Cathy MerrittToronto’s skyline is something else. There’s this mix of tall modern towers and cool old buildings that just makes the city feel so alive. Every time I look up, I can’t help but think, “Wow, this place is really special.”
And you know what? None of that would be here without the architects who make it all happen. They’re the ones turning wild ideas into buildings we can actually live in, work in, or just stare at in awe.
So, I’ve put together a list of the best architects in Toronto. If you’re dreaming of building something, like a dream home or a cool business space, these folks can help make it real.
How much does it cost to hire an architect in Toronto?
Most architects in Toronto will charge you $200 per hour for their services.
Take note that this price can change depending on their experience as well as the size and complexity of your project.
How We Chose
1. Memar Architects Inc
Architectural services offered: Custom residential homes, commercial buildings, mixed-use developments, and interior design
Address: 2323 Yonge St Unit 503
Phone number: +1 416-551-5764
Business hours:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-THURS)
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (FRI)
Memar Architects Inc is a firm with over 17 years of experience and has a team composed of certified architects like Sean Toussi and Mercedeh Arbab. These folks are backed by the Ontario Association of Architects, so they’re quite legit.
One cool thing about them is how flexible they are with styles. They have the expertise to draw up plans for custom homes, slick commercial spots, and even mixed-use buildings.
What’s also nice about Memar Architects is that they go beyond the usual stuff and have a wide range of additional services. They can process building permits, administer the construction process, and even perform sun shadow studies to make sure your building takes advantage of natural light.
That said, I’m disappointed that they sometimes dismiss ideas from their clients. Ultimately, the client’s vision should matter just as much as the architect’s expertise, right?
Memar Architects helped us design our dream home
“Memar Architects helped us design our dream home. The process was smooth, and it was a pleasure working with the team. I would highly recommend them.”
-Theepan T., Google Reviews
They were fast, reliable, and very fair in price
“I got designs, drawings, and permits through this company. They were fast, reliable, and very fair in price.
They have a great team which was able to build my house from scratch.
I’m very happy with them and will recommend them to my friends and family.”
-Joao Pereira, Google Reviews
2. Boldera Architects
Architectural services offered: Custom residential homes, heritage building restorations, property feasibility studies, and adaptive reuse retrofits
Address: 62 Westmount Ave
Phone number: +1 647-799-9518
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-FRI)
If you’re into architecture that respects Toronto’s roots while keeping things sustainable, Boldera Architects is worth checking out. They were founded in 2019 by Eric Rodrigues, a heritage architect with more than a decade of experience.
What really stands out about them is their heritage consultations. They can prepare Heritage Evaluation Reports and Conservation Plans to figure out the best way to revitalize old buildings without stripping away their character.
I also find their focus on adaptive reuse to be equally impressive. They retrofit older buildings to make them energy-efficient while reusing materials wherever possible.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to develop a vacant property, they offer feasibility studies to help you map out what’s doable.
However, their expertise mainly lies in residential buildings, so if you’re a business owner, you might want to consider other options first.
Delivered five-star service and results for our project
“Eric delivered five-star service and results for our project. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I found him to be transparent with the contract terms, attentive as we planned, patient as I worked through decisions and changed my mind, a very good listener and open to input. Importantly he was very responsive – with deliverables coming in on time or sooner which I find is rare. His style speaks for itself. We would definitely use him again.”
-Christine CPA, Google Reviews
They were professional, diligent and very responsive
“I highly recommend working with Boldera. I was looking to design a home to preserve the original character with a contemporary feel and Boldera nailed it. They were professional, diligent and very responsive. Eric was always willing to answer my questions and implement any changes.”
-Paul Lapas, Google Reviews
3. Core Architects Inc
Architectural services offered: Multi-residential design, commercial projects, retail rollouts, interior design, and masterplanning
Address: West Tower, 130 Queens Quay E Suite 700
Phone number: +1 416-343-0400
Business hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Core Architects Inc is a firm that’s been around since 1994 and has designed over 45,000 buildings across the city. Moreover, they’ve snagged awards like the 2010 BILD Award for Best Apartment Design, which is honestly impressive.
