Mark H Smith Designs Inc.

We purchased a house downtown that we wanted to turn into a legal duplex. We hired Mark to draw up the plans and submit to the City. During the design process Mark was very patient and efficient. He also came up with some innovative ideas. The plans were submitted and were approved by the City without ANY changes. We highly recommend Mark. He is detail oriented; a very good communicator and was always ready and willing to answer our questions. It was a sheer pleasure to know him and work with him.

Our Goal: to do extensive renovations to both the interior and exterior of our house that involved restructuring our roof and creating an open-concept for our interior space. We had no idea how to move forward with the project.
Mark worked on preparing plans for a whole house renovation where we could do some of the work ourselves and be general contractors for the larger structural changes. He spent a great deal of time talking to us about our home and rural property and taking accurate measurements of the existing structure. The conversations and measurements were translated into several design proposals that would meet our needs. Mark continued to meet with us to refine our design options. Although we must have been challenging clients because we did not have a clear picture of what we wanted, he did not issue any ultimatums during the design process. Instead, we were offered complete design options from which we were able to pick and choose. His design ideas varied from very conservative to bold. Being given the option of combining designs instead of choosing only one was exactly what we were looking for. Mark’s background in construction allowed him to point out advantages and disadvantages for different designs. He worked with the town building inspector to get permits approved and made any design adjustments required. Mark was able to change plans in a timely manner to incorporate an additional removal of a small wall which lengthened the beam needed, while construction was occurring. He was able to alter the plan, have it sent to the building inspector and approved on a day when roads were closed due to a snow storm. Although initially reluctant to work directly with a homeowner, our contractors were happy to do the work as soon as they saw the details and quality of the plan.

We were completely satisfied with Mark’s technical knowledge and professional approach. We would not hesitate to refer anyone to Mark for architectural design services.

Mark is an effective communicator and provided great service from the day I signed up to the day I received my second set of building permits over a year later. Mark came up with creative solutions for the open concept design I wanted as well as the approach I should take with the city in order to start work on the building quicker. Mark was also an invaluable part of the Committee of Adjustments (“CofA”) process. He diligently prepared the case and did a great job of representing my project and he was successful in obtaining a minor variance for the third floor addition and basement apartment portion of the project.
The total project involved a complete renovation and two storey addition of a fully detached three-storey home. Mark thoughtfully redesigned the floor plans for each floor of the building in order to provide the open concept living we desired and a separate one bedroom apartment in the basement. The project did have some challenges during construction, but Mark was able to effectively navigate the issues at hand and come up with timely solutions. Overall, I would recommend Mark and would use him again for any future projects.

Great experience of professionalism and collaboration to get the perfect plan. The timeline was as promised. Mark is great at what he does! He took the time to ensure that all the details were taken care of.

Mark was helpful from the first conversation. I had no idea where to start when we decided to demolish and rebuild our garage. I hadn't even hired him and he was full of info and advice. He kept time lines and kept in contact with us. I don't have a single complaint. Thanks Mark . Sarah and Ethan

Our experience working with Markedly Better Design, Drafting and Permit Services was professional, timely and thorough. Mark Smith's ideas and communications were helpful, and promised deadlines were met. Helpful contacts in the area were made with Mark's knowledge of local resources. Permit needs and application procedures were also organized. Overall a very pleasant experience in our renovation process.

We are adding to our log cabin. Mark was great to work with re helping us achieve a buildable design that would work with existing rooflines. He made adjustments based on feedback and it was a very collaborative process. He also handled getting the permit in place for us. Good service, good price, good experience.

We are renovating our cottage, Mark did a terrific job assisting us with design and providing architecture drawings for our contractors. He also ensured all permits were properly in place.

As our family grew, the entrance to our lake home was getting cramped with insufficient space for multiple guests to stand and get coats on. We also needed another half bath for all the guests. Mark came up with several good solution,s, one of which we approved, and hope to start construction in 2015. We found Mark to be very customer-oriented, punctual, and creative. We actually enjoyed working with him on this project.