Look, we didn't start this firm because we wanted to follow some cookie-cutter formula. Back in 2012, when James Harrow and Sophia Quintaris first sketched out plans on a coffee-stained napkin in a Queen West cafe, the vision was pretty straightforward - design buildings that people actually want to live and work in.
We've been at this for over a decade now, and honestly? The work still gets us excited every morning. There's something about seeing a client's face when they walk through a space we've designed that never gets old. Whether it's a three-story residential project in Rosedale or a commercial retrofit in the Distillery District, we're in it for those moments.
Our approach isn't flashy - we don't chase trends just because everyone else is doing it. What we do is listen. Really listen. We've sat through hundreds of meetings where clients tell us what they need, what they dream about, what frustrates them about their current spaces. Then we take all that and translate it into something real.
No corporate jargon, just the real process
Forget stuffy boardrooms. We've had our best brainstorming sessions over lunch, during site walks, even while stuck in traffic on the Gardiner. The point is - we talk it out until we get what you're really after. Not what you think you should want, but what'll actually make your space work for you.
Here's the thing - building green doesn't mean sacrificing style or blowing your budget. We've learned which materials actually perform, which certifications matter, and where you can make the biggest impact. Our projects in Toronto have cut energy costs by 30-40% on average, and that's real money back in your pocket.
Alright, here's where it might sound a bit philosophical, but stick with us. We believe buildings should be honest. What does that mean? Well, if you're using concrete, let it show. If there's beautiful brickwork, don't hide it behind drywall just because that's easier.
Every project we take on starts with the same question: what's this space supposed to do? Sounds simple, right? But you'd be surprised how often that gets lost in the shuffle. A commercial office in Liberty Village has different needs than a family home in Leslieville. We don't try to force a signature style on everything - that's lazy design.
We've also learned that the best designs happen when we're not precious about our ideas. Had a client once completely flip our initial concept on its head, and you know what? The final result was way better. Collaboration isn't just a buzzword for us - it's literally how we get to the good stuff.
We're a group of architects, designers, and problem-solvers who actually like what we do. Based out of King Street West, our team brings together different backgrounds - some of us trained in Europe, others cut their teeth right here in Toronto. That mix keeps things interesting.
Been designing buildings for 20+ years. Still gets excited about solving tricky spatial problems. Coffee enthusiast, terrible at golf.
Handles the commercial side and somehow keeps everyone organized. Known for finding sustainable solutions nobody else thought of.
Our residential specialist. Trained in Vancouver, moved here in 2015. Makes building codes actually make sense.
Interior space planning wizard. Can visualize a room just from measurements. Marathon runner and bread baker on weekends.
Anyone can draw a pretty picture. We're more interested in figuring out why your current space doesn't work and fixing it. That's the fun part - the puzzle-solving.
We're designing for how you'll use the space in 5, 10, 20 years. Not just what looks good in next month's Instagram post. Buildings should age well.
If something won't work, we'll tell you. If there's a better way to spend your budget, you'll hear about it. We're not here to blow smoke - we're here to build something great together.
We're always up for a conversation about what you're planning. No pressure, no sales pitch - just good discussion about architecture and what's possible for your space.
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