Somewhere in the heart of Georgian Bay, Ontario, a family retreat rises quietly from the water's edge, so at home on its rocky perch that it seems to have grown there. Pine Island Cottage sits on a secluded island, its form cascading gently along the site's natural stone formations rather than fighting against them. This is architecture as listening rather than imposing — a lesson in restraint that feels especially resonant now, as more designers look to the land itself for d

On July 24, 2026, the eastern edge of Toronto changed shape once again. Ten new acres of Biidaasige Park opened along the city's waterfront, extending a stretch of reclaimed shoreline that, only a few years ago, was scrap yards, rail lines and fenced-off industrial land. Today it is a landscape of paddling coves, wildflower meadows and open-air sculpture, sitting on an island that did not exist a decade ago.

In Toronto's Forest Hill, a neighbourhood defined by its stately limestone facades and quiet, tree-lined streets, new construction is rarely welcomed lightly. Every addition is measured against a century of precedent. The Russell Hill Road Residence enters that conversation with confidence, choosing not to imitate its neighbours but to speak their language fluently, in a voice entirely its own.

In LaSalle, a Montréal borough known for its cultural diversity, a beloved 1984 library has been given a second life — its original octagon preserved, its reach transformed, and its role as a community anchor reimagined for a new generation.

Designed and executed in full by Studio Kimi Interior Inc., the project spans just over 6,000 square feet and represents the studio's most comprehensive commission to date. Kimi handled everything — the interior design, the millwork, the trades, the finishes — shaping a home that carries a single, coherent vision from the foundation up.

Then there is Montréal—a city that, for twenty years, has chosen to "govern" itself. In June 2006, the Québec metropolis became the first city in North America and only the third in the world to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of design. Two decades on, that designation has proven to be far more than a badge of honour. It has become the philosophical spine of an entire urban project.

Humans spent 99% of their evolutionary history adapting to the natural world. Today, we spend roughly 90% of our lives inside sealed, climate-controlled boxes. This massive shift has left us chronically stressed, fatigued, and disconnected.

Winner of the 2026 Award of Excellence in Architecture from the Quebec Association of Architects, the Aubé House is more than just a beautifully designed residence. It is a physical timeline—a space where a rich family history meets breathtaking modern design.

Just north of Toronto, perched on the edge of a wooded valley, sits Ravine House—a contemporary home that redefines what it means to live in harmony with nature. Rather than acting as a barrier against the outdoors or simply occupying a plot of land, this stunning residence acts as an immersive, beautiful mediator between comfortable domestic living and the natural landscape.

On May 29th, as the sun began to set over the historic brick facades of Old Town Toronto, the streets took on a new, electric energy. The King East Design District (KEDD) Neighbourhood Hop—the highly anticipated annual event presented by DesignTO in collaboration with the Old Town Toronto BIA—was officially underway. For a few magic hours, the neighbourhood morphed into a sprawling, interactive playground for creativity and innovation.

In the heart of Quebec’s rugged Laurentians region, a new kind of home has taken flight. Located in the quiet community of La Conception, The Albatross is not just a house; it is a masterclass in modern residential design. Image courtesy of: Stéphane Groleau Created by the teams at MU Architecture in close collaboration with architect Anik Patry, this extraordinary home was built around a beautiful, simple idea: to place a modern family at the very center of a spectacular nat

Great architecture does more than simply house people; it shapes how they learn, create, and connect with the world around them. Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) has long understood this, and the architectural community agrees. Recently, UQAM’s iconic pavillon de Design was awarded the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) Prix du XXe siècle, a prestigious honour that recognizes the most outstanding and enduring architectural achievements of the last century.

Medical laboratories are often defined entirely by their complex, technical needs, leaving little room for architectural beauty. However, the new Montérégie Central Laboratory in Quebec completely rewrites that rule. Designed by the architectural firms NFOE and Archi–, this cutting-edge facility proves that high-tech infrastructure can be surprisingly elegant.

Keeping a pulse on design shifts is essential for curating a modern space. Whether one is planning a complete renovation or a simple room refresh, understanding the latest aesthetic movements ensures that a space feels current rather than dated. This year, the focus is firmly on timeless elegance, historic architectural charm, and deep personalization.

Gabriel Fain Architects provides a brilliant answer with the Montrose Sixplex. Completed in 2026, this six-unit rental housing project in Toronto shows how smart design can gracefully add homes to a community while perfectly matching its existing character.

The renowned architecture and design firm Provencher_Roy is taking a major step to support the future of the built environment. The firm recently announced the launch of the Claude-Provencher Excellence Scholarship, an annual initiative designed to empower emerging talent in architecture and related design fields. Image courtesy of: Provencher_Roy Created to honour the profound legacy of co-founder Claude Provencher (1949–2022)—a leading figure in Canadian architecture—the sc