Innovative Building Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Why Choose thinkGiraffe?

Our Mission

We Can Work With You To

Maximize land use and optimize your site plans
Build your dream home or cottage
Design your business environment and improve its efficiency and psychological impact
Renovate the interior of your home or business
Add new living space or outdoor space
Add a garden, laneway, or secondary suite
Link the design of business interiors and exteriors to your marketing strategy
Design an multi-use commercial/residential space
Increase energy efficient, waterproofing and fire ratings

We Salute Our Project Partners

thinkGiraffe Design Inc recognizes the Commercial and Residential Consultants who work with us to obtain Zoning and Building Approvals. Thanks to Joe Seymour P.Eng Structural Engineering, Tacoma Engineers Structural Engineers, AT McLaren Limited (Surveyors), Alexandre Amend P,Eng, Adele Pierre Landscape Architect, Upper Canada Consultants (Civil Engineers & Planners), S Llewellyn & Associates (Civil Engineers), T. John Consulting Group Ltd. (Urban Planners) Jaro Hajek MSc., PEng (Mechanical Engineering), Peto MacCallum Consulting Engineers, GLS HVAC Design, Paradigm Transportation Solutions, Premier Environmental Services Inc, Margaret Klaver 3D Design, G2S Consulting Inc. (Hydrogeologists), Kuntz Forestry Consulting, Seguin Archaeological Services, Michael R. Plowman GLN Farm & Forest Research Co. Ltd., LRI Engineering Inc. (LRI) Building Code & Fire Protection Engineers, Derek Morningstar, M.Sc. Myotistar Senior Ecologist.

thinkGiraffe was created by Marina Lombard Fensham in 1994. Marina Lombard Fensham began her career with a degree in Environmental Psychology (University of South Africa 1986) and worked as a researcher in Environmental Psychology and Urban Design Renewal. She then went on to pursue specialized studies in Environmental Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, now OCADU (Graduated 1992). Her design firm, thinkGiraffe Design Inc, provides full residential and commercial design services, with a special focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable design, innovative construction methods and materials. She obtained her BCIN qualifications with the Province of Ontario in House, Small Buildings and Large Buildings in 2006. In 2010 she expanded her scope of practice once again to include Land Development Services such as Site Plan Development, Variances, and Re-Zoning.

She has served on the Continuing Education, and Equality Committees of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and contributes to industry publications on sustainable design. Marina is a past Board Member of Lynnwood Charlton Hall and presently serves on the Board of the Social Policy Research Council, Hamilton

Photo of thinkGiraffe owner Marina Lombard Fensham.

We specialize in utilizing green design methodologies in both small and large building design and construction. thinkGiraffe strives to incorporate the newest and most trustworthy construction products and methodologies in our designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose thinkGiraffe?

thinkGiraffe is a full service design firm with expertise in all aspects of building design, from initial concept to final construction drawings, zoning reviews, residential & small commercial building permit applications, and contractor assessments.

We can work with you to:

o maximize land use and optimize your site plans
o build your dream home or cottage
o design your business environment and improve its efficiency and psychological impact
o renovate the interior of your home or business
o add new living space or outdoor spaces
o add a garden-, laneway-, or secondary suite
o link the design of business interiors and exteriors to your marketing strategy.
o design a multi-use commercial/residential space
o increase energy efficiency, waterproofing, and fire ratings

We specialize in utilizing green design methodologies in both small and large building design and construction. thinkGiraffe strives to incorporate the newest and most trustworthy construction products and methodologies in our designs.

What do your fees include?

Fees include:

o a high level of client support and communication
o initial concept drawings to obtain interim budget pricing from your contractor
o high quality, detailed construction documents (plans and spreadsheets) to assist contractors to provide you with accurate pricing.
o 3D modeling of your proposed design
o assistance with selecting a contractor
o preparation and submission of building permits, variance and zoning applications
o access to designer studio samples for materials and finishes.
o on-going liaison with the contractor during construction

thinkGiraffe design services have 30 years of design/construction experience and are accredited by ARIDO and NCIDQ. Our services are fully insured.

How do I get started?

At thinkGiraffe, our design process begins with extensive discussion to ensure that we understand what you want and need.
We provide you with a free, no-obligation zoom call or site visit to determine the scope of your project.

We then issue a design fee proposal that also provides a road map to the different stages of your project from initial concepts to permits and construction.

We will work with you to decide whether you should sell or renovate/build, if your project is a good investment in terms of cost returns, and what your long-term goals are.

Please take the time to compare us to other design firms. Compare our credentials, technical knowledge, and experience

Are Green construction methods expensive?

We have been focusing on green design since 2003. Twenty years ago green design might have been an option but today climate change forces us to recognize volatile climate, extreme heat and frequent 100 year storms. We consider the following:

o Maximizing single family dwellings by adding secondary units to ensure higher urban density
o High quality insulation products with no thermal breaks
o Water control and flashing
o Grading and flood prevention
o Efficient heating and cooling design.
o Passive solar design
o Sun study modeling showing interior/exterior sun patterns
o Green roofs
o Solar photovoltaic panels
o Healthy indoor air
o Durable finishes and windows

Do you provide general contracting services?

We have experience in general contracting but focus on design and permits.

We know many high-quality ethical contractors we can recommend or will work with the contractor of your choice. We consult with your contractor during the design process to get budget and preferred construction assembly feedback.

Once your design is finalized, we issue it to once or more contractors for pricing and are available to clarify building code and building assemblies.

What about building and other permits?

We obtain building permits within the Part 9 BCIN scope, as well as Committee of Adjustment Variances, NEC, Zoning and Conservation approvals. Our proposals will provide you with a list of potential Other Consultants that will be required.

We acknowledge our many trusted consultants and will gladly work with consultants of your choice if their expertise and credentials meet Planning and Building Permit requirements.