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The Blueprint

Welcome to our news archive. Learn the latest on recent projects, what we’re working on and discover ideas for your custom home design. 

Custom home floor plan.

The Power of Custom: Purchasing Floor Plans vs. Custom Home Design

October 10, 2017
Every now and again, we’re asked if the floor plans of our existing homes are for sale. At David Small Designs, all of our home designs are completely…Tags:#custom home design#property#setbacks#zoning#floor plans#organic architecture
Home rendering with ramp entrance, wood door and wood siding.

What is Universal Design?

September 12, 2017
With an aging North American population, we’ve noticed an upward trend of clients looking to design homes that will accommodate their needs as they grow…Tags:#custom home design#universal design#elevator#flush entry#bungalow#bungaloft#access ramp#beach-entry pool#aging in place
Traditional house with gray siding, white frame windows and natural stone.

Recently Completed: The Craftsman Reno

August 20, 2015
This before picture is all too familiar. When driving through suburban neighbourhoods across the GTA you are guaranteed to see a version of this 1970s…Tags:#custom homemississaugarenovationcraftsman
Ultra modern house with stucco, wood siding and natural stone.

Modern Oasis - OHBA Awards of Distinction 2015 Finalist

August 18, 2015
We are thrilled to share that our Modern Oasis design is a finalist for Most Outstanding Custom Home over 5000 sq.ft. at this year's Ontario…Tags:mississaugamodern housefloating stairblack frame windowsohba awardshome design
Bill Small and David Small.

A Tribute

February 20, 2015
This week we celebrated the life of Bill Small, David’s father and mentor who passed on February 12th, 2015. Bill personified the phrase "live life to…Tags:bildchbabill small
David small designs in race for humanity.

Race for Humanity 2014

July 16, 2014
We had so much fun last year we had to do it again! On July 9th, Team DSD (aka Custom Homies) laced up our running shoes and hit the streets of Toronto…Tags:#torontohabitat for humanityrace for humanitycharity
Custom home with white brackets, green garage door and grid windows.

What is Arts & Crafts?

July 3, 2014
And no, we're not talking about the weekend activity you do with your kids. Rather, we're referring to the architectural design style. Used interchangeably…Tags:craftsmanarts and craftsfrank lloyd wrightmississauga gabled roof
Traditional kitchen with breakfast bar, white countertop and tile backsplash.

A Home With Soul

February 22, 2014
In a meeting the other day, David described the process of designing a custom home as "creating a home with soul". We receive calls every week from…Tags:#architectural design#custom homehome designnatural modern
Natural modern house with wood siding, black frame windows and angled walls.

David's House on Freshome

January 28, 2014
A "modern home that attracts and even converts traditionalists" is how Freshome, an international design blog, introduced David's…Tags:#custom homemississauganatural modernfreshomefloating roofnatural stone
Mississauga house with metal roof, cupola and corner windows.

What is Transitional Design?

December 5, 2013
Transitional design is the middle ground between traditional and modern. It's a balance of the sleek, stream-lined design associated with contemporary…Tags:#architectural designmississaugatransitional designoakvillegabled roof
Traditional home with red brick, natural stone and copper detailing.

Bungalow Renovation

November 21, 2013
We receive calls regularly from homeowners inquiring about renovating their bungalow. These inquiries can be broken down into three categories: 1) homeowners…Tags:#bungalowmississaugahome renovationmodern renovationking city
Modern house with steel beams, wood soffit and black frame windows.

Mississauga Urban Design Awards 2013

October 2, 2013
  You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality. – Walt…Tags:#custom home designmississauganatural moderndesign awards