About Us - Gildan Thalquorix Architects

Our Story Started with a Question

Back in 2009, our founders were sitting in a conventional architecture office, looking at yet another project that'd consume massive energy for decades. That's when it hit them - there had to be a better way.

So they left comfortable positions and started this studio with one non-negotiable principle: every project we touch needs to leave the world a bit better than we found it. Sounds idealistic? Maybe. But it's worked for over a decade now.

We've grown from two architects in a shared co-working space to a team of 18 passionate designers, engineers, and thinkers. But we've never lost that initial fire - the belief that architecture can be part of the climate solution, not the problem.

Let's Talk About Your Project

What We Actually Believe

Philosophy sounds fancy, but really it's just the stuff that keeps us up at night and gets us excited in the morning.

Nature's Not Optional

We've learned that fighting against the environment is expensive and exhausting. Working with it? That's where the magic happens. Every site tells us what it needs - we just have to listen.

People Live Here

Sure, buildings need to look good. But if they're uncomfortable or don't work for how people actually live? We've failed. Function and beauty aren't enemies - they're best friends.

Energy Matters

A building's lifetime energy use dwarfs its construction impact. We're obsessed with passive design, smart systems, and spaces that barely need heating or cooling. It's better for clients' wallets and the planet.

Materials Have Stories

Where'd that concrete come from? Can we use reclaimed wood instead? We dig into material sources because embodied carbon's a huge deal. Plus, local materials just make more sense.

250+

Projects Completed

14

Years in Business

23

Design Awards

100%

Sustainable Focus

The Folks Behind the Drafting Tables

We're architects, sure, but we're also parents, cyclists, woodworkers, and people who care deeply about this city and planet.

Sarah Gildan, M.Arch, LEED AP

Co-Founder & Principal Architect

Sarah's got this uncanny ability to see a site's potential before anyone else does. She studied at UofT and cut her teeth on institutional projects before realizing commercial work could be just as impactful. She's passionate about net-zero buildings and won't shut up about thermal bridging at parties.

Marcus Thalquorix, B.Arch, OAA

Co-Founder & Design Director

Marcus brings the artistic vision that makes our buildings memorable. Trained in Copenhagen before moving to Toronto, he's obsessed with how light moves through spaces. He's led over 80 residential projects and somehow remembers details from every single one. Ask him about Scandinavian design influence and clear your schedule.

Jennifer Chen, M.Eng, LEED Fellow

Sustainability Director

Jenny's the reason our projects actually achieve their green targets instead of just talking about them. With a background in environmental engineering, she runs the numbers on everything from embodied carbon to lifecycle costs. She joined us in 2015 and transformed how we approach materials selection.

Amir Hosseini, B.Arch

Senior Project Architect

Amir's the guy who makes sure our wild ideas can actually get built. He's managed construction on some of Toronto's trickiest sites and has relationships with contractors who trust his judgment. Originally from Tehran, he brings a different perspective on climate-responsive design that's expanded our toolkit considerably.

Keisha Williams, M.Arch

Interior Architecture Lead

Keisha ensures that our interiors are as thoughtful as our exteriors. She's brilliant at space planning and has this gift for knowing exactly where natural light'll hit at different times of day. She came from a high-end residential firm but wanted to work somewhere with stronger environmental values.

Our Growing Team

13 More Talented People

We've got junior architects learning the ropes, technical specialists who make our drawings bulletproof, and support staff who keep this whole operation running. Everyone here chose to work in sustainable design - it's not just a job, it's what gets us out of bed.

Recognition & Credentials

CaGBC National Award for Innovation

Recognized for our work on the Harbourfront Passive House Complex (2022)

Ontario Association of Architects Award

Excellence in Sustainable Design - Riverdale Community Center (2021)

Toronto Green Building Award

Winner in Commercial Category for three consecutive years (2019-2021)

Passive House Institute Certification

Multiple certified designers on staff, 12 completed Passive House projects

Professional Affiliations

Ontario Association of Architects Canada Green Building Council Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Passive House Canada Toronto Society of Architects

How We Actually Work

Forget the traditional architect-client hierarchy. We're collaborators. You know your needs, your budget, your vision. We know building science, design, and how to navigate Toronto's planning department.

Our process starts with listening - like, really listening. We've had initial meetings that lasted four hours because we got so deep into discussing how you actually live or work. That groundwork pays off when we start designing.

We're transparent about costs, realistic about timelines, and honest when something's not gonna work. We'd rather have tough conversations early than surprises during construction. Our clients appreciate that straight-talk approach, even when it's not what they wanna hear.

Ready to Start Something Great?

Whether you're thinking about a new build, renovation, or just have questions about sustainable design, we're here for it. No project's too small to discuss.

Get In Touch View Our Work