Who We Are

Tales of strained relations between architect and client are too often the norm, but for architect Paul Dowsett and client David Daniels, a successful project led to the creation of a new business.

Dave and Paul When Daniels hired now LEED accredited Dowsett (then a Principal at Scott Morris Architects), to design an ambitious "green" renovation of his 1930s Art Deco home, Daniels interviewed many professionals, all claiming to be "green." But taking a closer look, there were few with as much "green" design and building experience as Paul, including residential, commercial and institutional projects. The renovation was so successful (already awarded by the R.A.I.C. for sustainability in design) that when Dowsett decided to set up his own "green" practice, Daniels suggested they join forces and sustainable.TO /architecture + building was born.

Our office has grown into a small band of 9 young (and young-at-heart) architecturally-enthusiastic individuals and has relocated into re-imagined second floor space at the corner of Queen & Carlaw in the Leslieville area of Toronto, handling the numerous projects that have come through the door, all through word of mouth.

Sustainable practices and technologies are prominently featured in our heritage preservation; adaptive re-use/retrofit; tenant improvement; commercial; institutional; and custom residential projects, for both new construction and renovations /additions - both off-grid and grid-connected.

The degree of sustainability ranges from specifying "green" building materials for a small addition all the way to LEED certified new homes and buildings. Each client's needs and ambitions are unique. We honour each one.

Paul Dowsett, Architect
Principal - OAA, MRAIC, LEED™ AP, CanPHI Passive House Planner
Since graduating with distinction from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, in over two decades of local & international environmentally-sensitive residential, commercial and institutional architectural practice, Paul has encountered so many Clients confused by green-information overload that he has started sustainable.TO /architecture + building, to assist others to make sense of it all to add "green" and practical value to Clients' properties.
Paul Dowsett has been an active volunteer with the Ontario Track 3 Ski Association since 1987. Learn more about Paul & Track 3.
David Daniels
Principal
Daniels, son of legendary developer John Daniels and a principal in the real estate investment company, Daniels Capital Group, saw an opportunity in an important and growing market. Says Daniels "I believe more and more home and business owners want to do the environmentally-correct thing. But overwhelmed by the complexity of the 'green' world, as I was, few know where or how to start their 'green' project."
Donald Peckover
Architectural Technologist & Designer - LEED AP, B.Arch.Sci
A recent graduate of the Architectural Science program at Ryerson University, Donald has quickly absorbed the fundamentals of residential design, classical proportions, and project management. Green design may be a new concept for many; but through his formal education and practical knowledge, Donald has grasped the fundamentals and can explain and deliver truly sustainable design.
"As architects and designers, we not only have a chance to have an impact on the daily lives of our clients in their own homes, but also on the neighbourhoods and climates in which we all live. Smart, sustainable design is our future," believes Donald.
John Andrews
Construction Manager
Andrews, who comes from a European background, finds that the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle comes as second nature, not merely as a catch phrase, but as a way of thinking and acting. Says Andrews, "In the forty years that I have been involved with the Construction Industry I have seen far reaching advances in the use of materials, technology and creativity for the good of the planet. I can only guess at what the future will bring and I embrace these changes with great enthusiasm."