Designer, Architect, Decorator

All three have creativity and knowledge of styles, current and past.

The headings below give a brief outline about what each is qualified to do in Canada.

Interior Designer
Architect
Decorator

Who you decide to hire will depend on your project and if you require a permit from the local building department.

Commercial projects, such as a retail store or restaurant, require a building permit. In order to obtain a building permit, construction drawings are required. It is therefore necessary to hire a qualified person or company to produce the drawings. Refer to the headings above.

Only in the case of minor changes to an existing space will a permit not be required. This would only apply to items such as minor repair or painting. These are public spaces and all code standards still apply, even to minor changes.

Residential projects, such as a renovation or addition to an existing building, will require a building permit. Any structural work must comply with the code standards. Construction drawings are required for submission for a permit. A qualified person or company must be hired to produce the drawings. Refer to the headings above.

Projects, such as painting, adding wall covering or new cabinets do not require a permit.

Refer to the ‘Building Permit’ section for further information as to when a permit is or is not required. Click on the heading below.

Building Permit

Whether you hire an individual or firm will be determined by the size of your project. Any individual or firm must be qualified to meet the provincial guidelines established for their profession, within the applicable province.

Individuals and smaller firms will usually handle the smaller projects. Projects such as retail stores, restaurants and home renovations or additions. Even the building of a new house that is not part of a development project.

Larger firms will usually handle the larger scale projects. These types of projects are the design of an entire building such as a shopping centre, a condominium or town house complex.

Whomever you hire, you should feel comfortable working with them. Ask about the types of services they provide, how they charge for their services and if references are available.