Our Services - Xylonare Forge Architectural Studio

Look, we're not gonna pretend every service fits every client. That's why we break things down pretty clearly - helps you figure out what you actually need versus what sounds fancy in a brochure.

Residential Design & Planning

12-18 weeks typical

Your home shouldn't feel like someone else's Pinterest board. We sit down with you - coffee helps - and really dig into how you use your space. Got kids who turn the living room into a playground? A home office that needs actual walls? We've designed for all of it.

Initial Consultation (Week 1-2)

We meet at your site if possible, talk about budget without the awkwardness, and sketch some rough ideas.

Concept Development (Week 3-6)

This is where things get real - 3D models, material samples, and honest conversations about what'll work.

Detailed Drawings (Week 7-12)

All the technical stuff that makes contractors happy and keeps your build on track.

Build Support (Week 13+)

We don't disappear once construction starts - site visits and problem-solving are part of the deal.

Commercial Architecture

16-24 weeks typical

Offices, retail spaces, small hospitality projects - we've done 'em all. The commercial world has its own rhythm, and honestly, it's taught us a lot about efficiency. But that doesn't mean your space has to look boring or soulless. Timber can work in commercial settings, just gotta know the codes.

Needs Assessment (Week 1-3)

We look at workflow, employee needs, customer experience - the stuff that actually impacts your bottom line.

Design Concept (Week 4-8)

Multiple options presented, because there's never just one right answer for commercial spaces.

Code Compliance (Week 9-14)

The not-fun part, but we handle all the permits and regulatory stuff so you don't have to.

Construction Admin (Week 15+)

Regular site meetings, change order reviews, and keeping everything on schedule.

Sustainable Building Consultation

4-8 weeks

Not every project needs a full architectural overhaul. Sometimes you just want someone to check if your plans make sense from a sustainability standpoint. We've consulted on projects where we're just advising - helping other architects or builders make better material choices, improve energy performance, that sort of thing.

What you get:

Material selection guidance
Energy efficiency analysis
LEED/green certification support
Lifecycle cost assessments

Heritage Restoration

20-32 weeks

This one's close to our hearts. Vancouver's got some beautiful old timber buildings that deserve better than vinyl siding and dropped ceilings. Heritage work is slower - gotta respect what's there and work with preservation guidelines - but man, it's rewarding when you bring back those original details.

Our approach:

Historical research & documentation
Structural assessment of existing timber
Period-appropriate material sourcing
Modern code compliance integration

Interior Space Planning

6-10 weeks

Sometimes the bones of a building are fine, but the inside just doesn't flow right. We've reworked plenty of interiors where moving a wall or two made a huge difference. It's like solving a puzzle, figuring out how to get more function out of the same square footage.

We focus on:

Traffic flow optimization
Natural light maximization
Furniture & fixture layouts
Material & finish specifications

3D Visualization & Modeling

2-4 weeks

Blueprints are great if you read 'em every day, but most people need to actually see what they're getting. Our 3D work isn't just pretty pictures - it's a tool to help you make decisions before anything's built. Want to see if that kitchen island is too big? We can show you in about five minutes.

What we provide:

Photorealistic renderings
Virtual walkthroughs
Material & lighting simulations
VR experience options

How We Actually Work

Here's the thing - every project's different, but our general approach stays pretty consistent. We're not gonna surprise you with hidden fees or phases you didn't know about.

We Listen First

Sounds obvious, right? But you'd be surprised how many architects start drawing before understanding what you need. We ask annoying questions because we'd rather get it right from the start.

Transparent Pricing

You'll know what things cost. If something's gonna add to the budget, we tell you before moving forward. No one likes financial surprises halfway through a project.

Regular Check-ins

We schedule updates based on what works for you - some clients want weekly calls, others prefer emails every two weeks. Either way, you're never left wondering what's happening.

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

Yeah, we get it - this stuff can be confusing. That's literally why we offer free initial consultations. Bring your ideas, your site photos, your napkin sketches - whatever you've got. We'll figure out together what makes sense for your project and budget.

Schedule a Consultation See Our Past Work

Most consultations take about an hour. We can meet at our studio, your site, or over video call if that's easier.

Common Questions About Our Services

We do, actually. Most of our work is in the Lower Mainland, but we've done projects as far as Whistler and the Gulf Islands. Travel costs get factored into the proposal, but if you've got a cool project and we're available, we're usually game.

Totally. Not everyone needs full-service architecture. Maybe you just want help with the initial design, or consultation on sustainable materials, or 3D renderings of plans you already have. We can work with that - just be upfront about what you're looking for.

We've done everything from 500 sq ft laneway houses to 15,000 sq ft commercial builds. There's no minimum or maximum, but honestly, we do our best work when we can really dive deep into the details - which is easier on small to mid-size projects.

Depends on the service. Full design projects are usually a percentage of construction cost (typically 10-15%). Consultations and smaller services are hourly or fixed-fee. We'll give you a clear proposal before starting anything, so there's no guessing.