About Us - Emberlyn Quinthor Architecture

Emberlyn Quinthor

Principal Architect & Founder

How It All Started

I never set out to revolutionize architecture or anything grand like that. Honestly, I just couldn't shake this feeling that buildings should do more than look good - they should actually respect the world around them. Growing up near Lake Ontario, I spent way too much time sketching old warehouses and wondering how they could've been better. That curiosity stuck with me through every late night in design school and every frustrating conversation with contractors who thought "sustainable" meant "expensive."

After working at a few traditional firms in Toronto, I realized something was off. We were designing these massive structures without really thinking about their footprint - and I don't mean just physical. The energy waste, the materials shipped from halfway across the globe, the disconnect from the natural landscape... it bothered me more than I let on back then.

So in 2014, I took the leap. Started this practice with one guiding principle: create spaces that people love living in, working in, and that won't make future generations curse our names. Turns out, there were plenty of clients who felt the same way. Who knew?

"Design isn't about imposing your vision on a space. It's about listening - to the site, to the client, to what actually makes sense for the environment. Some of my best ideas came from just shutting up and paying attention."

What Drives Us

Our team's grown over the years, but the core belief hasn't changed. We're not here to slap solar panels on cookie-cutter designs and call it sustainable. Real environmental architecture means understanding materials, airflow, natural light, how a building ages, and yeah - how it fits into the neighborhood without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Every project teaches us something new. That renovation in Parkdale? Taught us that historic buildings have secrets worth preserving. The commercial space in Liberty Village? Reminded us that open-concept doesn't mean boring. We've learned to balance contemporary aesthetics with practical sustainability, and honestly, it's the challenge that keeps this work interesting.

Our Journey in Design

A timeline of growth, learning, and creative evolution

2014 - The Beginning

Launched the practice from a cramped office on Queen West. First project? A residential renovation that almost broke me but taught me everything about real-world constraints versus textbook theory.

2016 - Shifting Perspective

Completed our first fully sustainable commercial build. This one got attention - not because it was flashy, but because it actually worked. Energy costs dropped 40% in the first year. Sometimes the numbers speak louder than any design award.

2018 - Expanding the Team

Brought on three brilliant designers who challenged my assumptions daily. Started taking on bigger projects - mixed-use developments, heritage restorations. Learned that collaboration beats solo genius every single time.

2020 - Adapting & Growing

Pandemic hit. Like everyone, we had to rethink everything. Shifted focus to how spaces adapt to changing needs - flexibility became non-negotiable in our designs. Started incorporating more outdoor-indoor transitions, better ventilation systems, multi-use spaces.

2022 - Recognition & Responsibility

Won a few design awards which was cool, but more importantly, saw our sustainable approaches become industry standard rather than niche requests. That felt like real progress. Started mentoring younger architects because someone did that for me once.

2024 - Present Day

Still learning, still pushing boundaries. Working on projects that integrate landscape design with building structure from day one. Exploring how architecture can actively contribute to urban ecology, not just minimize harm. The work's never done, and honestly, that's what makes it worth doing.

Our Approach to Design

We don't follow a rigid formula because every site, every client, every challenge is different. But there are principles we won't compromise on:

Site-Responsive Design

We spend time understanding the location before sketching a single line. Sun patterns, wind flow, existing vegetation, neighborhood context - it all matters.

Human-Centered Spaces

Beautiful renders mean nothing if people hate being in the space. We design for how humans actually use buildings, not just how they photograph.

Material Honesty

We choose materials that'll age well, sourced responsibly when possible. Sometimes that means local wood over imported marble. Function and sustainability trump trends.

Long-Term Thinking

We design for decades, not just the current market cycle. Adaptable spaces, durable construction, systems that can be upgraded without gutting the whole building.

The Story Behind the Designs