The 5 Best Architects in Calgary Who Can Turn Your Dream Property Into a Reality
I’ve always been jealous of a friend who inherited this beautiful home that was originally built around a century ago. It honestly looked like it belonged in a storybook.
But when the city experienced a hailstorm, I realized living in a vintage house wasn’t as magical as it looked. Her property had incurred a lot of damage, and she had to ask for suggestions on who to go to.
Of course, this wouldn’t just be like any other rebuild. She wanted to preserve some architectural elements while updating the sections that needed to be strengthened.
So I made sure to look for the architects in Calgary who could fully capture what she had in mind.
How much do architects charge in Calgary?
In Calgary, architects typically charge around 5% to 20% of final construction costs. The final rate will depend on the experience of your chosen architect and the scope of the project.
1. Ellergodt Design
Address: 113 7a St NE
Phone: +1 403 242 2704
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
All of Ellergodt Design’s projects are a unique reflection of their customers. Whether you want a house that’s completely new or need help with a renovation, they’ll create a design that perfectly captures your style.
Your journey with them starts with an in-depth consultation where they’ll learn all about your lifestyle and preferences. From there, their experts will handle all the tough stuff, such as assessing zoning laws and acquiring permits.
You’ll collaborate closely with them again once they work on the design. These architects will constantly check in with you and suggest different ways to optimize and elevate your future home.
I also heard that they’re very innovative when it comes to navigating challenges. It’s nice to know that if a problem ever pops up, they’ll do everything in their power to assist you.
But even though their architects are skilled, they’re not always hands-on—some clients wish they visited the construction site more.
The whole team was awesome to work with
“Brent, Elicia and the whole team at Ellergodt were awesome to work with. We appreciated their help and insight with designing our Belgian-Farmhouse inspired walkout. They were able to translate our vision into clear, all-encompassing drawings and our builder repeatedly commented on the quality & attention to detail in the drawings. Elicia was always super helpful with her suggestions and we were able to work through rounds of revisions until things were precisely dialed in. Highly recommend, without hesitation.”
Martin Gauthier, Google Review
My experience with them has been nothing short of exceptional
“My experience with Ellergodt Designs has been nothing short of exceptional. Brent and his team have designed multiple projects for me, and they consistently knock it out of the park. They truly take the time to listen to your vision and do everything they can to bring it to life. The Ellergodt team is a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend giving them a call—you won’t be disappointed.”
Chad Dalziel, Google Review
2. Dda Architecture Ltd.
Company logo
Address: 1217 10 Ave SE
Phone: +1 403 640 9440
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Originally known as DeJong Design Associates, Dda Architecture has been creating innovative designs since 1996. Over the years, they’ve been featured in publications such as Avenue Magazine, House and Home, and Western Living.
Part of why they’ve lasted so long is how they creatively marry function with aesthetics. They understand that spaces can’t just be beautiful; they have to be livable too.
This is also why I believe they’re a great bet for projects involving heritage houses. They’ve worked on several in the past, and the consensus is that they know how to modernize a place without making it lose character.
Still, you can trust that their team is made up of some of the most humble experts out there. They’re very attentive, always accepting suggestions gracefully.
That being said, working with them is considered an investment, so make sure you have a pretty high budget if you want their help.
We absolutely loved working with them
“We absolutely loved working with Dda Architecture. Marvin and his team are extremely talented. Brock did an amazing job on the exterior of the home. We love it and were continually impressed by your professionalism, communication throughout the project, attention to detail, care and support you provided us during this project. You made the process so easy for us and we are very graceful. We highly recommend your services. You are a very talented and dedicated firm. We truly enjoyed working with you and appreciate your passion for your work.”
Luisa Hertzer, Google Review
Consistent level of professionalism, patience, and kindness in all of the staff
“This is the firm we found to be able to turn a feeling, a concept or a strict set of permit requirements and synthesize them all into an artful, yet functional design. Their active involvement with the client and the contractors tasked with executing and finessing the construction of the design from start to finish made us as clients feel like anything was possible. There seems to be a consistent level of professionalism, patience and kindness that is embodied in all of the staff. Must be a reflection on the hiring committee. The designs that you see not just in our completed projects but in many of the other projects done for other clients are truly works of art in my opinion.”
Reid Brodylo, Google Review
3. Outlandish Design Inc.
Address: 2140 39 Ave NE #205
Phone: +1 403 477 0011
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Outlandish Design has worked with a variety of businesses in the past, ranging from dental clinics to restaurants. Some of their clients include Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, Curry Lounge, and Calgary International Academy.
