Website requirements checklist for an architecture firm in Toronto before asking for quotes (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

A Toronto architecture firm that asks for quotes without a requirements document gets offers it cannot compare, because each agency imagines a different scope. With a precise 3 to 4 page brief, the spread between quotes narrows clearly and the lines on quote (integrations, migration, languages) become visible. Kolonell publishes a fixed grid of $2,900 (Starter), $4,900 (Growth) and $8,900 (Premium), delivered in 3 to 4 weeks, which reads directly against this checklist.

What should the requirements document cover?

Whether your studio is in King West, the Distillery District, Liberty Village or Yorkville, the checklist works for any project mix (residential, mid-rise, institutional, workplace).

• Goals and audiences: developers, institutional clients, private homeowners, job candidates. One measurable goal per audience.
• Page list and templates: home, project page, filterable project index, team, approach, news, careers, contact.
• Content ownership: who writes, who approves, who signs off compliance. The title architect is protected and regulated by the Ontario Association of Architects: have a principal approve any reference to title or licence.
• Portfolio: photographer credit on every image, written client permission, no addresses of private homes.
• Languages: English only, or English and French; state it in the brief.
• Integrations: CRM, meeting booking, recruitment feed, link to a client portal. One line per integration so quotes compare; complex ones are on quote.
• Accessibility: AODA covers Ontario organizations above certain thresholds, with WCAG 2.0 AA as its reference; target WCAG 2.2 AA.
• Personal data: minimal forms, clear consent, PIPEDA compliance; express consent for email covered by CASL.
• Hosting and domain in the firm's name, admin access handed over at delivery.
• SEO migration if a site exists: URL inventory, 301 redirect map, Search Console monitoring.
• Acceptance criteria: pages approved, mobile tests, accessibility tests, forms tested.
• Timeline and budget range, even a rough one.

This is not legal advice.

Vague or precise brief: how does it change quotes?

2026 ballpark from typical Toronto agency quotes, converted approximately from CAD to USD.

How do you compare three quotes?

Score each criterion out of 5, multiply by the weight, add up.

Quote A: 4 x 0.30 + 3 x 0.20 + 4 x 0.15 + 5 x 0.15 + 2 x 0.10 + 2 x 0.10 = 3.55.

How does the Kolonell grid map to the checklist?

• Starter, $2,900: compact site, one language, checklist points 1 to 5 and 7 to 12.
• Growth, $4,900: full site with a project page template, filterable index and redirect plan.
• Premium, $8,900: advanced design, the multilingual tier, languages set in the quote.

Included: a project manager reachable in Eastern time, native English or French copywriting, delivery in 3 to 4 weeks, 3 months of support. The integrations in point 6 and ongoing SEO work are on quote. Details are on the international offer.

Mini case study

Illustrative example: Lakeview Row Architects, a fictional Liberty Village firm focused on housing and workplaces. A principal spends 8 hours writing the requirements document. Three quotes come back: $29,000, $18,000 and $22,000. The firm also compares Kolonell Growth at $4,900, plus $2,200 for an independent architectural photographer covering 3 projects (third-party cost), so $7,100. Gap with the lowest quote: $18,000 minus $7,100, so $10,900, to weigh against the scoring grid.

FAQ

How long does the requirements document take?

Plan 6 to 10 hours for a principal and a marketing coordinator. The document fits in 3 to 4 pages.

How many quotes should we request?

Three is usually enough. Beyond that, comparison takes over 2 hours per offer with no real gain.

Should we target WCAG 2.2 AA if AODA does not cover us?

Yes, it is good practice. The extra cost is low if the criterion sits in point 7 from the start.

Does an English and French site change the budget?

Yes. At Kolonell, that is Premium at $8,900, the multilingual tier, languages set in the quote.

Can we publish private homes?

Yes, with written client permission, no address and photographer credit on every single image.

Let's scope your project. Send your requirements, even as a 12-point list: we reply with a scope, a tier between $2,900 and $8,900 and a timeline. See the international offer or request a free quote: detailed reply within 48 hours.