--- title: "Kohn Shnier architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/kohn-shnier-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014792079 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2014792079.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Kohn Shnier architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c2031c47052d37f5_9823-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, Canada" latitude: 43.6435 longitude: -79.3938 phone: "(416) 504-7508" website: http://kohnshnierarchitects.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 9 followers: 145 last_updated: 2026-09-18 --- # Kohn Shnier architects Original Houzz profile: [Kohn Shnier architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/kohn-shnier-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014792079) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Toronto, ON - **Serves:** Aurora, Ballantree, Blackstock, Bowmanville, Clarington, Etobicoke, Glen Major, Gormley, Keswick, Kingston, Kirby, Lakeside Beach, Leaskdale, Midtown Toronto, Mt. Albert, New Market, Nobleton, North York, Ottowa, Port Perry, Scarborough, Schomburg, Seagrave, Sonya, Sunderland, Toronto, Udora, Utica, Uxbridge, York, Zephyr - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Founded in 1990, Kohn Shnier architects’ work is characterized by eminent practicality imbued with invention. From planning to detailing, we approach each residential project with solutions unique to the needs and aspirations of our clients and to the specifics of each project site. Our process is deliberate, rigorous and considerate. Our work has been described as timeless without being overly formal or trendy. Kohn Shnier’s achievements have been recognized at some of the highest levels. Our awards include a Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, a Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence, multiple OAA Awards of Excellence, Canadian Architect Awards, a Design Exchange Award and a Wood Design Award. KSa’s work has been extensively published in a number of journals, catalogues and other media outlets including the Phaidon Atlas of World Architecture, the New York Times, Time Magazine, the Globe & Mail, Azure and Canadian Architect. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Universal Design ### Areas Served - Aurora - Ballantree - Blackstock - Bowmanville - Clarington - Etobicoke - Glen Major - Gormley - Keswick - Kingston - Kirby - Lakeside Beach - Leaskdale - Midtown Toronto - Mt. Albert - New Market - Nobleton - North York - Ottowa - Port Perry - Scarborough - Schomburg - Seagrave - Sonya - Sunderland - Toronto - Udora - Utica - Uxbridge - York - Zephyr ### Typical Job Cost CAD 700,000 - CAD 3,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Kohn Shnier architects | | Address | Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, Canada | | Phone | (416) 504-7508 | | Website | http://kohnshnierarchitects.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 145 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Kohn-Shnier-Architects-381296812035668/?rc=p - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/kohn-shnier-architects?trk=company\_logo - Blog — http://kohnshnierarchitects.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Kohn Shnier architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/kohn-shnier-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014792079) - **Website:** http://kohnshnierarchitects.com/ - **Phone:** (416) 504-7508 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Toronto Urban Design Award, Design Exchange Award, Ontario Association of Architects Award, Governor General Award, Wood Design Award ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Roman Lysiak, June 2017** > I've worked with John and Marty on numerous projects over the past 10 years and highly recommend their services. > > Their lateral and quick thinking always offers multiple solutions when navigating through the winding path of a considered and cleverly designed / built product. This often includes the rethinking of everyday building materials and / or pushing the envelope with new ones. The final result is always a smart and beautiful building. **★★★★★ — DSBG, June 2017** > We had the pleasure of being selected to build a custom contemporary home for a client of Kohn Shnier Architect. > Our goal was to execute the vision of the firm and the client whom were consummate professionals through-out the entire process. Their vision and foresight is unmatched in my 30+ years of building. Their design is both artistic and functional. > We thank you for the opportunity and look forward to a long mutually rewarding relationship. **★★★★★ — MDK Construction Ltd, Jan. 2017** > I had the pleasure of working with the Kohn Shnier team on a project recently in Toronto. While I am always weary of working with people for the first time and not knowing what to expect, this was a project where I can say I would gladly work with this team again. It's nice to work with Architects who have incredible vision and can help execute their vision in an efficient manner, while simultaneously being accommodating to any changes or ideas from outside sources. I look forward to working with them again on future projects. **Comment from Kohn Shnier architects:** > Thanks for your endorsement MDK, The results of this challenging project are evidence of your attention to this project...we look forward to working with you again as well! **★★★★★ — alissed, Sept. 2016** > We retained Martin Kohn of Kohn Shnier architects to assist us with converting our old Toronto detached home into the modern urban family home we