--- title: "Dewson Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dewson-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451693620 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1451693620.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Dewson Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9b733056019e5334_8400-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "174 Bedford Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2K9, Canada" latitude: 43.6744 longitude: -79.4025 phone: "(416) 966-6635" website: http://www.dewson.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 21 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 334 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Dewson Architects Original Houzz profile: [Dewson Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dewson-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451693620) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Toronto, ON - **Serves:** Casa Loma, Davenport, Deer Park, East York, Etobicoke, Georgian Bay, GTA & Southern Ontario, High Park North, Hillcrest Village, Hogg's Hollow, Kawarthas, Lawrence Heights, Midtown Toronto, Muskoka, North York, Prince Edward County, Toronto, Upper Beaches, Wychwood Park, York - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Houzz Research - Insider - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - High-end Creating sustainable legacies, one building at a time. Founded in 1996, Dewson Architects specializes in residential architecture - historic, contemporary, sustainable. Great design stands the test of time. We bring timeless design to everything we do. Together with exceptional service, we have become one of the most sought-after architecture firms in the GTA. For many people, building a new house using an architect can be both an exciting and yet stressful time. With numerous satisfied clients, we understand the anxiety that can come with a purchase of this significance. We work with every customer, every step of the way, to mitigate the stress. There is both an art and a science to architectural design. The science we learn through our education and training. The art of architectural design comes from innate talent, skills training, and a ‘no compromises’ philosophy. A promise is personal. And it’s a commitment. There is even an inherent emotion in the word ‘promise’, more than you will find in a written contract. And at the core of the word ‘promise’ is trust. Hard to earn. Easy to lose. We don’t make promises we can’t keep, and we fulfill promises we make. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Historic Building Conservation ### Areas Served - Casa Loma - Davenport - Deer Park - East York - Etobicoke - Georgian Bay - GTA & Southern Ontario - High Park North - Hillcrest Village - Hogg's Hollow - Kawarthas - Lawrence Heights - Midtown Toronto - Muskoka - North York - Prince Edward County - Toronto - Upper Beaches - Wychwood Park - York ### Typical Job Cost CAD 1,000,000 - CAD 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Dewson Architects | | Address | 174 Bedford Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2K9, Canada | | Phone | (416) 966-6635 | | Website | http://www.dewson.com | | Followers on Houzz | 334 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DewsonArchitects - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/2774303 - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/dewsonarchitects/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Dewson Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dewson-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451693620) - **Website:** http://www.dewson.com - **Phone:** (416) 966-6635 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - The Farnham House by William Dewson Architects was awarded the Platinum Designation under LEED for Homes Canada - the first in Toronto. Design and collaborative work featured in The Globe & Mail, House & Home, EcoHouse Magazine, Green Building & Sustainable Strategies and more. - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 21 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-958063235, March 2024** > Absolute professionals! Extremely knowledgeable and detailed, working with Dewson Architects has been, and still is a great experience. The attention to detail coupled with the creative vision and the understanding of real world construction details to achieve their goal is unparalleled. Bill and Kyle have been a pleasure to work with, highly recommend Dewson Architects **★★★★★ — HU-551784043, June 2023** > We are thrilled with our home that Dewson Architects designed for us. It resembles a longhouse nestled into a natural saddle of the Canadian Shield. Vaulted wooden ceilings, yet because of the birch plywood walls and wide plank soft wood floors it feels cozy and like it's been there forever, sitting perfectly in the landscape. I love the details, like the way light travels through the length of the space by strategically placed openings, the slight overhang metal roof which allows us to immerse ourselves in thunderstorms with the windows open in the summer heat, and watch the snow slide off in winter, the wide stairway with bannisters each side which permit two to pass each other, naturally illuminated, with floor to ceiling windows top and bottom, the three season cedar screened room where we relax in the tree tops, immersed in the forest. It's stunning to