depends on complexity. Interior renderings run $550.00–$3,550.00 per space (typically about three images). Exterior renderings covering all sides of a home range from $1,250.00–$3,550.00.

we keep pricing fully transparent, reflecting our relationships with suppliers and trades. our approach blends cost-plus and fixed-price estimating, giving you a detailed breakdown of costs and time for each task.

clients receive discounts ranging from 5-50% depending on the supplier, with a 20% administrative fee applied to products purchased through our accounts. you retain full control and approval over every supplier, trade, and product.

all ordered products must be paid in full prior to order placement, with a 24-hour cancellation window for changes.

out-of-pocket expenses related to your project are billed to you with no markup itemized in your monthly invoice. these may include storage, messenger services, travel, printing, and other direct project costs. a 1.15% administrative handling fee applies to these net costs, billed on the 1st of each month.

we start by reviewing digital photos of the property or architectural plans to assess feasibility. once viable, we arrange a site visit for an initial consultation. for renovations without existing plans, we can produce them or you can source them externally at your own expense.

most of our design work happens from our Port Moody studio, with strategic client meetings scheduled at key points throughout.

for necessary travel, our team is compensated for travel time, plus travel and accommodation costs. meal costs during out-of-town projects are billed back to the client, capped at $11.00 (breakfast), $22.50 (lunch), and $35.80 (dinner), excluding alcohol.

remote consultation packages for residential projects start at $2,500.00 CAD, scaling with project size and scope. travel packages are calculated at one full working day (8 hours) per room within the client's city, plus travel time, accommodation, and related costs.

Banfield Design Co. offers interior design, exterior design, building design, planning, and permitting services, including:

• project consultation

• concept development

• custom home design

• new home pre-design / site review

• new home permit drawings

• new home space plan review

• high-efficiency home design

• passive house design consulting

• exterior concept development

• exterior design documentation

• final construction documentation

• interior design

• space planning

• scope of work documents

• materials selection

• equipment + fixture selection

• interior design drawings for construction

• construction + demolition plans

• permit drawing package for renovations and additions

• coordination of third-party consultants (engineering, truss designers, landscape designers, energy consultants, etc.)

• 2D rendering

• 3D rendering

• power + communication plans (electrical and reflective ceiling plans)

• millwork drawings (design + review)

• detailed kitchen and bathroom plans

• lighting design (reflective ceiling plans)

• construction documentation

• specification documentation

• trade coordination