Our Work Speaks

Rosedale Victorian Revival

This 1892 Victorian wasn't just old—it was falling apart. The foundation had settled unevenly, original windows were shot, and don't even get me started on the plumbing. But the bones were good, and the owners wanted to keep that authentic Victorian feel.

We spent six months just on research, tracking down period-appropriate materials and techniques. The plasterwork alone required bringing in a specialist from Montreal who actually knew how to mix lime plaster the old-school way. Modern spray foam insulation got tucked behind the original walls without disturbing the ornate moldings.

The trickiest part? Upgrading the electrical and HVAC without destroying the character. We ended up running ductwork through the old servant corridors and hiding outlets behind custom millwork. The result looks like it's always been there—which is exactly the point.

Liberty Village Tech Hub

The client came to us wanting a net-zero office building. We told them we could do better—why not net-positive? They thought we were crazy at first.

The building generates about 120% of its energy needs through a combo of solar panels, geothermal wells, and what we call "passive genius"—strategic window placement, thermal mass, and natural ventilation that actually works. The rooftop isn't just solar panels; it's a working garden that provides insulation, absorbs rainwater, and cuts the heat island effect.

Best part? Operating costs are 60% lower than a conventional office building. The excess energy gets sold back to the grid. Pretty sure the finance team loves us more than the sustainability team does.

Distillery District Loft Conversion

An 1870s distillery warehouse that had been sitting empty for twenty years. The developer wanted to gut it and start fresh. We convinced them that would be a huge mistake—that raw industrial character is what makes spaces like this special.

We kept the exposed brick, the massive timber beams, even the old loading doors. Added modern steel mezzanines that complement rather than compete with the original structure. The old grain elevators became feature walls in the penthouse units.

Biggest challenge was meeting current building codes while maintaining that authentic feel. The solution involved a lot of creative problem-solving and maybe a few spirited debates with the city inspectors. Worth it, though—these lofts sold out before construction finished.

Leslieville Laneway Home

650 square feet of pure efficiency. The owners wanted net-zero, and in a space this small, it's actually easier than you'd think—less to heat, cool, and power.

Every inch does double duty. The stairs have built-in storage, the kitchen island is also the dining table, and the bedroom loft pulls in natural light through clerestory windows. Solar panels on the roof handle all the energy needs, with battery backup for cloudy stretches.

People always ask if it feels cramped. It doesn't—good design makes small spaces feel open. High ceilings, strategic windows, and light colors go a long way. The owners say they'll never go back to a big house. Less stuff, less maintenance, smaller carbon footprint. Hard to argue with that.

High Park Family Residence

Family of five with three kids under ten. They needed space that could handle the chaos of everyday life but still feel like a home, not a warehouse.

The layout is all about flow and flexibility. Open-concept main floor where parents can cook while keeping an eye on homework. Each kid got their own space upstairs, but there's also a shared loft area for hanging out. The mudroom off the garage is oversized on purpose—winter boots and hockey gear take up space.

Little details matter: easy-to-clean surfaces, rounded corners on the island, outlets placed where they'll actually be useful. The homework nook under the stairs was the kids' idea during our design meetings. Turns out, eight-year-olds know what they want.

Scarborough Community Green Corridor

This strip of land had been neglected for years—overgrown, unwalkable, basically wasted space between three neighborhoods. The community association wanted to connect the areas and create something people would actually use.

We designed a 2km walking and cycling path with native plantings, rain gardens, and public spaces sprinkled throughout. Community gardens, playground areas, spots to just sit and hang out. Everything's connected, accessible, and built to handle Toronto weather.

The rain gardens aren't just pretty—they manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding in the area. Native plants mean lower maintenance and better habitat for local wildlife. It's become the neighborhood hangout spot, which is exactly what good urban planning should do.

Queen West Cafe

Tight budget, tight timeline, even tighter space. The owners wanted a