We're just people who
really love buildings
Crafting Tomorrow's Spaces with Timeless Vision
Blazio Renquinthal
Founder & Principal Architect
M.Arch, MRAIC, LEED AP BD+C
The Beginning
Started this studio back in 2009 after spending way too many years at big corporate firms where every project felt like it'd been through a committee of committees. Don't get me wrong - learned a ton there, but something was missing.
Grew up in a cramped Toronto apartment where my mom would rearrange furniture every few months trying to make the space work better for us. That's probably where it clicked - architecture isn't about making pretty buildings, it's about making life easier, better, more human.
Studied at Waterloo, did a stint in Copenhagen (yeah, that's where the sustainable design obsession started), and came back knowing exactly what kind of practice I wanted to build. One where we actually listen to people, where sustainability isn't a buzzword but just how we work, and where every project gets the attention it deserves.
These days we're a team of twelve, and honestly, they make me look way better than I am.
What We Actually Believe
Look, there's a lot of architectural philosophy that sounds great in theory but doesn't mean much when you're trying to figure out where the laundry goes. Here's what guides us:
- → Buildings should age well - not just structurally, but aesthetically. Trends are fun, but we're designing for decades.
- → Context matters more than ego - your building lives in a neighborhood, not a vacuum. Let's respect that.
- → Sustainable isn't optional anymore - it's 2025. We've got the tech, the materials, the knowledge. No excuses.
- → Function and beauty aren't enemies - they're actually best friends when you do it right.
The Team That Makes It Happen
We're deliberately small. Big enough to handle complex projects, small enough that everyone knows what's going on.
Marina Kowalski
Senior Architect
Been with us since 2012. Residential guru who can make 800 sq ft feel like a mansion. Scary good at details.
James Chen
Urban Planning Lead
Former city planner who got tired of saying no to things. Now he helps us say yes to the right things.
Aisha Patel
Sustainability Director
LEED guru who knows more about building science than should be humanly possible. Keeps us honest on every project.
Thomas Bergstrom
Design Director
Swede who brought that Scandinavian sensibility we're kind of known for. Makes everything look effortless.
Plus eight more talented folks handling everything from technical drawings to client relations to making sure we don't forget to eat lunch.
Recognition & Stuff
We've won some awards over the years, which is nice. But honestly, the best feedback is when clients come back for their second or third project with us. That means we're doing something right.
2024 - OAA Award of Excellence for Sustainable Design
2023 - Toronto Urban Design Award
2022 - Canadian Green Building Award
2021 - Heritage Restoration Recognition, City of Toronto
Since 2009 - 47 LEED certified projects and counting
Want to Work Together?
We're always up for interesting projects. Whether you're planning a new home, renovating a heritage building, or thinking about a larger development - let's talk.
Get In Touch