Looking at Paul Raff Studio Inc. Architect’s portfolio, you can see their knack for creating stunning designs for all kinds of projects. They’ve tackled everything from residential and commercial buildings to cultural spaces, master planning, environmental art, and public art. 

That said, The Studio’s designs have snagged awards from big names like the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts. They’ve also been featured in top mags like Wallpaper, Architecture, AZURE, Objekt, and Landscape Architecture—a true testament to their quality.

They’re big on caring for the environment, making sustainability a key part of their projects. They use free energies like the sun and wind, opt for local and non-toxic materials, and employ quality construction techniques, which may help you achieve top-notch eco-friendly results without breaking the bank.

Their innovative techniques help lower carbon footprints and operating costs, improve health conditions, and preserve natural environments. For example, they suggest using a stone wall as a thermal heat sink to soak up the winter sun and keep the house cozy—that cuts down your energy bills.

It’s a bit of a drag that they’re closed on weekends, but it’s convenient to get in touch with them and chat with Paul himself if you reach out during the week. We even gave them a ring for a hypothetical scenario, and they were more than happy to lend a hand and offer guidance.

One of the things we love about Architalcan Design Inc. is that their fees cover a whole bunch of stuff, like site measurements, structural evaluations, zoning bylaw checks, and drawing up plans for review and permits. 

They even handle trips to city hall for submissions, applying for permits, and helping out if there are any issues. Basically, they take care of all the stressful paperwork for you, which is a lifesaver if you’re not up to speed on the process.

Speaking of which, it’s probably best to let them take care of all your permits since it’s usually quicker when they handle it. They can get all the drawings and permit applications sorted and submitted within a week in most cases, so that’s a load off your plate in terms of time saved.

As for the nitty-gritty stuff like making sure their designs are feasible and solid, they’ve got four engineers on standby as consultants, ready to jump in whenever needed and depending on the project’s needs. So, it’s good to know their designs get the thumbs up from engineers, too.

On the downside, they don’t handle contracting, so you won’t find them on-site helping the contractor out with the project.

Overall, Architalcan Design Inc. is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to snag those drawings and permits without waiting around forever.

We’ve got to give credit to Harry Morison Lay Architect (HLA) for their talent in blending historical elements with modern design. Whether it’s renovating a heritage home or starting from scratch, HLA seamlessly integrates the past and present.

Actually, many of the clients we chatted with mentioned their projects included everything from old cabins to century-old farmhouses and Victorian houses. It’s pretty cool how they can spruce up a spot without stripping away its charm and essence.

Another thing we kept hearing was how HLA always keeps the clients’ contractors in line to avoid any hiccups in the schedule. It’s nice knowing you’ve got someone helping you keep the project on track and running smoothly.

When it comes to design details, they’re on it. From choosing materials to matching colours and getting those measurements spot on, their attention to detail is top-notch.

While HLA definitely knows their stuff with residential projects, they haven’t ventured much into other types, like commercial or institutional buildings. So, if you’re in the market for something commercial, then you might want to explore other options.

Even with their focus mainly on residential work, you can’t deny the talent and dedication of their team. They’ve got creativity, expertise, and a real grasp of Ontario’s architectural heritage.

Memar Architects Inc. covers many projects, from residential to commercial, institutional, and industrial. They’re skilled in research, design, development, technical support, and construction administration. 

Speaking of construction administration, we’re fans because it includes project management tasks. That means they’ll handle everything from finding the site to designing the structure and overseeing every step of the process.

They handle the whole process, from brainstorming initial design concepts to securing all the necessary building permits. There’s no need to fret about compliance with local regulations—they’ve got it all sorted out, making the process a breeze for you.

And it’s pretty cool how their organized approach means they can stay on track with your budget and timeline, even if there are a few bumps along the way.

Their communication skills are top-notch, too. We gave them a ring a few times and shot them a couple of emails, and they were quick to get back to us. 

Just a heads up though, they’re closed on weekends, so that Friday night email might have to hang tight until Monday for a reply.

And let’s talk about their range of residential projects—pretty impressive stuff. We scoped out a bunch, from sleek modern mansions to cozy little city homes, and they’ve delivered regardless of style.

Bortolotto is well-regarded both locally and nationally, having received multiple design awards and distinctions. Their work has been featured in World Architecture News, Canadian Architect, Azure Magazine, and The Globe and Mail.

They have an impressive portfolio spanning various sectors, catering to clients who value architecture, design, and wellness. Besides residential projects, they also tackle work in education, community, health, commercial, and interiors.

With a bit of digging, we discovered they’ve worked on projects for OCAD University, York University, ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids, Pier 8 Promenade Park, Seymour Conservatory and Museum, and more. These projects showcase their skills and competence, which inspires trust.

Plus, many homeowners we spoke with were pleasantly surprised at how smoothly their projects were completed, even with tight deadlines. This is a big plus if you have smaller or renovation projects that need to be wrapped up quickly.

However, we did notice they can be a bit pricier than some others on this list, especially given their high-profile clientele. But honestly, their top-notch services and quality work make it worth the extra cost.

Despite that, we’d still recommend Bortolotto Design Architect. Their stellar track record and impressive portfolio make them a great choice, especially if you’re aiming for something creative and artistic.