We prepare feasibility studies before design begins to determine the highest and best use of a property. These studies surface opportunities and challenges in urban design, land use bylaws, municipal policies, transportation and waste management plans, and often political will.

The study can take on different forms depending on the client’s requirements. It can be a simple report, a site layout, or even a conceptual design with renderings. You can look at a selection of predesign work Gravity has done here.

“Schematic design is the phase of the project during which the client’s requirements and desires determined in the pre-design phase are resolved into physical, architectural form. The purpose of this phase is to transform the results of the pre-design investigations into a concept of “what will be built.” *

Our team transforms our clients’ requirements into an architectural form that meets their needs, while conforming to local Bylaws and Codes. Through a series of client meetings, we present to our client design iterations that each in turn aim to better meet their requirements. Typically we will resolve site layouts, floor plans, then exteriors each in turn, with the entire design clarifying as we proceed. This phase is complete when our client approves the schematic design.

“During the design development phase, the selected scheme, which was prepared during the schematic design phase, is refined and developed in more detail. Whereas the schematic design generally describes “what” is being built, the design development phase explores and determines “how” it is being built and how it will operate, with design features of the project more fully developed.”*

This design development phase is structured around the development permit approval process. Usually, during the first half of this phase, Gravity—along with other professional consultants—prepare a development permit package to present to our client for approval. This package presents the project in more detail, and incorporates information about the site, as well as the exterior materials and finishes.

Upon client approval, the package is submitted to the appropriate development authority (the City). Gravity then negotiates with the City on a design configuration that the City will approve. This phase is complete when the City releases the development permit.

“The construction documents stage of the design services is generally where...the project information developed and consolidated at the previous stages and accepted by the client comes together in the building’s definitive design solutions for all its elements and components, across all disciplines and at a level of comprehensiveness, depth and precision appropriate to the project’s chosen methods of procurement, construction work and delivery.”*

The construction documents phase is structured around the building permit approval process. Usually, during the first part of this phase, Gravity coordinates with other professional consultants to prepare a building permit package to present to our client for their approval. This set of drawings is coordinated with structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, envelope, energy modelling and other consultants to provide a consistent and detailed set of instructions for how to build the project.

Upon client approval, Gravity submits the package to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Gravity then responds to the plans examiners comments to prepare a set of permit drawings that the AHJ will approve. Upon building permit approval, Gravity prepares an issued for construction (IFC) set of drawings for the client to build from. The issuing of the IFC set completes this phase.

When a client asks for Gravity’s help in the selection of a builder using a competitive bid process, Gravity can assist the client to solicit bids from contractors so that he or she can award the construction contract. We generally recommend that clients bring a construction manager onto the project team as early as possible so that their expertise is available during the design process.

During the construction phase, if the client and the builder are different entities, Gravity can administer the construction contract between them to ensure that the terms are met and payments are appropriate. When this is not required, Gravity will simply fulfill our professional obligations for field review and field review coordination as outlined in Sentence 2.4.4.1.(1) of Division C of the Alberta Building Code (ABC) or Subsection 2.2.7.3., of the British Columbia Building Code. To this end, Gravity’s Contract Administrator, under an architect’s supervision, undertakes both the office and field functions of this phase.

Depending on the project, these functions may include reviewing the contractor’s performance in maintaining both the construction schedule and the standards or quality of construction; providing guidance to the contractor by interpreting the contract documents, answering questions verbally and, when required, issuing necessary documentation, including supplemental instructions, proposed changes, change directives or change orders in order to allow the progress of work on site; fulfilling performance standards for general review as required by the Building Code, the client-architect agreement, authorities having jurisdiction, and provincial or territorial associations of architects; and analyzing and adjusting the contractor’s application for payment and certification of the payment.

Our goal in the construction phase is to ensure that the project that our client is expecting gets delivered.

At Gravity, we specialize in residential, commercial, mixed-use and community-oriented projects that prioritize constructibility, cost efficiency, and long-term resilience. From the earliest design phases, we integrate cost and feasibility analysis to ensure concepts align with both budgetary constraints and long-term operational performance. This strategic approach minimizes revisions and helps prevent unforeseen costs later in the process.

Our team blends deep design expertise with hands-on construction experience. This combination allows us to deliver buildings that are both visionary and practical. Our solutions are rooted in performance, efficiency, and clear communication with all project stakeholders. We excel in complex design conditions and challenging environments, where our proactive process helps identify and resolve issues before they impact outcomes.

As leaders in BIM management, we utilize Revit on every project to streamline coordination and enhance clarity. Our workflow is open and collaborative. We invite all stakeholders into our project management system so that milestones, timelines, and goals are always transparent and on track. Effective time management is core to our practice, helping us deliver accurate and efficient work from the start.

We use advanced, industry-standard software and maintain a structured workflow that keeps client goals at the forefront of every project.

At Gravity we provide solutions for today's complex housing market. We have a proven track record of achieving maximum residential density without compromising quality of life. We create well-designed, high-quality spaces that support long-term livability. Our team remains agile and responsive to market shifts and socio-economic challenges, continuously adopting new approaches to address the evolving housing crisis. Our solutions are grounded in market needs and built to withstand the test of time.

Gravity is powered by a multidisciplinary team that includes registered architects, intern architects, architectural technologists, BIM experts, construction administrators, marketing professionals, visualization specialists, and graphic designers. Every member of our team is committed to excellence in their craft and to the success of each project.

We actively engage with the industry and participate in continuing education to maintain the highest standards in design and project delivery. Design challenges are approached with curiosity and handled with care. Project management tasks are completed with a proactive mindset and attention to detail. No matter the scale or complexity, we treat every project with the same dedication and precision. 

Gravity integrates sustainable design with equity, affordability, and long-term resilience. Our LEED-accredited team aligns projects with green certifications and incentive programs to deliver high-performance, community-focused outcomes.

The Seton Net Zero Townhomes in Calgary exemplify this approach. As the city’s first CHBA-certified Net Zero multi-unit project, the 36 homes cut energy use by up to 70 percent, eliminate natural gas, and reduce emissions. High-efficiency systems and rooftop solar lower costs, while airtight construction and triple-pane windows improve comfort, air quality, and durability.Through projects like Seton, Gravity shows how sustainability can drive environmental, economic, and social value.