visit, to live in, and Dewson Architects created a truly thoughtful design. We love the space and so will many future generations. > Abby Simons **★★★★★ — Dino Vannicola, June 2023** > Have been working with the firm for 18 years. They designed our family cottage, first project, and then we used them to design two offices. When you build, you generally have a concept in your mind of what you desire. We had a tremendous location and our own esthetic. Dewson listened to our hopes and took the time to explore what our esthetic was, through visits to our home and property. They asked the right questions in my mind and the result was a level of trust which developed between us that respected our ideas, and enhanced our concepts. We thought we understood the process, but we were naïve. They brought us up to speed and it was easy to park my arrogance and listen to constructive suggestions. We have beautiful spaces because of them. > My new office is spectacular and it was a challenging project in an old building. The process was the same. Understand what we want and give it their special knowledge. Special in the sense of enhancing our own esthetic. I use that word a lot, but the place you build has to be a reflection of who you are. Dewson et al know how to bring that to reality. **★★★★★ — Craig Davidson, June 2023** > I have known and worked with Dewson Architects since 2017 on my home in Rosedale. They stood out to me when making the selection as very genuine and knowledgeable with their work. They were able to construct and make my visions for the home become reality. They have the experience and have done it all. Their professionalism and ability to navigate the intimidating permit / committee of adjustment process was seamless. They were very thorough and never missed any details on drawings/ communication between trades and builders. They were able to come up with ideas that took the project to another level. > On a personal level what they are able to offer you in terms of value is the best I have seen. **★★★★★ — K James Construction, Oct. 2017** > We have worked with William and Kyle since appx 2012. Working on a multi stage project together we completed a beautiful main cottage, boathouse, sleeping cabin and storage Building. We can't say enough about their expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the building process. They we're able to put together a definitive package from permitting to finish for on-water structures and island work. This was paired with the beauty and functionality that you would expect from a world class architecture firm, and the contacts and partners to complete the challenging projects. We would definitely chose to work with this firm again. **★★★★ — LJT, March 2017** > I hired Bill Dewson following an exhaustive search to find an architect who could design a cottage for my family that was a little out of the box. We wanted to create a contemporary space that fit seamlessly into the setting and yet still felt like a warm, inviting cottage. After several design iterations, during which Bill responded beautifully to our every suggestion and concern, he came up with a concept that was outstanding. He and Kyle England managed the project from the design phase through to completion. There were the inevitable hiccups along the way which they handled professionally and in a timely manner. > > Perhaps Bill and Kyle's greatest strength lies in their ability to think out of the box and solve problems both creatively and practically. We had challenging site constraints and engineering issues which they handled well. My desire to incorporate environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving systems throughout was encouraged and knowledgeably executed. > > In short, they designed and oversaw the construction of an incredible, aesthetically beautiful cottage that our family will love for what I hope is generations to come. **★★★★★ — Rosario Cartagena, Dec. 2016** > We hired Bill and his team in early 2016 to envision the space for an addition. We had purchased a heritage home in the Lawrence park region and needed a full extension added. Bill did a fabulous job! He designed a really unique addition with a beautiful curved breakfast nook and windows throughout. He is professional and thoughtful in his approach. His team is very accessible and knowledgeable. Any changes were made quickly and without any fuss. We would certainly recommend Bill and his team - they are terrific architects! **Comment from Dewson Architects:** > It has been a great pleasure working with you too Rosario! > We've been happy to see that the renovation/extension progressing well, and can't wait until you are able to move into your new home. > All the best in the new year! **★★★★★ — Alienor Guilhem, Dec. 2016** > William Dewson Architects was recommended to me by a GC working on high end residential projects in Toronto. They helped me getting all the permit drawings reviewed and approved to convert an Annex home from a single unit into a two units home. They’ve been extremely helpful, helped on building code issues, construction methods, planning in a very professional and timely manner. I am myself an interior designer, owner of Chapi Chapo Design and I would highly recommend William Dewson Architects. **Comment from Dewson Architects:** > Thank you greatly for the kind review Alienor! > We've enjoyed working with you on this fun project, your design sense is evident