Their extensive experience has made them masters at utilizing a space. Plus, you can trust that they’re familiar with the ins and outs of safety and building codes for commercial establishments.
Throughout the process, they’re usually very responsive and on top of providing updates. And what makes them even more impressive for us is that they stay just as efficient in the face of unforeseen issues.
I should warn you, though, that they don’t say yes to every client. They occasionally reject projects if they don’t feel like they’ll do it justice.
Meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication
“Outlandish Design’s work speaks volumes without uttering a word. With meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, they transforme home into a masterpiece. Led by the visionary duo, Ximena and Tanisha, their team’s craftsmanship and creativity exceeded all expectations. From conceptualization to execution, every aspect of their work radiates excellence, leaving an indelible mark of sophistication and style. Outlandish Design is not just a name; it’s a symbol of unparalleled quality and innovation in the realm of architectural design.”
Shalini Mehta, Google Review
It was truly a blessing having them on our project
“It was truly a blessing having Outlandish Design on our project. Their vision is far beyond what I could have seen. I was very impressed with their performance throughout the project, and most importantly, the manner in which they presented themselves on a daily basis. It’s great to have a partner that is fair, reasonable, and best of all honest. Their positive attitude and energy brought all parties together to work as a team to achieve one simple goal, a happy client and a showpiece project for years to come.”
Andy Dhiman, Google Review
4. Systemic Architecture Inc.
Address: 1422 Kensington Rd NW #102
Phone: +1 587 315 9001
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Systemic Architecture has been involved in the creation of more than 200 commercial and residential establishments in Calgary since 2013.
I should clarify that although they accept residential projects, this doesn’t include single-family homes. They only work on large-scale plans, so don’t expect them to design anything smaller than a multi-unit apartment.
But if this is exactly what you’re looking for, then you’re in luck. They’re one of the most technologically advanced firms in the city, only using the latest software in their designs — programs that can show you the finished product before construction starts.
Their deep knowledge of city regulations and laws is also a huge advantage. With their help, it’s very rare for clients to experience roadblocks or delays when applying for permits.
We like that they’ll even do a bit of project management once the building begins. They’ll collaborate with the tradesmen to give you the perfect final product.
Respectful, thorough, proficient, and a pleasure to work alongside
“We have had the pleasure of working with Systemic Architecture in completing several projects over the past 7 years. In each and every one of these deliveries, our experience has been one of collaboration, problem solving, team work and value focused cooperation in an effort to ensure the success of the project, and ensure client satisfaction. Their team members are respectful, thorough, proficient, and a pleasure to work alongside. We hope to work with Systemic Architecture again in the near future, and for years to come.”
Chandos Construction, Google Review
They have been an excellent working partner
“EMBE has had the pleasure of working with Systemic Architecture since 2013. Systemic’s principals – Jamie and Chad – are an exceptional team and provide critical thinking, creative solutions and understand budget requirements and the entire design and construction process. We recommend Systemic for all types of projects ranging from boutique restaurants to multi storey buildings. They have been an excellent working partner and we hope to continue adding to Calgary’s skyline for many years to come.”
EMBE Consulting, Google Review
5. Andison Residential Design
Address: 739 11 Ave SW #220
Phone: +1 403 461 6481
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Andison Residential Design proudly boasts work that is one-of-a-kind while still being reasonably priced. This is possible thanks to their transparent and highly collaborative process.
They accept residential projects of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a custom single-family home or an entire estate rebuild, they have the skills to help you out.
But unlike other firms, you’re required to have an updated site survey before reaching out to this company. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to find another team just for this.
Everything should be smooth-sailing after that, though. Their clients all agree that the team is very precise and meticulous, so you can rest assured that they won’t overlook any detail or request.
We’re consistently impressed with their creativity and professionalism
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Andison on multiple projects and they are always such a fantastic partner! Friendly, collaborative and highly detailed; they have an incredible ability to take both the client’s vision and our vision and translate it into a functional and beautiful plan. We’re consistently impressed with their creativity and professionalism and would highly recommend them!”
Stephanie Smith, Google Review
Their work is a perfect blend of innovative creativity and attention to detail
“We have been fortunate to collaborate with Dave and the talented team at Andison on three projects now, and each experience has been exceptional. Their work is a perfect blend of innovative creativity and meticulous attention to detail. They excel at incorporating feedback, always taking the time to explore alternative approaches if need be. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering support throughout the building process, making them invaluable partners. We highly recommend Andison Residential Design to anyone seeking top-tier design services.”
Juliana Bower, Google Review