We're not your typical
architecture studio
And honestly? That's exactly how we like it.
Started in a cramped Toronto loft back in 2012
Back then, it was just three of us, too much coffee, and this wild idea that buildings should actually work with nature instead of against it.
We'd spent years working at those big corporate firms where everything felt... sterile. Cookie-cutter designs that looked great in magazines but didn't really connect with the people living in them. So we broke off and started Valorix Hollow with a simple mission: create spaces that actually breathe.
Now we're a team of 17 passionate designers, engineers, and sustainability nerds working out of Queen West. We've done everything from small residential renovations to major commercial projects across Ontario, but every single one starts with the same question: how can this building work in harmony with its environment?
Sarah Chen, Principal Architect
"Every building tells a story. We just make sure it's one worth listening to."
What drives us
Look, sustainable design isn't some trendy buzzword for us - it's literally how we've always operated. We believe that good architecture should reduce its environmental footprint without sacrificing style or functionality. Sounds simple, right? It's not. But that's what makes it interesting.
We spend a ridiculous amount of time studying sites before we even sketch a single line. The way light moves through the day, prevailing winds, local ecosystems, the neighborhood's character - all of it matters. Sometimes our clients think we're being overly obsessive, but then they move into these spaces and get it.
Our approach blends cutting-edge sustainable tech with time-tested design principles. Solar orientation, natural ventilation, locally-sourced materials, green roofs - we've played with it all. But we're not dogmatic about it. Every project gets a custom solution based on what actually makes sense for that specific site and client.
Client-First Mindset
You're gonna live or work in this space, not us. We listen more than we talk in those first meetings. Your needs, your quirks, your vision - that's where design starts.
No BS Transparency
We'll tell you straight up if something won't work or if there's a better way to spend your budget. Architecture jargon stays at the office - we talk like normal humans.
Long-Term Thinking
We design buildings that'll still be relevant in 50 years. That means adaptable spaces, durable materials, and timeless aesthetics that won't feel dated next decade.
Community Impact
Buildings don't exist in a vacuum. We think hard about how our projects affect neighborhoods, local character, and the broader urban fabric of Toronto.
Our team's kinda obsessed with this stuff
Between us, we hold 23 sustainability certifications, have restored 14 heritage buildings, and consume roughly 847 espressos per week. We've presented at conferences across North America and taught workshops on sustainable design. But what we're most proud of? The clients who become friends and keep coming back.
Projects Completed
Years in Business
Team Members
Client Satisfaction
Awards are nice, but satisfied clients matter more
That said, we're pretty stoked about being recognized by the Ontario Association of Architects three years running. And that LEED Platinum certification on the Harbourfront project? Yeah, we might've celebrated a bit too hard that night.
- OAA Design Excellence Award (2023, 2022, 2021)
- Toronto Green Building Award (2024)
- Heritage Toronto Recognition (2023)
- Canadian Architect Magazine Feature (2024)
Ready to work together?
Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or just have a wild idea you wanna explore, we're all ears. Let's grab a coffee and see if we're a good fit.