we create beautiful modern spaces that people love to live in

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In Progress

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February 7, 2024

Shanty Bay Schematic Design Concepts…

What started out as a renovation to an existing structure has now evolved into a proposed new build home that straddles a nearby hillside, with extensive views across Lake …

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January 7, 2024

Maison Noir Update…

Our “Maison Noir” project is really beginning to take shape. Carter Allen Ltd are now finishing up the last of the interior details with our clients keen to move …

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December 18, 2023

Bluffs Early Concepts…

After the success of working on our “Treehouse in the City” we’re back working in the Bluffs area again. On this occasion the lot is quite substantially larger and …

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October 4, 2023

Bloomfield Residence Update…

Our Bloomfield Residence is now entering into the “Design Development” phase of work as we begin to refine the inner workings of the home. We’re so happy with the …

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April 26, 2022

Schematic Design – Round Two Update…

Here’s one of the four schemes we recently presented to our clients on Georgian Bay as part of round two of schematic design. We look forward to sharing the …

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February 21, 2022

Early Concepts…

We’re excited to be working on a modest 3,500 sq/ft new build home on Georgian Bay. The client is keen to maintain a simple silhouette and so this was …

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February 15, 2022

Site Progress!

Day Custom Homes are making great headway on our Willowdale Residence. The house is now framed and being readied for electrical rough-ins. This is going to be a great …

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January 30, 2022

Introducing Twinmotion…

Schematic design really is the most fun part of the design process! At this early design stage (the second meeting in this instance) we’re exploring all kinds of exciting …

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January 30, 2022

Clearwater Residence Progress…

Our Clearwater residence by Valleyview Construction is moving along nicely. All framing is completed and a number of the doors and windows have now been installed. We’re excited to …

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March 14, 2020

Dragan Brewing & Wine Renovation Update…

We’re currently working on something a little different. We’ve been retained by Michael Nazareth and his talented team at Dragan Brewing and Wine to work some life into their …

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September 6, 2019

House & Home Feature

We were excited to have our Grey Highlands Residence featured in House and Home magazine earlier this year. It was nice to see the final landscaping details completed, which …

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January 24, 2019

Finishing Touches…

We are now in the home stretch with our Leaside Residence. The floors are laid, drywall painted, tiling installed and exterior cladding nearing completion. We hope to be able …

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July 6, 2018

Leaside Residence Underway!

Lewitt Construction are heading up the construction of this 2,000 sq/ft new build home in Leaside, Toronto. After dealing with a series of shoring issues as well as the implementation …

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July 5, 2018

More Golf Tees!!!

The past few weeks have allowed us to focus time between architecture projects putting together another pixelated mosaic art piece. This time around we were commissioned to design and construct …

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June 6, 2018

Finishing up…

We’re really excited to announce the completion of our Queen West Residence. The project came together really well with the assistance of Lewitt Construction and all of their fantastic trades. All …

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March 15, 2018

Roncesvalles Renovation Wins 2018 BILD Award!

We were excited to learn that the 2018 BILD Awards recognized Lewitt Construction for their great work constructing our roncesvalles renovation. They were the winners of the “Best Renovation more than $500,000” award! …

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February 20, 2018

Queen West Update…

Our Queen West Residence continues to progress well. The windows are now installed and spray foam is complete to the exterior building envelope. The contractor is now focussed on back …

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February 20, 2018

2nd Floor Framing Underway

Our Ravine Renovation continues to move along nicely. The second floor framing is underway which has really changed the dynamic of the original single storey bungalow. We look forward to …

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December 5, 2017

Queen West Progress…

Work is moving along nicely at our Queen West Residence, with the exterior building envelope well underway. The temporary stairs are now in place so we can enjoy the great …

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October 30, 2017

2017 OAA Now Lecture

As recipients of the OAA’s 2017 Best Emerging Practice Award, we were recently asked to prepare a talk as part of their ongoing ‘Now’ lecture series. Over the past several …

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October 17, 2017

The Globe and Mail Features Summerhill

Our thanks to Simon Lewsen who has written so eloquently on our Summerhill renovation project, featured on the cover of the real estate section of Friday’s Globe and Mail; as …

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September 15, 2017

Move-in Ready…

Our clients at our Roncesvalles Residence are now moved in and enjoying the home. We’re excited to get finished photographs soon, but in the meantime as the landscaping comes to …

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September 15, 2017

Schematic Concepts…

We’ve recently been working on schemes for a new private residence in Prince Edward County. The images depict all three schematic concepts that are currently under consideration. The site is …

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September 13, 2017

A Few New Renderings…

Here are a few of the latest interior renderings of our Leaside Residence. We are currently finalizing the last few details for the permit submission and hope to begin construction …

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May 29, 2017

2017 OAA Awards Ceremony

blackLAB architects inc. had the pleasure of attending the 2017 OAA/RAIC Awards Ceremony in Ottawa last week, which formed part of the 2017 Festival of Architecture. It was a lively …

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April 4, 2017

2017 OAA Awards: Best Emerging Practice Winner!

We are extremely honoured to have won the Ontario Association of Architects 2017 Best Emerging Practice Award! Since blackLAB architects inc.’s inception in 2012, we have been fortunate enough to work on a number of exciting and diverse …

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March 28, 2017

Sunnylea Residence Wins 2017 BILD Award

We were excited to learn that the 2017 BILD Awards recognized Lewitt Construction for their great work constructing our sunnylea residence. They were the winners of the “Best Renovation more than $500,000” award! …

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December 22, 2016

Midtown House Update

Cladding and landscaping are progressing at our midtown house project. Interior finishes are under way.