throughout your design. > We look forward to working with you on many projects to come. **★★★★★ — Dark Tools, Dec. 2016** > Working with WDA is a great collaborative effort, we have worked on many projects together and truly love the syncronicity that each firm bring to the table in order to provide our joint clients a distinct and well thought out home. **★★★★★ — NADURRA, Dec. 2016** > As a supplier working as a flooring consultant, with Kyle from Dewson, we found that the project we worked on was very organized and therefore eliminated any of the potential pitfalls or delays that can happen from the supplier end. Kyle was clear in articulating his quality and timeline expectations allowing us to provide the best flooring solutions for the project, so that all involved were happy with the outcome. Having worked with Dewson, we would expect that clients will benefit from their dedication to choosing the right products based on quality, purpose and budget. We have enjoyed our collaborations immensely and always look forward to working with Kyle and the firm. **★★★★★ — Cliff and Evans Ltd., Dec. 2016** > Bill, Kyle and the team at William Dewson Architects are a pleasure to work with! We have just finished our first renovation project with them on a century old home in Toronto which was a great success.The project faced some unexpected challenges due to poor renovations done in the past, which required quick thinking and fast turn around on a revised plan. Bill and his team met the challenge and worked with us to keep the project moving. > We are now about to start the construction phase on our next project with them which has required great planning and attention to detail. We have truly left no stone un-turned on this one! We look forward to finishing another beautiful project and working together with the Dewson team on more projects in the future. **★★★★★ — Micah Vernon, Nov. 2016** > We worked alongside William, Kyle and the rest of the team at Dewson Architects as the project managers for the construction of a beautifully designed new home on one of Toronto's great streets. The original home's facade was heritage and the remainder had some novel site conditions. This required special consideration by Dewson Architects. They did a great job balancing these conditions and the client's desires. They did an equally great job communicating with us and the client as the project's construction took place and on-site realities required decisions to be made quickly and with consensus of the constructor team and client. > > We would highly recommend them and look forward to working with them again. ## Selected projects - [Burritts Island Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burritts-island-cottage-pj-vj~1772293) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: Accessible only by boat, this contemporary post-and-beam cottage is set on an island among the water and boreal forest of the Canadian Shield. The timber structure is Douglas fir from western Canada and the finishes are locally sourced spruce, birch, maple, pine and walnut. The main congregation space cantilevers over Burritts inlet, providing infinity views to the east in the morning, the west in the evening, and the south throughout the day, animating the atmosphere for all. A massive granite… - [Don River House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/don-river-house-pj-vj~7169279) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: It’s hard to believe that this house was a renovation project and not a new construction. Constrained by the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority’s designated boundaries within a ravine, we worked with the owners to build upon the existing foundation and second-floor footprint. By adding a third-storey master ensuite, beefing up the existing envelope assemblies, and providing passive ventilation solutions, we created an airtight house that is cozy in the winter and airy in the summer. It’s no… - [Forest Hill House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forest-hill-house-pj-vj~7169271) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 26 - Description: In the heart of Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood, this recently completed deep retrofit and addition is a blend of an existing traditional style home and a new contemporary, high-performance expansion located at the back of the house. Fully renovated and rejuvenated from the interior, this house elevates the clients living experience and uplifts it to an elegant and minimalistic final product. - [Meadowcrest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meadowcrest-house-pj-vj~5835585) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 13 - Description: The major roof plane of this house is angled and oriented to provide three energy saving basics: indirect daylight, passive ventilation and photovoltaic generation. It is also a viable sustainable solution in so far as the owners are investing more upfront capital in the durably clad high-performance envelope and deferring the cost of solar panel installation. Backing onto a creek ravine, this site had marvellous panoramic views with privacy. It also meant a very high-water table, which was reso… - [Eugenia Lakehouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eugenia-lakehouse-pj-vj~7017062) - Location: Municipality Of Grey Highlands, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: