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Sustainable.TO Architecture + Building
- Web:
- www.sustainable.to
- Address:
-
1091 Queen Street EastToronto , ON M4M 1K7
-
- Phone:
- click for phone
-
- Email:
- send a message
- Owner/Manager:
- Paul Dowsett - Architect
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Sustainable.TO provides sensible, sensitive & sustainable solutions to create or renovate your home or workspace.
In two decades of local & international environmentally-sensitive architectural practice, including my own home, I've encountered so many clients confused by green-information overload, that I have started a company to assist home and business owners make sense of it all in order to add practical, green value to their property.
Sustainable.TO
Architecture + Building
- Services
- sustainable architecture, consultation and construction management
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Reviews for Sustainable.TO Architecture + Building
10
Paul was A1 amazing.
A & G Martell in Torontohouse renos & adjustments -- roof, windows, basement, backyard, etc. We tripped into Paul via a glowing Globe & Mail profile of his work and home in the sustainable space. Plus, he lived in our neighborhood. We just had to meet him. We did. And, we've been happy ever since. Paul is practical, principled, precise and perfectly happy to work within your budget and ever-changing lives. Our project benefited from Paul's insights and innovation. Bet yours would as well.
Toronto Location Aug 26, 2010 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes No
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Dear A & G It has been an absolute pleasure working with both of you. As I repeatedly say in another aspect of my life, "we are nothing if not adaptable." Seems that this may be starting to apply in the world of residential design and project planning too ! All the best ! Paul”
10
Sustainable Design - an excellent firm
Jacquie Green in Torontobuilding renovation and addition Re: Paul Dowsett - Architect
Paul was highly recommended to us by a close friend of who had worked with him on a previous project. That was a sustainable and substantial renovation to an Art Deco masterpiece. While our similar buff brick home in South Rosedale was no Art Deco masterpiece, we thought that with the right touch, it could become a home showcasing our mid-century modern sensibilities.
We interviewed many architects, but Paul was the first to immediately understand what we were after: simple, sensible and sustainable ... with a nod to Mondrian. That was the easy part.
As the project began, Paul continued to impress us with his experience and ability to work with everyone from the Zoning Department, to the Heritage Preservation Services, to the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, to the Committee of Adjustment, to the Building Department, to our Contractor and to various outside Suppliers. Throughout, he continued to provide the guiding hand that kept the project moving forward ... and without once losing his cool!
We are now part-way through the construction process, and are awaiting “final & binding approval” from the Committee of Adjustment for a minor addition. That addition will bring together the entire project vision. We could not be more pleased.
Throughout the process, Paul has remained very conscious of our overall budget. The importance of that cannot be overstated.
We have no hesitation in recommending Paul. His plain-spoken and straightforward manner is a pleasure to deal with. And he is no longer just our architect. He has now also become a friend !
Mike & Jacquie Green
(in South Rosedale)
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Dear Jacquie & Mike: The pleasure has been all mine. Your enthusiasm for this project has been truly infectious. I'll bet that I'm looking forward to the finished product almost as much as you and your family !! Paul”
10
Exceptional
Adriana - TorontoVictorian Farm House Mr. Paul Dowsett of SustainABLE was the Architect for the addition to our 110 year old Victorian farm house. The addition increased our living space by about 1,500 square feet. . We have since re-engaged Mr. Dowsett to design our new garage building and our kitchen & conservatory renovations. Each time our experience has been wonderful. We enjoy working with Mr. Dowsett, and without question would engage him in any future design requirements. Mr. Dowsett's professionalism, integrity, and sense of humour make him a pleasure to work with and we hope to do it again soon. HIGHLY RECOMMEDED.
