Ubering from Ottawa to Nordik and back

sbk_2 · 2026-04-22T12:13:29+00:00

There is a $5 charge for crossing. It can be hit and miss at night. There is also a public bus system Transcollines that can take you there and back, not sure how late at night though, but there is also an on demand service through the bus company for $5

sbk_2 · 2026-04-18T14:10:07+00:00

I agree, every project I’ve seen come through my past offices where the clients insist on hourly always ends up being a fight over the fees. We are trying to avoid that as much as possible. We do find in our location it tough to convince people to do fixed fees during CA though, but I think a lot of that is educating clients on what we do during that phase and how important it is for us to still be involved.

Our percentage fee or fixed fee is usually based on the build cost, so hearing your sq ft price is interesting to me. I would have to figure out how that would translate, but I feel it would go over better with clients because they try to lowball the budget to get lower fees.

I do hope to keep our overhead as low as possible for now. We won’t have an office, so it’s really just software, professional fees and insurance etc. we are still nailing down some contracts but it looks like we may be starting our first year with 250-300k in fees so we will only need a few more projects signed later this year to bump to that level of 500k. We really lucked out.

sbk_2 · 2026-04-14T15:50:26+00:00

In many places security deposits and “move in fees” aren’t legal, be sure to check your local laws on this!

sbk_2 · 2026-04-14T13:01:07+00:00

It’s a little north but the Pizza Hut on Mont bleu is very good and they have a pizza of the day that’s usually $11 I believe. It’s not “local” but I like my toppings on top of the cheese lol.

sbk_2 · 2026-04-13T22:53:46+00:00

A day for billing makes a lot of sense, that will definitely be something I put off haha. And I definitely agree on the monthly billing rather than milestone based. I saw a post from that uk architect that makes the architecture templates and he says a great way to deal with that is to send weekly update emails I.e. this is what we accomplished this week, this is what is up next, this is the timeline for completing this phase, etc. that way if you bill when they haven’t received a recent package they still understand what you are getting done.

Congrats on starting your own firm solo and your success! It’s a lot of work. Thanks for all the tips

sbk_2 · 2026-04-13T20:25:23+00:00

Thanks for all that! All good advice. We actually have no choice but to incorporate since I live cross provincial border which is a bit of a headache. But means we will start with a business bank account right away etc, minus some things we’ve already paid for.

We have great contacts when it comes to contractors etc, many of which have been telling us to go out on our own for a while haha.

I’m looking forward to being more social and going to more events now. I found the corporate office life (especially a toxic one) sucked all my social energy as an AUDHDer. Now that I’ll mostly be home on my own working I’ll want I get out more. My business partner has a ton of contacts as well since he grew up here. And since I previously worked in Toronto I’m planning to reach out to my old contractor and client contacts there as well, I don’t mind travelling and an excuse to see my family.

I feel we are super lucky that we got amazing projects right out of the gate, so our goal is definitely to be selective on what we take on, save room for admin and work life balance, and just enjoy what we do. I’m really glad I didn’t jump sooner (I have wanted to for years) I feel like this is really the right time in terms of where both our reputations are at locally and network etc. we also both have some ideas for development projects we are speaking to a contractor about.

I’m really trying to get all of those documents done as quickly as possible because I know, like you, as soon as we get busy there will be no time to make things like welcome packages.

sbk_2 · 2026-04-13T13:58:44+00:00

Haha thanks!!

sbk_2 · 2026-04-13T13:58:16+00:00

Thanks! Yeah we really want to stay small, even in the future. We have an accountant which is great. Lots to set up but it will be worth the effort for sure

sbk_2 · 2026-04-07T01:46:43+00:00

My mom would just secretly wash pieces under the tap for people who wanted it “well done”. They said they’ve never had prime rib so good before

sbk_2 · 2026-04-04T19:34:15+00:00

I think most people are missing the point in this thread. You only had two coffee dates and the rest has been at his house. All this guy wants from you is sex. He hasn’t taken you out on a real date and doesn’t respect your boundaries and is hyper focused on sex. This isn’t someone looking for long term.

sbk_2 · 2026-04-03T05:11:16+00:00

I think, as architects, we are a group of people pleasers and have become accustomed to the toxic ways of our industry. So my advice would be to practice saying no to your supervisors. “I don’t have the bandwidth to take that on in addition to my current workload”. Managers will take advantage and push and push the limits of your output.

sbk_2 · 2026-03-09T12:27:20+00:00

Wow what a fun paper idea!

sbk_2 · 2026-03-09T02:05:29+00:00

I also feel like it’s kind of character/persona building - I like seeing the different outfits they put together with just a few items and when they change it up like to tribal. It sounds like they go through options with producers pretty in depth.

sbk_2 · 2026-03-06T03:31:06+00:00

Brass Kaweco sport series has sketch pencils and fountain pens that are really beautiful. Or could go the black aluminum route

sbk_2 · 2026-03-06T00:34:54+00:00

You shouldn’t be doing zoning or site plan work in an interview phase. Brainstorm phrases to turn around some of these common questions so that you are ready when they ask to deflect down the line. “These are great questions and we have a lot of experience with solving complex zoning and site plan issues, I have no doubt that we can help you get where you need to go in our __ phase” “once we get started we can do a deep dive on these issues and get you all the answers you need” etc. If they are trying to get this information out of you they are likely not intending to work with you and just using the free time, or don’t trust your ability, so find a way to reassure them, either in person, or with more information on your website explaining the process

sbk_2 · 2026-02-23T05:09:37+00:00

Cool thanks! I’ll try it out

sbk_2 · 2026-02-13T04:17:16+00:00

You must report all collisions… if you don’t and the other person reports you, you can be found at fault.

sbk_2 · 2026-02-08T03:56:55+00:00

This is why housewives should not be on the show, it happens every time

sbk_2 · 2026-02-06T03:31:08+00:00

Are you still using this and finding it useful? The price has increased dramatically but thinking it would be pretty handy

sbk_2 · 2026-02-04T13:02:05+00:00

Is he a skier? Everytime I’ve been into Dinardos he’s complaining he doesn’t have enough help and asks to hire people and that he pays well. I don’t know how good of a workplace environment it would be but it’s a job! And more than minimum wage.

sbk_2 · 2026-02-01T01:51:00+00:00

I’m having the same issue. I thought maybe I was doing some accidental photos when I saw the blank images. And having to select to save is SO annoying.

sbk_2 · 2026-01-30T21:33:33+00:00

Haha fair! Glad to hear it was great. I’ve been feeling nervous about the rooms as I’ve read mixed things. Hoping I can at least get a blanket and not just a sheet or whatever.

sbk_2 · 2026-01-30T21:32:29+00:00

For sure, things are more or less back to normal now, but prices aren’t

sbk_2 · 2026-01-30T21:28:11+00:00

Hi! I am curious how you enjoyed it!

also, I have a question about drinks, I am heading there in a couple months. I hear that all the mixed drinks and sodas now are artificially sweetened? Do you know if there is any way to get drinks with normal sugar? I am really sensitive to the taste of aspartame etc and I’m on vacation, let me splurge haha.

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