Empire Design

Empire Design Custom home designs. Restaurant designs. Office designs. Commercial TI's. Unmatched customer service. Custom architectural home designs for new homes and remodels.

01/29/2026

Not all rental suites are created equal.. and in BC, picking the wrong type can mean leaving thousands on the table every single year.

Basement suite. Garden suite. Laneway. Secondary unit. Lock-off.

Each one has different rules, different build costs…

and a completely different impact on cashflow and resale.

The biggest mistake?

Choosing based on what “seems simple,” instead of what maximizes your lot, your zoning, and your long-term return.

The right rental suite isn’t about adding a door and a kitchen.

It’s about building wealth the smart way, on the same land you already own.




01/22/2026

A spec home gives you speed, predictability, and a move-in date.

A custom home gives you fit, longevity, and a house built around your life instead of someone else’s profit margin.

One gives you convenience.

The other gives you legacy, and the ability to design a home that actually works for your family for the next 10–30 years.




01/08/2026

Flat roof or sloped roof?

Most people choose based on looks…

But informed clients know the real question is:
Which one protects my investment?

Flat roofs give you clean modern lines, future rooftop patios, and a contemporary profile.

Sloped roofs give you durability, drainage, and the lowest long-term maintenance in BC’s rain-soaked climate.

The catch?

Choose the wrong roof for your design → and you’ll feel it in leaks, repairs, insurance, and resale.

It’s a 10–30 year cost, maintenance, and value decision.




12/25/2025

It isn’t until you realize that your deck finish decides your maintenance costs, your resale value, and how your outdoor space ages in BC’s climate.. That you start taking the
research phase seriously.

Wood gives you warmth and beauty.. but demands constant upkeep.

Composite gives you low-maintenance performance, but not all brands age the same.

PVC gives you durability and weather-resistance but at a premium.

The real mistake?

Most homeowners choose based on colour… not on lifespan, climate, or long-term cost.

Before you commit thousands to your outdoor space, watch this.

The right deck finish isn’t chosen at the store. It's chosen by understanding how you’ll live, how long you’ll stay, and what you want your investment to look like in 10 years.




12/18/2025

While other cities rush updates and rewrite zoning on the fly, Delta is doing the opposite.. they’re slowing down, simplifying, and preparing one stable SSMUH system for 2026.
This is good news for strategic homeowners.
Here’s the clean version: 40% lot coverage across the board, up to four units, simplified setbacks, attic permissions, and predictable parking.
If you want to be ready the day zoning drops, start planning now.

12/11/2025

has revised SSMUH three times already.. with more changes expected through
early 2026.

In this video I break down what actually changed, what the numbers mean for your lot, and the smartest move depending on where you are in your design process.

This is part 2. Check out part 1 on

If you’re planning units in Burnaby, clarity now will save you months later.










12/11/2025

has revised SSMUH three times already.. with more changes expected through
early 2026.
In this video I break down what actually changed, what the numbers mean for your lot, and
the smartest move depending on where you are in your design process.
If you’re planning units in Burnaby, clarity now will save you months later.










11/27/2025

Comfort isn’t about air temperature.. It's about control.

A split system gives you precision and efficiency.

A central system gives you uniform comfort and cleaner aesthetics.

But one of them can quietly cost you thousands in the wrong home design.

Watch this before you decide. The right choice isn’t about the brand, it’s about how your home is built.





11/13/2025

Buy land with a house on it… or start with a clean slate?

One saves on taxes, the other saves on demo costs.

But the real answer depends on zoning, servicing, and hidden risks.





10/27/2025

Attached garages give you convenience.

Detached garages give you flexibility and privacy.

But one can quietly shrink your buildable area and the other can unlock rental options.





10/23/2025

Prefab sounds faster.

Stick-built feels flexible.

Which actually protects your time, money, and
resale value in BC’s market?

Regardless of the choice you make, you still need a foundation.




10/14/2025

Langley: Growth here may be measured but the returns can compound quickly.

The city of Langley now permits up to 3 units on small lots, and 4 on standard lots.

Address

Surrey, BC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

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+16047827829

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