Who We Are
Transforming Darkness into Architectural Brilliance
Look, we're not your typical glass-and-chrome studio. Started Dreadspire X back in 2013 because honestly, Toronto needed someone who actually gives a damn about the dark, moody, industrial stuff that makes this city what it is.
We've spent over a decade getting our hands dirty with Gothic Revival projects and bringing old industrial spaces back from the dead. There's something about those massive stone arches and exposed steel beams that just hits different, y'know?
Our crew's a mix of old-school heritage nerds and younger architects who aren't afraid to push boundaries. We've worked on everything from century-old churches to abandoned factories that most people would just tear down. But that'd be a waste, right?
What Drives Us
We're all about that contrast - the way light plays through old stained glass, how raw concrete sits next to restored brickwork. Modern architecture's got its place, sure, but there's a richness in older buildings that you just can't fake.
Plus, sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us. Restoring what's already there instead of building from scratch? That's the most eco-friendly thing you can do, and the buildings end up with way more character anyway.
Our Approach
- • We dig deep into historical research before touching anything
- • Structural integrity comes first, always
- • We'll fight for heritage designation if a building deserves it
- • Modern needs don't have to mean gutting the soul of a space
- • Collaboration with local historians and craftspeople is key
Heritage Church Restoration, 2023
The Team Behind the Work
Marcus Thornfield, Principal Architect
Been obsessed with Gothic architecture since I was a kid wandering through old European cathedrals. Got my degree from Waterloo, spent five years at a big firm doing cookie-cutter condos before I couldn't take it anymore. Started Dreadspire X with basically nothing but a laptop and way too much coffee. Now we've got a team of 12 and projects across Ontario.
Sienna Blackwood, Heritage Specialist
Joined the studio in 2016 after working with the City on heritage preservation bylaws - which was basically endless bureaucracy. Here, I actually get to save buildings instead of just writing reports about 'em. My background's in architectural history and I've probably spent more time in city archives than is healthy, but someone's gotta know this stuff.
Devon Rourke, Lead Structural Engineer
Most people think old buildings are death traps waiting to happen. My job's proving them wrong. I've been calculating load-bearing capacities for heritage structures for 15 years now. There's nothing quite like figuring out how to reinforce a 150-year-old beam without anyone seeing the work you did.
Factory Conversion Project, 2022
Recognition & Credentials
We've picked up a few awards over the years - Ontario Heritage Trust Award in 2019, Toronto Urban Design Award in 2021. But honestly, the real wins are when a client tears up seeing their building brought back to life, or when neighborhood folks tell us we saved a landmark.
All our architects are licensed with the OAA, and we maintain partnerships with heritage conservation groups across Canada. We're also members of the Association for Preservation Technology International, which sounds fancy but really just means we're connected to people who know their stuff.
Current Focus
Right now we're working on three major heritage restorations in the Distillery District area, plus a contemporary dark architecture project up in North York that's letting us experiment with new materials while keeping that moody aesthetic we're known for.
We're also developing better sustainable practices for heritage work - turns out old buildings can be incredibly energy-efficient with the right interventions. It's become a bit of a passion project for the whole team.
Custom Gothic Revival Residence, 2024
Why Work With Us
We're not gonna promise you the moon or talk about 'synergizing your architectural vision' or whatever corporate nonsense. What we will do is show up, do the research, respect the building's history, and deliver work that'll outlast all of us.
If you've got a heritage building that needs saving, or you want something new that doesn't look like every other glass box in the city, we should probably talk. Fair warning though - we're picky about projects. Life's too short to work on stuff that doesn't matter.