About Us - Ulthor Aven Quinth Architects

The Story Behind UAQ

Started back in 2011, Ulthor Aven Quinth came together when three architects couldn't find a firm that got it - that sustainability isn't some checkbox, it's literally the foundation. We'd been working on separate projects around Toronto and kept bumping into the same problem: beautiful designs that just weren't gonna cut it for the next fifty years.

So yeah, we took the leap. Set up shop on Queen West with maybe four projects and a shared conviction that buildings should give back more than they take. Fast forward to now, we've grown to a team of 23 passionate folks who still get excited about passive solar orientation and reclaimed materials.

What keeps us going? It's seeing a client walk into their new space and just... get it. That moment when they realize their heating bills dropped by 60% or when natural light floods a room they'll spend years working in.

How We Actually Work

Forget the stuffy client meetings and jargon-heavy presentations. We start every project with coffee and honest conversation - what do you really need this space to do? What drives you nuts about your current building?

Our process is collaborative from day one. You're not just signing off on designs, you're part of the creative journey. We sketch, we iterate, sometimes we scrap entire concepts because something doesn't feel right. That's just how good architecture happens.

"We've never delivered a project where the client said 'yeah, that's fine.' We're going for 'this is exactly what we needed' every single time."

Our Values (The Real Ones)

Not the corporate poster stuff - these actually guide our decisions

Honest Sustainability

We don't greenwash. If something's not actually sustainable, we'll tell you straight up and find alternatives that are.

Human-First Design

Buildings are for people. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often that gets forgotten in the chase for awards.

Long-Term Thinking

We design for decades, not trends. Your building should still make sense in 2050, both functionally and environmentally.

Community Impact

Every project affects its neighborhood. We take that responsibility seriously and design with context in mind.

The Team Behind the Designs

Sarah Ulthor

Principal Architect

Licensed since 2007, Sarah's got this uncanny ability to see spatial solutions others miss. She's led over 80 projects and still sketches everything by hand first.

Marcus Aven

Sustainability Director

Former environmental engineer turned architect. Marcus brings the technical chops that turn our sustainable ambitions into actual reality.

Priya Quinth

Design Principal

The creative force who makes sure our buildings aren't just functional - they're beautiful. Priya's work has been featured in Azure and Canadian Architect.

Plus 20 more talented architects, designers, and support staff who make everything happen. We're always growing - check our contact page if you're interested in joining us.

Why Sustainability Isn't Optional

Look, we're not gonna preach about saving the planet - you already know climate change is real. What you might not know is that buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. That's massive.

Every project we take on, we're thinking about energy efficiency, material sourcing, water management, and lifecycle impact. Not because it's trendy, but because it's the only responsible way to build in 2025.

And here's the thing - sustainable design often saves our clients money in the long run. Better insulation, smart orientation, efficient systems... it all adds up to lower operating costs year after year.

Learn About Our Sustainable Approach

Who We Really Are