When we introduced our clients to Passive House design and several sustainable assembly strategies, their immediate response was, “Absolutely, but we do not want to sacrifice the site’s beautiful southern exposure and view of Eugenia Lake.” By combining time-honoured passive solar shading and ventilation design techniques with high-performance assemblies and on-site energy generation technologies, we were able to maintain a panoramic view of the lake within a house that achieved net-zero energy… - [Hillsdale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsdale-house-pj-vj~5680702) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Renovated Tutor-Style House with Contemporary Side & Back Addition. An artist's love of vintage and color harmonizes with the newly modernized canvas of her family's home. - [Roxborough House II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roxborough-house-ii-pj-vj~2765516) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Heritage preservation is the first sustainable feature of this house. Located in a historically protected district, this century home has been pushed forward another century or two through a complete retrofit of its original systems: mechanical, electrical, wall assemblies and window, while preserving the three original exterior brick façades facing the street. The south-facing rear façade opens up to the stunning magnolia tree, which provides an explosion of colour in the spring, passive solar… - [Lake Rosseau Cottage II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-rosseau-cottage-ii-pj-vj~2627359) - Location: Rosseau, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: Nestled into the Canadian shield, this building was reimagined by using existing granite pavers as pathways to create the stone base for this cottage. FSC Douglas fir timbers provide the structure framing for the triple-glazed windows, which offer panoramic views of the lake, trees, granite and sky. The heat source is aqua thermal directly exchanged with interior heat pumps. Transom and clerestory windows, under extended overhangs, create passive ventilation, drawing breezes off the lake to keep… - [Sharbot Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sharbot-lake-cottage-pj-vj~1744321) - Location: Sharbot Lake, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: A complete interior renovation and extension to an existing wood framed cottage on a private island in beautiful Sharbot Lake, located in Frontenac County, Ontario. A new double sided masonry fireplace anchors the gable end of the cottage, while expansive new liftslide doors open the view to the lake and brings the forest into the living area. - [Sherbourne House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sherbourne-house-pj-vj~1758280) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Late 19th-century Victorian detailing distinguishes both the interior and exterior of this mid-Toronto home. Flat black painted trimwork pops against the red brick, an original locally sourced material manufactured just a few miles south at the brickyards north of Greenwood Avenue in Toronto. The ground floor has been opened to accommodate early 21st-century lifestyles, while the intricate plasterwork is preserved and painted white to accentuate its detail in shadow. A polished steel column adds… - [Maple House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-house-pj-vj~261965) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: This heritage red brick house was completely transformed internally and faithfully restored externally. The oft-renovated original wood frame interior structure of split joists, warped studs, out-of-plumb columns and mis-leveled beams were all that was left of the once stately interior. It was removed and replaced with a mix of heavy timber and stick frame construction. Naturally stained purlin joists set on coffee black posts and beams lend warmth to the contemporary interior. - [Farnham House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farnham-house-pj-vj~241671) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: This warm and inviting home was given the first LEED for Homes Canada Platinum designation in the greater Toronto area, setting the bar quite high for other projects to follow. No aspect of construction was overlooked with respect to ensuring the building was the best possible living environment for the happy owners. Reclaimed brick from an ignored factory in Detroit, reclaimed Fir floor joists and decking from a WWII era aircraft hanger near Ottawa, no VOC products, all LED lighting, a 5kW PV a… - [Regal House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/regal-house-pj-vj~2096802) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: Backing onto the former shoreline of Lake Iroquois in Regal Heights, Toronto, this infill 2 1/2 storey home was designed with the main living areas on the upper floor to take full advantage of the Toronto skyline views to the south. A muted materials palette provides a sense of calm and refinement throughout this contemporary, high-performance home. - [Thornwood House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thornwood-house-pj-vj~1376213) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 6 - [Lake Joseph Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-joseph-cottage-pj-vj~246785) - Location: Lake Joseph, ON - Photos: 15 - Description: Set on a quite bay on Lake Joseph, Ontario, the