desired. We had seen his home in a couple of publications and were interested in something similar-- particularly a main side entrance. This seemed like an ideal way to make the most of our narrow urban lot: 22' ft x 119' ft. He and his associate, Kelly Smith, did a great job. While we originally thought we would renovate, we ultimately decided to teardown and rebuild. This was a better value decision for us. We love our new home. It is space efficient, energy efficient and calming at the same time. Take a look. The home was featured-- unsolicited, in Designlines Magazine (http://designlinesmagazine.com/beside-point/). **★★★★★ — Gibson Greenwood Inc., March 2016** > I have worked with Kohn-Shnier on over a half dozen projects over many years. Martin, John, and the entire staff are a pleasure and privilege to work with. In my opinion they are a firm of the highest caliber, and their outstanding reputation and long list of awards are all well deserved. Their commitment to outstanding quality is unwavering and their standard in terms of execution of their designs could not be higher. **★★★★★ — nchan1234, March 2016** > I have known and admired Kohn Shnier architects’ work for many years, so when the time came to rebuild and transform an old storefront into a single family dwelling, Kohn Shnier was our unequivocal and only choice. > > Throughout the year-long process, partner Martin Kohn guided us with a firm yet gentle hand. Working within a modest budget, he provided practical advice and sensible solutions, without ever compromising ours, and his, aspirations of a modern, casual and enduring home. > > Eschewing conspicuous opulence, his design approach is one of restraint, inventiveness and quiet elegance... a subtle luxury that is at once relaxed, refined and honed. > > We have settled in this house for over a year now, and as the seasons change, we have continued to discover details that thrill and delight us. It is a testament to Martin's commitment to his craft, and to his clients, that he created a house that we cannot wait to return to at day's end. **★★★★★ — barrygreen1, Sept. 2015** > I have been working with KSa for almost 8 years, and on a variety of projects. KSa designed my house. With the pleasant experience and the excellent end product, KSa was again hired to redesign a series of common areas within the residential apartment towers managed by my company. Their design transformed the interiors of our 60's apartment buildings into modern and functional spaces ready to compete with new condos. > > Overall, our relationship with KSa as been positive and we continue to employ KSa on many of our 'flagship' buildings. **★★★★★ — Laurie\_\_G, Sept. 2015** > After reviewing some of their finished projects, KSa was hired to design and oversee a complete renovation of my home in North Toronto. Having now lived in a finished product for over 6 years, I continue to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic and functional aspects of KSas's design. > > It has been a pleasure to work with the principals of KSa, Martin and John, as well a number of their associates. We have been impressed by the quality of KSa's modern and functional design; their diligent project supervision; as well as their highly organized and pleasant staff. **★★★★★ — stephen4161, July 2015** > The house that John Shnier of Kohn Shnier designed for us was our first venture into the design and construction of a completely custom house > We had no idea prior to starting how much time and commitment was required to complete this undertaking, but at completion we felt that the effort that we put into it was well spent. We are absolutely delighted with outcome. > Working with John was an education in design, and was far more complicated and extensive than we had anticipated. Who knew that there were so many details to consider? We learned a lot about design from John’s rigorous and restrained approach. He limits his palette of materials so that there is a coherent feel that extends throughout the house, and we will never forget his directive that “no part of the house should look impoverished”. He encouraged us, wherever possible, to maintain the same standards of finishing. At no point did we feel that John was in a hurry to complete our project and move on to the next one; on the other hand, he spent no end of time designing, and re-designing, even once construction had begun. His perfectionism is obvious. > The house is rich in fine details throughout, and it requires careful observation to observe many of them, unless one is looking specifically. The large windows flood the house with light and bring the outside in so that our yard feels like an extension of the family room which leads to it. We continue to appreciate and enjoy the house after 5 years of occupancy. > For us, the house exudes an air of understated luxury and is always a pleasure to return to whenever we have been away. > As with any project, its success depends on the planning and we feel that the outcome is exactly as we had envisioned it prior to the commencement of construction. There is nothing that we wish we had done and equally important, nothing that we regret. ## Selected projects - [Rosemary House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rosemary-house-pj-vj~2254104) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 16 - Description: The new house replaces an existing house on a conventional mid-town residential lot in the City of Toronto. Similar in area to the original house, the new design emphasizes fluid relationships between, and within, shared family spaces—both indoor and outdoor. Designed for a larger than average family, Rosemary