York Region
Architect in Markham
Your Markham project should solve a real need, whether that is a better family home, room for another generation or a business space customers can navigate easily. OAN develops architectural designs from that brief, with careful attention to the existing building and the character of its surroundings.
Discuss your project01A sense of place
Respect the setting while making room for change
Markham identifies heritage conservation districts in Thornhill, Markham Village, Buttonville and Unionville. Each has its own guidance. That means a heritage-sensitive design begins with the actual district and property, rather than a general historic look. Outside these areas, the existing street and building still provide important clues about scale and use.
Use the district plan as a design input
In a heritage district, new work needs to respond to more than the facade. Lot patterns, planting and the relationship to neighbouring buildings can contribute to the setting. Establish the relevant district guidance before developing an addition, new building or exterior alteration.
Keep useful original features
When adapting an older building, identify the parts that give it character and the parts that prevent it from working well. A considered layout can improve circulation and everyday function while reducing unnecessary changes to significant exterior features. Specialist heritage input may be needed for the scope.
Bring business operations into the design
A shop or office needs a clear entrance, an understandable customer route and practical support space. In Markham's heritage districts, commercial signage also has specific controls. Coordinate the storefront, sign concept and interior plan so they work as one proposal.
02Designed around you
What are you planning in Markham?
Home extensions and reconfiguration
Create family spaces that connect well to the original home, with privacy, daylight and the relationship to neighbouring properties considered throughout.
Heritage-sensitive architectural work
Explore additions and alterations informed by the property's designation and district guidance, with the proposed changes clearly explained in architectural drawings.
Retail and office renovations
Plan welcoming premises with efficient working areas, storage and circulation, while relating exterior changes to the character and requirements of the location.
03A clear way forward
Turn your ideas into a considered design.
You do not need to arrive with all the answers. We start with what you want to achieve, then shape the architectural work around your property and priorities.
- 01 / 03
Tell us what needs to work better
Share how you will use the space, your budget priorities and your timing. Existing drawings, a survey and site photographs help us understand the starting point.
- 02 / 03
Explore the design decisions
We develop the layout and building form around your brief. Site conditions and applicable requirements help shape the options before the detail grows.
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Develop coordinated drawings
Once the direction is agreed, we develop the architectural drawings within the agreed scope and coordinate with the consultants your project needs.
Before you begin
Questions about building in Markham
Does a newer house inside a Markham heritage district need review?
District controls can apply to properties throughout the designated area, not only the oldest buildings. Check the district boundary and the scope with City staff. Markham identifies heritage permit requirements for exterior changes, new construction and demolition within these districts.
Can a heritage property still accommodate a modern business?
Potentially, depending on permitted use and the building. Start with the operational needs and the features that must be retained. The design can then address customer access, interior organization and a compatible storefront without assuming every existing condition can be changed.
Useful local resources
These official pages can help you prepare for a conversation. The requirements for your address and proposed work should be confirmed before the design is finalized.
- Explore district guidance (opens in a new tab)
Find district boundaries, plans and guidance for alterations and new construction.
- Read heritage requirements (opens in a new tab)
Review the City's heritage approvals information and commercial signage considerations.
Planning a project in Markham?
Share your Markham address and what you want the building to do next. We will help turn that into a clear architectural brief.