What We Actually Do

Look, we've spent years figuring out how to make buildings that don't just look good but actually work for the people using them. Here's the honest breakdown of how we can help.

CORE SERVICES

We're Not Your Typical Firm

Every project tells us something new. We've learned that cookie-cutter approaches just don't cut it anymore - especially when you're trying to balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

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Let's grab a coffee and talk through what you're thinking. First conversation's always relaxed.

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Residential Architecture

Residential Architecture

Your home should feel like you, not some magazine spread. We've designed everything from cozy laneway houses to sprawling family estates. The common thread? Each one reflects how the people inside actually live. We'll dig into your routines, your quirks, even how you make your morning coffee - because that stuff matters when you're designing a space that'll work for decades.

Commercial Design

Commercial spaces are tricky - they've gotta impress clients while keeping employees happy and functional. We've done offices where people actually want to come to work, retail spaces that flow naturally, and mixed-use buildings that bring communities together. The secret? Understanding that good business happens in well-designed spaces. We focus on creating environments that boost productivity without feeling corporate or sterile.

Commercial Design
Sustainable Building

Sustainable Building Consulting

Here's where we get really excited. Sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us - it's literally how we approach every project. We'll audit your existing building, guide you through green certifications like LEED, help you understand passive design principles, and show you where investing in sustainable features actually saves money long-term. No greenwashing, just practical solutions that make sense for your budget and the planet.

Interior Planning

Interior Space Planning

Sometimes you don't need a whole new building - you just need to rethink what you've got. We'll help you reconfigure layouts, optimize flow, and make better use of every square foot. It's amazing what a fresh perspective can do. We've turned cramped offices into collaborative hubs and awkward floor plans into intuitive spaces that just work.

  • Space optimization & flow analysis
  • Functional layout redesign
  • Material & finish selection
  • Lighting & acoustics strategy
Heritage Restoration

Heritage Restoration

Toronto's full of beautiful old buildings that deserve respect. We've worked on heritage projects where the challenge is honoring the past while meeting today's codes and comfort standards. It's delicate work - you're basically having a conversation with architects from another era. We love it though. There's something special about preserving craftsmanship and character that you just can't replicate in new construction.

  • Historical research & documentation
  • Sympathetic additions & updates
  • Regulatory compliance navigation
  • Period-appropriate material sourcing
Urban Planning

Urban Planning

The big picture stuff. We work with developers, municipalities, and community groups to shape how neighborhoods evolve. Good urban planning means thinking about transit, green space, density, and how people actually move through their city. We're particularly interested in mixed-use developments that create vibrant, walkable communities rather than single-purpose zones that empty out after 5pm.

  • Master planning & site analysis
  • Zoning & regulatory strategy
  • Community engagement facilitation
  • Transit-oriented development

Our Process Isn't Set in Stone

Every project's different, but here's generally how we roll. We're flexible though - sometimes you need to skip steps, sometimes you need extra ones.

1

Discovery

We talk, we listen, we ask probably too many questions. Understanding what you need is half the battle.

2

Concept

Sketches, models, mood boards - we explore ideas together until something clicks. This is the fun part.

3

Development

Getting into the nitty-gritty. Detailed drawings, materials, systems, codes - making sure it all works.

4

Realization

Construction support, site visits, problem-solving. We stick around to make sure it turns out right.

CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS

We've Got the Credentials (But That's Not Why You Should Hire Us)

Look, certifications are important - they show we know our stuff and stay current with industry standards. But what really matters is that we use this knowledge to make your project better, not just to check boxes.

LEED Accredited

Multiple team members certified

Passive House

Certified consultants on staff

OAA Members

Ontario Association of Architects

RAIC Affiliated

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Learn About Our Sustainability Approach
Certifications

Frequently Asked Stuff

These are the questions that come up in pretty much every initial meeting. If yours isn't here, just ask.

Honestly? It varies a ton. Residential projects typically run 8-15% of construction costs, commercial can be 5-12% depending on complexity. We can work hourly, fixed-fee, or percentage basis - whatever makes sense for your project. First consultation's free though, and we'll give you a realistic estimate before you commit to anything.

Design phase for a house might be 3-6 months, commercial projects can be 6-12 months depending on scale. Then there's permitting (which in Toronto can be... optimistic), and construction. All in, you're looking at 18-24 months for a custom home from our first meeting to move-in day. We'll give you a realistic timeline upfront - no point in sugarcoating it.

Upfront? Sometimes, yeah - maybe 5-10% more for really high-performance stuff. But here's the thing: those costs get paid back through lower energy bills, better durability, and higher property values. Plus, there's a ton of sustainable strategies that don't cost extra if you design them in from the start. It's about making smart choices, not just throwing expensive tech at the problem.

We're happy to work with whoever you trust. If you've got a contractor you love, great - we'll collaborate with them. If not, we know a bunch of solid builders who get what we're trying to do and can execute it properly. Either way works. The key is open communication and mutual respect, which honestly matters way more than who found who.

That's actually totally normal. Most people know something's not working or they want something better, but they haven't figured out exactly what that looks like. That's literally what we're here for - to help you clarify your vision and show you possibilities you maybe hadn't considered. We'll ask the right questions and sketch out ideas until it starts to take shape.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether it's a napkin sketch or fully formed plans, we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Coffee's on us.