We're Not Your Typical Firm

Started in a cramped Toronto loft back in 2014, we've grown into something we're genuinely proud of - a studio that doesn't just draw buildings, but actually thinks about how people live in them.

Our Philosophy

Good architecture shouldn't cost the earth - literally. Every project we touch gets the sustainability treatment, whether it's a house renovation or a full commercial build.

EST. 2014

How It All Kicked Off

Look, we didn't set out to revolutionize anything. Three architects, too much coffee, and a shared frustration with buildings that looked great but made zero environmental sense - that's how Ignis Valquinth started.

The name? Yeah, we get asked about that a lot. "Ignis" is Latin for fire - not the destructive kind, but the spark that gets things moving. Valquinth was... honestly, we just liked how it sounded after our fourth brainstorming session.

What began as residential projects around Toronto's west end has evolved into commercial work, urban planning consultations, and even some restoration gigs that've taught us more than any textbook ever did.

Our Journey So Far

2014

The Beginning

Opened our doors with three partners, one intern, and way too much optimism. First project? A backyard studio that's still standing - we checked recently.

2016

Going Commercial

Landed our first commercial project - a cafe retrofit in Kensington Market. The owner took a chance on us, and we've been doing commercial work ever since.

2018

Sustainability Focus

Made it official - every project would incorporate sustainable design principles. Lost a few clients, gained a lot more who actually cared about their footprint.

2020

Team Expansion

Doubled our team during a pandemic - probably not the smartest financial move, but these folks are too talented to pass up. Now we're 12 strong.

2023

Urban Planning

Started taking on urban planning consultations. Turns out thinking about whole neighborhoods is just as interesting as designing single buildings - who knew?

What We Actually Stand For

Not just words on a wall - these are things we argue about, lose sleep over, and try to bake into everything we design.

Honest Materials

We're not into fake finishes or materials pretending to be something they're not. Wood should look like wood, concrete like concrete. There's beauty in authenticity, and it usually performs better anyway.

Function First

A building that doesn't work for its users is just sculpture - and usually not great sculpture. We obsess over flow, light, acoustics, and all the stuff that makes spaces actually livable.

Climate Reality

Every building we design has to answer one question: how does this help rather than hurt? Passive solar, proper insulation, material sourcing - it all matters, and we don't cut corners here.

Budget Respect

Blowing past budgets isn't clever, it's irresponsible. We'll tell you upfront what things cost and where you can save without compromising the design's integrity.

The People Behind the Projects

We're a mix of designers, dreamers, and detail obsessors. Here's who you'll probably end up working with.

Sarah Chen

Co-Founder & Principal Architect

Started drafting floor plans in high school, never stopped. Sarah's the one who pushes us toward wilder ideas while somehow keeping projects on schedule. Drives a 20-year-old Volvo and refuses to replace it.

Marcus Wright

Co-Founder & Sustainability Director

The guy who calculates thermal performance for fun. Marcus came from environmental engineering and brings a level of technical rigor that's saved us from some pretty embarrassing mistakes. Makes his own kombucha.

Amara Okonkwo

Co-Founder & Design Lead

Worked at two big-name firms before deciding she'd rather do meaningful work at a smaller scale. Amara's spatial intuition is borderline supernatural, and she's the one who makes our renderings actually look like the finished building.

David Kowalski

Senior Project Architect

Joined us in 2017 after getting tired of corporate architecture. Dave's the guy who talks to contractors, handles permits, and somehow stays calm when everything's on fire. Literally saved three projects from going sideways.

Priya Malhotra

Interior Architecture Lead

Trained in Mumbai and Toronto, Priya brings a perspective that challenges our default assumptions. She's particularly brilliant at making small spaces work harder without feeling cramped. Also maintains our studio's plant collection.

Thomas Bergeron

Urban Planning Consultant

Former city planner who got frustrated with bureaucracy and wanted to affect change from the private side. Thomas thinks in systems and neighborhoods, which keeps us from designing in a vacuum. Bikes to work year-round.

How We Actually Work

Every project's different, but our approach stays pretty consistent. Here's what you can expect if we team up.

Listen First

We ask annoying questions, poke around your site, and try to understand what you actually need versus what you think you need. Takes a few meetings usually.

Sketch & Explore

Rough concepts, mood boards, site analysis. This is where we throw ideas around and figure out what direction feels right. Nothing's precious at this stage.

Develop & Refine

Detailed drawings, material selections, structural coordination. We're working out every detail and keeping you involved so there aren't surprises down the line.

Build & Support

Construction phase where we're on site regularly, answering contractor questions, solving problems, and making sure what gets built matches what we designed.

Some Recognition We've Gotten

We don't chase awards, but it's nice when people notice the work.

2022 OAA Award of Excellence

Riverside Loft Conversion - recognized for adaptive reuse and sustainable retrofit strategies

2021 Toronto Green Building Award

Junction Commercial Complex - net-zero energy achievement in commercial retrofit

2020 Azure Magazine Feature

Annex Residence - highlighted for innovative space planning in heritage context

2019 RAIC Emerging Practice

Named one of Canada's emerging architectural practices to watch