At MW Drafting & Design, we're eagerly embracing the future of spatial design with Matterport software. As we look ahead to Project Genesis, we're excited to revolutionize how we envision and transform spaces.
Matterport has long been synonymous with capturing physical spaces in exquisite detail, but now, with Project Genesis launching in 2024, they're entering a new era. By harnessing Matterport's extensive experience in machine learning and AI, combined with the power of new generative AI tools, they're empowering users to reimagine spaces effortlessly.
With Project Genesis, starting with the ability to instantly de-furnish any space, they're putting the creative control in users' hands. Whether you want to strip a room of furniture, declutter non-furniture items, or remove objects individually, Matterport's intuitive tools make it possible with just a click.
But de-furnishing is just the beginning. They're working on incorporating more generative AI features across their digital twin platform, enhancing design, layout, and utility automatically. This means that with Matterport, you can not only visualize existing spaces but also explore endless possibilities for their transformation.
As pioneers in spatial data innovation, they've continuously reinvented the virtual tour experience. With each iteration, they've introduced breakthrough features, functionalities, and the magic of 3D capture. Now, with their 2024 Winter Release, they're unveiling the next generation of digital twins, packed with fresh insights, automations, integrations, and plugins.
Ontario recently unveiled its latest Building Code, announced on April 10th, with aims to reduce regulatory burdens on the construction industry while maintaining high standards of performance and safety in new and renovated buildings. This new code, effective January 1, 2025, features significant structural changes and aligns closely with the National Construction Codes, eliminating over 1,730 technical variations between provincial and national requirements. MW Drafting & Design is actively evaluating the code's implications for the profession. Transitioning to the new code involves a three-month period until March 31 for applications with substantially complete working drawings initiated before 2025. After April 1, 2025, all permit applications must adhere to the 2024 Ontario Building Code. Some notable highlights of the 2024 Ontario Building Code include harmonization with the National Building Code's provisions for secondary suites in two-unit houses, regulations for Large Farm Buildings, mitigation measures for radon effects, updates to fire protection system standards, and revisions to standards for prefabricated septic tanks and sewage holding tanks. Additional changes to the Environmental Assessment Act and Conservation Authorities Act have also been implemented. These amendments, effective immediately, include updates to applicable laws regarding designated projects under the Environmental Assessment Act and permits issued by conservation authorities and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Conservation Authorities Act.
Please note, MW Drafting & Design. will be closed for the holidays as of 12pm on December 24th, reopening on January 3rd, 2022. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday
We took our time reviewing last week's Ontario government announcement regarding essential construction activities and the official regulation to better understand our role in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19, especially now as we see hospitals reach capacity in our neighbouring communities.
As with all things, we read it, we processed it, and now we better understand what we need to do. Until further directed by the provincial government, we will pause site visits for projects deemed non-essential. Please contact us directly to see if your project is an essential one.
But wait! It's not all doom and gloom. Did you know that we design quite a few new build projects? New houses, new accessory dwelling units, new cottages, you name it. We will be working away, as hard as ever to get caught up on existing projects and make room to discuss your new build!
On Tuesday May 19th we will be 100% open for business as we resume site visits and measuring activities for new projects. We will be providing our full range of services with newly implemented safe and responsible business practices.
We have all faced unprecedented challenges over the past few months. As business owners, we have taken some time to reflect and focus on improving our business practices in almost every way in the hopes of coming out of this stronger, more efficient and ready to hit the ground running. From streamlining project management systems, to refocusing and fine tuning our best practices and safety measures, to investing in technology to make site measurements less intrusive and more accurate. We are determined and ready to help get our community back up and building!
Our focus has always been on creating a Safe, Sustainable, Built Environment, and we continue to go above and beyond the status quo. Now more than ever we are focused on the safety of our clients, employees and all of our project stakeholders to protect against COVID-19.
Here’s what’s new as of May 19th:
With new safety measures in place, we can do everything necessary for you to start your construction project by:
Resuming site visits — this means meeting with you at your home/business/space and performing site measurements, assessing existing conditions, and most importantly ensuring you can start your construction project.
