About Us - Shadow Lynx Architecture

How It All Started

Back in 2012, I was sitting in a cramped downtown office, sketching designs that nobody seemed to care about. The usual corporate grind, you know?

I'd spent years watching buildings go up that just... didn't feel right. They'd ignore the light, ignore the neighborhood, ignore everything that makes a space actually livable. That frustration kept building until one day I just thought - screw it, I'm doing this my way.

Started Shadow Lynx in my apartment with nothing but a laptop, a dream, and way too much coffee. The name came from watching shadows move across my wall during those late-night design sessions - there's something about how light and shadow interact that's always fascinated me.

Thirteen years later, we're still chasing that same feeling - creating spaces that actually respond to their environment and the people in them.

What We Actually Believe

Architecture isn't about ego or making a statement. It's about solving real problems for real people while respecting the planet we're stuck on together.

We've seen too many projects that look great in magazines but are nightmares to actually live or work in. That's not what we do here.

Every building we design needs to work hard - be energy efficient, fit into its context, and still feel special. It's a tough balance, won't lie, but that's exactly what keeps us coming back every day.

Sustainability isn't some trendy add-on for us. It's baked into everything from the first sketch. Because honestly, what's the point of designing beautiful buildings if they're part of wrecking the environment?

The Journey So Far

A bunch of late nights, coffee runs, and buildings that made it all worth it

2012

The Beginning

Founded Shadow Lynx in a cramped Toronto apartment. First client was my neighbor who needed help with a basement renovation. Started small, but the vision was already there.

2015

First Big Break

Landed our first major residential project - a sustainable home in Leslieville. That one really put us on the map. Got featured in a couple local architecture blogs and suddenly people were actually calling us.

2018

Growing the Team

Moved into our Queen West studio and brought on three incredible architects. Finally felt like a real firm. Also completed our first commercial project - a boutique office space that changed how we think about workplace design.

2021

Heritage Work

Started getting into heritage building restoration. There's something special about breathing new life into old structures while respecting their history. Completed our first heritage project in Yorkville - nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding.

2025

Looking Forward

We're now a team of eight passionate designers working on projects across the GTA. Still based on Queen West, still obsessed with sustainable design, and still learning something new with every project.

Meet The Team

The folks who make it all happen

Marcus Chen

Founder & Principal Architect

The one who started it all. Still draws every first sketch by hand because old habits die hard.

Sarah Kowalski

Senior Architect

Our sustainability guru. If there's a greener way to do something, she'll find it.

David Osei

Project Manager

Keeps us all on track and on budget. Somehow manages to stay calm during construction chaos.

Nina Patel

Interior Design Lead

Has an eye for detail that borders on supernatural. Makes spaces feel right in ways you can't quite explain.

Why We Do This

Look, we could've taken the easy route. Cookie-cutter designs, quick turnarounds, maximum profit. Plenty of firms do exactly that.

But where's the fun in that? We got into architecture because we actually give a damn about making spaces that matter. Every project is a chance to do something meaningful - whether it's a single-family home or a commercial complex.

We push for sustainable solutions not because it's trendy, but because we've got kids, nieces, nephews who'll inherit whatever mess we leave behind. That keeps us honest.

And yeah, we love what we do. The all-nighters, the tricky clients, the construction surprises - it's all part of it. When you walk through a finished space and see people actually living or working there, using it the way you imagined... that's what makes it worth it.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Building better spaces, one project at a time

Want to Work With Us?

We're always up for a good challenge. Got a project in mind? Let's grab a coffee and talk about it.

Get In Touch