We're Not Your Typical Architects
And honestly, that's kinda the point. We started Yorven Forge Quint because we got tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter designs everywhere.
And honestly, that's kinda the point. We started Yorven Forge Quint because we got tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter designs everywhere.
Back in 2014, three of us met at a sustainability conference in Vancouver. We'd all been working at different firms, feeling like something was missing. The industry was moving fast, but also... not really? Buildings were getting taller, sure, but they weren't getting smarter or more human-centered.
So we decided to do something about it. Started small - a few residential projects here and there, mostly for friends who trusted our vision. What set us apart was our refusal to compromise on sustainability while still delivering spaces people actually wanted to live and work in. No greenwashing, no pretentious jargon, just solid design that makes sense.
Sounds obvious, right? But you'd be surprised how many architects forget this. We spend weeks just understanding how you'll actually use a space - not how it looks in a magazine shoot, but how it functions on a random Tuesday afternoon.
Climate change is real, and buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of carbon emissions. We don't treat green design as an add-on or a marketing gimmick. It's baked into everything we do, from material selection to energy systems.
We're not gonna plop the same glass box design in every neighborhood. Toronto's full of character - from Victorian rowhouses to industrial warehouses - and our work respects that heritage while pushing things forward.
If something's not gonna work within your budget or timeline, we'll tell you straight up. No surprises, no scope creep. We'd rather have tough conversations early than disappointed clients later.
Maya's the one who keeps us grounded. With 15 years under her belt, she's worked on everything from luxury condos to community housing projects. She grew up in Scarborough and knows Toronto inside out - which neighborhoods are changing, where the city's heading. She's got this uncanny ability to see potential in buildings everyone else has written off. Outside the office? She's probably biking the waterfront trail or arguing about zoning laws at community meetings.
If it's not sustainable, David's not interested. He came to architecture from an engineering background, which means he actually understands how HVAC systems work (wild, we know). He's LEED certified, Passive House trained, and constantly nerding out over new building materials. David's projects consistently hit net-zero targets without looking like science experiments. When he's not calculating thermal bridging, he's probably tending his rooftop garden or teaching workshops on green building practices.
Sarah's the creative force who makes sure our buildings don't just function well but actually feel special. She studied at Waterloo, worked in Copenhagen for a few years, and brought back this Scandinavian sensibility about light and space. She's amazing at translating what clients say they want into what they actually need. Her sketches are borderline art - we've had clients frame them. She's also our interior optimization specialist, making small spaces feel twice their size without any gimmicks.
Marcus joined us in 2017 and we honestly don't know how we managed before him. He's the guy who makes sure projects actually get built - on time, on budget, without compromising the vision. He speaks contractor, engineer, and architect fluently, which is rarer than you'd think. Marcus has this calm demeanor that's invaluable when things get chaotic (and they always do at some point). He's also our heritage restoration expert, having worked on some seriously beautiful old buildings across Ontario.
Priya's our youngest team member but don't let that fool you - she's sharp as they come. Fresh from grad school at UofT, she brings cutting-edge thinking about urban density, mixed-use development, and how cities can grow without losing their soul. She's particularly passionate about affordable housing and how good design shouldn't be a luxury. Priya's also our tech wizard, always finding new software and tools to visualize projects better.
Thomas handles our commercial projects and brings a business mindset that balances aesthetics with ROI - because let's be real, commercial clients care about both. He previously worked at a major firm doing big corporate towers, but wanted something more hands-on and human-scaled. Thomas is great at navigating complex zoning regulations and getting creative with code requirements. Weekend warrior rock climber, which apparently helps with problem-solving (we'll take his word for it).
Projects Completed
Years in Business
LEED Certifications
Heritage Restorations
"We came to Yorven Forge Quint with a mess - an old warehouse in Liberty Village that everyone said wasn't worth saving. Sarah and Marcus saw what we couldn't. Now it's our dream home and people stop to take photos. Worth every penny."
- Jennifer & Mark T., Liberty Village
"David's sustainability work cut our energy costs by 60%. SIXTY PERCENT. Our tenants are happier, our building's more valuable, and we're actually doing something good for the planet. These guys know their stuff."
- Robert Chung, Commercial Property Developer
"What I appreciated most was their honesty. Maya told us when our initial ideas wouldn't work with our budget, then found solutions that were actually better. No BS, just solid advice."
- Alicia Fernandez, Retail Store Owner
"Thomas navigated the condo development approval process like a pro. All the regulatory headaches, dealt with. The design's gorgeous and it actually makes financial sense. That's rare."
- Parkdale Development Group
We're always up for a good challenge. Whether you've got a clear vision or just a nagging feeling your space could be better, let's talk.
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