What We Actually Do

Look, we're not gonna bore you with fancy architectural jargon. We design buildings that work, respect history, and don't mess up the planet. Been doing this for years, and honestly? We've learned that the best projects happen when we really listen to what you need.

Architecture Planning

Residential Architecture Design

Whether you're building from scratch or doing a major reno, we'll make sure your home actually feels like yours. We've done everything from cozy laneway houses to sprawling family estates across the GTA.

  • Custom home design
  • Renovations & additions
  • Multi-unit residential
  • Space optimization

Commercial Building Planning

Retail spaces, offices, mixed-use developments... we get that commercial projects need to work hard for their money. Function meets design without the usual compromises.

  • Office spaces
  • Retail environments
  • Mixed-use development
  • Adaptive reuse

Heritage Building Restoration

This is where we really geek out. Toronto's got incredible bones, and we've spent years figuring out how to bring old buildings into the 21st century without losing what made them special in the first place.

  • Historical preservation
  • Façade restoration
  • Modern integration
  • Heritage compliance

Sustainable Design Consulting

Here's the thing - sustainable doesn't mean sacrificing what you want. We've been doing green building since before it was trendy, and we know how to make it work with your budget and vision.

  • Energy efficiency analysis
  • Green building certification
  • Material selection
  • Passive design strategies

Urban Planning & Development

Cities are living things, right? We work with developers and municipalities to create neighborhoods that people actually want to live in. It's about more than just buildings - it's about community.

  • Site planning
  • Zoning navigation
  • Community engagement
  • Master planning

Interior Architecture

The outside's just half the story. We design interiors that flow naturally from the building's architecture, making spaces that aren't just pretty - they work with how you actually live or work.

  • Space planning
  • Material & finish selection
  • Custom millwork design
  • Lighting design

How We Actually Work

No mystery here - just a straightforward process that's worked for us (and our clients) for years.

01

Discovery & Listening

We grab coffee, walk the site, and really dig into what you're after. This isn't about us showing off - it's about understanding your vision, budget, and those little details that matter to you.

02

Concept Development

Here's where we sketch, model, and play around with ideas. We'll show you options, talk through pros and cons, and refine things until you're genuinely excited about where we're headed.

03

Design Development

Now we get into the nitty-gritty. Materials, systems, finishes, all the technical stuff. We coordinate with engineers and consultants to make sure everything actually works in the real world.

04

Documentation

Not the most glamorous part, but crucial. We create detailed construction documents that contractors can actually build from. Clear, thorough, and coordinated - saves everyone headaches later.

05

Permits & Approvals

Yeah, dealing with the city can be a pain. We've done it enough times to know the shortcuts (legal ones!) and how to navigate the bureaucracy without losing your mind.

06

Construction Administration

We don't just hand off drawings and disappear. We're there during construction, answering questions, checking quality, and making sure what gets built matches what we designed.

What Clients Say

Don't just take our word for it - here's what folks we've worked with have to say.

"We hired Gildraven Quintal for a complete renovation of our Victorian row house in Cabbagetown. Honestly, I was nervous about modernizing without losing the character we fell in love with. They nailed it - new kitchen, updated systems, better flow, but it still feels like our historic home. The team really listened and didn't push us toward trendy stuff that wouldn't fit."

Client
Sarah Mitchell
Residential Client, Cabbagetown

"Working with this firm on our mixed-use development was a game changer. They understood the economics of the project but didn't let that compromise the design. The sustainable features they integrated actually help with our operating costs, and the heritage facade restoration brought the whole neighborhood together. Smooth process from start to finish."

Client
David Chen
Developer, King West

"As a small business owner opening my first cafe, I needed someone who got that every square foot mattered. They designed a space that's functional for my staff but also creates the vibe I wanted for customers. And they worked within my budget without making me feel like I was getting the bargain version."

Client
Marcus Johnson
Cafe Owner, Leslieville

"The sustainable design consulting for our office building was worth every penny. We hit LEED Gold, our energy bills are way lower than projected, and honestly the space just feels better. Natural light everywhere, good air quality - our team actually enjoys being in the office. That's not something I thought architecture could really affect."

Client
Jennifer Kowalski
Operations Director, Tech Company
Architecture Studio

Ready to Start Your Project?

Let's talk about what you're trying to build. No pressure, just a conversation.