Our Firm

What inspires Lorne Rose?

Lorne has a true passion for architecture and is inspired by his clients. He loves nothing more than delivering a family the home of their dreams.

Lorne decided at the age of 10 that he wanted to do something in the realm of construction architecture. In order to fulfill this dream he attended the Ohio State University receiving his Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Wanting to pursue his passion further, he went on to obtain his Masters of Architecture at the University of Michigan before establishing his own firm.

Lorne prides himself in being hands on and intimately involved in every residential architecture project that comes through his door. If you were to speak with his many happy clients they would tell you about his:

• calm demeanour,
• his passion for house design,
• his dedication to each project and client and
• his brilliant creative vision.

Lorne lives in the Lytton Park neighbourhood of Toronto with his family. When he does have free time he loves to coach hockey, work in his garden and travel. Trips to Europe and Africa provide architectural inspiration and many subjects for his newest passion, photography.

• 1987 Bachelor of Science in Architecture – Ohio State University
• 1989 Master of Architecture – University of Michigan
• 1995 Establish own firm – Lorne Rose Architect Inc. (formerly Rose + Bigauskas Architects Inc.)

Lorne understands that every client is unique in their vision and their needs and it is only through a series of intense interaction that their dreams can be transformed into reality. With this comes a process and subsequent services that are customized for each client’s situation.

Our process for your project will likely follow this process:

Site Analysis

The first step is critical to guaranteeing that you end up with a quality home, renovation or addition. We will NOT start design work without first doing a site analysis to ensure that we have an understanding of the potential constraints and opportunities for your house. We will look at the soil, utilities, zoning restrictions, mature vegetation, view corridors, privacy concerns and exposure of wind and sun. All of our findings will be shared with you including any mapping or photography that may be done as part of the analysis.

Pre-Design

This stage is a very collaborative one. Our team will review the details of your project with you, including your budget. This pre-design phase will involve several meetings where we interview you and your family to understand what your vision is so we can make it a reality.

With our residential clients we like to visit you in your home so we can see how you are currently living. It gives us insights that you would not even think to share with us. It gives you the opportunity to show us your favourite places in your home, where time is mostly spent and beloved items in the home that will be moving to the new one.

Schematic Design

Schematic design is concept driven, as we do not begin designing until we have isolated the important concepts. It is from these concepts that the actual designs will develop. We will have you share your wish list with us and ask you what practical needs the indoor and outdoor spaces need to serve. We will discuss favourite materials, places, and motifs. Dislikes will also be documented during this interview.

First output is the site circulation study followed by the internal space relationship studies. With these relationships established we move on to testing exterior design ideas.

Design Development

This is the “bridge” to construction drawings. Engineering consultants, landscape designers, and other consultants will review the design drawing and give their input.

As the teams begin to layout their specialized systems, adjustments are quickly needed to accommodate the systems, while still preserving the design intentions.

Schedule & Budget

We recommend pre-selecting a contractor during the design phase, in order to give construction input before the plans have been finalized. An updated cost estimate and construction time line may then be developed, which is refined as more detailed drawings are produced. If you do not have a contractor that you have selected to work on your project, then Lorne Rose Architect can organize a cost-estimator, or a contractor who has strong project management resources; they will do the cost estimating during the design process.

Construction Documentation

Small-scale detailing and materials specifications provide consistency, clarity and reinforcement of the “broad brush” design concepts established earlier. The documents’ work truly completes and strengthens the overall design. It provides the up-close attention to detail, which our customers appreciate in the final product

Construction Administration

Surprisingly, we have found the design process continues into the construction phase, with important opportunities to strengthen the design. Sometimes changes are required or requested, and these inevitably provide new design opportunities. Finally, the contractor and his tradesman are frequently the source of creative ideas which can improve the final design.