Toronto Location Dec 10, 2009 1 of 2 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thank you Adriana It has been a pleasure working with you and your family many times over the past few years. I look forward to each and every opportunity. It is clients like you who make my job an absolute pleasure. Looking forward to the next installment ... Paul@sustainable.to”
10
Highly Recommended
Adriana - TorontoDesign and Construction Management - Head Office in Toronto Paul Dowsett of SustainABLE was amazing. I was in charge of a Corporate head office remodel in Toronto... Mr. Dowsett was engaged and our deadlines were tight. He was instrumental in coordinating excellent engineering consultants, finishes, construction trades and furniture suppliers. Our head office was completed on time, on budget and the results were beyond my expectations. We are extremely pleased with the final results. I would highly recommend SustainABLE, Paul Dowsett and all members of his team. Truly a firm with class!
Toronto Location Dec 10, 2009 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thank you Adriana You and your team made the entire project a pleasure for our team. We are so pleased that you are happy with the results and hope that you enjoy the space for many years to come. Best Regards Paul@sustainable.to”
9.0
love our new home
Terry D - North YorkComplete home renovation while our contractor left much to be desired, Paul did a great job with the design - the home looks like its been in the neighbourhood for 100 years, but the interior is modern, open and welcoming. It was a challenging project, lots of various levels of approval such as greenbelt, historical society, OMB, etc., Paul kept focused on what was needed to get approved with a design that met our somewhat divergent tastes. My wife and I both love the end result, and it truly feels like home.
Toronto Location Nov 04, 2009 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thanks Terry I can't tell you how many subsequent clients have "loved" your new home as well. You and your family were an absolute pleasure to work with ... the challenges are like the grain of sand about which the oyster creates the pearl. Paul”
10
Architects and engineers
Simon in PeterboroughHeritage home addition I am an Engineer by trade. Engineers don't often get along with architects. We usually like things very functional. Form comes secondary, if at all. Luckily, for me, my spouse is not an engineer. I knew how I wanted our addition (with our circa 1860's cottage) to function, my wife knew how she wanted it to look. Paul was the bridge between us. Often a thin line he walked, but he walked it well. Paul delivered form and function and it's not clear which came first. This is the mark of a good architect. With much thanks from our entire family.
Toronto Location Nov 03, 2009 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thanks Simon ... the pleasure was all mine !! Paul”
10
Amazing Architect
David E in Torontomajor reno and addition Paul Dowsett came highly recommended, as the architect for our complete house renovation and additions, by a local contractor . We have not been disappointed with the progress so far. Within a very tight timeframe, Paul has been able to merge our (demanding) wish-list with the physical realities of the existing house and site. Paul is consistently showing us how we can make maximum use of the features that the house already possesses and how the future finished product will look like it all belongs together. The integration and flow of spaces, although only on paper at this point, has us completely excited. We can't wait to see the finished product. We have read Paul's other reviews on HomeStars.com, as well as letters of reference from previous Clients, and anticipate that we will be as pleased and excited when we get to move into our new home -- the home that Paul has managed to create to match our specific needs and wishes. Paul aptly describes his work as sensible, sensitive and sustainable. What more could one want ?
David & Mary on The Scarborough Bluffs
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Dear David & Mary: It has been a pleasure working with you ... and I look forward to the upcoming stages of design development and construction ... and furniture placement. Most of all, I look forward to seeing the joy on your faces when you move in to your new home !! Oh yeah, and thanks for the pressure to perform !! Nothing like a little pressure, is there ? best regards, paul@sustain-able.ca”
10
Excellent Architect
Glen in The CountryHouse design Paul was the 2nd architect we hired to design our off-grid straw bale home. When the 1st proved incompetent we asked Paul (a neighbour) for advice. He came back 2 days later with a full presentation to win our business. We hired him and never looked back. He listened to our requirements and designed a house for us, to our needs and desires. As Paul says, "I don't have to live in it, you do." When there were problems he was there with solutions. When we found out that the windows were 2" too tall for the cupola Paul came up with new plans, and a new roof angle(!) at 5:30 on a Thursday afternoon. Just one of the many times he went the extra mile.
