Who We Are
Two perspectives, one vision - building spaces that actually matter
Co-Founder & Principal Architect
I got into architecture kinda sideways, honestly. Started off studying engineering at Waterloo, but somewhere between calculus and concrete mix ratios, I realized I was way more interested in how buildings make people feel than just whether they'd stand up.
Spent a few years working with a mid-sized firm in Vancouver before heading back to school for my M.Arch at UofT. That's where I met Elena - we kept ending up in the same critiques, arguing about whether modernism had ruined everything or saved it. Turns out we were both right, depending on the project.
These days, I focus mostly on the commercial side of things and sustainability integration. There's something satisfying about convincing a developer that green design isn't just an expense - it's actually good business. When I'm not sketching or in meetings, you'll find me restoring my 1960s mid-century house in Leslieville, which is either ironic or perfectly on-brand, I haven't decided yet.
"Architecture should feel inevitable - like it was always meant to be exactly there, exactly like that."
Co-Founder & Principal Architect
Architecture's been my thing since I was a kid growing up in Montreal, constantly sketching buildings and redesigning my bedroom every few months (my parents weren't thrilled). Did my undergrad at McGill, then bounced around Europe for a year on a tight budget, documenting adaptive reuse projects and crashing on friends' couches.
That trip changed everything for me - seeing how old industrial spaces in Berlin were becoming creative hubs, or how Copenhagen managed to make social housing that people actually wanted to live in. I came back pretty convinced that architecture's biggest job isn't making pretty buildings, it's solving real problems for real people.
I handle most of our residential work and heritage restoration projects. There's this amazing moment when clients see their space for the first time and it finally clicks - when they realize we weren't just listening, we actually got it. Outside the office, I'm usually either at my pottery wheel (totally different kind of spatial problem-solving) or volunteering with a non-profit that designs emergency shelters. Keeps me grounded.
"Good design shouldn't announce itself - it should just make everyday life a little bit better."
The slightly messy story of building a practice
Met during grad school at UofT. Spent way too many all-nighters debating architectural theory and eating questionable pizza. Somehow decided we should work together - probably the sleep deprivation talking.
Officially registered the firm. Started in Thomas's garage with two laptops and a lot of optimism. First project was a kitchen renovation for Elena's aunt - she took a chance on us, and we're still grateful for it. Made every mistake in the book but learned fast.
Moved into actual office space on King West. Hired our first two employees (hey Sarah and Marcus!). Won a small commercial project that almost broke us - massive learning curve, but we delivered something we're still proud of. Started focusing more on sustainable design because, well, it matters.
Completed our first heritage restoration project - a 1920s warehouse converted to mixed-use. That project really defined what we wanted to be about: respecting history while making spaces work for how people actually live now. Got shortlisted for an OAA award, didn't win, but hey, we were there.
Pandemic hit and everything changed. Like everyone else, we figured out how to work remotely (turns out, video calls and sketching don't mix great). But clients started caring more about home offices, outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts. We adapted our approach, focusing on spaces that could evolve with changing needs.
Relocated to University Avenue - bigger space, better views, actual meeting rooms. Team grew to 14 people. Started taking on more complex commercial projects and multi-unit residential. Finally felt like we knew what we were doing (most days, anyway).
Still figuring it out, honestly. Every project teaches us something new. We're working on some really exciting sustainable builds, a couple heritage projects that give us goosebumps, and we've got the best team we could ask for. The goal hasn't changed - just make good buildings that improve people's lives.
Talented folks who make it all happen
The ones turning coffee into floor plans. Six architects and designers who somehow haven't killed each other yet despite sharing one printer.
Three technologists who know building codes better than we know our own phone numbers. They catch all the stuff we miss.
Two project managers who keep everything on track and on budget. Basically the adults in the room.
Three amazing people handling everything from client relations to making sure we actually get paid. We'd be lost without them.
Every site tells a story - the neighborhood, the light, even the way people walk past. We spend a lot of time just observing before we sketch anything. A good building fits its place, doesn't fight it.
Pretty drawings are great, but if a space doesn't work for the people using it, we've failed. We listen more than we talk in early meetings - your needs drive the design, not our ego.
It's 2024 - every building decision has environmental impact. We try to design things that'll last, use less energy, and hopefully won't embarrass us in 20 years. Not perfect at it yet, but we're getting better.
Concrete should look like concrete, wood should look like wood. We're not big on fake finishes or pretending something's what it isn't. There's beauty in authenticity.
