About Us - Blazor in Quinthal Architecture

Started Small, Dreamed Big

Back in 2009, two architecture grads met over terrible coffee at a University Avenue cafe. We'd just spent years learning the "proper" way to design buildings, but honestly? We wanted to do things differently. Less about impressing other architects, more about creating spaces where people actually want to live and work.

Fast forward fifteen years, and here we are - a team of 24 dedicated people who still get excited about a well-placed window or a building that doesn't waste energy. We've grown, sure, but we haven't lost that initial spark. Every project still feels personal.

Our office sits right in the heart of Toronto at 425 University Avenue, and yeah, we picked this spot on purpose. Being surrounded by the city we're helping build keeps us grounded. When you design for real communities, you gotta be part of 'em.

What Drives Us Forward

Look, we're not gonna pretend we're saving the world - but we are trying to make it a bit better through thoughtful design

Sustainability That Actually Works

We're tired of "green" buildings that look good on paper but fail in reality. Our approach? Work with nature instead of against it. Use materials that make sense. Design systems that don't need a PhD to operate. It's not rocket science, just common sense applied consistently.

People-First Design

Buildings exist for humans, not Instagram likes. We spend time understanding how you'll actually use the space - morning routines, workflow patterns, where natural light hits at 3pm on a Tuesday. These details matter way more than following whatever's trendy this season.

Urban Context Matters

Every neighborhood has its own personality. We're not about dropping identical glass boxes everywhere. Your building should feel like it belongs - respecting what came before while pushing things forward. It's a balance, and honestly, it's the fun part.

Honest Collaboration

We won't pretend to know your business better than you do. What we bring is years of making buildings work. Best projects happen when clients tell us what they need and we figure out how to make it happen - together, without the ego trip.

The Humans Behind The Drafts

Meet some of the crew that's been making this whole thing work

David Quinthal

Co-Founder & Lead Architect

The detail-obsessed one. David's the guy who'll redesign a stairwell five times until the proportions feel right. Spent a decade at big corporate firms before deciding he'd rather create buildings with soul. Still drinks terrible coffee.

Sarah Blazor

Co-Founder & Sustainability Director

Sarah's been ahead of the green building curve since before it was cool. She's got this knack for finding sustainable solutions that don't blow the budget. Also makes the best project presentations - clients actually stay awake.

Marcus Chen

Senior Urban Planner

Marcus joined us three years back and basically revolutionized how we think about urban spaces. Former city planner who got tired of red tape and wanted to actually build things.

Elena Rodriguez

Interior Space Lead

Elena's got this weird superpower where she walks into a space and immediately knows what's wrong with it. Trained in Barcelona, but Toronto's been home for eight years now.

James O'Connor

Construction Consulting Head

Twenty years on actual construction sites means James keeps our designs grounded in reality. He's saved us from plenty of "looks great on paper, nightmare to build" situations.

And 19 More Amazing People

The Rest of Our Crew

Junior architects learning the ropes, project coordinators keeping everything on track, CAD specialists turning sketches into reality, and admin staff making sure we don't forget important meetings. Every single person matters here.

How We Actually Work

Forget the stuffy corporate process. Here's the real deal: we start by listening. Like, actually listening - not just waiting for our turn to talk. You know your needs better than anyone.

Then we sketch. A lot. Sometimes on napkins during lunch meetings (we've learned to bring good paper). We explore options you might not have considered, but we never push something just because it's clever. If it doesn't serve the project, it doesn't make the cut.

Throughout the whole process, we keep you in the loop. Weekly updates, no jargon unless absolutely necessary, and honest conversations about budget versus dreams. Sometimes dreams win, sometimes budget does - we'll help you figure out which battles to fight.

And once construction starts? We don't disappear. We're there, hard hat on, making sure what we designed is what actually gets built. Details matter, and we're kind of obsessive about 'em.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Recognition & Stuff

We've been lucky enough to get some awards over the years. They look nice on the shelf, but honestly? The best recognition is when a client calls back for their next project. That's when you know you did something right.

OAA Award

Design Excellence 2022

LEED Platinum

Multiple Projects Certified

Toronto Urban Design

Excellence Award 2021