Design Journal

Thoughts, updates, and real talk about what we're building and why it matters

Glass facades in modern architecture
Design Philosophy Dec 18, 2023

Why Glass Isn't Always the Answer

Look, everyone wants those floor-to-ceiling windows these days. Can't blame 'em - natural light does wonders for a space. But here's something I've learned after fifteen years of doing this: sometimes the best view is the one you frame intentionally, not the one you expose completely.

Last month we wrapped a residential project in Rosedale where the client initially wanted full glass on the south side. Would've turned their living room into a greenhouse come July. Instead, we designed strategic openings with deep overhangs and one spectacular picture window that captures the ravine without the heat gain...

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Restoring the Distillery District Warehouse

Heritage work is tricky. You're basically having a conversation with builders who've been dead for a century, trying to figure out what they'd want you to do. Our latest restoration project taught me that lesson all over again.

The structure had good bones - those old timber beams are something you just can't replicate today. But the previous renovations from the 80s? Yeah, those had to go. We spent three weeks just carefully removing modifications that were hiding the original brick patterns. Worth every minute though. When you see that 1890s craftsmanship come back to life...

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Heritage building restoration
Project Update Dec 12, 2023
Sustainable architecture design
Sustainability Nov 28, 2023

Passive House Standards Without the Price Tag

Everyone's talking about net-zero and Passive House certification, and honestly? It's about time. But let's be real - not every client has an extra hundred grand lying around for a full certification process.

What we've been doing instead is borrowing the principles without necessarily chasing the stamp. Better insulation details, smarter window placement, that sort of thing. Had a couple in Leslieville who wanted to cut their heating bills but couldn't justify the full certification costs. We applied Passive House concepts selectively, focused on their north wall and roof assembly...

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Small Spaces, Big Impact

Toronto real estate is wild right now. We're seeing more clients with 600-square-foot condos asking us to make them feel like 1200. Magic isn't real, but good spatial planning comes pretty close.

The trick isn't making things smaller or using mirrors everywhere - that's amateur hour stuff. It's about being intentional with every square inch. A recent King West project had us rethinking the whole concept of rooms. Why does a bedroom need four walls if you're living alone? We used a pivoting partition system that lets the space transform...

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Small space interior design
Interior Design Nov 15, 2023
Construction project management
Industry Insights Nov 03, 2023

What They Don't Tell You About Construction Timelines

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me why their project's running behind schedule, I'd probably be retired by now. Here's the thing nobody wants to admit: construction timelines are basically educated guesses dressed up as commitments.

Materials get delayed. Inspectors get sick. You open up a wall and find something that shouldn't be there. It happens. What separates good project management from nightmare scenarios isn't avoiding delays - that's impossible - it's how you build buffer time into your planning and communicate when things shift...

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