Architecture

Led by Experience.
Driven by Design.

Our work is guided by innovation and built on trusted relationships. AMAS works with developers, brands, operators, and asset managers to shape environments that are not only well-designed, but commercially viable and operationally effective.

AMAS leads clients through every stage of project delivery—from early planning and feasibility through design, construction, and occupancy—in alignment with the professional practice standards of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

We integrate architecture, interior design, 3D scanning, and integrated services—including urban planning and civil engineering—into one coordinated approach. Strategic planning tools support every stage—maximizing value, streamlining operations, and accelerating delivery across single projects and multi-site programs.

3D Scanning
Research + Innovation
Leasing + Operational Planning
Prime Consultant / Project Leadership
Project Planning + Feasibility
Concept + Schematic Design
Design Development
Site Development Plan Approvals

Technical Documentation
Procurement + Permitting Support
Contract Administration
Construction Administration
Project Completion + Occupancy
Multi-Program Management
Integrated Services

Our services are delivered by licensed architects in each jurisdiction, with projects undertaken under the appropriate certificates of practice and regulatory requirements across Canada.

Research + Innovation

We openly encourage clients to explore ideas, test concepts, and inform their decision-making through design research, prototyping, and emerging technologies. This work helps de-risk projects, refine design direction, and unlock new opportunities across projects and programs.

Services include:

Comparative analysis of precedent projects, design models, and emerging trends
Evaluation of aesthetic direction, spatial strategies, and guest user experience
Early-stage code and regulatory considerations to inform design feasibility
Prototype development and quick iterative design testing
Interpreting and evolving brand standards to respond to new contexts, formats, and opportunities
Digital modelling and visualization to explore design concepts
Use of emerging tools including AI, 3D printing, AR, and VR to communicate and validate ideas
Design ideation workshops and collaborative exploration sessions with clients and stakeholders
Integration of research insights into prototype standards and future project delivery

Leasing + Operational Planning

We advance clients in aligning design with leasing strategies and operational performance—bridging the gap between architecture, real estate, and business operations.

Services include:

Unit matrix and leasing plan development
Test-fit layouts for prospective tenants or operators
Sales and marketing plans (plans, diagrams, visualization packages)
Seating and capacity zone planning for hospitality and entertainment uses
Kitchen, service, pick-up, and back-of-house operational planning
Collaboration with leasing agents, brokers, and asset managers
Support for tenant coordination and fit-out coordination

Prime Consultant / Project Leadership

We lead projects as Prime Consultant, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated outcomes from concept through construction. We align design, engineering, and stakeholder input into one efficient process—driving clarity, momentum, and risk reduction.

Services include:

Prime consultant leadership across architecture, engineering, and specialty disciplines
Coordination and assembly of subconsultants under direct or client-held agreements
Establishment of project scope, schedule, and delivery strategy
Development of communication protocols and decision-making frameworks
Management of approvals, permitting, and stakeholder coordination
Identification and management of risks, constraints, and opportunities
Alignment of design intent with constructability, cost, and schedule
Oversight of documentation, milestones, and project progress
Coordination through construction and project close-out
Landlord coordination and base-building / Schedule C compliance, where applicable

Project Planning + Feasibility

We guide early-stage planning by aligning project objectives, site conditions, and regulatory requirements to identify risks, confirm constraints, and set scope, budget, and schedule from the outset. Our approach combines due diligence, stakeholder coordination, and strategic planning to define a strong foundation for design and delivery.

Services include:

Site evaluation and development feasibility analysis
Review of zoning, approvals, and regulatory requirements
Development planning and due diligence
Project brief development and functional programming
Preliminary budget and schedule alignment
Site assessment, including existing conditions and servicing review
Identification of site specific risks, constraints, and opportunities
Early coordination with landlords, developers, and stakeholders
Prototype adaptation to diverse sites and building conditions
Strategic planning to support multi-location rollout programs, if applicable

Type Specific Services:

Unit mix and area matrix development to inform leasing and revenue strategies
Test-fit studies for retail, restaurant, and mixed-use programs
Sales and marketing plans (e.g. floor plans, stacking diagrams, unit breakdowns)
Early operational planning for food service, entertainment, and hybrid-use environments
Coordination with leasing teams and brokers to align design with market positioning
Yield optimization studies balancing density, efficiency, and user experience

Concept + Schematic Design

We lead early design exploration to define vision, spatial organization, and alignment with client objectives. Ideas are tested against site, regulatory, and project constraints—aligning stakeholders and setting a clear direction for what follows.

Services include:

Architectural concept and schematic design development
Site plan analysis, including circulation, access, and program organization
Testing of zoning, code, and planning feasibility
Preliminary building massing, layouts, and spatial planning
Initial alignment of design with project goals, budget, and site conditions
3D modelling, massing studies, renderings, and visualizations
VR walkthroughs to communicate spatial experience and design intent
Early coordination with consultants and stakeholders
Development of preliminary building statistics and connection with functional program

Type Specific Services:

Development of leasing plans, demising strategies, and flexible unit configurations
Seating capacity studies and guest flow optimization for hospitality environments
Alignment of design with brand standards, customer journey, and revenue drivers
Early kitchen planning and service flow diagrams, if applicable
Visualization tools to drive investor/stakeholder presentations, leasing, and marketing

Design Development

We transform approved concept + schematic designs into coordinated buildable outcomes. Building systems, materials, and spatial organization are refined with consultants and stakeholders to align performance, constructability, and regulatory compliance. Integrated architectural and engineering systems confirm code and objectives—supporting efficient delivery and a clear path to construction.

