About Gilda
Where Architecture Meets Real Life
I've spent over 15 years figuring out what makes spaces work - and honestly, it's rarely what you'd read in textbooks.
Growing up in a Portuguese-Canadian household in the Annex, I watched my parents turn a cramped duplex into something that somehow felt spacious. That's when I realized architecture isn't just about square footage or fancy materials - it's about understanding how people actually live.
After graduating from U of T, I worked at a couple of big firms downtown. Great projects, sure, but something felt off. Every design seemed to chase the same aesthetic, whether it fit the client or not. So in 2012, I started my own practice with a simple idea: let's design buildings that make sense for the people using them, not just for magazine spreads.
Sustainability shouldn't be a luxury add-on. It's just smart design. Why wouldn't you want lower energy bills and healthier indoor air? I've seen too many "green" buildings that look impressive but fall apart in five years. Real sustainable design means thinking about the next 50 years, not just the next photoshoot.
And here's the thing - good design doesn't announce itself. It just works. You walk into a well-designed space and feel right, even if you can't explain why. That's what I'm after.
I start every project by just listening. Not showing off past work or pitching ideas - just listening to how you live or work. Then we figure out what actually needs to change versus what you think needs to change. They're not always the same thing.
When I'm not buried in CAD files, you'll find me biking around Toronto's neighborhoods, sketching in cafes, or volunteering with Evergreen to help make our city more livable. I also teach a sustainable design workshop at Ryerson twice a year.
I've been lucky to work on everything from tiny laneway houses to 40,000 sq ft commercial spaces. Each project teaches me something new. That laneway house in Leslieville? Taught me how to maximize natural light in tight spaces. The office retrofit in Liberty Village? Showed me how much adaptive reuse can preserve neighborhood character while meeting modern needs.
What gets me excited isn't the project size - it's working with clients who care about doing things right. People who understand that cutting corners now means problems later. Who see their building as part of a larger community, not just their own bubble.
Whether you're thinking about a major renovation or starting from scratch, I'd love to hear what you're trying to create. No sales pitch - just a conversation about what's possible.
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Every building tells a story. I just help make sure it's a good one - one that respects its surroundings, serves its purpose, and doesn't cost the earth (literally).
After all these years, I've learned that the best architecture isn't about ego or trends. It's about creating spaces where life happens - where families grow, businesses thrive, and communities connect. That's the work worth doing.