What We Actually Do

Look, we're not gonna throw fancy jargon at you. Here's the real deal - we design spaces that work with the environment instead of against it. Whether you're building from scratch or breathing new life into an old structure, we've got your back.

Residential Architecture

Your home should tell your story, not ours. We work closely with families to create living spaces that actually fit how you live - not some magazine ideal. From cozy laneway houses to sprawling family estates, each project gets the attention it deserves.

  • Custom home design
  • Renovations & additions
  • Multi-unit residential

Commercial Building Design

Businesses need spaces that perform - period. We've done everything from boutique retail spots to mid-rise office buildings. The goal? Make sure your space works as hard as you do while keeping energy costs down and comfort up.

  • Office buildings
  • Retail & hospitality
  • Mixed-use developments

Urban Planning Consultation

Cities are complex beasts. We help developers, municipalities, and community groups figure out what actually makes sense for a neighborhood. It's about balancing growth with livability - something Toronto needs more of these days.

  • Zoning & compliance
  • Community engagement
  • Site analysis & feasibility

Sustainable Green Building

This isn't just slapping solar panels on a roof and calling it a day. Real sustainable design means thinking about materials, orientation, passive systems, and long-term performance. We've been doing this since before it was trendy.

  • LEED certification support
  • Passive house design
  • Net-zero strategies

Interior Space Planning

A beautiful building means nothing if the inside doesn't flow right. We get into the nitty-gritty of how spaces connect, where light falls, and how people actually move through a day. Function first, then we make it gorgeous.

  • Space optimization
  • Lighting design
  • Material selection

Heritage Restoration

Toronto's got incredible bones in its historic buildings. We specialize in bringing them back to life while making them work for modern use. It's a delicate dance between preservation and practicality, but somebody's gotta do it right.

  • Heritage assessments
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Restoration planning

How We Work With You

No two projects are identical, but here's our general approach - tweaked to fit your needs

1

Discovery Chat

Let's grab a coffee (virtual or real) and talk about what you're dreaming up. We'll ask questions, you'll share ideas, and we'll figure out if we're a good fit.

2

Research & Sketching

We dig into site conditions, regulations, and possibilities. Lots of sketches happen here - some bad, some promising. This is where concepts start taking shape.

3

Design Development

We refine the concept, get into materials and systems, and work out the technical stuff. You'll see 3D models, detailed drawings, and we'll adjust based on your feedback.

4

Construction Support

We don't just hand off drawings and disappear. We're there during construction to answer questions, solve problems, and make sure what gets built matches what we designed.

Sustainable building design

What Clients Are Saying

"Working with Onyx Thalquindar wasn't what I expected - in the best way possible. They actually listened instead of just pushing their own agenda. Our office renovation came in on budget and the energy savings are already noticeable."

Marcus Chen
Founder, Chen Digital Media

"I was worried about dealing with Toronto's heritage restrictions for our Victorian home, but these guys knew the process inside out. They managed to give us modern functionality while respecting the building's character. Couldn't be happier."

Sarah & James Littleton
Homeowners, Cabbagetown
Architecture consultation

"The urban planning consultation for our mixed-use development was worth every penny. They helped us navigate community concerns and city requirements without losing sight of what made the project viable. Smart people who get how things actually work."

David Kowalski
Principal, Harbourfront Development Group

"We hired them for interior space planning on our restaurant, and they totally transformed how the kitchen and dining areas flow. Staff moves faster, customers are more comfortable, and we're turning tables quicker. That's real-world results."

Elena Rodriguez
Owner, Mercado Bistro

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you've got detailed plans or just a rough idea, we're here to help figure out what's possible. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about architecture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The stuff people usually want to know before reaching out

Honestly? It depends. A simple residential addition might take 3-4 months from concept to construction drawings. A larger commercial project could be 8-12 months. Heritage work takes longer because of approvals. We'll give you a realistic timeline once we understand your project.

We typically work on a percentage of construction cost (usually 8-15% depending on project complexity) or hourly for consultation work. First meeting is always free though - we'll discuss budget openly and figure out what makes sense for you.

In Ontario, you legally need an architect for certain projects - anything over a specific size or complexity. But beyond legal requirements, we help avoid costly mistakes, maximize your investment, and navigate permit processes. Even for smaller projects, a few hours of consultation can save you headaches down the road.

Absolutely. We work with lots of contractors across Toronto and the GTA. If you've got someone you trust, great - we'll collaborate with them. If not, we can recommend a few good ones we've worked with before. Either way works for us.

We look at the full picture - not just trendy green features. Sometimes the most sustainable choice is renovating instead of building new. Or using local materials over imported "eco" products. We focus on what actually reduces environmental impact and saves you money long-term, not what looks good in marketing.