Who We Are

Real architects, real stories, and a genuine passion for creating spaces that actually work

Our Studio

Our Story

Look, we started this firm back in 2008 because we were honestly tired of seeing buildings go up that just... didn't make sense. Beautiful renders, sure, but when you actually walked through them? Not great.

We've spent years figuring out how to balance what looks good with what actually works. And yeah, sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us - it's been part of our DNA since day one. Before it was trendy, we were already nerding out over passive solar design and material lifecycles.

Today we've got a team of fifteen designers, architects, and project managers who genuinely care about making Toronto's built environment better. Not perfect - better. There's a difference.

150+

Completed Projects

15+

Years Experience

How We Think About Design

No fluff, just what we've learned actually matters

Sustainable Design

Function First, Always

We've seen too many gorgeous spaces that nobody wants to use. Your building needs to work for the people in it, period. Everything else comes after.

Natural Light

Sustainability That Makes Sense

Not every project needs solar panels and a green roof. Sometimes the most sustainable choice is simpler than that - better orientation, smarter materials, designs that'll last.

Meet Some of the Team

The folks you'll actually be working with

Sophia Quinthale

Principal Architect & Co-Founder

Started drawing buildings when I was eight and never really stopped. Twenty years in, I still get excited about a good floor plan. Studied at Waterloo, worked in Vancouver for a bit, then came back home to Toronto to start this thing. My dog Archie comes to the office most days.

Marcus Chen

Lead Sustainable Design

I'm the guy who gets way too into building physics. Seriously, ask me about thermal bridging at a party and I won't shut up. Been with Lumos for nine years now, focusing on making our projects as energy-efficient as possible without breaking the bank. Coffee enthusiast, terrible golfer.

Rachel Okonkwo

Senior Project Manager

I'm basically the person who keeps everything from falling apart. Been managing construction projects for twelve years, joined Lumos in 2019. I know every building code inspector in downtown Toronto by name, which is either impressive or concerning. Probably both.

David Lewiston

Interior Space Planning Lead

Worked in retail design for years before switching to architecture. That background really helps when we're thinking about how people actually move through spaces. I'm all about the details that make a space feel right without you consciously noticing them. Vinyl collector, amateur cook.

Priya Malhotra

Residential Design Specialist

Joined the team three years ago after completing my masters in sustainable architecture. I love working on residential projects because you get to really understand how families live. Every home tells a different story, and figuring out how to make that story better is what gets me up in the morning. Tea addict, weekend hiker.

Want to Work With Us?

We're always up for a conversation about your project. No pressure, just coffee and honest talk about what's possible.

Let's Talk

Awards & Recognition

We've been lucky enough to get some recognition over the years. Toronto Architecture Award 2019, OAA Design Excellence Award, and a few others. They're nice to have, but honestly, the best recognition is when clients come back for another project.

Community Involvement

We do pro-bono work for local non-profits when we can, and we're involved in a few mentorship programs for young architects. Sophia teaches a studio course at U of T every other year. Giving back isn't optional - it's just what you do.