About Us - Harrowen Quintal Architecture

Our Story

Look, we started Harrowen Quintal back in 2012 because we were honestly tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter buildings everywhere. Toronto deserved better, and we knew we could deliver it.

What began as two architects sketching ideas over coffee in Queen West has grown into a full team that's designed over 150 residential and commercial projects across Ontario. We've messed up, learned tons, and gotten better every single year.

These days, we're known for creating spaces that don't just look good in photos but actually make sense for the people using them daily. That's what keeps us going - seeing a client walk into their finished space and just light up.

Let's Talk About Your Project

The Journey So Far

A quick look at how we got here

2012

The Beginning

Founded by partners who'd worked together for years and finally decided to do things their own way. First office was basically a closet.

2015

Growing Pains

Hired our first junior architects and moved to Queen Street West. Started winning some local design awards which honestly surprised us.

2018

Going Sustainable

Completed our first LEED Platinum project and realized green building wasn't just a trend - it's the only way forward.

2021

Tech Forward

Added full 3D visualization capabilities. Clients can now walk through their spaces before breaking ground.

2022

Expanding Reach

Took on our largest commercial project yet - a mixed-use development in downtown Toronto that's still making us lose sleep.

2023

Recognition

Named one of Toronto's top emerging architecture firms. Our moms were very proud.

2024

Today

A team of 18 passionate folks designing projects that'll shape Toronto's skyline for decades. We're just getting started.

150+

Completed Projects

18

Team Members

12

Years Experience

95%

Client Satisfaction

Meet The Team

The folks who make it all happen

Sarah Harrowen

Co-Founder & Principal Architect

Sarah's the one who obsesses over every detail. She's got this uncanny ability to see what a space could be, not just what it is. Trained at U of T, spent five years with a big corporate firm before deciding she wanted to actually enjoy her work.

Marcus Quintal

Co-Founder & Design Director

Marcus brings the creative chaos that somehow always works out. He's constantly sketching on napkins and pushing us to try things we're not sure about - which usually ends up being brilliant. Originally from Montreal, he's still mad we don't have better bagels here.

Jennifer Li

Senior Architect

Jen's been with us since 2016 and honestly keeps the whole operation running smoothly. She's the one who translates wild ideas into actual buildable plans. Her sustainable design knowledge is ridiculous - she can rattle off R-values like most people recite phone numbers.

David Osei

Project Manager

David's the guy who makes sure things actually get built on time and on budget. Former construction manager who switched to architecture because he wanted to be involved earlier in the process. He's saved our butts more times than we can count.

Emma Rodriguez

Interior Design Lead

Emma joined us in 2019 and immediately elevated our interior game. She's got this talent for making spaces feel both sophisticated and actually livable. Studied at OCAD and worked in New York for a bit before coming back to Toronto.

Alex Chen

Visualization Specialist

Alex makes the magic happen with our 3D renderings. His visuals are so good that clients sometimes forget they're looking at something that doesn't exist yet. Total tech geek who's always testing new software and pushing what's possible.

Plus 12 More Talented Folks

We've got junior architects, drafters, admin staff, and interns who all contribute to making our projects successful. Everyone here actually cares about what we're building, which makes all the difference.

What We Stand For

Honest Communication

We'll tell you if something's not gonna work or if you're about to blow your budget. No sugarcoating, no surprises down the line.

Sustainability Matters

Every project we take on, we're thinking about energy efficiency and environmental impact. It's not extra - it's just how we work now.

Real-World Practicality

Beautiful designs are great, but if they don't work for how you actually live or run your business, what's the point? Function comes first, always.

Continuous Learning

Building codes change, materials improve, and technology evolves. We're constantly learning and adapting so our clients get the best current solutions.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Let's grab a coffee and talk about what you're trying to build. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a real conversation about your space.

Get In Touch

Who We Are