Resuming in-person consultations and meetings while encouraging alternate means of communication such as Zoom video meetings wherever possible.
What safety measures are we taking as we resume these activities?
As a response to COVID-19, we are taking every precaution to ensure we minimize risk, ensure safety and make you feel comfortable. With this in mind, we have implemented the following measures to ensure your safety and peace of mind:
We are providing flexible options for consultations and project meetings, including in-person, video or phone calls (we’re all getting pretty used to these video calls by now!)
We are encouraging most meetings and discussions with clients, staff and other project stakeholders to be completed remotely, whenever possible.
In person meetings, site measurements and assessments will be completed using social distancing measures.
Masks will be worn by us at all times during site visits.
We will use hand sanitizer before and after each visit.
All of our equipment will be wiped down with disinfectant before entering your home/space, and we will be wiped down once again after completing the visit.
We have invested in new 3D scanning technology which reduces the amount of time needed to measure your home and minimizes contact with surfaces in your home.
We can easily perform our site work with no one in the room, and we can perform measurements and assess existing conditions in a vacant home upon request.
Drawings will be delivered digitally from project start to finish: Our completed construction drawings are sent to you in PDF format for your convenient review at home.
We will continue to provide contactless payment and 100% paperless billing. All payments can be completed online through our secure payment system by Interac e-Transfer or credit card.
Our staff continue to work remotely from home and are adhering to all Federal and Provincial legislation and guidelines. We are following the government updates closely and will make any adjustments to our practices promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, staff and their families. We are committed to being responsible citizens.
We will be following all government recommended precautions, and going above and beyond wherever possible.
We are now accepting project bookings!
Contact us today to discuss your project and book your spot as bookings are already starting to fill up! Now may be the perfect time to reimagine your space to make it the ideal live, work and play environment.
One final note:
As local small business owners in Norfolk County and Kitchener-Waterloo, we would just like to take this opportunity to say how incredibly proud we are of our communities and the work everyone has been doing to get through these unprecedented, challenging times. Seeing everyone band together has been truly inspiring. We are thankful for our community’s support of local businesses and the role each and every one of you is playing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and see you soon!
Brad & Justin
Co-owners/Founders
MW Drafting & Design Inc.
I know everyone is dealing with uncertain times right now. We are all experiencing new challenges to our lives and our businesses. I want to let everyone know that MW Drafting & Design is here to do what we can to help, and we wanted to make you aware of our business practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are no strangers to remote work. Both Brad and I have been working from our respective home offices since starting our business. We have the necessary technology to keep supporting you and working for you from our homes. On a personal note, if anyone is dealing with challenges as they start remote work for the first time, please reach out, we are pros by now.
We are continuing to work on projects we are currently engaged in, and are available for you to assist with new projects. If you have started an engagement with us, and your expectations on a completion date, or your construction plans have changed, please let us know. We are a small business, and it is important for us to focus on our efforts strategically during this time. This helps us and all our customers move forward economically during these challenging times. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with regards to project completion dates right now; as we balance working for our clients, taking care of our families and our physical and mental health.
Both Brad and I are practicing all recommended precautions from Health Canada. Since we work remotely, our contact with the outside world is very limited. We are being responsible citizens, practicing social distancing and proper hygiene procedures. We have made recent investments in technology which ensures working with us is a low risk activity. We are able to discuss project plans with clients through Zoom calls, so your future planning does not need to stop during this crisis. Site measurements are performed using our 3D scanning technology, which allows us to measure your home or space quickly and efficiently, with very limited impact. If we are working in your home, we sanitize ourselves and equipment prior to entering, and we can easily perform our site work with no one in the room. Our completed construction drawings are sent to you in PDF format for your convenient review at home.
In closing, this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are here to help. We are a small, family oriented business. The continued success of your business, construction projects and family health is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us. We would love to chat with you about your future project plans, dreams and ambitions.