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About Us    Team    Architectural Services

Toronto’s Sustainable Building Architects

Founded in 1996, Dewson Architects is a leading custom sustainable architecture firm in Toronto, seamlessly merging aesthetic sophistication with cutting-edge environmental practices. Renowned for its commitment to environmentally conscious architecture design, the team crafts bespoke buildings that prioritize energy efficiency, Passive House concepts and longevity of a property. With a focus on luxury and functionality, Dewson Architects sets the standard for sustainable living in Toronto’s architectural scene, creating buildings that not only reflect individual tastes but also have enduring quality and lasting value.

Building with an architect can be an exciting opportunity, in particular, when partnering with a sustainable architect committed to reducing our carbon footprint. At Dewson Architects, we work with every client, every step of the way, to ensure we create uniquely tailored solutions. 

We are committed to Creating Sustainable Legacies, collaborating with clients and partners to create beautiful, tailored and sustainable designs.

Our Values

Leadership: Industry leaders, committed to continually leading and learning.

Sustainability: Focus on environmentally conscious building design.

Bespoke: Simple, refined and tailored solutions unique to each client.

Beauty: Passionate about designing elegant and beautiful buildings.

Resilience: Buildings with enduring quality and lasting value, designed with the full lifecycle in mind.

Collaboration: A collaborative team, valuing open-minded dialogue and nurturing long-term relationships.

Our Team

We've collaborated with Dewson Architects on numerous projects. Their detailed and professional architectural plans are excellent to work from. They consistently provide clear and up-to-date information, ensuring a seamless collaboration for us and the builders. Working with them has truly been a pleasure.
- DS, Consultant
One of Toronto’s finest architectural firms. If you seek a highly skilled, motivated, and creative team, check them out!
- SPDB, Builder
Thrilled with our Dewson Architects-designed home—a longhouse nestled in the Canadian Shield. Vaulted ceilings, birch plywood walls, and softwood floors create a cozy, timeless atmosphere. Meticulous details, like strategically placed openings and an overhang metal roof, provide immersive experiences with nature. Watching thunderstorms in the summer and snowflakes fall in the winter is enchanting. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a cedar screened room offer serene forest views. A stunning, thoughtful design destined to be cherished for generations.
- AS, Client
We have been engaged with the firm for 18 years, starting with a family cottage and followed by two office projects. Dewson Architects expertly brought our visions to life, by attentively listening to our desires and expressing our aesthetic. We built trust through effective communication and gained clear insights into the development process. Welcoming constructive suggestions, we learned more about the design and construction procedures. As a result, we have beautiful spaces that truly reflect who we are.
- DV, Client
Bill was fully engaged through every stage of our project. Bill is exceptionally creative, and he was able to find a fantastic balance of aesthetic design and practical function for our family of 5. Bill and Kyle are also very personable and were a joy to work with - I would have no hesitation recommending them to my closest friends.
- CK, Client
I've known and worked with Dewson Architects since 2017 on my Rosedale home. Their genuine and knowledgeable approach stood out to me during the selection process. DA brought my visions to life with their construction expertise. Their experience, professionalism, and seamless navigation of the permit/committee of adjustment process were impressive. Meticulous in every detail, from drawings to communication between trades and builders, they ensured a smooth process. Dewson’s innovative ideas elevated the project. Personally, the value they offer is the best I've seen.
- CD, Client
Bill and his team have worked on several of my projects and have delivered outstanding results. I love the way they combine a high sense of aesthetic with a grounded practical approach. Their passion, work ethic and great sense of humor make them a joy to do business with. They are my number one pick when it comes to architects.
- HC, Client
Bill and his team at Dewson Architect are fantastic. As a business they are professional in approach, process driven and attentive to all the details. Their technical ability and design talent are wide reaching, making them versatile with new construction and renovations, both in traditional and modern architecture.
- SCE, Builder
We worked with Dewson Architects on the first LEED Platinum residential house in the GTA! They were a pleasure to work with. Attention to detail is second to none. Their architectural/design ideas are always fresh and organically inspired. I'd recommend this firm to anyone looking for a hands-on team full of great ideas.
- SPDB, Builder
Bill was chosen as a result of his portfolio of past works and his meticulous attention to fine details. He and his staff were exceptional in designing our home, obtaining the building permit and inspecting the construction of our home. We highly recommend Bill and his staff.
- JM, Client
It was a pleasure working on a Dewson Architects project. With swift completion and hands-on review by their team, the process was seamless. Their knowledgeable professionals are enthusiastic about discussing building science and construction details, prioritizing long-term project performance.
- LL, Builder
We found that the project was very organized and therefore eliminated any of the potential pitfalls or delays that can happen. We would expect that future clients will benefit from their dedication to choosing the right products based on quality, purpose and budget.
- C & E, Builder
One of Toronto’s finest architectural firms. If you seek a highly skilled, motivated, and creative team, check them out!
- MB, Builder
They helped in converting my Annex home from a single unit into a two-unit home. They’ve been extremely helpful, helped on building code issues, construction methods, planning in a very professional and timely manner.
- AG, Interior Designer
We had purchased a heritage home in the Lawrence park region and needed a full extension added. Bill did a fabulous job! He is professional and thoughtful in his approach. His team is very accessible and knowledgeable. We would certainly recommend Bill and his team - they are terrific architects!
- RC, Client
Perhaps Bill and Kyle's greatest strength lies in their ability to think out of the box and solve problems both creatively and practically. They designed and oversaw the construction of an incredible, aesthetically beautiful cottage that our family will love for what I hope is generations to come.
- LT, Client
We can't say enough about their expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the building process. This was paired with the beauty and functionality that you would expect from a world class architecture firm, and the contacts and partners to complete the challenging projects.
- KJC, Builder
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Architectural Services

