The Founder's Path
Elena Venquinth
Started out thinking I'd be a painter, honestly. Spent my early twenties in Montreal doing watercolors of old rowhouses and deteriorating warehouses. But y'know, there's only so long you can watch beautiful buildings crumble before you wanna actually do something about it.
Got my architecture degree from U of T back in '98, worked under some brilliant folks who taught me that sustainable design isn't just a trend - it's basically the only ethical way forward. Opened this studio in 2006 with a beat-up laptop and way too much coffee.
What drives me? Those moments when you're standing in a 120-year-old building and suddenly see how it could work for another century. Or when a client realizes their new space can actually help the planet instead of hurting it.
How We Think About Buildings
Look, architecture isn't just about making things look pretty - though that's definitely part of it. It's about understanding that every building tells a story and has a responsibility.
Our Philosophy
We don't believe in tearing down the old to make room for the new. That's lazy thinking. The buildings that already exist? They've got character, history, embodied energy. Our job's figuring out how to make 'em work for modern life while keeping their soul intact.
And when we're designing something from scratch, we're thinking 50, 100 years ahead. Will this building adapt? Can it be repurposed? What's its carbon footprint gonna look like in 2075?
The Team Vibe
We're a crew of 14 architects, designers, and project managers who genuinely like each other - which helps during those brutal deadline weeks. Everyone here brings something different to the table.
Got folks who obsess over heritage details, others who can calculate thermal bridging in their sleep, and a few who just have this uncanny ability to see spatial potential where others see nothing.
What Matters to Us
Honesty
We'll tell you if your idea won't work or if there's a better way. No point sugarcoating things.
Craftsmanship
Details matter. A lot. That's where buildings either sing or fall flat.
Impact
Every project's gotta move the needle on sustainability, even just a bit.
The Journey So Far
Studio Launch
Started with three of us in a cramped office on Queen West. First project was a tiny cafe renovation - still proud of that one.
First Heritage Win
Landed the restoration of the old Merchants Bank building. That project taught us more than any textbook ever could.
LEED Platinum
Our mixed-use development on Dundas got LEED Platinum certification. Proved sustainable doesn't mean boring or expensive.
Team Growth
Moved to our current digs on King Street. Team doubled in size. Still trying to figure out whose turn it is to make coffee.
Award Recognition
Ontario Association of Architects honored our work on the Junction Heritage District. Feels good to be seen.
Looking Forward
Working on some of our most ambitious projects yet - net-zero commercial builds and a massive heritage campus restoration. The work's never been more exciting.
Why Choose Us?
Here's the thing - we're not gonna promise you the moon. What we will do is listen to what you actually need, bring years of experience dealing with tricky heritage guidelines and green building standards, and deliver something that works.
We've been around long enough to know what flies and what doesn't. Long enough to have relationships with the best contractors, engineers, and trades in the city. And yeah, long enough to have made plenty of mistakes and learned from 'em.
If you want an architecture firm that'll actually return your calls, show up to site meetings, and care about your project like it's our own - well, that's us. No fancy speech, just solid work.
Let's Talk About Your Project