We're Not Your Typical Studio

Started in a cramped Toronto loft back in 2012, we've grown into something we're genuinely proud of - a team that actually gives a damn about making cities better places to live.

No corporate fluff here. Just architects who still get excited about good design and believe sustainability isn't just a checkbox on some form.

PyreVortex Studio

Our Story

Three friends, way too much coffee, and a shared frustration with cookie-cutter buildings that all looked the same. That's how PyreVortex started. We wanted to prove that urban architecture could be both functional and beautiful without costing the earth - literally.

Innovation First

We're constantly testing new materials and methods. Some work brilliantly, others... well, let's just say we've learned from our fair share of mistakes.

Real Sustainability

Not the greenwashing kind. We're talking about buildings that'll actually reduce energy consumption and make sense for the next generation.

People Matter

Buildings aren't sculptures - they're for people. We spend a lot of time understanding how folks actually use spaces before we draw a single line.

Meet The Team

The folks who make it all happen. We're a mix of dreamers and detail-obsessed perfectionists.

Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen

Founding Principal

Sarah Chen

M.Arch, LEED AP, OAA

Specializes in urban regeneration projects. Spent five years in Copenhagen studying sustainable city planning before coming back to Toronto. Has an unhealthy obsession with adaptive reuse projects.

15+ years experience

Marcus Thompson

Marcus Thompson

Design Director

Marcus Thompson

M.Arch, RAIC, LEED Green Associate

The visual brain behind most of our projects. Believes every building should tell a story. Started his career restoring heritage buildings, which taught him to respect what came before while pushing forward.

12+ years experience

Elena Kowalski

Elena Kowalski

Senior Architect

Elena Kowalski

M.Arch, OAA, Passive House Designer

Our sustainability guru. If there's a green building certification, she probably has it. Passionate about making net-zero buildings affordable and accessible. Runs a tight ship on energy modeling.

10+ years experience

Jamal Williams

Jamal Williams

Urban Planning Lead

Jamal Williams

M.U.P, RPP, CNU-A

Thinks about the big picture - how buildings fit into neighborhoods and cities. Former city planner who got tired of bureaucracy and wanted to make real change. Expert in mixed-use developments.

13+ years experience

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Interior Architecture Lead

Priya Sharma

M.Arch, ARIDO, NCIDQ

Makes sure the inside works as well as the outside looks. Obsessed with how people move through spaces and the psychology of interior environments. Can tell you why your kitchen layout bugs you.

9+ years experience

David Park

David Park

Technical Director

David Park

M.Arch, P.Eng, OAA

The guy who makes sure our ambitious designs actually stand up. Cross-trained in structural engineering. Loves solving impossible construction challenges and has probably saved us from a few disasters.

14+ years experience

Plus 20+ Talented Folks

Behind every project are our junior architects, interns, BIM specialists, and administrative team who keep the wheels turning. They're the real MVPs who turn sketches into reality and somehow keep track of all our deadlines.

Join Our Team
Awards and Recognition

Recognition & Awards

We don't do this for the trophies, but yeah, it feels good when people notice. Here's some recognition we've picked up along the way:

  • OAA Award of Excellence - Riverside Mixed-Use Development (2024)
  • Toronto Urban Design Award - Waterfront Revitalization Project (2023)
  • Canadian Green Building Award - Net-Zero Office Complex (2023)
  • Heritage Preservation Award - King Street Restoration (2022)
  • RAIC Innovation in Architecture - Modular Housing Initiative (2021)

Want to Work Together?

Whether you've got a full-blown project or just an idea you're kicking around, let's grab a coffee and talk about it. No pressure, no hard sell - just honest conversation about what's possible.

Get In Touch