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BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES

BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES

Whether it’s time to renovate, expand, or design and build sustainably, GNAR Inc’s residential design experts have you covered.  Leveraging the power of 3D Building Information Models (BIM) and the GNAR Inc. process can reduce timelines and avoid unforeseen costs. 

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Our Building Design Process

client roadmap

Phase 1 - Interior Design

PHASE 1

DISCOVERY

Following your inquiry, we schedule a discovery consultation, either on-site or virtually, to explore your project goals, timeline, and design aspirations.  After the meeting, we provide a tailored proposal outlining the project scope, fees, and next steps.

Phase 2 – Documentation & Permitting

PHASE 2

DOCUMENTATION & PERMITTING

We conduct a detailed site visit to capture accurate measurements, photographs, and all relevant information needed to produce existing condition drawings.

One of our Sustainable Home Designer visits your property to collect precise measurements for your BIMx 3D model. This model forms the foundation of your existing home’s digital replica and later, your future design. You’ll also receive the BIMx app so you can virtually walk through both your current space and your future design.

A Lead Building Designer is then assigned, and all project information is handed off for the next phase.

Phase 3 – Concept Development

PHASE 3

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Now the fun begins! This is your chance to share ideas, inspirations, and must-haves. We translate everything into a Design Brief, a roadmap that captures your vision before detailed design begins. After the meeting, we send you the Design Brief for review and confirmation.

Using your BIMx model, we begin shaping your new space or renovation.  This phase focuses on the big-picture vision, with regular check-ins to ensure alignment. Once you’re happy with the concept, you’ll sign off to proceed.
(Don’t forget to explore your future space using the BIMx app!)

Conceptual design typically represents about 50% of the work needed for a building permit, though this varies by project.

Our Interior Design team partners with the Lead Building Designer to ensure every space is functional, intuitive, and aligned with your overall vision. Together, they refine room placement, circulation flow, and furniture layouts so each area feels intentional and well-resolved. This early coordination also establishes precise wall and window locations, providing the structural team with clear, accurate information from the start and helping prevent unnecessary revisions later in the process.

*Concept Design Sign-off

Phase 4 – Detailed Design & Documentation

PHASE 4

DETAILED DESIGN & PERMIT SUBMISSION

Your concept is refined into detailed drawings ready for technical coordination. We work closely with structural and geotechnical engineers, who will provide quotes and feedback as needed. For early build-cost insight, we recommend involving a General Contractor during this phase to help align your design with your construction budget.

Engineering timelines vary depending on the consultant.

Our Interior Design team creates a complete set of drawings to guide your project, including:

– Black-and-white 3D layouts and color renders with virtual walkthrough
– Concept look book and material selections (fixtures, finishes, tiles, countertops, paint, carpet, etc.)
– Specification sheets for appliances, lighting, plumbing, millwork, bathroom accessories, tile, flooring, millwork, countertops and more
– Technical drawings: floor finishes, electrical, reflective ceiling plans, interior elevations, sections, and details
– Revisions and lead designer review for coordination and accuracy

Once drawings are finalized, we submit the Building Permit Application to the municipality on your behalf and handle any required revisions.

*Building Permit Sign-off

Phase 5 – Design Execution Oversight

PHASE 5

TECHNICAL DESIGN

(upon request)

Our base service covers the overall design.  If you require more detailed technical drawings such as wall assemblies, construction specifications, or builder-ready details for accurate pricing, these can be added as an optional service.

Phase 6 – Decor, Furniture & Styling

PHASE 6

DECOR, FURNITURE & STYLING

(upon request)

We source, purchase, schedule, and coordinate delivery of all furnishings, fixtures, and décor, tracking each item through to installation.

Our team oversees placement, installation, and final styling on-site, ensuring every detail aligns with your design vision.

post-permit

PHASE 6

POST PERMIT

(upon request)

After your permit is issued, we remain available to coordinate with contractors, conduct site visits, and assist with revisions as the project evolves. This ensures everything is executed smoothly and remains true to your approved design.

Our in-house Energy Advisor can support comfort and energy efficiency goals.  For new builds in Whistler, they can provide the required energy performance assessment (Step Code 4) for municipal compliance.

What's Your Project?

Sustainable Home Design

Design your dream home while reducing the impact that home will ultimately have on the environment.

Renovations

Ensure all the features and functionality you desire are included in the designs developed by the GNAR Inc. team.

Interior Design

Work with our interior designer to transform an existing space or design a new aesthetically pleasing and sustainable living space.

