Architects in Toronto are no strangers to fun, playful spaces. Reflect Architecture, for example, was founded by Trevor Wallace, who first worked for Quadrangle Architects before opening his own studio. Reflect specializes in residential and commercial projects throughout Canada and aims to inspire through playful spaces. In his own Toronto home, for example, Wallace has inserted a baby-blue slide into the backyard. These are only a few of the many firms in Toronto worth checking out.
Reflect Architecture
Based in Toronto, Reflect Architecture is a design studio headed by Trevor Wallace. He previously worked at Quadrangle Architects before starting his own studio. His architectural projects span commercial and residential spaces across Canada. His designs are full of playful touches, including a baby-blue slide he inserted into a private residence. The firm was recently featured in Archello’s list of top architects in Toronto. The editorial team of Archello handpicked the top firms in the city.
Founded in 2002, superkul is an architecture and design studio in Toronto. Its mission is to create functional, sustainable, and unusual spaces. The firm’s most recent project, a house on Georgian Bay, showcases its focus on contemporary architecture and thoughtful links between interior and exterior zones. The firm’s clients include many prominent Canadian organizations. As a result, many of their projects are built in Canada.
The firm is known for its multidisciplinary designs, including the iconic Ice Box in downtown Toronto. The ice-filled space was constructed of black plexiglass and reflected the urban surroundings, offering a respite from the winter weather. While many architects would simply stick to traditional building techniques, Reflect Architecture is an architectural firm in Toronto that can make any project come to life. The firm’s projects have won several awards, including a prestigious Young Architects Award from the Royal Institute of Architects of Canada.
The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most iconic buildings. For 31 years, it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure. In 2007, the Burj Khalifa surpassed it. The CN Tower serves as both an observation and communication tower. In the early twentieth century, an architect named E. J. Lennox designed Casa Loma, a home for Sir Henry Pellatt.
Hariri Pontarini
Founded by architect Guy Horton, Hariri Pontarini specializes in creating spiritual environments. In a Metropolis Magazine article, titled “Sacred Structure,” Horton explains that the Baha’i Temple in Santiago, Chile is a spiritual structure that looks like a mushroom and is surrounded by nine “wings.” This building is a striking icon, a symbol of the Baha’i faith, and it will be illuminated from within.
The firm is based in Toronto and has offices in Santiago, Chile and Toronto. It employs over 120 people and has been recognized by various design awards. It has won a Governor General’s Medal in Architecture for their work on the Casey House. Siamak Hariri has a deep appreciation for architecture, focusing on the conceptual basis and the importance of light, materiality, and site.
The firm has also worked on several downtown condo projects. The Galleria III building, Toronto’s tallest flatiron, was designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects in collaboration with DesignAgency. When completed, the project will feature over four hundred studios and residences. The complex is part of a larger transformation of Toronto’s west end. If you’re looking for a stylish and modern place to live, consider a condo in this neighbourhood.
Among the projects completed by Toronto architects, the Schulich School of Business is an excellent example. Located in the suburbs of Toronto, the school brought a level of sophistication to the otherwise suburban campus. The building has changed the campus from an isolated, commuter-oriented campus into a vibrant urban precinct where students and staff live together. Hariri Pontarini Architects of Toronto also worked on the Baha’i Temple in South America, which is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains near Santiago, Chile.
Montgomery Sisam Architects
Founded in 1978, the Canadian architectural practice Montgomery Sisam Architects has a reputation for creating buildings with social consciousness and a sense of responsibility. Whether you need an addition or a small renovation, they’re the team to call for expert advice. Their ethos is based on collaboration and responsible budget control. Their work speaks for itself. Learn more about the company’s mission, philosophy, and experience.
Currently, the firm is working on a pilot project with the City of Toronto and Horizon North to build 110 modular housing units for the homeless. The project will be completed on a time-efficient schedule and will incorporate leading technologies and APIs. The firm has been recognized by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) for its diversity and ability to design buildings of all scales and types. The diverse staff offers a full range of design experience and expertise. They work on projects of all sizes, and have a wide variety of clients.
The multi-cultural staff of Montgomery Sisam Architects is reflected in their diverse clientele, and the office is home to staff from over 12 different countries. The firm’s staff is noted as their greatest resource and many are LEED-certified. Moreover, the office strives to foster a positive workplace culture. In addition to regular meetings and training sessions, the team works to create an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.
Paul Raff Studio
Since its incorporation in 2003, Paul Raff Studio has honed its architectural skills. Its team of architects and designers includes experts in architecture, multi-media, and landscape. The firm has worked on projects across Canada and the United States, and prides itself on being socially conscious. The studio’s impressive portfolio is proof of its versatility. Here’s a closer look at the firm’s design work.
Nathan Dykstra is a licensed architect in Toronto and a graduate of the School of Architecture at Pratt Institute. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts and an Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo. Since graduating, he has worked on numerous award-winning projects. His designs have been featured in Architect Magazine and Canadian Interiors. The firm is registered with the Ontario Association of Architects.
Jeremy Aranoff has extensive experience leading projects. His portfolio includes hotels, community centres, condominium towers, custom houses, and performance venues. He speaks French and has worked for architectural practices in Montreal, New York City, and Canada. Timothy enjoys art, cycling, snowboarding, and traveling. While in his spare time, he aims to take his family on adventures and explore new places. But he still enjoys architecture.
Batay-Csorba Architects
Based in Toronto, Batay-Csorba Architect’s distinctive aesthetic and attention to detail has earned the firm a reputation for creating world-class projects. The firm began in Los Angeles and has since expanded to other parts of Canada. The firm’s award-winning projects have been featured in over 80 publications and exhibited in 24 international galleries. To understand their work, explore their website. You’ll find out more about their approach, background, and credentials below.
High Park Residence: This contemporary home in Toronto was designed by Batay-Csorba Architect’s. Inspired by ancient Roman architecture, the residence’s vault geometry melds the exterior with the interior. The home also features a sunken car port and a large, open kitchen. The architects’ attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the house, from the entrance lobby to the kitchen and dining room.
CORE Townhouses: A new townhouse complex in Toronto’s High Park neighborhood offers 230 square feet of space in three-bedroom units, master baths, and private patios. The Batay-Csorba architects’ designs incorporate the same principles as their Parkdale duplexes. A unique feature of the CORE townhouses is the all-season interior courtyard. Batay-Csorba Architects’ CORE townhouses are designed to blend into the neighbourhood’s modern vibe without overpowering the local environment.
