Featured Projects

Here's where ideas meet reality. Each project's got its own story - some were straightforward, others kept us up at night solving tricky problems. But that's what makes this work interesting, right? Take a look at what we've been up to.

Harbourfront Residence exterior

The Harbourfront Residence

Location: Toronto Waterfront

Completed: 2023

Type: Residential Design

Our clients wanted something that'd capture those lake views without feeling like they're living in a glass box. We worked with the natural slope of the property, creating these terraced living spaces that kinda step down toward the water. Passive solar heating through south-facing glazing reduced their energy bills by about 40% - yeah, they were pretty happy about that.

Living room interior
Technical drawings
Kitchen design

The Challenge

Honestly? The zoning restrictions were a headache. We had height limits and setback requirements that could've really boxed us in. But instead of fighting it, we used those constraints to push the design horizontally, which actually ended up creating this beautiful flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sometimes limitations force you to think differently, y'know?

Sustainable Features

  • Geothermal heating and cooling system (goodbye, massive utility bills)
  • Rainwater harvesting for irrigation - the garden basically waters itself
  • Locally-sourced reclaimed wood throughout the interior
  • Triple-glazed windows that actually keep the cold out
  • Green roof on the garage - it's not just pretty, it insulates like crazy
Client Testimonial

"Working with Ignis Valquinth wasn't like dealing with some stuffy architectural firm. They actually listened when we said we didn't want a cookie-cutter modern box. The house feels like it was always meant to be here, and our heating costs are almost nothing now. Worth every penny."

- Michael & Sarah Chen

Queen West development

Queen West Mixed-Use Development

Location: Queen Street West, Toronto

Completed: 2022

Type: Commercial Architecture

This one was all about fitting into an existing neighborhood without looking like you're trying too hard. Ground-level retail, offices above, and residential units on top. The trick was making sure each level had its own identity while the whole thing still felt cohesive. We played with brick patterns that reference the old buildings nearby but kept the lines clean and contemporary.

Before renovation
BEFORE - Original Structure 2021
After renovation
AFTER - Completed Development 2022

Urban Integration

Queen West's got character, and we weren't about to mess that up. We kept the street wall consistent with neighboring buildings, added bike parking (lots of it), and made sure the retail frontage was actually inviting. No blank walls or fortress-like setbacks here. The loading dock access was probably the trickiest part - had to coordinate with the city for months on that one.

By The Numbers

Total Area: 42,000 sq ft

Retail Spaces: 4 units

Office Space: 18,000 sq ft

Residential Units: 12 condos

Energy Efficiency: LEED Gold Certified

The Parkdale Victorian Revival

Location: Parkdale, Toronto

Completed: 2023

Type: Renovation & Restoration

You don't tear down a Victorian when it's still got good bones - you bring it back to life. This 1890s house was in rough shape when we started. Foundation issues, outdated everything, but man, the original woodwork and those high ceilings? Worth saving. We gutted the interior while preserving the historic facade and basically rebuilt it to modern standards. It's like having a time machine that actually has decent insulation.

Victorian house exterior
Before interior

Original Interior Condition

Renovation plans

Planning & Documentation

During construction

Restoration in Progress

After interior

Completed Interior

Preservation Meets Performance

The city's heritage committee had opinions - lots of them. We couldn't touch the front facade, which was fine by us because it's gorgeous. But we needed to make the house actually livable for a modern family. Our solution? Keep the character where it counts, go contemporary where it doesn't show. New mechanical systems, spray foam insulation in the walls (hidden, obviously), and a rear addition that respects the original proportions but doesn't pretend to be old.

Structural work was intense. Had to underpin the foundation, sistered new joists alongside the old ones, and replaced probably 30% of the exterior brick. But we matched everything so well you can't tell what's original and what's new.

Owner's Perspective

"We almost bought a new build in the suburbs but couldn't shake the feeling we'd regret it. This house had problems, sure, but Ignis Valquinth showed us what was possible. Now we've got original stained glass windows AND underfloor heating. Best of both worlds."

- Jennifer Martinez

Community center exterior

North York Community Hub

Location: North York, Toronto

Completed: 2021

Type: Commercial Architecture / Urban Planning

This project was all about creating space that actually serves the community instead of just looking good in photos. Multi-purpose rooms that can switch from yoga classes to town halls, a commercial kitchen that local groups can book, and enough natural light that you don't feel like you're in a bunker. We worked directly with neighborhood associations to figure out what they actually needed - turns out, people have pretty good ideas when you ask them.

Design Considerations

  • Accessible design throughout - ramps, elevators, wide doorways, the works
  • Flexible spaces that don't lock you into one use
  • Natural ventilation so you're not always running HVAC
  • Outdoor gathering areas that are actually usable
  • Storm water management through bioswales (they double as landscaping)
Interior gathering space Green roof
Recognition & Impact

Awards:

Ontario Association of Architects - Excellence in Public Architecture 2022

Usage:

Hosts 200+ community events annually with over 15,000 visitors

Sustainability:

Net-zero ready with solar array offsetting 60% of energy consumption

Leslieville Live-Work Studio

Location: Leslieville, Toronto

Completed: 2023

Type: Residential / Commercial

A sculptor needed studio space and living quarters but didn't want them feeling like separate buildings. We designed this thing so work and life kinda blur together in a good way. High ceilings in the studio for large pieces, living quarters that feel cozy but still connected, and enough storage that art supplies don't take over the bedroom. Industrial materials kept costs reasonable while giving it that workshop feel.

Live-work studio
Studio workspace
Kitchen area
Living space
Client Feedback

"Finally, a space that gets it. I can roll out of bed and start working, but it doesn't feel like I'm living at the office. The natural light in here is incredible - haven't used artificial lighting during the day once. They really understood what I needed."

- Thomas Reed, Sculptor

Practical Solutions

Budget was tight on this one, so we got creative. Polished concrete floors throughout - durable, looks good, and way cheaper than hardwood. Exposed structure and mechanicals saved on finishing costs and gave it that raw aesthetic the client wanted anyway. We splurged on the glazing though, because natural light was non-negotiable. Those north-facing clerestory windows? Perfect for even, shadow-free light all day.

Smart Zoning

Getting this approved as mixed-use took some finessing. We had to prove the spaces could function independently if needed (future resale value and all that). Separate entrance for the studio, its own three-piece bath, proper egress - basically treated it like a semi-detached even though it's all one building. The city was cool with it once they saw we'd done our homework.

Got a project in mind?

Whether it's a house, a commercial space, or something we haven't done before - let's talk about it. No corporate speak, just honest conversation about what's possible.

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