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.

Company Response:

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

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.

Company Response:

Thanks Simon ... the pleasure was all mine !! Paul

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

Company Response:

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

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.

Company Response:

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

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.

Company Response:

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

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.

Company Response:

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