Our Services | Gilda Quinthos Architecture

Look, architecture isn't just about pretty buildings. It's problem-solving with space, light, and materials. Over the years, I've learned that the best projects happen when we really listen to what you need - not what some trend magazine says you should want.

Residential Design

New Builds, Renovations & Additions

Your home should work for how you actually live, not how Pinterest thinks you should. Whether it's a full custom build or figuring out how to make that cramped kitchen finally make sense, I approach every project like it's my own place. We'll talk about your daily routines, your weird habits (everyone's got 'em), and what drives you nuts about your current space.

How it works:

1

Discovery

2-3 weeks - We dig deep into what you need

2

Concept Design

3-4 weeks - Initial ideas & sketches

3

Design Development

4-6 weeks - Getting into the details

4

Construction Docs

6-8 weeks - Everything builders need

Commercial Architecture

Offices, Retail, Mixed-Use Developments

Commercial spaces are tricky because they've gotta do double duty - look good AND work hard. I've designed everything from boutique offices to retail spaces that actually encourage people to stick around. The key? Understanding your brand isn't just a logo, it's how your space makes people feel when they walk in.

Typical timeline:

1

Feasibility Study

2-4 weeks - Is this even doable?

2

Schematic Design

4-6 weeks - Big picture stuff

3

Detailed Design

8-12 weeks - Where the magic happens

4

Permitting & Build

Variable - Depends on scope

Sustainable Building Solutions

Green Design & Energy Efficiency

Here's the thing about sustainable design - it's not about being trendy or checking boxes for LEED certification (though we can do that too). It's about building smarter. Using materials that'll last, orienting buildings to work with the sun instead of against it, and honestly? Saving you money in the long run. I've been doing this since before "green building" was cool.

What we focus on:

Passive Design

Natural heating, cooling & lighting strategies

Material Selection

Local, recycled, low-impact choices

Energy Systems

Solar, geothermal, high-efficiency mechanicals

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems

Interior Space Planning

Making rooms that flow right isn't rocket science, but it does take experience. I'll help you figure out furniture layouts, traffic patterns, and how to make small spaces feel bigger without knocking down every wall.

Construction Administration

Someone's gotta make sure what we drew actually gets built right. Site visits, contractor coordination, problem-solving when things don't go to plan - because they never do. That's what I'm here for.

Historic Preservation

Old buildings have stories, and Toronto's full of 'em. I love the challenge of updating historic structures while respecting what made them special in the first place. Modern comfort meets original character.

How We Work Together

Every project's different, but here's generally how things go down. No two clients are the same, so think of this more as a roadmap than a strict rulebook.

1

Initial Consultation

Free chat over coffee where we figure out if we're a good fit. Bring your ideas, your budget concerns, all of it.

2

Proposal & Agreement

I'll lay out exactly what we'll do, how long it'll take, and what it'll cost. No surprises, no fine print nonsense.

3

Design Phases

We'll go through multiple rounds of designs. You'll see sketches, 3D models, material samples - the whole deal.

4

Permits & Approvals

The boring but necessary stuff. We handle all the paperwork and dealing with city officials.

5

Construction & Beyond

We're on-site regularly making sure things are going according to plan. Once it's done, we'll do a final walkthrough together.

Got a Project in Mind?

Don't worry if you don't have all the answers yet. Most people don't when they first reach out. Let's just talk about what you're thinking and see where it goes from there.

Let's Talk

Common Questions

Stuff people usually ask before we get started

Honestly, it depends. Residential projects typically run 8-15% of construction costs for full architectural services. Commercial can vary more. After our first meeting, I'll give you a detailed proposal so you know exactly what you're looking at.

Design phase for a typical residential project? About 3-5 months. Construction depends on size - could be 6 months for a renovation, 12-18 for a new build. I'll give you a realistic timeline upfront, not some pie-in-the-sky estimate.

For simple renovations, maybe you can skip the architect. But for anything involving structural changes, additions, or new construction, you'll want someone who knows building codes, can handle permits, and will make sure your money's being spent wisely. That's what we do.

Then we keep working on it. Seriously. Each design phase includes revisions because I need you to be excited about this, not just "okay I guess." If we're way off base, we'll step back and rethink our approach. Your feedback's the most important part of this process.

Absolutely. If you've got a contractor you trust, great - we'll work with them. If not, I can recommend a few folks I've worked with before who do solid work. Either way, we'll all be on the same team getting your project done right.