Who We Really Are
Unveiling Tomorrow's Architecture Today
Look, we're not gonna feed you the typical "award-winning studio" spiel. Yeah, we've got the credentials and all that, but honestly? We started AetherVeil because we were tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter buildings going up everywhere in Toronto. Buildings that ignore their environment, waste energy, and frankly... just don't make people feel anything.
Back in 2015, Marcus was working at one of those big corporate firms where everything had to fit into predetermined boxes. One day, he walked away from a project that wanted to demolish a perfectly good heritage structure just to squeeze in more rentable square footage. That's when he knew something had to change.
What Drives Us
We believe architecture shouldn't just exist - it should respond. Respond to climate, to community, to the way light hits a space at 3pm on a Tuesday. Every project we take on, whether it's a single-family home or a 20-story mixed-use development, gets the same treatment: we obsess over the details that others overlook. Solar orientation? Check. Local materials? Always. Making sure the building actually works for the people inside it? That's non-negotiable.
How We Got Here
2015 - The Beginning
Started in a cramped office above a coffee shop on Queen West. Just Marcus, a drafting table, and way too much ambition. First project was a residential renovation that somehow won a local design award.
2017 - Growing Pains
Brought Sofia on board after meeting her at an urban planning conference where we both complained about the same things. Moved into our first real studio space. Landed our first commercial project - a sustainable office building in Liberty Village.
2019 - Breaking Ground
James joined to head up our sustainability initiatives. Completed our first LEED Platinum certified building. Started getting calls from clients who specifically wanted our approach to sustainable design.
2021 - Pandemic Pivot
Like everyone else, we had to adapt. But it forced us to rethink how spaces work - especially residential and mixed-use developments. Started integrating more flexible, adaptive designs that people actually need.
2023 - New Heights
Moved to our current spot on Adelaide. Team grew to 23 people. Took on our first large-scale urban planning project. Started consulting on city sustainability initiatives.
2025 - Today
Working on projects across Ontario and beyond. Still obsessing over the same details. Still pushing back when clients want shortcuts. Still believing that better architecture isn't just possible - it's necessary.
Sustainability First
We don't do greenwashing. Every material choice, every system we spec, every orientation decision - it all matters. Climate change isn't coming, it's here. Our buildings need to be part of the solution.
Human-Centered
Buildings are for people. Sounds obvious, right? But you'd be surprised how often that gets forgotten. We spend time understanding how spaces will actually be used before we draw a single line.
Context Matters
A building in Toronto's Annex neighborhood shouldn't look like it belongs in Dubai. We study the site, the surroundings, the history. Architecture should belong where it's built.
Honest Collaboration
We'll tell you when your ideas won't work. Not to be difficult, but because we genuinely care about the outcome. The best projects happen when everyone's honest with each other from day one.
Our Studio Space
Want to Work With Us?
We're always up for interesting projects and challenging problems. Let's talk about what you're trying to build.
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