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November 2, 2016

Modern Farmhouse

The pitched rooflines are in place and the living and bedroom wings surround the courtyard at the Grey Highlands Residence.

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September 22, 2016

Grey Highlands Residence Taking Shape

Steel is going up at our Grey Highlands Residence project. This defines the airy main living spaces and gives a sense of the overall shape of the building. The aerial …

Our Process

blackLAB architects inc. is a multidisciplinary architecture firm. We value the importance of the client-architect relationship and seek to understand and interpret your ideas, being conscious to convey viable solutions on every project undertaken.

Working as a collective whole with you the client, as well as with contractors and consultants throughout the design process is something that blackLAB feels is critical in delivering a quality product that meets your expectations and emphasizes all facets that are important to you.

We have extensive experience working in several areas of architecture including on commercial and institutional projects. However, our main focus and area of specialty is within the custom residential field, having designed and delivered a range of urban and rural projects.

At blackLAB we seek to harmonize our designs within their natural environments through careful and thorough analysis of the project site. We maintain that every project should be contextually sensitive drawing upon site specific data that can facilitate a fluidity and intentionally fresh feel to a proposal.

We believe that a building’s edge should bridge the gap between interior and exterior environments. To this end on every project we work to devise solutions that can capture this with clean contemporary lines, and above all a fundamental respect for flexible, functional and habitable space.

We use the most advanced design tools available to our profession to effectively communicate and deliver our projects. As well as producing high quality drawing sets for permits and construction, we develop each of our projects as a virtual 3D model as we design. The life-like images and walkthroughs we produce allow you to fully participate throughout the entire design process, make informed decisions, and ultimately have a clear understanding of what the final experience of the building will be.

We approach each project with fresh eyes as we are continually educating ourselves on new products and materials, the latest in building technologies and are on top of what is happening in the design community.

A typical project undertaken by our office consists of four phases of work. The following summarizes some of the key components of each phase:

1. Establishing A Vision:

• establish an initial project budget and client wish list
• collect and analyze project/site data
• measure-up any existing buildings
• create a 3D model of existing site
• analyze zoning regulations, building codes and other applicable law
• identify any other applicable governing bodies

2. Developing An Idea:

• define building placement and orientation relative to views and sun path
• define spatial layouts
• define relationships between interior and exterior spaces
• prepare a 3D model of the building design
• determine the overall direction and big moves of the project
• ongoing work is informed by applicable codes, by-laws, and budget

3. Shaping The Vision:

• develop design ideas and demonstrate concepts through drawings, sketches, and 3D models
• integrate construction methods and materials to create the experience or feel of the spaces
• consult with engineers ensuring all building systems are compatible with the design intent
• review the design with the contractor to ensure the design and budget are compatible

4. Putting It On Paper:

• coordinate structural and mechanical design with architectural drawings
• develop detailed drawings of key interior spaces
• review the design with the contractor to ensure the design is compatible with the budget
• identify and navigate the approvals process for your project
• finalize building permit and construction packages

About Us

blackLAB architects inc. was founded by three talented architects, licenced by the Ontario Association of Architects, and an effective and qualified business manager.

We create buildings that are responsive and adaptive. Our buildings breathe and grow in their equally dynamic cultural and physical environments. We believe that architecture and its environment has a symbiotic relationship, each learning from the other.

We are innovative and agile. Each team member brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table. We have valuable and extensive experience to offer while continuing to challenge our industry’s conventions.

We connect. Each blackLAB team member is involved in the project from beginning to end, ensuring a continuity to the team communication and design consistency in the execution of the project.

We are inspired. We approach each project from first principals and are continually educating ourselves on new products, technologies, and are up on what is happening in the design community.

We are knowledgeable. We have a thorough understanding of how buildings go together and the construction process thanks to our unique construction experience and well-established connections in the building industry.

We are adept at providing a complete package of services ranging from feasibility studies and master plans, through to the construction administration of the final product.

We can also help you to connect with contractors and trades to provide input during the design phases and facilitate the construction.

How To Contact Us

blackLAB architects inc.
163 Sterling Road, Suite 151
Toronto, ON
M6R 2B2
647.987.2524
9.00am-5.30pm
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