Our Design Philosophy: How We Approach Every Custom Residence
After more than 25 years of designing custom homes in Toronto and across Ontario, certain principles have proven themselves consistently — across every project type, site, and client. This is how we think about what we do.
Start with the site, not the style
We resist arriving at a project with a predetermined aesthetic. Instead, we believe every design should emerge from the particular conditions of the site — its relationship to the street, its access to light and views, its topography, and its neighbourhood context. A Forest Hill townhouse and a Muskoka cottage demand entirely different responses, and that's as it should be.
Listen before you design
The most important work we do happens in conversations, not at the drawing board. Understanding how a client actually lives — their rhythms, their priorities, the things that frustrate them about their current home, the moments they want to recreate — is what separates a house from a home. We invest significant time in developing a detailed program before any design options are generated.
Pursue daylight deliberately
Natural light is one of the most powerful tools in residential architecture, and one of the most underused. In our work, light is never incidental — it's designed. Skylights, clerestory windows, courtyard configurations, and the careful orientation of glazing all serve to bring the changing quality of daylight into the interior throughout the day and across the seasons.
Hold the line on detail
The projects we're most proud of are invariably the ones where the clients and the project team refused to compromise on the small things. The quality of a millwork reveal, the craftsmanship of a stone threshold, the precision of a custom stair — these are the elements that guests may not consciously notice, but that create the overall impression of a home made with care.
Stay involved through construction
Design intent can be lost in translation during construction. We prevent this by remaining actively present on site — attending regular meetings, responding quickly to contractor questions, reviewing samples and mock-ups, and maintaining close communication with the entire project team. Our role doesn't diminish when the drawings are issued; in many ways, it intensifies.
Arrange a consultation with our team today
About Michael Taylor Architecture + Design:
Michael Taylor Architecture + Design builds on the legacy of Taylor Smyth Architects and continues its commitment to client service, attention to detail and design excellence.
Since 2000, Michael and his team have developed an international reputation for creating elegant architecture and interiors in Canada and abroad. Each project is cultivated from the spirit of its location and the distinctive tastes and unique vision of our clients.
