Who We Are

We're not your typical architecture firm. Yeah, we design buildings, but honestly? We're more interested in creating spaces where life actually happens.

Started back in 2009 with just three people and a shared studio space, we've grown into something we're genuinely proud of. Still obsessed with sustainable design, still arguing over the best coffee spot in Toronto, still staying late when a project demands it.

Our Story

Look, we didn't start this firm because we wanted to build the tallest tower or win fancy awards (though we won't lie, awards are nice). We started because we were frustrated. Frustrated with seeing beautiful designs that ignored their environmental impact. Tired of buildings that looked great in renderings but felt cold in person.

So we figured we'd do things differently. Sustainable doesn't have to mean boring - that's been our mantra from day one. Every project we take on, whether it's someone's dream home or a 20-story commercial build, gets the same treatment: thoughtful design that actually works for the people using it and doesn't wreck the planet in the process.

Studio workspace

Our Journey

2009 - The Beginning

Three architects, one cramped office, and way too much coffee. We landed our first residential project after pitching sustainable design concepts that actually made financial sense. That first client took a chance on us, and we've never forgotten it.

2013 - Going Commercial

Got our first big commercial contract. Nearly killed us with stress, but we pulled it off. Suddenly people started taking us seriously - turned out sustainable design could work at scale. Who knew?

2017 - Expanding Horizons

Moved into heritage restoration work. Old buildings have stories, and tearing them down just felt wrong. Now we get to blend historic character with modern sustainability - honestly some of our favorite projects.

2021 - New Chapter

Opened our current studio on Queen West. Team's grown to 15 people now. We've worked on over 200 projects across Ontario. Still learning something new on every single one.

Meet The Team

Lead Architect

Elena Vasquez

Principal Architect & Founder

Started this whole thing after getting fed up with corporate architecture. Spent 8 years at big firms before realizing I wanted to build differently. Obsessed with passive solar design and finding ways to make LEED certification less of a headache for clients. Outside the office? Usually at my cottage trying (and failing) to build the perfect screened porch.

Design Director

Marcus Chen

Design Director

The guy who makes sure our wild ideas are actually buildable. Came on board in 2011 and hasn't let us get away with ignoring structural reality since. Masters in sustainable engineering, but don't let that fool you - he's got an eye for aesthetics too. Known around the office for his terrible puns and surprisingly good sourdough bread.

Heritage Specialist

Priya Sharma

Heritage & Restoration Lead

Joined us in 2016 with a passion for old buildings that borders on obsessive. She's the one you want when dealing with century-old structures that need modern updates without losing their soul. Can spot original crown molding from a mile away. Constantly fighting to save Toronto's architectural history, one building at a time.

Senior Architect

David Okonkwo

Senior Architect - Commercial

Handles our bigger commercial builds with the kind of calm that makes clients trust us with their millions. Previously worked on projects across three continents, brings that global perspective to every design. Weekend warrior on the basketball court and the firm's unofficial tech support when our software inevitably crashes.

Interior Planning

Sophie Marchand

Interior Planning Director

Makes sure the insides of our buildings are as thoughtful as the outsides. Has this uncanny ability to visualize how people will actually move through a space. Trained in Paris, moved to Toronto for "just a year" back in 2014 and never left. Always has paint samples in her bag for some reason.

Urban Planning

Jordan Kim

Urban Planning Associate

Our newest senior team member, but don't let that fool you - Jordan's been doing urban planning for 12 years. Cares deeply about how buildings interact with their neighborhoods and cities. Always pushing us to think bigger picture. Bikes to work year-round, even in January (we think they're crazy).

What Drives Us

Honest Sustainability

We're not into greenwashing. If we say a building's sustainable, we can back it up with data, materials lists, and energy projections. No fluff, just real environmental responsibility that makes financial sense too.

Design That Works

Pretty sketches are great, but we design for real life. That means thinking about maintenance, about how spaces age, about what happens when you've got three kids and a dog. Beauty's important, but so is practicality.

People First

Buildings are for people. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it gets forgotten. We listen to how you actually live and work, then design around that reality instead of forcing you into some architect's vision.

Local Context

Every site has a story - the neighborhood, the history, the climate, the community. We're not dropping the same cookie-cutter design everywhere. Each project responds to where it actually is.

Transparent Process

No surprises, no architect-speak that leaves you confused. We explain what we're doing and why. You're investing serious money - you deserve to understand every decision.

Long-Term Thinking

We design buildings that'll still work in 50 years. That means adapting to climate change, planning for technology shifts, and creating spaces flexible enough to evolve with how you use them.

Team collaboration

Work With Us

We're always looking for interesting projects and talented people. If you've got a building project that needs careful thought and genuine sustainability, let's talk. If you're an architect or designer who shares our values, we might have a spot for you.

We're not the cheapest option out there - good sustainable design takes time and expertise. But we are fair, transparent, and completely committed to getting it right. Our clients tend to stick with us for multiple projects, which tells you something.

Based in Toronto but we've worked across Ontario. Not afraid of complicated sites, tight urban lots, or heritage restrictions - actually, those are usually the most interesting challenges.

Get In Touch