Ignorath Quinthal
Principal Architect & Founder
Crafting Tomorrow's Living Spaces Today
The Story Behind the Studio
It wasn't some grand epiphany... just a stubborn belief that buildings could do better.
Back in 2009, I was working for one of those big downtown firms - you know, the kind where everything's chrome and glass and nobody asks whether it actually makes sense. I remember this one project, a condo tower in Liberty Village, and I kept pushing back on the ventilation system. "It's gonna cost residents a fortune in heating," I said. Nobody cared. That's when I knew I had to break away.
Started this practice in a cramped office on Queen West with basically nothing but a laptop and way too much coffee. The first year was rough - lived off ramen and redesigned the same kitchen three times for a client who couldn't make up their mind. But that's how you learn, right? You figure out what actually matters when you're elbow-deep in real projects with real people.
Philosophy Timeline
Honestly, I didn't have a "philosophy" back then - just tried to make spaces that didn't waste energy. Learned more from mistakes than successes. That Parkdale house where we got the solar angles wrong? Yeah, that taught me to respect the sun's path like it's a client requirement.
This is when sustainable design became less of a buzzword and more of an obsession. Got deep into passive house principles, started spec'ing materials that'd actually last beyond the warranty period. Clients thought I was being picky - maybe I was - but buildings should outlive trends, y'know?
Took on my first heritage restoration in Cabbagetown and it changed everything. There's something humbling about working with 150-year-old brick - you're not just designing, you're having a conversation with builders who've been dust for decades. Realized that "contemporary" doesn't mean erasing history.
Now we're looking at buildings as whole ecosystems. It's not enough to slap some solar panels on the roof and call it sustainable. How does air move? Where does water go? Can you actually open a window? The boring stuff is usually what makes or breaks a space. Our current projects try to balance efficiency with that intangible feeling of "home" - still figuring it out, probably always will be.
What Drives Us Now
Look, every architect claims they're "client-focused" and "sustainability-driven" - it's basically white noise at this point. What actually gets me out of bed? The challenge of making a building that works so well, people don't even notice the design. They just feel comfortable.
We're not trying to win awards (though they're nice when they happen). We're trying to create spaces where someone's kid will eventually bring their own kids, and the building will still be standing, still be efficient, still be relevant. That's the goal.
Education & Background
- M.Arch, University of Toronto (2007)
- LEED AP BD+C Certified
- OAA Registered Architect
- Passive House Designer
Studio Culture
Small team, no hierarchy nonsense. Everyone from interns to senior designers gets a say. We argue a lot - in a good way. Best ideas usually come from the messiest discussions over lunch.
Our Adelaide Street studio - lots of natural light, models everywhere, and yes, that's a vegetable garden on the terrace.
Want to Talk About Your Project?
We're always up for a coffee and a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest talk about what you're trying to build.
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