Services include:

Development of architectural systems, layouts, and building organization
Integration of structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, and specialty systems
Material selection, assemblies, and building performance strategies
Refinement of interior layouts, exterior massing, and material expression
Comprehensive building code analysis and regulatory compliance review
Constructability and interdisciplinary coordination reviews
Ongoing coordination with consultants, clients, and stakeholders
Final design development and presentation for client /stakeholder approval

Site Development Plan Approvals

We coordinate Site Plan Approval (SPA) and Development Plan Approval (DPA) through timely submissions and proactive engagement with municipal authorities. Design intent, technical requirements, and regulatory expectations are aligned—delivering complete packages, efficient review cycles, and reduced approval risk.

Services include:

Preparation of complete SPA/SPC/DP approval submission packages
Coordination of architectural scope with civil, landscape, and engineering consultants
Alignment of submissions with municipal requirements, guidelines, and standards
Ongoing liaison with planning departments and authorities having jurisdiction
Responses to municipal comments, revisions, and resubmissions as required
Integration of approval feedback into design and documentation
Support through review cycles toward approval and permit readiness

Technical Documentation

We develop coordinated documentation that translates design intent into clear, buildable information for approvals, tendering, and construction. This phase prioritizes accuracy, consistency, and alignment across all disciplines. Through rigorous quality control and ongoing coordination, we reduce risk and advance efficient permitting, pricing, and execution.

Services include:

Preparation of permit and construction drawing packages
Coordination of building code, accessibility, energy, and regulatory requirements
Architectural detailing aligned with project and brand standards
Integration of structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialty consultant documentation
Coordination of façade systems, signage, and exterior materials
Integration of technical systems, including kitchen equipment and refrigeration
Drive-thru infrastructure and service coordination
Assembly of building permit application packages
Quality control reviews for coordination, compliance, and constructability
Preparation of coordinated drawing sets at key milestones (50%, 90%, Permit, Tender)

Type Specific Services:

Detailed kitchen and food service design, including equipment integration and health compliance
Translation of franchise prototype standards into site-specific documentation
Preparation of landlord submission packages and tenant fit-out documentation
Integration of signage, branding, and experiential elements into technical packages

Procurement + Permitting Support

We facilitate approvals and procurement to maintain project momentum and reduce risk. Clear communication, coordinated submissions, and responsive tendering support drive progress. Efficient reviews and informed contractor selection enable timely approvals and a comfortable transition into construction.

Services include:

Coordination through permitting and authority approvals, with options to expedite timelines
Assembly and submission of complete application packages
Ongoing liaison with authorities having jurisdiction
Preparation of revisions and supplemental information during review cycles
Consolidation and issuance of coordinated tender packages (IFT)
Clarifications and responses to technical inquiries during procurement
Coordination of consultant documentation during tendering
Tender administration and bid review, where included in scope
Preparation and issuance of Issued for Construction (IFC) documents

Contract Administration

We administer the construction contract on behalf of the client—focusing on the legal, financial, and procedural obligations that govern project delivery. Acting as an impartial interpreter of the contract documents, we support clarity, consistency, and accountability between owner and contractor.

Services include:

Administration of the construction contract in accordance with Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) and project-specific agreements
Issuance of payment certificates and evaluation of contractor progress claims
Review, negotiation, and administration of change orders and change directives
Management of RFIs (Requests for Information) and formal contract-related communications
Review of shop drawings and submittals for compliance with contract requirements
Interpretation of contract documents and issuance of clarifications
Tracking and documentation of contract changes, scope adjustments, and cost impacts
Determination and certification of Substantial Performance
Administration of deficiency lists and contract close-out requirements
Coordination with consultants to maintain consistent contract interpretation and execution

Construction Administration

We remain actively involved during construction to maintain design intent, quality, and alignment with contract documents. Our role drives clear communication, timely decisions, and coordinated execution across the project team. Working with contractors, consultants, and clients, we manage site conditions and resolve issues to keep projects moving with confidence.

Services include:

Coordination with contractors and construction managers
Shop drawing and technical submittal review
Ongoing interpretation of contract documents and coordination of changes arising from site conditions, client needs, and construction realities
Site reviews, field reporting, and construction progress monitoring
Review of contractor progress, change coordination, and cost implications (as required)
Clarifications and documentation to enable timely decision-making during construction

Project Completion + Occupancy

We navigate the final stages of project delivery to confirm readiness for occupancy and long-term operation. Close-out coordination, deficiency resolution, and alignment with regulatory and contractual requirements facilitate an effective transition from construction to occupancy.

Services include:

Substantial performance reviews and certification, where included in scope
Deficiency review, tracking, and close-out coordination
Coordination toward occupancy and final project completion
Review of close-out documentation and project deliverables
Issuance of record drawings, where included in scope
Liaison with authorities to secure permit closure
Post-occupancy review and project feedback, where applicable

Multi-Program Management

We support corporate brands, developers, and franchise operators delivering multi-site programs and national rollouts. Program-level leadership aligns brand standards with site-specific conditions across diverse markets—maintaining consistency while enabling local adaptation, approvals, and construction. Continuous feedback and coordination refine design systems and improve delivery across each project cycle.

Services include:

Brand identity integration and development
Management of multiple concurrent projects across regions and jurisdictions
Oversight of prototype development, implementation, and site adaptation
Coordination with corporate teams, franchisees, consultants, and construction partners
Unification of brand standards with local codes, approvals, and site conditions
Continuous refinement of design standards based on construction and operational feedback
Integration of lessons learned into future project delivery cycles
Development of scalable design systems to inform efficient rollout
Oversight of brand implementation across multiple projects to maintain alignment, quality, and consistency

Type Specific Services:

Development of standardized prototype design packages and rollout toolkits for franchise and multi-site delivery
Standardization of unit planning, kitchen layouts, and operational systems across locations
Coordination with leasing, real estate, and operations teams for site selection and adaptation
Support for phased openings, brand launches, and multi-market expansion strategies