Since 1985, we’ve helped projects move from ideas to achieving best RIO
Who We Are
Tricor Design Group is a Calgary-based design and drafting firm established in 1985
We deliver creative, buildable designs across residential, multi-family, and commercial sectors, focusing on projects that require clarity and experienced, steady hands. With over 20,000 units delivered, our work is grounded in navigating complex approvals and municipal regulations with quiet authority and technical confidence.
TRicor design group
our history
Stability Through Every Cycle Tricor’s foundations were laid in the early 1980s, an era defined by the economic volatility of the NEP and 22% interest rates. Officially established in 1985 by Mike Borkristl, the firm transitioned from a boutique partner for Calgary’s cornerstone builders into a robust, multi-disciplinary studio. While the industry saw significant fallout during these decades, our ability to adapt ensured we remained a steady, reliable resource for developers navigating the most challenging market shifts. Scaling Complexity: The Garrison Woods Era In the 1990s, we shifted our focus toward large-scale diversification, moving beyond custom homes into the multi-family and commercial sectors. This period was defined by the landmark Garrison Woods project, a ground-breaking development of over 320 townhomes. Our team managed the immense technical challenge of designing hundreds of unique, custom interiors under a single master plan, a feat that solidified our reputation for managing high-volume, high-precision projects with absolute certainty. Shaping the Modern Urban Fabric Today, Tricor is recognized as a primary authority on Calgary’s inner-city evolution. Our senior leadership has been instrumental in shaping the very bylaws that govern modern density, from architectural controls in new subdivisions to the current R-CG and H-GO frameworks. With a portfolio exceeding 10,000 units and projects spanning Western Canada and the United States, we continue to provide the strategic oversight and technical depth required to turn land challenges into buildable opportunities.
What We’re Known For
Design That Survives Review
We deliver market-ready designs built for technical compliance. Every layout is engineered to withstand the scrutiny of Calgary’s planning departments while maximizing your floor area ratio
Fact-Based Feasibility
We provide high-velocity "Yes/No" analysis to protect your capital from unapprovable concepts. Decisions are driven by regulatory facts and site constraints, not guesswork.
Technical Advocacy Engine
Our team manages the "paperwork war" with precision. We advocate for your file through the entire DP and BP cycle to eliminate avoidable delays.
Professional Accessibility
We maintain high standards of close communication and momentum. Our scale ensures that when critical decisions are made, you have direct access to the technical right answers you need
People come to Tricor because
We act as your strategic technical partners.
We master complex municipal approval cycles.
We deliver buildable and approvable outcomes.
We treat project time as financial capital.
our services
The Tricor Approach
We focus on making projects workable from the start, approvable under local regulations, and market-ready for real conditions. Every decision is guided by feasibility, clarity, and a clear path forward.
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Years Experience
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Projects achieved
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Rezoning & Appeals
If you’re planning a serious project, we’ll tell you what’s realistic, and what to expect
