Residential Design Services in Alberta

Our Services

Residential Design Services Built for Alberta Homes

Every project begins with a clear plan. Horizon Design Studio provides custom residential home design services built around Alberta’s building code, Calgary bylaws, and the practical needs of real homeowners and builders.

Select the service that fits your project and see exactly what is included.

Basement Development Design

Turn unused basement space into a functional, code-aligned living area. Whether you’re planning a family space or preparing for a future suite, we design layouts that are safe, efficient, and ready for permit submission.

What’s included:

Basement development layouts designed to Alberta building standards
Egress planning, fire separation considerations, and mechanical clarity
Existing vs. proposed layout plans
Permit-ready drawings your builder and city can easily review
Floor plan flexibility based on your lifestyle and long-term use

Best for: Homeowners planning basement developments, family living spaces, or future-ready layouts.

Secondary Suite Design

Legal suites require precise planning, clear layouts, and strict compliance. We design basement and garage suites that follow Alberta’s current rules for safety, privacy, and rentability.

What’s included:

Legal basement suite plans aligned with Alberta code
Garage suite designs optimized for privacy, access, and usability
Egress windows, fire separation requirements, and mechanical placement
Layouts built to meet zoning and parking rules
Permit-ready drawings for easy submission

Best for: Homeowners creating rental units, multi-generational living, or income-generating spaces.

Custom Home Design

Bring your lot, your goals, and your budget. We design custom homes that balance layout, comfort, and Alberta compliance from day one.

What’s included:

Full layout design tailored to your lot dimensions and bylaw rules
Floor plans, site plans, and elevations, all permit-ready
Coordination notes for your builder
Alignment with the National Building Code and local municipal requirements
Up to 5 revision rounds (treated as one unless minor revisions)

Best for: Families building single-family homes or small multi-unit projects needing builder-ready drawings.

Garage Suites and Detached Units

Detached suites offer flexibility, privacy, and long-term value. We design layouts that fit your lot, meet zoning rules, and create functional spaces above or beside existing structures.

What’s included:

Above-garage suites, laneway homes, and detached units
Space-efficient layouts for living, renting, or family use
Compliance with setback rules, parking requirements, and egress needs
Permit-ready drawing packages
Designs that maximize usable space without exceeding lot constraints

Best for: Homeowners adding flexible living units or rental spaces.

Developer and Architectural Control Approvals

If you’re building in a new subdivision, your plans must meet developer guidelines before construction. We prepare, refine, and submit your drawings so they align with community design rules.

What’s included:

Revisions based on architectural control requirements
Formatting and detailing for developer submission
Streetscape submissions where required
Experience with Pollyco, GDS, Amar Developments, and others
Clear, compliant drawings ready for review

Best for: Homeowners and builders working within developer-controlled communities.

Optional Add-Ons

Sometimes a little extra clarity helps.These add-ons are available if you want added visibility or alternate layout options before final submission.

Available upgrades:

Best for: Clients who want to visualize their space or explore more than one direction.

Straight Answers for Alberta Homeowners and Builders

Can you coordinate directly with my builder or contractor?

Yes. Builder coordination helps reduce miscommunication, improves buildability, and often prevents costly construction changes later.

What if the city or developer requests changes after submission?

We handle requested changes efficiently and explain what is required so you are not stuck interpreting technical feedback.

Do you offer optional add-ons like 3D renderings, extra revisions, or layout options?

Yes. Add-ons are available if they help you make decisions or communicate more clearly with your builder, but they are not required for most projects.

Can you take over a project started by another designer or draftsperson?

Yes. We often step in to correct code issues, complete unfinished drawings, or redesign plans that were rejected during approvals.

Which service should I choose? Custom home, basement development, or secondary suite design?

If you are unsure, that is normal. We review your goals, lot, and municipal requirements and recommend the simplest service path to get you approved and building.

What is included in a typical permit-ready design package?

Most packages include floor plans, elevations, and site-related information as required for permitting, plus a coordinated drawing set that your builder can work from. The exact deliverables depend on project type.

Do you handle both basement suite plans and garage suite plans in Calgary?

Yes. We design legal secondary suites, including basement suites and garage suites, with layouts created for approval, privacy, and functional use.

Can you design duplex plans or small multi-unit residential projects?

Yes. We design duplex and small multi-unit layouts with zoning and permitting requirements in mind, especially for Alberta municipalities where regulations can vary.