The biggest thing I like about them is the range of skills their team brings to the table. It’s not just architects; they’ve got LEED specialists who focus on green building practices and BIM experts who use the latest tech to make designs future-proof.
Another thing I find remarkable is that they can handle retail rollouts to help businesses open new branches on tight schedules.
Furthermore, their masterplanning services can help clients ensure their properties stay efficient and practical for years to come.
However, if you’re working on a smaller-scale project, their focus on large urban developments might not be what you’re looking for.
Their portfolio is a state of the art
“Core Architects is a high profile architecture and Design services firm. Their portfolio is a state of the art. High quality guaranteed. Richmond Hill, ON clients”
-AEG Consulting Canada, Google Reviews
Incredibly knowledgeable in precision progressive styling
“Incredibly knowledgeable in precision progressive styling with a cool sense and breathtaking change… great group.”
-Wikkid1show, Google Reviews
4. Craig Race Architecture
Architectural services offered: Custom homes, garden suites, urban infill projects, and energy-efficient renovations
Address: 100 Lombard St #104
Phone number: +1 647-823-6877
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Craig Race Architecture is another firm I recommend for those looking to build their dream homes. Its founder, Craig Race, has been a licensed architect for more than a decade and specializes in designing residential properties like laneway houses and multi-storey homes.
A key reason why I included them on my list is their expertise in urban infill designs. They can creatively turn underused spaces into liveable homes or expansions to existing properties.
Another big plus is their focus on eco-friendly design whenever they can. A good example of this is their use of passive-solar techniques by leveraging sunlight for heating and wind for natural ventilation.
The only major downside is that they only have a small team of no more than 10 people. You’ll probably have a hard time securing their services, especially during busier times.
He and his team did an amazing job on our project
“Craig is an incredible architect and professional. He and his team did an amazing job on our project. I would recommend his firm to anyone in need of creative design or expert guidance.”
-Leonid Kotov, Google Reviews
Craig and his team have been great to work with
“I am working with Craig and his team to do a knock-down rebuild of my family home in the Toronto Beaches. Craig’s design aesthetic and sensibilities around sustainable urbanism are the main reasons he was selected as my architect. Craig and his team have been great to work with. Responsive, professional, flexible, transparent, thorough and thoughtful with timelines and budgets. We have completed the design phase and filed for permits with the city but will wait for things to go back to normal post COVID-19 before resuming the project. Thank you Craig!”
-Inbae Ahn, Google Reviews
5. BORTOLOTTO
Architectural services offered: Custom residential homes, commercial buildings, community spaces, and educational facilities
Address: 174 Spadina Ave. Suite 204
Phone number: +1 416-324-9951
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-FRI)
BORTOLOTTO is an award-winning architectural firm founded in 1999. Over the decades, their work has earned prestigious honours, including the Livable by Design Awards and the Ontario Association of Architects’ Award of Excellence.
Something I think is pretty cool is how they bring the WELL Building Standard into their designs. Essentially, they create designs that prioritize high air quality, better thermal comfort, and reduced noise pollution.
Another good aspect of their work is their client brand representation services. They help businesses design offices that not only function well but also reflect their brands.
Additionally, they take the time to consult with communities to ensure their projects minimize negative impacts and align with local needs.
Now, if I’m being honest, their detailed and high-standard approach might mean you’re looking at higher upfront costs and longer timelines. For simpler projects, it’s probably better to consider other options first.
Simply the best
“Simply the best. They take your dream and expand and enhance in ways you could not have imagined.”
-Kanan Patel, Google Reviews
Nothing but great things to say about the new space
“After years of great work together, I wanted to extend my thanks to you, the Bortolotto team, on the creation of Student Central. We are open and students have nothing but great things to say about the new space. Thanks for everything and hopefully we have the chance to work together again sometime in the future!”
-Andrea Tarsitano, Bortolotto Website Reviews
