Martin Pykalo Architect

I am an Architect practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hello
I am a Registered Architect practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Since settling here nearly a decade ago I have been very fortunate to not only establish my career in this thriving marketplace but to also root my family life to this beautiful place. As your professional service provider I strive to help you achieve all of your project goals. My aim is to do this through the application of consistent high standards of professionalism, quality and timely delivery

of service. Reliable and Responsive:
Always striving to provide reliable and responsive professional services to my clients, I will work with you to fully understand all of your project parameters. This is key in defining the necessary scope of service, as well as the nature and character of service that you expect. Trust and Teamwork:
Understanding that most clients favour a collaborative process and expect to work closely with their architect in a relationship of teamwork and trust, my open approach will help you define your specific project needs. Ultimately this level of mutual understanding will allow us to focus the necessary expertise, experience and creativity to address those needs. Your Needs and Your Wants:
I will work with you to develop a design aesthetic that suits your discerning taste and serves to express your individuality. I will also pay particular attention to the needs of all end users and make sure that your design is efficient and fully meets these needs. Easy Municipal Approvals:
My professional services assure that your project easily receives the necessary approvals from all authorities having jurisdiction. On Budget and On Schedule:
I will work closely with you, and the entire project team, to arrive at a design that can be built on budget and on schedule. This includes a focus on a project that is easily constructed, and where trade sequencing and detailing are well thought out. Savings During Construction:
The documents that are my instruments of service to you are the instructions according to which contractors build your project. I will make certain that drawings and specifications produced for your project are as complete, accurate and coordinated as is possible. This level of service is proven to save enormous amounts of effort during construction by avoiding expensive contract change orders which ultimately leads to best value for your investment. Energy Efficient:
I will work with you to assess your expectations regarding energy efficiency and long term building performance. Should you choose to exceed regulatory requirements and pursue an energy efficient project, I will work with you to select the most appropriate energy performance measures and will provide assistance securing access to current incentive programs. Working with you satisfies my desire to be a positive contributor to a better built environment. I relish the process of defining the project program, analyzing your needs, visualizing the outcome, and finally bringing your project to life. When you happily enter your completed building for the first time I will be there with you to share in your rush of pride and achievement.

03/28/2015

When are the Services of an Architect Required in British Columbia? http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-2i

When are the Services of an Architect Required in British Columbia? British Columbia law, through the Architects Act, mandates that persons who are not architects are prohibited from promoting or providing architectural services on projects which involve the following typologies and scope: Public Assembly Occupancies (Group A - Part 3): Any one-storey building with an unsupported span exceeding 9 m or gross area exceeding 275 m2 Any building of more than one storey with gross area exceeding 235 m2… [ 129 more words. ]

10/13/2014

Quality Assurance in the Delivery of Architectural Services http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-2c

Quality Assurance in the Delivery of Architectural Services Achieving quality in the delivery of architectural services comprises two very different parallel processes. The design process is non-linear as it strives to respond to factors and challenges that are unique to every project. Quality management, on the other hand, is a very linear process that strives to apply standardized methods which are intended to consistently assure predictable outcomes. Given that the non-linear design process is so central to the delivery of projects, it is commonly believed that linear quality management approaches are a hinderance and are incompatible with project flow. [ 339 more words. ]

07/11/2014

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia – Part Three: Make sure you get what you pay for! http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-26

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia - Part Three: Make sure you get what you pay for! The Contract The agreement you enter into with your Architect is a complex document which strives to strike a reasonable balance between your and the Architect’s interests. The Architectural Institute of British Columbia mandates that services,… [ 1694 more words. ]

06/28/2014

Would you like to avoid common BC building project problems? http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-21

Would you like to avoid common BC building project problems? Everyone knows that complex building projects are prone to delays, disputes and deficiencies, accepting that these are an unfortunate result of the complexity inherent in the design and construction process. However not many people know that there are… [ 772 more words. ]

05/10/2014

How to Hire a Contractor in British Columbia – Part Three: The Formal Procurement Process http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-1V

How to Hire a Contractor in British Columbia – Part Three: The Formal Procurement Process Once you have reduced your list of potential contractors down to three or four proponents you will need to ask them to submit proposals for constructing your home or building. This is a very important step in the course of your project. It is where most… [ 1656 more words. ]

04/21/2014

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia – Part Two: How to Find and Interview Potential Architects http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-1M

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia – Part Two: How to Find and Interview Potential... Finding an Architect Choosing the right Architect is likely the most critical project decision you will make. Once everything is completed and your building is fully occupied you will measure its success against the criteria that you define with your… [ 804 more words. ]

04/13/2014

10 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your British Columbia Building Project – Tip Two – Require Firm Fees and Pricing http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-1A

10 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your British Columbia Building Project - Tip Two - Require Firm... It is imperative that you make sure your project team cater their services to match with your requirements and goals. Obtaining fixed fees and prices for services that are specifically catered to your needs will allow you to plan the project financial… [ 984 more words. ]

04/05/2014

How to Hire a Contractor in British Columbia – Part Two: Qualities to Look For http://wp.me/p4t7Ji-1u

How to Hire a Contractor in British Columbia – Part Two: Qualities to Look For There are several issues which owners need to consider before beginning the formal construction contract procurement process. Some of these will be reviewed with your Architect early on in the design process. They may include the form of project delivery,… [ 572 more words. ]

10 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your British Columbia Building Project - Tip One: The Value of the...

03/30/2014

http://martinpykaloarchitect.com/?p=80

10 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your British Columbia Building Project - Tip One: The Value of the... The value of using the right Architect, Engineering Consultants and Contractor: Architects have the experience, education, and vision to help you obtain best value for your investment while also ma...

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia - Part One: What do you need to build?

03/26/2014

http://martinpykaloarchitect.com/?p=68

How to Hire an Architect in British Columbia - Part One: What do you need to build? Typically your working relationship with an Architect will begin with a process of identifying the required services to successfully complete the project. Here all available and missing information...