Integrated Design & Engineering
A Singular Thread of Accountability from Concept to Performance.
What Is Integrated Design & Engineering?
The Service
Full-service architectural design and technical engineering for high-performance cottages and homes. We manage the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept to the final, permit-ready construction set.
The Ruhl Approach
Our design process is rooted in the design-craftsman tradition. Because we have personally constructed the complex assemblies we draw, our plans are uniquely buildable and technically disciplined. We integrate structural integrity and envelope science into the aesthetic design from day one, eliminating the friction often found between architects and engineers.
The Benefit: Technical Harmony.
You receive a design that is as durable as it is beautiful. By resolving construction details on paper rather than in the field, we deliver a smoother build, a more efficient schedule, and a home built to perform for generations.
Who Is This For?
The Performance-Minded Owner: You want a home that meets high standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
The Heritage Steward: You are restoring a treasured property and want to benefit from an engineer’s precision to modernize the structure while preserving its soul.
The Legacy Builder: You are building for the next century and want a designer who understands building durability as much as the art of building.
Design is more than a floor plan.
Traditional residential design often suffers from a technical deficit—a lack of specificity that leads to friction, budget drift, and compromised quality. We bridge this gap by integrating engineering and building science into the very first sketches. By resolving complex assemblies on paper rather than on-site, we provide the rigorous detail required to protect your time and ensure a precise, predictable delivery.
Timeless form. Engineered performance.
We provide a comprehensive design service for new-build lake homes and complex renovations. Our approach is rooted in the belief that a home should be as technically sound as it is visually beautiful. By leading with a "science-first" mindset, we create buildings that offer superior thermal comfort, incredible air quality, and 100-year durability.
What Is Involved?
-
We develop layouts that respond to the unique topography of Muskoka, prioritizing views, natural light, and circulation.
-
We specialize in high-performance enclosures, ensuring your home stays quiet, draft-free, and energy-efficient in all seasons.
-
Our drawing packages are highly detailed technical manuals. We provide the precise details for air barriers, thermal breaks, and structural connections that builders need for a flawless execution.
-
We select materials that age gracefully—stone, wood, and metal—pairing traditional cottage textures with modern, high-performance assemblies.
-
We integrate complex HVAC, electrical, and structural systems into the design early, preventing the "clutter" of exposed bulkheads and poor equipment placement.
Focused Design Partnership.
We do not operate as a high-volume design firm. Because we provide a high level of technical stewardship and personal involvement, we only accept three principal design commissions per year. This allows us to maintain a rigorous standard of detail and serve as a dedicated partner throughout the entire lifespan of your project.
Start with a Design Enquiry.
Due to the technical nature of our work, we begin all design enquiries with a preliminary consultation to ensure project alignment.