Business Details
25 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in Toronto
Founded in 2001, Barrett Architect has established itself as a leader in innovative architectural design, blending form, function, and building science. With decades of collective experience, our team specializes in residential, commercial, and heritage restoration projects, delivering solutions that prioritize sustainability and client satisfaction. Our portfolio includes award-winning condominiums, hospitality spaces, and custom residences, reflecting our commitment to architectural excellence. We integrate modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of quality and design integrity. Our expertise extends to adaptive reuse of historic structures, creating spaces that honor the past while embracing contemporary needs.Through strategic partnerships and in-house code analysis, we navigate complex regulatory requirements to bring visions to life efficiently. From concept to completion, we maintain transparent communication, ensuring clients are informed and engaged throughout the process. Our dedication to education and industry leadership is demonstrated through teaching roles and board memberships, reinforcing our commitment to advancing architectural practice. With a focus on sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, we create environments that enhance user experience while minimizing ecological impact. This combination of technical expertise, creative vision, and client-centric approach has solidified our reputation as trusted architects in Toronto and beyond.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Heritage Restoration
Sustainable Design
Interior Architecture
Urban Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Luxury Condominiums
Hospitality Spaces
Custom Cottages
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in architectural design and heritage restoration
- Our team specializes in integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems
- We provide transparent communication from concept to project completion
- We maintain in-house building code analysis expertise for regulatory compliance
- Our heritage restoration projects balance historical integrity with modern functionality
Services
Residential Architecture
Specializing in custom homes and cottages that blend modern aesthetics with natural surroundings. Our designs incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems while maximizing views and outdoor connections. Projects range from urban infill developments to remote retreats, each tailored to client lifestyles and site-specific opportunities.
Heritage Restoration
Expertise in revitalizing heritage buildings while maintaining historical integrity. We employ traditional construction techniques alongside modern materials to extend building lifespans. Our approach balances code compliance with authentic restoration, creating spaces that honor architectural legacy while meeting contemporary needs through adaptive reuse strategies.
Commercial Design
Creating functional commercial spaces that enhance brand identity and customer experience. Our portfolio includes restaurants, retail centers, and office developments with integrated wayfinding and spatial flow. We specialize in urban contexts, addressing complex zoning requirements while delivering visually striking, operationally efficient environments that maximize return on investment.
Sustainable Design
Integrating eco-friendly solutions across all project types using LEED principles and beyond. We implement passive solar design, rainwater harvesting systems, and locally sourced materials. Our approach reduces environmental impact while improving occupant comfort through natural lighting, ventilation, and non-toxic materials selection.
Interior Architecture
Designing interior environments that optimize spatial relationships and functionality. We create cohesive interior-exterior connections through material continuity and strategic glazing. Our services include layout optimization, lighting design, and custom millwork solutions that enhance both aesthetic appeal and practical usability across residential and commercial projects.
People
Wayne Barrett
Founder & Principal Architect
Established Barrett Architect in 2001 after co-founding Zippan + Barrett Architects in 1980. Educated in building technology at Ryerson and urban design at McGill, he pioneered green building practices in the 1970s. With international experience in sustainable projects across Africa and Mexico, he brings technical expertise and visionary leadership to every project.
Matthew Chong
Project Designer
Joined Barrett Architect in 2012, specializing in commercial hospitality design. Combines architectural training with sommelier experience to create functional food service spaces. Leads national restaurant design accounts and heritage conversions, providing code analysis expertise while managing complex urban development projects in Toronto.
Philip Scalena
Senior Interior Designer
35-year veteran in hospitality and retail design, previously with Watt International. Master of experience mapping to align design with brand identity. Led major projects including Brookfield Properties' food court renovation and Ibis Hotel in Marrakesh. Specializes in strategic design solutions that balance aesthetics with operational efficiency.
Chris Barrett
Technical Director
Specializes in information technology and 3D modeling for architectural visualization. Manages municipal approvals process for national projects, providing technical solutions to expedite permits. Coordinates with authorities having jurisdiction to ensure compliance while maintaining design integrity across diverse project types.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential architecture, commercial design, heritage restoration, sustainable design, and interior architecture across Ontario and Canada.
How do you approach heritage building restoration?
We combine traditional techniques with modern materials to preserve historical integrity while meeting current building codes and functional requirements.
Can you handle complex urban development projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Toronto's regulatory environment and complex site conditions, including transit-adjacent developments and heritage zones.
What sustainable design practices do you implement?
We integrate passive solar design, energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and water conservation strategies in all project types.
How do you ensure client involvement throughout projects?
We maintain transparent communication through regular updates and digital visualization tools to keep clients informed at every design stage.
