What We Actually Do
From concept sketches to final blueprints, we've spent years figuring out how to make spaces that don't just look good - they feel right.
Honestly, designing homes is probably the most personal work we do. You're not just planning rooms - you're mapping out where someone's gonna raise their kids, host dinners, and live their actual life. We've been at this long enough to know that everyone's got their own vision, and our job is to take that and make it work in the real world.
We start with understanding how you move through spaces, what bothers you about typical layouts, and what you've always dreamed about. Then we get into the nitty-gritty of making it happen within budget and building codes (yeah, those aren't optional).
We sit down and really talk about what you need versus what you want
Sketches, mood boards, and 3D renders to visualize ideas
Tweaking details until everything clicks into place
Detailed blueprints that contractors can actually work from
"They totally got what we were trying to do with the open-concept kitchen. Didn't push their ideas on us, just made ours better. The natural light in our living room now? Chef's kiss."
- Rebecca & Mark T., Rosedale
Commercial projects are a whole different beast. You've got foot traffic patterns, accessibility requirements, brand identity to consider, and usually a board of people who all have opinions. We've designed retail spaces, office buildings, and mixed-use developments across Toronto.
The trick with commercial work is balancing functionality with that "wow factor" that makes people wanna walk in. Plus, there's the reality of maintenance costs and long-term durability - because no business owner wants to renovate every five years.
We check zoning, traffic, and local competition
Figuring out exactly how much square footage you need
Multiple options so you can see different approaches
We handle the bureaucratic headaches
"Our Queen West location needed to stand out but also fit the neighborhood vibe. OTQ nailed it - we get compliments from customers daily, and the layout actually makes sense for our workflow."
- James L., Retail Business Owner
We've picked up a few other skills over the years that might come in handy for your project.
Sometimes the building's fine, but the inside's a mess. We rework layouts to make spaces actually usable - whether that's adding storage, improving flow, or just making rooms feel bigger without knocking down walls.
Green building isn't just a trend anymore - it's smart economics. We help you figure out which sustainable features actually make sense for your budget and will save you money long-term. Solar panels? Maybe. Better insulation? Definitely.
Toronto's got some beautiful old buildings that need special care. We work with heritage committees to restore historic properties while sneaking in modern amenities. It's like surgery - you gotta know what you're doing.
For developers and city planners looking at the bigger picture. We help plan entire blocks or neighborhoods, thinking about how buildings relate to each other, where people will walk, and how to create spaces that actually feel like communities.
That's totally normal. Most people aren't architects. Let's chat about your project and we'll figure out together what makes sense.
Get In Touch
Every project's different, but here's generally how things go down from start to finish.
We start with a no-pressure conversation. Tell us what you're thinking, we'll ask questions, and we'll both figure out if it's a good fit. Usually takes about an hour.
We send over a detailed proposal with scope, timeline, and costs. Nothing hidden. If you're good with it, we sign the paperwork and get the ball rolling.
This is where the magic happens - sketches, revisions, 3D models, material selections. We check in regularly to make sure we're on track with your vision and budget.
We don't just hand off drawings and disappear. We're available during construction to answer questions, review progress, and handle any unexpected issues that pop up.
Don't just take our word for it - here's what people who've worked with us have to say.
"We went through three architects before finding OTQ. The difference? They actually listened. Our Yorkville condo renovation came in on budget and the design is exactly what we wanted - not what they thought we should want."
David & Maria Chen
Condo Renovation, Yorkville
"I was worried about the heritage restrictions on our Annex property, but they knew exactly how to work with the city. The modern addition blends perfectly with the original 1920s structure. Neighbors keep asking who did the work."
Sarah Patterson
Heritage Home Addition, The Annex
"As a first-time commercial property owner, I had no clue what I was doing. The team walked me through everything, handled all the permits, and designed a retail space that's both functional and Instagram-worthy. Sales are up 40% since we moved in."
Thomas Kim
Retail Store, Distillery District
Let's talk about what you're planning. No sales pitch, no pressure - just an honest conversation about whether we can help make your vision happen.
(416) 555-0147
contact@onyxtharionquinth.info