Who We Are
A bunch of design nerds who actually care about the planet
Look, we're not gonna feed you some corporate origin story about passion and dreams. Back in 2008, three of us were stuck in a downtown cafe during a snowstorm, sketching ideas on napkins and complaining about how most new buildings looked like soulless glass boxes.
That night, we realized we could actually do something about it. Started small - a residential addition here, a small commercial reno there. But we had this weird obsession with making buildings that didn't just look good but actually worked WITH the environment instead of against it.
Fast forward to now, and we've grown into a team of 23 professionals who still get genuinely excited about things like passive solar design and reclaimed materials. Yeah, we're that kind of nerdy.
Fifteen years of figuring things out (and occasionally messing up)
Three architects, one crazy idea, and way too much coffee. We registered the business in my apartment because none of us could afford office space. First project? My sister's kitchen. She still hasn't forgiven us for being two months late.
Finally moved into an actual workspace on Queen West. It was tiny, leaked when it rained, but it was OURS. Hired our first employees - two fresh grads who believed in what we were trying to do. Completed our first LEED-certified residential project.
Landed our first major commercial project - a 12,000 sq ft office renovation that put sustainable design front and center. The client took a chance on us, and we delivered something that cut their energy costs by 40%. Word started spreading.
Won our first Ontario Architecture Award for a net-zero residential project. Honestly didn't expect it. Suddenly we're getting calls from clients who actually WANT sustainable design, not just tolerating it. Team grew to 12 people.
Pandemic hit. Like everyone, we scrambled. Went fully remote, learned that video calls can't replace standing around a model together. But we adapted, kept everyone employed, and actually found new ways to collaborate that we still use today.
We're 23 people now, working on projects across Ontario. We've designed over 180 spaces that people actually live and work in. Still obsessed with sustainability, still sketching ideas (digitally now, mostly), and still figuring things out as we go.
The people who'll actually be working on your project
Co-Founder & Principal Architect
The one who started it all in that cafe. Sarah's got this uncanny ability to see what a space COULD be, not just what it is. She's also the reason we have a strict "no boring boxes" policy. OAA Licensed, LEED AP.
Co-Founder & Design Director
The technical wizard. If you want to know whether something's structurally possible (or legal), Marcus is your guy. He's saved us from some pretty spectacular design failures over the years. Also makes terrible dad jokes.
Co-Founder & Sustainability Lead
Our environmental conscience. Elena won't let a project proceed unless we've exhausted every option for making it greener. She's turned "but that's impossible" into "okay we figured it out" more times than we can count. LEED Fellow.
Senior Architect
Been with us since 2011. James handles our complex commercial projects and somehow keeps everything on schedule.
Interior Design Lead
Aisha makes sure spaces don't just function well but actually feel good. She's got an eye for detail that's honestly intimidating.
Project Manager
The guy who actually makes sure things happen. David's the buffer between wild design ideas and reality. We'd be lost without him.
Residential Architect
Sophie specializes in making homes that people actually want to live in. She listens, really listens, to what clients need.
Our junior architects, technologists, interns, and admin team who keep this place running. Every single person here brings something unique to the table.
We're not gonna propose something just because it looks cool on Instagram. If it doesn't work for your life or budget, we'll tell you straight up.
It's not a selling point for us, it's just how we work. Every project gets the green treatment, whether you asked for it or not. It's 2023 - there's no excuse anymore.
This is YOUR space. We've got the expertise, but you're the one who has to live or work in it. So yeah, we're gonna ask for your input. A lot.
Some architects design buildings that are basically monuments to themselves. Not our thing. We design for the people who'll actually use the space.
We're always up for interesting projects and good conversations
Let's Talk About Your Project