About Us - Quindralith Architecture | Sustainable Contemporary Design

Our Story

Started back in 2012 in a cramped Toronto loft with way too much coffee and even more ambition. We weren't really into the whole cookie-cutter architecture scene that was happening everywhere.

Look, sustainable design shouldn't feel like you're sacrificing style or comfort. That's been our thing from day one. We've watched too many buildings go up that looked great on paper but turned into energy-draining monsters or spaces where nobody actually wanted to be.

Over the years, we've messed up, learned a ton, and figured out what actually works. We've done everything from tiny residential renovations to massive commercial builds, and honestly? The small projects teach you just as much as the big ones.

These days, we're lucky enough to work with clients who get it - folks who understand that good design takes time and that sustainable choices aren't just buzzwords but actual investments in the future.

How We Actually Work

No corporate fluff - just our honest approach to design

We Actually Listen

Sounds basic, right? But you'd be surprised how many architects show up with pre-baked ideas. We spend the first few meetings just listening because your space needs to work for YOU, not our portfolio.

Real Budget Talk

We're upfront about costs from the start. No awkward conversations six months in when you realize you can't afford what we designed. If something's gonna blow the budget, we'll tell you and find alternatives.

Sustainability That Makes Sense

We don't force eco-features just to check boxes. Every sustainable element we propose has to either save you money, make your life better, or ideally both. Otherwise, what's the point?

We Stick Around

Construction's where things get real. We're on-site regularly, working with contractors to make sure what we drew actually gets built right. Drawings are just the beginning.

The Team

Meet the folks behind the blueprints

Elena Novak

Principal Architect & Founder

Got into architecture kinda by accident - started as an environmental science major, realized I wanted to actually BUILD solutions instead of just studying problems. Spent five years at a big firm in Toronto before going out on my own because, honestly, I was tired of designing stuff I wouldn't want to live in myself.

These days, I'm obsessed with how buildings can actually reduce their footprint without looking like science experiments. My own house is basically a testing ground - passive solar, rainwater collection, the works. Some things worked great, some... well, let's just say I learned what NOT to do.

Outside the office? You'll find me at the Toronto climbing gym or attempting to keep my rooftop garden alive. The plants are winning that battle.

Marcus Chen

Senior Architect & Design Lead

Joined Quindralith about seven years ago after burning out at a place where everything looked the same. I'm the guy who gets weirdly excited about building codes and construction methods - yeah, I know how that sounds, but there's something satisfying about making complex regulations work IN your favor instead of against you.

I've always been drawn to adaptive reuse projects. Taking an old warehouse or heritage building and giving it new life? That's way more interesting than starting from scratch. Plus, it's inherently more sustainable - the greenest building is the one that's already built.

Fun fact: I worked construction summers during university, which is probably why I actually understand what contractors are talking about. Also why I design things that can actually be built.

Aisha Okoye

Interior Space Planning & Sustainability Consultant

Came to Quindralith three years ago with a background in sustainable materials and a mild obsession with how people actually use spaces. Did my thesis on biophilic design before it became trendy - turns out people really DO feel better with natural light and living things around them. Who knew?

I'm the person who asks annoying questions like "but how will they actually move furniture through that hallway?" or "where are they gonna put their winter coats?" Because beautiful spaces that don't function are just expensive art installations.

Currently working on getting our office to zero-waste status. It's... a process. But we're getting there, one reusable container at a time.

Jordan Williams

Urban Planning & Project Coordinator

Newest member of the team - been here about 18 months. Before Quindralith, I worked in municipal planning where I saw way too many developments that ignored their neighborhoods. Buildings don't exist in a vacuum, y'know? They're part of streets, communities, whole urban ecosystems.

I'm really into how architecture can strengthen communities instead of disrupting them. Mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly streets, public spaces that people actually want to be in - that's the stuff that gets me up in the morning.

Also, I'm apparently the "tech person" here because I know how to use project management software and AI tools. The bar is low, folks. Outside work, I'm usually biking around Toronto checking out new developments and taking way too many photos.

Want to Work With Us?

We're always up for interesting projects and good conversations. Even if you're just exploring ideas, let's chat.

Get In Touch