Who We Are

Forging Tomorrow's Architecture with Today's Vision

Our Story

Started back in 2012, Obsidra Forge came from a pretty simple idea - what if we could design buildings that actually respect the past while pushing toward something better? We've seen too many heritage sites bulldozed for generic glass boxes, and honestly, it drove us a bit mad.

So we set up shop in Toronto's west end, rolled up our sleeves, and got to work. These days, we're a tight crew of designers, restoration specialists, and urban planners who genuinely care about creating spaces that'll matter in 50 years, not just next quarter's portfolio.

We've spent years learning how old buildings breathe, how neighborhoods evolve, and how sustainable design isn't just a checkbox - it's the whole point. Every project's different, which keeps things interesting.

Our Philosophy

We don't follow trends. We study context, listen to what a space is trying to tell us, and design solutions that'll age gracefully instead of looking dated in five years.

Sustainability First

Every material choice matters. We're not just slapping solar panels on roofs and calling it green - we're rethinking how buildings interact with their environment from the ground up.

Respecting History

Old buildings have stories, and we're here to help them keep telling those stories. Restoration isn't about freezing time - it's about thoughtful evolution.

Urban Context

Buildings don't exist in a vacuum. We spend as much time understanding the neighborhood, the street patterns, and the community as we do on the actual design.

Real Collaboration

We actually listen. Clients aren't just writing checks - they're partners who know their needs better than we ever could. Our job's figuring out how to make it work.

Meet the Team

The folks behind the blueprints and site visits

Elena Vasquez

Principal Architect & Founder

Started this whole thing after getting frustrated with seeing beautiful old buildings demolished. Spent 8 years at a corporate firm before saying "enough" and going independent. Heritage restoration's her jam, though she'll tell you every project teaches her something new.

"The best design you'll never notice is the one that feels like it was always meant to be there."

Marcus Chen

Lead Sustainable Design

Came over from Vancouver five years back with a masters in environmental design and way too much enthusiasm for passive heating systems. He's the one who'll spend three hours explaining thermal mass if you let him. Obsessed with making buildings that barely need HVAC.

"If your building needs massive mechanical systems to be comfortable, we haven't done our job right."

Sarah Okonkwo

Urban Planning Director

Grew up in Toronto's east end watching neighborhoods change - sometimes for better, often for worse. Now she's making sure development actually serves communities instead of just developers. Background in city planning with a knack for navigating the bureaucracy we all love to hate.

"Good urban design is invisible. Bad urban design? That's what makes you take the long way home."

James McKinley

Heritage Restoration Specialist

Third-generation carpenter turned architect. Learned restoration techniques from his grandfather who worked on historic buildings across Ontario. Can tell you the age of a building by looking at the brick mortar - yes, he's that guy. Nobody knows old construction methods like James does.

"These old buildings were overbuilt by people who expected them to last. We owe them the same respect."

Priya Sharma

Interior Architecture Lead

Joined us three years ago after doing high-end residential work that left her wanting something more meaningful. Now she's figuring out how to make commercial spaces feel human and residential projects actually livable. Strong opinions about open floor plans - ask her sometime.

"People don't live in renderings. Design for how they'll actually use the space, not how it'll photograph."

David Rousseau

Commercial Projects Manager

Montreal transplant who brought his French-Canadian pragmatism and an uncanny ability to bring projects in on budget. Handles the commercial work and keeps the rest of us from getting too idealistic when reality (and building codes) show up. Basically the adult in the room.

"Great design that never gets built is just expensive sketches. Let's make stuff that actually happens."

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you're restoring a century home or planning a new commercial space, we'd love to hear what you're working on.

Get In Touch