Design Concept: Part 2 - Solidifying the Plan
This is the third in our seven-part series documenting the journey of creating Warm Welcome Design's new office. Follow along as we take you behind the scenes of our design process - the same thoughtful approach we use with every client project.
After exploring three different floor plan options in our last blog of the series, we've made our decision. Now it's time to move from possibility to reality, and that means getting serious about the details that will bring this vision to life.
The Perfect Plan
After considering all the possible directions, we've determined the way forward—the perfect mix of computer working space, material review areas, beautiful furnishings, and a proper boardroom. After polling past clients, family, and friends, I'm confident this floor plan packs a lot into a footprint that isn't enormous.
The goal has always been to create a space where people actually want to be, and I feel we've accomplished that by embracing the most expansive plan and welcoming natural light throughout the layout. This is where intentional design meets everyday functionality.
preliminary render of the the new WW studio
The Not-So-Glamorous (But Critical) Permit Phase
Now that the floor plan is complete, we're moving into the permit drawings phase. Here's where we have to consider fire safety, plumbing, emergency electrical, and interior partitions. Although this is the less exciting part of the process, we absolutely nerd out on getting all these details right so our design can shine.
These elements are so important to address properly from the start because they're crucial for avoiding delays in getting our permits. I have an aggressive construction schedule, and the timeline hinges entirely on those permits.
For context, the City of Toronto advises they need 20 business days to review permit drawings and issue approval. But if something is missing or they require more information, they're allowed another 20 business days. If they take the full 40 business days, we won't hit our move-in-by-Christmas goal.
I always plan for the worst, but we need to be out of our current space by December 31st, and it's important to me that we do everything in our power to make our timeline work.
Taking the Reins
The unique part of this project is that we're managing it start to finish. From permits to coordinating all trades, this is a Warm Welcome project holistically. Which will be a new challenge for me.
Having this level of control was so important that I've relied on trusted trades to allow me to take on this new endeavour. I have the whole construction schedule documented, trades lined up, and buffers built in. It's nerve-wracking and exhilarating in equal measure.
This is actually very similar to how we approach full-service projects with clients—we become the single point of contact, managing every detail so they don't have to. Experiencing this from the inside out is giving me a whole new appreciation for the process.
A Phased Approach
While we wait for permits and solidify all our trade contracts, we'll pivot to finalizing finishes. I'm a huge fan of a phased approach, and I recommend it to clients all the time. With a small team and lots of client projects on the go, we only have so much capacity to give to the new office.
My focus for move-in (by the end of this year) is doing the kitchenette and powder room to 100% completion. The millwork has to be absolute perfection, the faucets have to melt in your hand, and that immediate "OMG I'm in Warm Welcome's studio" feeling has to be there. These two areas are Phase 1—they're the spaces that will set the tone for everything else.
We'll bring our existing desks, shelving units, and furniture with us to get through the doors and working, but we plan to move into Phase 2 in spring of 2026. That's when we'll build out our sample library system, lounge space, and ideally new team desks.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and we're going to be in this space for a very long time. It's important to me that we don't rush what matters most and that we create and build on the space as we have the capacity and focus. This is something I always tell clients: it's better to do fewer things exceptionally well than to do everything at once and compromise on quality.
The beauty of a phased approach is that it allows the space to evolve with us. We'll live in it, understand how we use it, and make informed decisions about Phase 2 based on real experience rather than just theoretical planning.
Next up in Blog 4, we'll dive into Design Development: covering the finishes, fixtures, and details that will bring this studio to life.
