COMPANY
An architectural design service in Bloor West Village, Toronto, Canada since 1992. A sole proprietorship from its inception to today. Small and personal, it nevertheless includes a group of carefully chosen and versatile consultants (structural and mechanical engineers, arborists, land surveyors and mentor architect). These specialists are retained on a project-to-project basis, complementing the architectural services provided.
The senior, renowned mentor to the practice is a highly-experienced local architect. He furnishes not only his work but extends professional advice and insights throughout the design work and permit process.
The architectural practice specializes especially in residential and small commercial projects for its clients, which include working families, professionals, contractors, landscaping companies, real estate agents, and home inspectors.
Projects vary from simple interior alterations, rear additions, second storeys, interior alterations, to complete gut outs, as well as new homes or cottages.
Pablo Pikelin Plans and Permits evolved from pure production of ‘plans’. (Clients most often say, “I need plans.” Some will add, “Now!”, and some need or want them “Yesterday!”)
After the plans are executed, the next request by the client is for the “permit.” That is, the various required building permits and related approvals which are needed to satisfy the municipalities where the project will be achieved.
The group begins to produce architectural plans by focusing on the “design.” “Architectural Design” is always the core principle of every project undertaken by Pablo Pikelin Plans and Permits.
Many clients will ask if the practice provides estimates for the realized project, and “hands on” building services, based on the approved drawings. A few years back, the group started offering small to medium scale construction services, some based on its own design drawings, others developing the projects of others in the field. To accommodate the increase in project referrals and word of mouth references, the “design and build services” of the practice emerged. The “portfolio” exemplifies some of the design and design-build projects which have been brought to completion.
With the “design and build” activities endeavor came project co-ordination and management that now form an integral part of Pablo Pikelin Plans and Permits service.
New Directions: Green Practices and Products
In 1987, Pablo Pikelin completed a thesis for his university graduation on “Residential earth-sheltered housing design, incorporating by design, energy conservation, and use of active and passive solar systems,” showing a forward interest in green design and sustainability issues.
The current world crisis of energy and pollution issues has prompted Pablo to add green resources to the practice’s otherwise mainstream design, as well as “green-oriented” professionals and mentors.
The move toward “green” proved timely as the group participated in the March 2008 successful volunteer initiative Canada Blooms Show, in Toronto. The flower and garden festival helped to launch the group in the green field. They produced a green roof pergola, a shed and wall system for the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association booth, “Backyard Ecotopia”. www.backyardecotopia.ca
The booth earned several awards that made the professional crew’s efforts very rewarding.
No project comes as a fully green design. In most cases, Pablo and “the team” design for existing homes that need major upgrading in terms of energy efficiency and/or are in need of expansion. Nevertheless this is an opportunity for the resourceful group and the client to consider incorporating green living in its design scheme.
The group of experts research, report and specify green materials and add these components to the drawings.
The practice voluntarily joined the green energy provider, Bullfrogpower, in 2007, as a statement and commitment to be part of the solution for a healthier, greener future.
A new venture for the group is the upcoming addition of “green products” that can enhance some of their “greener living” designs and people’s lifestyles.
