Sustainable Architecture

Building Responsibly

We're not just designing spaces—we're shaping a future where architecture and nature work together, not against each other.

Our Approach

Why We're Obsessed With Green Design

Look, I'll be straight with you—when I started in architecture back in 2008, sustainability was just a checkbox on project briefs. But after seeing how our built environment affects everything from local ecosystems to people's health, it became personal.

Every project that leaves our studio now incorporates environmental thinking from day one. Not because it's trendy, but because we've seen what happens when it doesn't. We've watched buildings age gracefully while using half the energy, seen clients' utility bills drop by 60%, and witnessed spaces that actually improve the surrounding environment.

It's changed how we think about everything—from material sourcing to how a building breathes.

Our Environmental Commitments

73%

Carbon Reduction

Average carbon footprint reduction across our completed projects compared to conventional construction methods

28

LEED Projects

Buildings we've designed that achieved LEED certification, with 12 reaching Gold or Platinum status

100%

Renewable Energy

Our studio runs entirely on renewable energy—we practice what we preach

85%

Material Reuse

Average rate of reclaimed, recycled, or locally sourced materials in our heritage restoration projects

45%

Water Conservation

Typical water usage reduction through smart fixtures, greywater systems, and rainwater harvesting

92%

Client Satisfaction

Clients who report improved quality of life and lower operating costs after moving into their sustainable spaces

What We Actually Do Different

Real talk—here's how sustainability shows up in our day-to-day work

Site Analysis First

Before we sketch anything, we spend days understanding sun paths, wind patterns, and local climate. Your building should work with its environment, not fight it.

Material Transparency

We track the carbon footprint and origin of every material. If we can't explain where it came from and how it was made, we don't specify it.

Future-Proofing

We design for adaptability—spaces that can change use without major renovations. A building that lasts 100 years beats one that needs replacing in 30.

Energy Modeling

Every design gets run through energy simulation software. We're not guessing—we're proving how your building will perform before it's built.

Case Studies That Matter

Lakeshore Residence
LEED Platinum

Lakeshore Residence - Net Zero Living

This wasn't easy. A family of five wanted a 3,200 sq ft home that produced as much energy as it consumed. Everyone said it couldn't be done in Toronto's climate without looking like a science experiment.

  • Geothermal heating/cooling integrated with the foundation design
  • 40kW solar array that's actually part of the roof design, not an afterthought
  • Triple-glazed windows positioned for passive solar gain
  • Greywater system that waters the entire garden

Result: They've had negative energy bills for 18 months straight. The house actually feeds power back to the grid.

Queen West Office
LEED Gold

Queen West Office Complex - Urban Retrofit

A 1960s office building that was gonna get demolished. We convinced the owner that a deep energy retrofit made more financial and environmental sense than starting over.

  • Kept 85% of the existing structure—massive carbon savings right there
  • New high-performance facade reduced heat loss by 70%
  • Living walls on three sides that actually clean the air
  • Rooftop garden that manages stormwater and provides tenant space

Result: Energy costs dropped 62%. The building went from class C to class A. And we saved about 400 tons of embodied carbon by not demolishing.

Distillery District
Heritage + LEED

Distillery District Conversion - Old Meets New

People think heritage and sustainability don't mix. This 1880s warehouse proved them wrong. We turned it into mixed-use space while respecting every brick.

  • Original timber beams cleaned and sealed—no replacement needed
  • Historic brick walls got interior insulation without changing the exterior
  • Modern HVAC hidden in original ceiling coffers
  • All new additions used reclaimed materials from similar-era buildings

Result: A 130-year-old building performing like it was built yesterday, with its history completely intact.

Our Certifications & Partnerships

We don't just talk about green building—we're actively involved in shaping its future

LEED Accredited Professionals

Three of our senior architects hold LEED AP credentials. We know the system inside and out.

Passive House Certified

We've completed the rigorous Passive House Designer training—one of the toughest energy standards out there.

Canada Green Building Council

Active members since 2010. We've sat on advisory panels and helped develop regional standards.

Living Building Challenge

Currently working on our first LBC project—the most ambitious sustainability standard in existence.

The Real Cost of Sustainable Design

Let's address the elephant in the room—yeah, it can cost more upfront. But here's what nobody tells you:

Year 1-3

You'll see 20-30% lower energy bills immediately. Most clients break even on the extra investment within 5-7 years.

Year 5-15

You're now saving money. Better air quality means fewer sick days. Natural light improves productivity and mood.

Year 15+

Your property value has increased. Maintenance costs are lower. And you've avoided multiple HVAC replacements.

What We're Working On Next

We're not sitting still. Our team's currently diving deep into mass timber construction—it's gonna change how we build mid-rise buildings. We're also experimenting with bio-based materials that literally sequester carbon as they sit in your walls.

Got a project that could push the envelope? Something that needs both beautiful design and serious environmental performance? That's exactly what gets us excited.

Let's Talk About Your Project
Our Team