Real buildings, real challenges, real solutions. Here's what we've been up to lately – the good, the tricky, and everything we learned along the way.
Look, we could show you a bunch of glossy photos and call it a day. But honestly? The real story's in how we got there – the site constraints we had to work around, the budget conversations, the "oh crap" moments that turned into our favorite design features. Each project taught us something new.
Client wanted net-zero but had a tight lot next to the Don River. We ended up doing this split-level thing that nobody expected – maximizes southern exposure while keeping the footprint small. The geothermal setup was a pain to install but it's paying off big time now.
This was a 1920s warehouse that had seen better days. The brick was solid though, and the old timber trusses? Gorgeous once we cleaned 'em up. Kept about 70% of the original structure, added skylights where the roof had collapsed anyway. The owners brew their own beer in the back now – probably our favorite perk from any project.
Three different medical practices needed to share one space without it feeling like a typical sterile clinic. We played around with natural light, added way more plants than usual, and designed the layout so patient flows don't cross. The acoustics were tricky – can't have people overhearing their neighbor's appointments.
Can't deep-dive into everything, but here's some other stuff we've done that turned out pretty great.
Six-unit infill that actually fits the neighborhood. Each unit's a bit different – people don't want cookie-cutter anymore. Solar panels on every roof, shared green space in the back.
Former boarding house from 1887. The heritage committee was tough on this one – couldn't touch the facade, had to keep the original staircase. Found some cool old wallpaper during demo that we got framed for the client.
Startup wanted flexible space that doesn't look like every other tech office. Lots of movable walls, good soundproofing for the zoom rooms, and a kitchen that actually works for 40 people at lunch.
No power lines, no municipal water. Client wanted comfort without wrecking the woods. We went all-in on solar, rainwater collection, and a septic system that's probably overbuilt but whatever – better safe than sorry up there.
Multi-use space for a neighborhood that needed it. Lots of community input on this one – we did like eight public meetings. The gym converts to an event space, and there's a commercial kitchen for cooking programs.
Four storefronts that needed updating without losing their character. Original tin ceilings stayed, updated everything else. The trick was getting modern HVAC into buildings from the 1940s – had to get creative with the ductwork.
We don't script these or anything – just asked people what they honestly thought after we wrapped up.
"They got what we were trying to do from day one. Our heating bill's basically nothing now, and the house just feels right. Only regret is not finding them sooner when we were doing the initial build."
"Honestly thought the heritage designation was gonna kill our budget. These guys found ways to work with it instead of against it. The space is beautiful and the old details we saved are what makes it special. Worth every penny."
"Our patients keep commenting on the space – it doesn't feel like a typical medical office, which was exactly the point. The layout just works. No wasted hallways, everything makes sense. And the acoustics are spot-on."
Whether you're starting from scratch or fixing up something old, let's talk about it. No pressure, no sales pitch – just an honest conversation about what's possible with your space and budget.
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