Toronto · North York · GTA · Dallas
Toronto's Design-Build Specialists in Multiplexes, Garden Suites & Laneway Suites
UTES Design & Build provides integrated design, structural engineering, and construction management for Toronto homeowners and investors. One team. One contract. Full accountability from permit to completion.
Who we are
A single firm for design, engineering, permits, and construction
UTES Design & Build is a Toronto-based design-build firm founded by Arash Bahamin, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Project Management Professional (PMP). The firm specializes in projects that require both engineering precision and design creativity — particularly multiplex conversions, garden suites, laneway suites, and major home additions across Toronto and the GTA.
Unlike firms that separate design from construction, UTES manages the entire process in-house: zoning analysis, working drawings, structural engineering, permit submissions, Committee of Adjustment applications, and construction management. This integrated model reduces delays, eliminates coordination gaps, and gives clients a single point of accountability throughout.
The firm is licensed by Tarion and the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) — both mandatory for new home construction in Ontario — and carries full liability insurance on all projects.
Services
What we build and design
UTES focuses on the project types that require the deepest knowledge of Toronto's zoning bylaws, building code, and permit process. These are the areas where having an engineer-led design-build team makes the biggest difference.
Multiplex conversions
Duplex, triplex, and fourplex conversions in Toronto. Full design, engineering, zoning, and CoA where required.
Garden suites
Detached garden suite design and construction. Setback analysis, tree permit coordination, and full permit drawings.
Laneway suites
Laneway suite design for Toronto properties. Zoning eligibility review, design, structural engineering, and build.
Committee of Adjustment
Minor variance and consent applications for Toronto's Committee of Adjustment. Package preparation and hearing representation.
Major home additions
Second storey additions, rear extensions, and full-scale renovations requiring structural engineering and building permits.
Restaurant permits
Commercial kitchen fit-outs and restaurant alterations. Drawings, mechanical coordination, and permit submissions.
Custom homes
New custom home construction in Toronto and the GTA. Design-build delivery from lot analysis through construction completion.
Structural engineering
Standalone structural engineering reports, beam designs, underpinning, and third-party reviews for residential and commercial projects.
Leadership
Led by a licensed engineer, not just a contractor
Arash Bahamin
Founder & Principal
- P.Eng. — Professional Engineer
- PMP — Project Management Professional
- Tarion Licensed Builder
- HCRA Licensed Builder
- 25+ years in construction
Arash Bahamin founded UTES Design & Build after more than two decades as a practicing structural engineer on residential and commercial projects across Ontario. His background means every UTES project is approached first as an engineering problem — structural loads, building code compliance, and long-term durability — before any design decisions are made.
This foundation is particularly valuable for the complex project types UTES handles most: multiplex conversions that require existing structure assessment, garden suites with tight setback and tree-protection constraints, and Committee of Adjustment applications where technical credibility influences the outcome.
Arash holds a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and builder licenses through both Tarion and the HCRA — the full credential set required for new home construction and major renovations in Ontario.
Where we work
Serving Toronto, the GTA, and expanding to Dallas
UTES Design & Build works across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. The firm has deep familiarity with Toronto's specific zoning bylaws — including the rules governing garden suites, laneway suites, and multiplex conversions under the City of Toronto's official plan amendments. UTES is also expanding design-build services to Dallas, Texas.
Client reviews
What clients say
"Arash did an exceptional job helping us with drawings and obtaining the city's pool closure and alteration permit. He spent time with city engineers to understand their requirements and alter drawings to their satisfaction."
Permit & drawings project
"Arash and his team took our concept and designed our garden suite to match our vision. They submitted all permits and were easy to communicate with every step. Thanks for the great advice and all the work with tree permits."
Garden suite — Toronto
"He took the time to understand our requirements and design priorities, prepared cost-effective solutions, and provided us with the facts so that we could make informed design decisions. Our permit was approved faster than expected."
Design & permit project
"Hiring Arash as a structural engineer was a wise decision. His expertise ensured the structural integrity of our project, and attention to detail helped identify and address potential issues early on. Highly recommend."
Structural engineering
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
UTES Design & Build specializes in multiplex conversions (duplex, triplex, fourplex), garden suites, laneway suites, major home additions, Committee of Adjustment applications, and restaurant permits across Toronto and the GTA. All projects include in-house design, structural engineering, and construction management.
Yes. UTES Design & Build is licensed by both Tarion and the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) — the two mandatory licenses for new home construction in Ontario. The firm is led by Arash Bahamin, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Yes. A Committee of Adjustment (CoA) application is required when a project needs a minor variance from Toronto's zoning bylaw — for example, if a garden suite or addition exceeds standard setback or height limits. UTES prepares and submits the full CoA package, including drawings and supporting documents, and can represent clients at the hearing.
Both are detached secondary units built on a residential property. A laneway suite is built at the rear of a property adjacent to a public laneway — a common feature in older Toronto neighbourhoods. A garden suite does not require laneway access and can be built in any qualifying rear yard. Toronto's zoning bylaws allow both as of-right in most residential zones, subject to setback and size requirements.
Timeline varies by project complexity. A straightforward garden suite typically takes 4–6 months from initial design to permit approval, followed by 4–6 months of construction. A multiplex conversion involving Committee of Adjustment can add 3–6 months to the permit phase. UTES provides a detailed project schedule at the start of every engagement.
Yes. UTES Design & Build works throughout the GTA including North York, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and East York. The firm is also expanding design-build services to Dallas, Texas.
Ready to start your project?
Talk to Arash and the UTES team about your multiplex conversion, garden suite, or home addition.
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