Building Responsibly

It's not just about making buildings look good anymore—we're thinking about what happens 50 years down the line.

Sustainable design process

Why We're Obsessed with Sustainability

Look, I'll be honest—when I started out in architecture back in '08, sustainability felt like this trendy checkbox everyone was trying to tick. But after seeing how buildings actually perform over time, and watching climate patterns shift right here in Toronto, it became personal.

We've designed over 120 projects with sustainability at their core, and what we've learned is that green building isn't about sacrificing beauty or function. It's about being smarter. Using materials that'll last. Orienting spaces so you're not cranking the AC all summer. Stuff that just makes sense.

Every project we take on starts with a simple question: how can this building give back more than it takes?

Our Certifications & Credentials

We don't just talk about sustainability—we've got the paperwork to prove it.

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LEED Accredited

Professional certification since 2011

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Passive House

Certified designer & consultant

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Net Zero Ready

CaGBC certification holder

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Living Building

Challenge ambassador

How We Actually Do It

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Site Analysis That Goes Deep

Before we sketch a single line, we're out there studying sun paths, wind patterns, existing vegetation. I've spent hours just sitting on sites, watching how light moves through the space at different times of day. Sounds a bit weird, but that's how you catch the details that make or break energy performance.

We use thermal imaging, soil testing, and local climate data going back decades. The boring stuff that actually matters.

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Material Selection with Memory

We've got this database of materials we've used over the years—what held up, what didn't, what looked great in the showroom but was a nightmare to maintain. Reclaimed timber from old Ontario barns, recycled steel, low-VOC finishes that don't make people feel sick.

Plus, we calculate embodied carbon for every major material choice. It's tedious, but necessary.

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Water Systems That Work Year-Round

Rainwater harvesting isn't just for the eco-warriors anymore. We're designing systems that capture, filter, and reuse water for irrigation and non-potable uses. One of our commercial projects in Mississauga cut municipal water use by 62% in its first year.

Greywater recycling, permeable surfaces, native plant landscaping—it all adds up.

♨️

Energy Performance That's Actually Measurable

We don't guess—we model everything. Energy simulations tell us exactly how a building will perform before construction starts. Geothermal systems, solar arrays positioned for maximum winter gain, triple-pane windows that don't break the budget.

Then we follow up post-occupancy to see if our models were accurate. Keeps us honest.

The Numbers Don't Lie

38%

Average Energy Reduction

Across all our residential projects completed since 2020, compared to conventional construction. Some projects have hit 55%+ reductions.

2,400+

Tonnes CO2 Offset Annually

Combined carbon offset from all our completed sustainable projects currently in operation. That's equivalent to taking 520 cars off the road.

85%

Waste Diversion Rate

On our construction sites through careful planning, material reuse, and partnerships with local recycling facilities. Way above the industry average of 25%.

12 Years

Average Payback Period

For the sustainable features we implement. After that, it's pure savings. Plus, property values typically see a 7-15% bump compared to similar conventional builds.

Renewable energy integration

Real Projects, Real Impact

The Lakeshore Passive House we completed in 2023 uses 89% less energy for heating than a code-built house of the same size. The family's monthly utility bill? $43 on average. For a 2,800 sq ft home.

Our Queen West mixed-use development generates 40% of its own electricity through integrated solar and feeds excess back to the grid. The commercial tenants actually advertise their sustainable location as a selling point.

This stuff works. It just takes commitment and know-how.

Looking Forward

We're not where we need to be yet—no one is. But we're pushing harder each year. Currently working on our first net-positive energy building and researching bio-based materials that could replace concrete in certain applications.

Climate change isn't slowing down, so neither are we. Every project is a chance to do better, learn more, and prove that sustainable design doesn't have to compromise on anything except waste.

Let's Build Something Responsible

Resources & Transparency

We believe in sharing what we learn. Here's some stuff you might find useful.

📊 Annual Impact Report

We publish our environmental metrics every year—energy savings, carbon offset, waste diversion. Full transparency.

📚 Material Database

Thinking about sustainable materials for your project? We've got documentation on performance, sourcing, and costs for dozens of options.

🎓 Workshops & Talks

We run quarterly sessions on sustainable design for homeowners, developers, and fellow architects. Next one's in November.