Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Architectural & Conservation Services in Toronto
Established in 1991, Taylor Hazell Architects has built a reputation for excellence in architecture, conservation, and strategic planning for existing sites and structures. Our interdisciplinary team of architects, planners, interns, and administrators prioritizes harmony between environment, context, and human use, believing that innovative design emerges from this balance. We specialize in adaptive reuse of historic buildings, new construction in sensitive environmental contexts, and institutional programming, leveraging new forms, materials, and technologies to create lasting solutions.With a commitment to design excellence, we approach each project as a collaborative effort, fostering long-term client relationships and extending our expertise through investigative fieldwork across Canada. Our team's LEED accreditation and leadership in heritage conservation reflect our dedication to sustainable practices and community engagement, demonstrated through partnerships with organizations like the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and support for over 30 charitable causes annually.
Services
Adaptive Reuse
Heritage Conservation
Strategic Planning
Institutional Architecture
Environmental Context Design
Building Restoration
Forensic Engineering Collaboration
Cultural Heritage Projects
Educational Facility Design
Sustainable Renovations
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Specialists in heritage conservation since 1991
- Interdisciplinary team with LEED-certified professionals
- Award-winning adaptive reuse expertise for historic buildings
- Proven track record with institutional clients like TDSB
- Community-focused approach with 30+ annual charitable partnerships
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP (BD+C)
Services
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming historic structures into functional modern spaces while preserving architectural integrity. Our team specializes in code-compliant renovations that extend building lifecycles and reduce environmental impact. Clients benefit from cost-effective solutions that maintain cultural significance while meeting contemporary needs.
Heritage Conservation
Comprehensive conservation strategies for protected sites including material analysis, deterioration reversal, and regulatory compliance. We employ forensic engineering techniques to restore structural integrity while maintaining original design elements. Our work ensures buildings retain historical value through sensitive interventions and documentation.
Strategic Planning
Long-term development frameworks for educational and cultural institutions. Services include needs assessments, space programming, and phased implementation plans. We create adaptable solutions that accommodate future growth while respecting existing infrastructure and community context across multiple Canadian provinces.
Forensic Engineering Collaboration
Post-incident analysis and recovery planning for damaged structures through multidisciplinary team collaboration. Our approach combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to restore functionality after events like the 2019 Jones Avenue School fire. We deliver cost-effective rebuild strategies that maintain original architectural character.
Sustainable Renovations
Energy-efficient upgrades that reduce environmental impact while maintaining design integrity. Our LEED-certified professionals implement modern systems within heritage constraints, balancing sustainability goals with preservation requirements. Solutions include material optimization and passive design strategies tailored to each building's unique characteristics.
People
Jill Taylor
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years experience in architectural conservation and strategic planning. Leads complex heritage projects while maintaining commitment to design excellence and community engagement through charitable initiatives.
Charles Hazell
Co-Founder
Co-founder specializing in institutional architecture and environmental context design. Oversees project delivery with focus on technical innovation and sustainable practices across Canada's diverse building landscapes.
Sudeep Dey
Associate
LEED-certified architect with expertise in adaptive reuse projects. Brings technical precision to heritage conservation work while contributing to the firm's commitment to sustainable design solutions.
Michelle Dingley
Associate
Architectural planner with experience in institutional programming and strategic development. Focuses on creating functional spaces that balance historical preservation with modern usability requirements.
Jon Soules
Senior Architect
Senior design professional with extensive experience in building conservation projects. Specializes in integrating modern systems into heritage structures while maintaining architectural integrity across multiple award-winning projects.
Questions
What types of architectural projects does Taylor Hazell Architects specialize in?
We focus on heritage conservation, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, institutional architecture, and strategic planning for sensitive environmental contexts across Canada.
Can you handle complex restoration projects after building damage?
Yes, our team has experience with forensic engineering collaboration for post-incident recovery, including the 2019 restoration of Jones Avenue School after fire damage.
Do you work on projects outside Toronto?
While based in Toronto, we undertake projects across Ontario and Canada-wide, including recent work on lighthouses in Nova Scotia and cultural institutions in various provinces.
What sustainability credentials does your firm have?
We have LEED-certified professionals and implement sustainable renovation practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining architectural heritage and functionality.
How do you approach community-focused architectural projects?
We prioritize community engagement through charitable partnerships and design solutions that respect local history, culture, and environmental context in every project we undertake.