Types of Buildings We Design

At Dewson Architects, we have a long history of producing beautiful, sustainable, and finely tailored buildings to meet our clients’ needs. For custom homes, we design heritage designated building conservations and restorations, additions or extensions to existing buildings, and fully new home builds. We’ve completed designs for vacation cottages, including beachfront homes, island retreats, and mountain hideaways. Further, we’ve designed boutique offices, mixed-use commercial buildings, and recently begun designing multi-unit residential buildings with a focus on multiplexes and small midrise buildings.

Project Master Planning

Master Planning, also referred to as Pre-Design, involves creating a comprehensive vision for a project, including defining its goals and priorities. We seek to deeply understand your values and goals, aesthetic preferences, how you’ll use the building now and in the future, and your budget and schedule. We ask clients for their input and conduct meetings to help us learn all there is to know about your project. This strategic blueprint guides the project team through all stages to ensure alignment and minimize unforeseen challenges. We engage all relevant team members early to facilitate seamless coordination and eliminate surprises. Our associated services include:

  • Conducting a needs assessment through programming questionnaires and visioning workshops for the property owners
  • Assistance in acquiring and analyzing existing essential site data, such as surveys, arborist and geotechnical reports, and hazardous materials analyses
  • Preparing feasibility studies to outline site analysis insights, regulatory requirements, environmental impacts, project budgets, and schedules
  • Reviewing project budgets, conducting financial proforma analysis, and assisting in raising capital for construction financing

Architectural Design

We develop a concept design for the full project site and building. The concept design includes the preparation of three-dimensional massing models, along with two-dimensional drawings that illustrate the arrangement of spaces relative to each other and the surrounding site.

We carry that concept forward through the traditional architectural project phases of schematic design, design development, and construction documents, introducing a range of methods to illuminate ideas and concepts for our clients and project teams. These include:

  • 3D visualizations and renderings in both still images and walkthrough videos
  • Concept sketches and illustrations
  • Statistical analyses, such as gross floor area, gross leasable area, and window-to-wall ratios
  • Traditional architectural floor plans, sections, elevations, and details

Sustainable Design

We have long been advocates of sustainable architectural design, continually learning and evolving our understanding of the concepts and methodologies, weaving it into every project in a tailored approach to suit our clients’ vision. There is a place on the sustainability spectrum for each building and we encourage the consideration of the building’s full lifecycle, or cost of ownership, in the early-stage decision-making process. All Dewson Architects’ design decisions include the assessment of energy-efficiency impacts, durability, maintenance implications, and the potential for future adaptability or reuse. We prioritize fundamentals of high-quality construction and high-performance building enclosures with finely tuned energy-efficient mechanical systems. These lead to higher durability, lower maintenance, quieter interiors, and higher indoor air quality for our buildings.

By reducing energy requirements with a high-performance envelope, we can push towards NetZero energy with a renewable energy collection system, such as a solar photovoltaic array. We have completed LEED Platinum, Passive House Certified, and NetZero buildings, and work with a prestigious group of highly respected consultants in this field. Our team and firm have numerous certifications and associations, including:

  • Certified Passive House design
  • LEED certification
  • NetZero energy analysis
  • Embodied carbon analysis
  • High-performance enclosure design

Building Approvals Management

The path to obtaining all required approvals from authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) for constructing a building is complex. We navigate this process through our established reputation as a collaborative architectural firm, working with AHJ staff to achieve project goals while satisfying regulations, codes, and by-laws. Depending on the type and scope of the project, we assist in preparing and acquiring:

  • Zoning by-law analysis and Zoning Certificate applications
  • Community planning applications including Site Plan Control, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments
  • Minor Variance and Consent Application shepherding through the Committee of Adjustment
  • Heritage approvals through local neighbourhood associations, Community Council and City Council, and Heritage Department permits
  • All construction-related permitting applications, such as demolition, building, plumbing, drains, HVAC, fire safety, and occupancy

Construction Administration

Achieving the project vision and goals requires collaboration within a well-integrated project team. Constructing high-performance buildings, regardless of third-party sustainability certifications, demands extensive construction administration from our skilled team. Our architectural project manager works closely with the builder to bring our designs to life, consistently visiting the construction site to provide expertise and insights to ensure the desired quality is achieved. This is realized through services by providing:

  • Guidance to the contractor by interpreting contract documents
  • Photo and video documentation of site conditions
  • Virtual and in-person site visits, with reports and directives
  • Provision of General Review as required by authorities having jurisdiction
  • Certification of the contractor’s applications for payment

In need of guidance or assistance with your building project? Dewson Architects is here to provide finely tailored architectural design services for your needs.