Additions

A growing home for a growing family.  Expanded living space, additional bedrooms and bathrooms can all be seamlessly incorporated into your existing space by our design team.

Deep Energy Retrofits

Reduce your home’s overall energy consumption by 50% or more with an energy upgrade plan.

Construction Permit Specialists

At GNAR we specialize in helping you navigate the rough waters of permits.  We like to say we are Permit Ninja’s

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Sustainable Home Design

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Sustainable Home Design

Throughout the entire project life-cycle; conceptualization, design development, permitting, and construction (including material and resource selection as well as progress monitoring) GNAR Inc. will deliver fantastic sustainable building designs. We are focused on working closely with you, the client, to bring your vision to life.  Working to incorporate elements of Passive House design, meeting net-zero building standards, and designing energy-positive buildings are all ways we will work with you to create a sustainable home design.

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Renovations

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Renovations

Embarking on a renovation can be an opportunity to improve energy efficiency and functionality within a space, and create space you have been dreaming of.  It can also provide you with the opportunity to increase the value of your home.  Through the use of our 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, we will bring your vision to life and ensure that everything needed to obtain building permits is provided and construction goes smoothly.

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Interior Design

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Interior Design

Whether you’ve just wrapped up a renovation, addition, or a full new build, the next step is transforming that space into something that truly reflects your vision. Our in-house designer will collaborate with you to bring your ideas to life—creating a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels just right and functions seamlessly for your lifestyle.

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Additions

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Additions

Increasing the square footage of your building can provide endless opportunities (bedrooms, bathrooms, and rental suites are just a few suggestions).  No matter the timeline or budget the GNAR Inc. design team will work with you to seamlessly integrate the new space with the existing space.  A well planned and executed addition will increase the value of your home today and tomorrow.   

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Deep Energy Retrofits

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Deep Energy Retrofits

When preparing to embark on a renovation or addition to a space often priority is given to design layout. A deep energy retrofit can also provide the opportunity to improve a home’s air quality, thermal comfort, and durability.  A whole-building analysis will identify opportunities for investment/upgrades (including but not limited to adding insulation, replacing windows glazing, or replacing the roof) to improve a home’s overall energy performance.

Permit Icon

Construction Permit Specialists

Permit Icon
Construction Permit
Specialists​

At GNAR Inc., we’re not just experts – we’re permit ninjas. With an unrivalled grasp of the local permitting process, we excel where others stumble. Whether it’s securing permits swiftly or navigating complex regulations, we’ve got it covered. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the intricacies of permitting for you. Whether you’re seeking our full-service design and permit package, resolving un-permitted space issues, or closing open permits, consider it done with GNAR Inc. We’ve got you covered from start to finish. Have a project that needs our expertise? Don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Word On The Street

The team at GNAR was able to deliver in 4 months what we were unable to achieve in 2.5 years with the previous designer and RMOW.

Paul S
Whistler

We worked with GNAR to design our complex property; they are professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. We made it through the 3 year process without a moment of regret!

Keltie
Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa

We loved working with your Interior Design team. We are so happy with all the selected elements/finishings and the end result is just gorgeous.

Debbie & Chuck
Whistler

I had an excellent experience working with Jessica on my home redesign. She listened to my ideas and transformed my space with her exceptional creativity and eye for detail. Jessica guided me through every step, respecting my budget while providing valuable insights. Her professionalism and responsiveness made collaboration seamless, resulting in a beautiful, functional space that perfectly reflects my personality. I highly recommend Jessica to anyone looking to elevate their home!

Jessica B
Squamish

GNAR recently helped us with our resubmittal process, we worked with Luke on this package, he was very thorough and professional. At the time we were having issues with the building department, Luke was able to get it modelled, put together the BP package resubmittal and have it submitted in under 2 weeks, we were successful in the resubmittal and were able to close out the permit. Looking forward to working with GNAR on the next project.

Nathan
CVC Custom Homes

We worked with Jessica on the interior design and furnishing of our new home, following several positive experiences on past projects. We were thrilled to have her lead the design of our new build. Her work is outstanding. From early collaboration with the architect and builder, she helped create a home with a well-balanced design, a highly functional layout, and timeless, beautiful finishes. We look forward to working with Jessica and the GNAR team again and recommend her without hesitation for any interior design project.

Ardie V
Whistler

Jessica and her team at GNAR were absolutely incredible to work with. Skilled, knowledgeable and friendly while navigating the many revisions I requested and challenges we encountered. True professionals that I would recommend to anyone.

Paul D
Squamish
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