Basement and Backyard suite design. Calgary.
Suites designed for every stage of life.
Secondary and Backyard suite designs that work for a parent, an adult child, a renter, or you. Research driven.
Two kinds of Suite Design
Secondary or Basement Suite
Bigger windows to maximize daylight and egress; fresh air, warm floors and acoustics designed to minimize noise between floors.
Straight wide stair where possible in case a lift is needed in the future; a second door exit where the site allows.
Backyard Suite
Step-free at grade accessible suites so you can go step-free from lane to the bed.
Or, two-storey backyard suites above a new garage with lift-ready interior stair.
Every suite is designed to one standard, using best-in class practices attuned to Calgary’s Climate Zone 7A conditions: cold winters, hot summers, dry air, high UV, the occasional hailstorm or wildfire smoke day and in some locations, elevated radon.
Accessibility is a design choice not a code requirement.
Why Choose Us?
Designs proven on Calgary built site
Local expertise in Calgary building codes & bylaws
Designed for Calgary’s Zone 7A climate: radon, hail, dry air
Best-in-practice healthy and accessible-ready designs
Collaborative approach with your builder or contractor
As the designer behind Swit Swoo Design, a small Calgary studio focused on basement and backyard suites, I believe every suite should bring more than just useable space; it should be bright, healthy and comfortable, now, and years from now. Every design focuses on that standard.
I designed Laneway One, a city approved backyard suite to bring two generations closer together. I know the process from concept to permit approval.
I have studied Architectural Design and Technology at the Visual College of Art and Design and hold a Diploma in Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute; aging-in-place certification is also underway.
With hands-on experience in residential building and project management I bring a wealth of knowledge to every project ensuring creativity and professionalism from concept to design completion.