cottage and two boathouses are nestled in amongst the beautiful mixed forest. The style desired was a cedar shingle style - expertly detailed and crafted creating structures that appear refined and distinguished. - [Annex Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annex-loft-pj-vj~246856) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: Set at the upper floor of the converted old Loretto College School, this loft interior flows graciously and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space extends up to the roof terrace with a sunroom and two exterior roof top patios with views overlooking the Toronto skyline. - [Redstone Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redstone-lake-cottage-pj-vj~284882) - Location: United Townships Of Dysart, Dudley, Harc, ON - Photos: 9 - [Lake Rosseau Cottage I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-rosseau-cottage-i-pj-vj~1083494) - Location: Township Of Muskoka Lakes, ON - Photos: 9 - [Prince Edward County House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prince-edward-county-house-pj-vj~1758472) - Location: Prince Edward, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: An extension to a rural home is accessed through a glass bridge structure, effectively transitioning from the traditional detailing of the home to the contemporary esthetic of the addition. - [Isle of Pines Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/isle-of-pines-cottage-pj-vj~1796371) - Location: Township Of Georgian Bay, ON - Photos: 6 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/dewson-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451693620) ## Ideabooks - [3 Faircrest](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/175705196/list/3-faircrest) — 6 ideas - [Dale](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116388777/list/dale) — 14 ideas - [Rain Water Control](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22649978/list/rain-water-control) — 10 ideas - [Wood decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77512737/list/wood-decks) — 10 ideas - [Chimney Caps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48166130/list/chimney-caps) — 9 ideas - [Wood slat ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32071710/list/wood-slat-ceilings) — 5 ideas - [Mesh railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32034328/list/mesh-railings) — 4 ideas - [Glass Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29870852/list/glass-railings) — 16 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29946203/list/fireplaces) — 1 idea - [Exterior Wood Siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25797856/list/exterior-wood-siding) — 8 ideas - [Standing Seam Metal Roofs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23596313/list/standing-seam-metal-roofs) — 13 ideas - [Stone Houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23102817/list/stone-houses) — 12 ideas - [Rafter tails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21252673/list/rafter-tails) — 23 ideas - [Columns at Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21252722/list/columns-at-windows) — 13 ideas - [Interior Wood Wallboards](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20527382/list/interior-wood-wallboards) — 5 ideas [See all 15 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dewsonarchitects) ## Community Q&A **Q: beautiful cottage** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you please share the colour, spacing size and brand of the standing seam roof? Thank you A: Good day, and thank you for your inquiry! I believe this was PacClad, 'pre-weathered zinc' metal for standing seam roofs. Typically they are 16" spacing for the standing seams. Best, Kyle **Q: Windows** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me who supplied the windows? A: Hi there, thanks for your enquiry! The windows were supplied by @Loewen Windows and Doors Windows for this project. Best, Kyle **Q: What is the square footage of this cottage?** *(in Photo Questions)* It is gorgeous A: Thanks Jacqui! If I recall correctly, it was in the 3500SF range. It was a full renovation & addition to an older cottage that had some... deficiences. All the best, Kyle **Q: sidings** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful cottage! what kind of sidings did you use and what color? is it durable for Canadian climate A: Hi Natalie, thanks for your question! The siding was western red cedar shakes, done in a custom mix of stains prior to installation. Yes, it is perfectly suited for Canadian climate... this building is on a lake north of Peterborough. We've also installed very similar cedar shakes in Toronto, on Georgian Bay, and in the Muskokas. Best regards, Kyle **Q: Who manufactures the windows?** *(in Photo Questions)* Such a cozy porch! Who manufactures the windows? Looking for screens and optional glass! A: Hello, thanks for your inquiry! I can't recall specifically who the manufacturer was, but it was something along the lines of what www.weatherwall.com provides. Best of luck in your search! Kyle **Q: Can you please tell me what colors you used on the shutters and door?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to your question... the shutters and door were done previous to the renovation we did. I know they are a flat black, but not the specific colour number. Best regards, Kyle --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*