A technologically complex house like ours requires that everybody work as a team to make sure the systems all integrate. Paul maintained a level of professionalism and a lack of ego that was refreshing. He'll cheerfully admit when he doesn't know something, then he'll find the resources and come back with answers.
I highly recommend Paul to anybody looking for an architect for any project, big or small.
Toronto Location Sep 29, 2009 1 of 2 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thanks Glen ... I had forgotten that the windows had arrived on-site 2" too tall for the openings that they were to fit. That was a bit of a puzzle ... but we solved it ! So happy to hear that you are still enjoying your home. As you say, it's "your home for life". best regards, paul@sustain-able.ca”
10
"Green" Architect goes the Extra Mile
David in South Hillwhole house "green" renovation and addition Dowsett worked attentively, sensitively and tirelessly on the lenghty, complex reno of our 1930s home with the added challenge of "green" design and materials. He is one of the most experienced "green" architects in Canada yet his humility was refreshing. He was a team player and the odd instance when there was something he didn't know or even a mistake made (don't fool yourselves, there are always mistakes...the better architects just make 'em fewer and smaller!)there was nothing but enthusiasm to learn. This is uncommon behavior in such a competitive business. I've been around new construction and renovation (including two other renos of my own) most of my adult life and I can safely say Dowsett is one of the best.
If you're even thinking of "green" renovation/new construction, you would do well to interview Paul Dowsett.
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“David: Thank you for allowing me to be a part this fantastic adventure. The reno of your house was nothing short of an amazing collaborative effort: starting with your vision and drive for the most sustainable solution possible, with an eye towards sensible and sensitive from the beginning; through to the great input of the entire structural, mechanical, electrical, alternative energy, landscaping, interior design and construction management consulting team. The trades that works on the site held the same sustainable beliefs as the project visionaries. I hold them all in very high regard. We couldn't have achieved this "re-imagining" with out them. To note that we have all come out friends at the other end is a testament to your team selection and leadership skills. best regards, paul@sustain-able.ca”
10
Paul Dowsett Always Goes The Extra Mile
TM in SummerhillFull scale house renovation and addition Reference for Mr. Paul Dowsett - Architect
To Whom It May Concern:
I recently engaged the services of Paul Dowsett for the second time in two years. Paul came highly recommended to me through a close friend of mine who has retained him for renovations and additions to his country home, and for renovations to both his condo and company’s offices in the city. I met Paul just over two and a half years ago and since then have retained him for two large residential projects.
The first project was to improve the curb appeal of my home at 54 Balmoral Avenue in Toronto. The fact is, Paul made the house so appealing that it sold within the first twenty-four hours of being listed.
The second project I approached Paul about involved helping me with the overall management of a full scale renovation and addition to my new house, which is also on Balmoral. Paul demonstrated great vision, professionalism, pragmatism and creativity throughout the project. He finds solutions and resolutions even when others have thrown their hands up in frustration. After fourteen months, the renovation is nearing completion and I am pleased to say that I hold Paul in even higher esteem than when we started. In addition to his long list of professional talents and experience, Paul is an absolute pleasure to work with, a constant source of reassurance and is there for you until every last detail is done to perfection.
I have no hesitation in recommending Paul Dowsett and his new firm, sustainABLE design•build•consult for any project, large or small.
Toronto Location Aug 18, 2009 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Helpful?Yes NoShare this review
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Company Response from Paul Dowsett - Architect
“Thanks TM ... somedays it was a head-scratcher trying to figure out how to blend /bend your visions into the physical reality of your existing house ... but it was always worth the effort. To paraphrase the good Dr. Suess, "I puzzed and puzzed until my puzzler was sore." The end result is a testament to your unerring taste. Thank you for trusting me to keep this boat on course and to bring her safely to harbour. best regards, paul@sustain-able.ca”
The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of Home Stars Directory Inc.