Site and program
Define the spaces, priorities, property information and approval constraints that establish the design brief.
Residential and commercial building services
Custom home design and engineering.
Architectural and multidisciplinary engineering coordinated as one permit-ready building design.
PEO licensed Professional engineering practice30+ years Engineering and building experienceFixed pricing Up front for the agreed written scope
Clear definition
What does a coordinated custom-home design involve?
A custom home brings the site, owner’s program, architecture, structure, envelope and building systems into one design. Decisions about room spans, openings, ceiling heights, stairs and exterior form directly affect framing and service routes.
Coordination before permit issue reduces contradictions between drawings and gives the builder clearer information. The exact team and deliverables depend on the property, size, complexity and approvals involved.
What the design addresses.
The exact review, drawings and calculations depend on the building and the work described in the written proposal.
Architectural development
Prepare coordinated plans, elevations and sections that describe the building and its relationship to the lot.
Structural design
Design foundations, floor and roof framing, lateral support, openings, connections and other structural systems.
Building systems
Coordinate mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements with architecture and structure where included.
Common project types
Where this service is used.
- New detached homes
- Replacement homes and infill projects
- Large residential additions treated as a whole-building redesign
- Multi-generational and multi-unit residential concepts where permitted
Typical deliverables
What the scope can include.
- Architectural permit drawings
- Foundation, framing and structural details
- Structural calculations
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing design where included
- Code, energy and zoning information required for the scope
- Permit-review responses related to the design
Before construction
Permit and project-team considerations.
Custom homes can require a survey, zoning review, grading, servicing, conservation, tree, demolition, development or other approvals in addition to the building permit. These requirements vary by property and municipality.
Kernel defines its architectural and engineering scope and coordinates with the owner’s builder and other retained professionals. External approvals, investigations and consultant services are identified rather than assumed to be included.
Custom home design and engineering FAQs
Specific answers about scope, permits, engineering decisions and what to send before the work begins.
Can Kernel provide both architectural and structural drawings?
Yes. Kernel can define a coordinated architectural and structural scope and add mechanical, electrical or plumbing design when the project requires those disciplines.
What should be decided before design begins?
The property, intended rooms and uses, approximate size, priorities, available survey information and project constraints are useful starting points. The design process can then test options rather than treating an early sketch as fixed.
Does the permit set include construction-level interior design?
Not automatically. Permit drawings establish code, form and building systems at the agreed level. Detailed interiors, cabinetry, finishes, procurement or construction administration require their own defined scope.
Can Kernel work with my contractor or other designer?
Yes. Roles, document ownership and reliance must be clear, and each professional remains responsible for the work within their scope. Existing concepts can be reviewed as a starting point.
Are municipal approvals guaranteed?
No. Approval belongs to the applicable authority. Kernel’s role is to prepare and coordinate the agreed documents and respond to review comments related to its design.
What should I send for a custom-home quote?
Send the address, survey if available, reference plans or a room list, intended size and storeys, photographs of the property and any municipal or consultant information already obtained.
Areas we serve.
Kernel supports projects across Ontario. These pages provide local contact and permit context for core service areas.
Discuss your project with an engineer.
Send the property address, intended work and any drawings or photographs you already have. Kernel will confirm the appropriate written scope and fixed price up front.
Send project details