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Great architecture goes beyond the walls of the home—it extends to the edges of the property. A well-designed home is not simply placed on a lot to satisfy zoning requirements. It is carefully positioned to respond to the unique qualities of the site—its views, topography, vegetation, and relationship to the surrounding neighbourhood. Just as importantly, […]
For many homeowners, there comes a moment when the conversation around building or renovating shifts. It’s no longer about the next step—it’s about the final one. The Last House™ represents more than just a project; it’s a mindset, a philosophy, and a deeply personal approach to designing a home that will support, inspire, and adapt […]
If you’ve been thinking about a major renovation—but hesitating on timing—this is the moment to take a closer look. As of April 1, 2026, Ontario has expanded its HST rebate to include substantial renovations, creating a meaningful opportunity for homeowners to reinvest in their existing homes. What This Means for Renovations The updated program allows […]
As energy efficiency becomes a more prominent part of residential design, many homeowners are hearing the term “Net Zero”—often with mixed or unclear explanations. At its core, Net Zero is about performance. But what does that actually mean for your home, your lifestyle, and your project? What is Net Zero? In technical terms, a Net […]
At some point, many homeowners reach a crossroads with their home. The space may no longer suit their lifestyle, the layout may feel dated, or the house simply no longer reflects how they want to live. The question that often follows is a simple one: should we renovate our existing home, or build new? At […]
Designing a home on a rural property is a rare opportunity. Unlike most urban or suburban sites, rural land offers space, privacy, and connection to the landscape. But that freedom also comes with complexity. The land itself becomes one of the most important parts of the design process. A successful rural home isn’t just placed […]
When designing a custom home you think about the present moment — how you live today, what your family needs now, and what feels inspiring and personal. But the most successful homes also look ahead. A thoughtfully designed custom home should evolve with you. It should anticipate lifestyle shifts, market expectations, technological advancements, and long-term […]
Designing a custom home is one of the most personal and meaningful investments a family can make. It is also one of the most complex. One of the first questions clients ask is simple: What does it cost to design a custom home? The answer depends on a number of factors—size, complexity, approvals, and the […]
The architectural design wish list meeting is one of the most exciting steps in creating a custom home. It’s where ideas start to take shape, inspiration becomes intentional, and your vision begins its transition from imagination to architecture. While you don’t need to arrive with answers to every design question, a little preparation will make […]
For many homeowners, the term accessory structure once brought to mind something purely functional—a simple detached garage, a modest pool house, or a small garden shed. Today, that definition has evolved dramatically. Accessory buildings are no longer secondary afterthoughts; they are intentional, highly designed extensions of the home that play a vital role in how […]
When it comes to custom home design, true craftsmanship lies in the seamless marriage of performance and aesthetics. At David Small Designs, we believe that a home should not only look beautiful but also perform beautifully — functioning efficiently, comfortably, and sustainably behind the scenes. Just like in aviation and automotive design, a home’s success […]
Designing the Garage: Why the Garage for Your Custom Home Deserves Thoughtful Design When building a custom home, it’s easy to focus on the living room, the kitchen island, or a dramatic entryway. But at David Small Designs, we know that the garage — when designed with intention — is far more than a place […]
Balancing Vision, Property, and Regulations Designing a custom home is an exciting journey — a chance to bring your unique vision to life. But it’s also a highly complex process, shaped by a wide range of competing factors: your dreams and design preferences, the unique characteristics of your property, and an increasingly layered and demanding […]
Canadian architecture is a beautiful fusion of global influences. From Georgian to Colonial to Craftsman styles, Canadian designers have reinterpreted them in ways that feel distinctly Canadian. But if we were to define the essence of what makes a Canadian home truly Canadian, we look to The Timberframe Home. This design celebrates nature, […]
