ASQUITH Architecture is a modern architecture firm that began as Heather Asquith Architect in 2010. ASQUITH Architecture was established in 2018. Serving Greater Toronto and surrounding areas, ASQUITH specializes in modern home design and large-scale renovations in both urban and rural environments. Working closely alongside our clients to understand their wants and needs, ASQUITH thrives on challenging constraints such as unique site conditions, existing structures, sustainability requirements and heritage elements. Resulting designs are modern, functional and contextually-sensitive.
Heather Asquith B.E.S., B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC
ASQUITH Architecture is led by Canadian architect, Heather Asquith – a skilled designer with an exceptional eye for detail and context. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in 1996 following several internships both locally in the Toronto area, and abroad in Helsinki, Finland. She became a licensed architect in 2008. Following many years of experience in several award-winning Toronto based firms, Heather established her ASQUITH Architecture to actively pursue meaningful modern, residential projects.
Our Approach
Each project we work on at ASQUITH follows this proven 4-phase process:
DISCOVERY
In the Discovery phase, we examine the site and determined our clients’ desires for the project. How many rooms? How many storeys? Which way should the building be situated in order to take advantage of views and sunlight? What is happening on the neighbouring properties? We develop preliminary drawings that bring life to the design and inform the rest of the process. By the end of this phase, we want to have the scope of the work defined, a preliminary budget and an idea of the required approvals that will set the course for the project.
DESIGN
In the Design phase, we flesh out the design elements by looking at materials, finishes and overall expression for the project. What will the interior feel like? What will the exterior be made of? We begin work with our consultants to develop the structure and how that will inform the design. With their expertise, we look at both passive and mechanical design elements to determine how the building will be heated and cooled. The research in this phase defines what will be created.
DOCUMENTATION
The Documentation phase pulls everything together and creates a full set of construction drawings including plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules and specifications required to construct the project. We will have all the documentation prepared to apply for the building permit and other approvals required by authorities.
CONSTRUCTION
In the Construction phase, we work with our clients and their contractor or construction manager to ensure the project is built in accordance with the construction drawings and help resolve issues that inevitably arise along the way. A collaborative process during this phase ensures the design intent is realized right down to the details.
Modern Toronto Architects – Residential Architects Toronto
Present team members:
Ashley Adams Tse B.ArchSc., MArch, OAA
Architect
Ashley joined Asquith Architecture in early 2020 with a background in fine arts and a Bachelor of Architectural Science and a Master of Architecture from Ryerson University. Ashley instills a creative approach to all facets of the design process. Her years of experience in several Toronto architectural firms working on institutional, heritage conservation and preservation projects bring a well-rounded perspective and sensitivity to design. These skills inform an intuitive sense in residential design with a keen sensitivity toward specially tailored client spaces. During her time at Asquith Architecture, she has played a central role on a number of projects from concept design through to completion.
Amanda Carson B.ArchSc.
Architectural Designer
With a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University, Amanda brings almost a decade of experience at various Toronto architectural firms with varied experience in retail and custom residential design. Well skilled in project management, Amanda is an organized project lead with excellent communication and management skills. This is reinforced by her understanding of project scheduling, budgets and construction phasing. Her strong focus on interior design and keen eye for design detailing bring an important understanding of craft well suited to custom residential design. Her enthusiasm fosters important working relationships with clients toward realizing their goals and project desires.
Past team members:
ByungJu Choi