House encourages modern family living that is interactive, open to choices, and growth. This is achieved by planning for living, working and playing in spaces that are zoned, yet not neces… - [House with a Red Wall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-with-a-red-wall-pj-vj~1042316) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted r… - [Scarboro Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scarboro-residence-pj-vj~1173612) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This single family residence is located adjacent to a lush park on the edge of the Scarborough bluffs. The house is configured to take advantage of the long side yard aspect overlooking the park. From the interior a generous office / family room with balcony appears to be perched high in the branches of an old tree, providing views to the lake while maintaining a sense of privacy. - [Prefab Cottage for Two Families](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prefab-cottage-for-two-families-pj-vj~1170521) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This year round two-family cottage is comprised of seven modules which required just 25 days to construct in an off-site facility. When assembled, these prefabricated units form a building that is 38 metres long but less than 5 metres wide. The length offers a variety of living spaces while the constricted width maintains a level of intimacy and affords views of the lake from every room. Sited along a north-south axis, the cottage sits obliquely on a ridge. Each of the three levels has a point o… - [Dundas Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dundas-street-residence-pj-vj~1175014) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a works… - [Croft Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/croft-residence-pj-vj~1175726) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This laneway house inverts the conventional arrangement of programme, putting public living spaces above private sleeping spaces. Its compact 1200 sf area accommodates a family of five and their pets. Modest gardens in the front and rear offer a small oasis of amenity and relief from the dense context. The massing and material palette of the house creates an image that is at once mysterious and seductive. The building appears to hover above its garage neighbours while the cut away corners offer… - [Residence 0702](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-0702-pj-vj~1177387) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This single family home for a couple and their bicycles is a total reconstitution of a simple Toronto brick home that occupies a flanking inner city site. Entered perpendicularly from the mid-point in plan, the house uses its full width in counter facing directions creating two very different living experiences and light conditions. Subtle level changes add to the range of spatial conditions. Large full height glass walls at both ends of the home can be opened up onto porches that face different… - [Lake Simcoe House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-simcoe-house-pj-vj~1256732) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This house is designed to satisfied the intimate needs of the client couple on a day to day basis while expanding to accommodate up to twenty children and grand children at any given moment. Glass, oak and concrete combine to create a project that it is at once humble and luxurious and, most importantly, privileging the light and views. - [Shopfront House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shopfront-house-pj-vj~1253010) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Walker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walker-residence-pj-vj~1256056) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: The design of this house maintains a modest street presence turning instead to concentrate its design energies to a large rear yard and new garden and reflecting pool. A multi-story glass wall is the new star of this project as most of the rooms are re-oriented to take advantage of its transformative power. As much as possible, service areas and washrooms are tucked into side pockets thus allowing the floor plan to flow from front to back, creating long views and filtering light deep into the ho… - [Richmond Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richmond-residence-pj-vj~1180208) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This compact house in central Toronto is bisected laterally by a gracious open riser stair. The more enclosed program elements are located alongside this central spine, allowing for unencumbered living spaces facing onto the street and rear yard. Intimate views and distant vistas characterize the living spaces. The exterior is defined by a crisp red brick which connects the house to the streetscape, and a tough zinc cladding which ties the house into the collage of metal cladding prevalent in th… - [Hillhurst Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillhurst-residence-pj-vj~1180845) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This house for a growing family takes advantage of a split level site to create three equally appointed levels of living. The main living area is on the second level and is characterized by an absence of doors and closed rooms. A sky-lit stair case pierces all levels bringing light and spatial continuity to the overall volume. - [45 Balliol Apartments Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/45-balliol-apartments-renovation-pj-vj~1191163) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: This project is an enhancement and update to the shared amenity spaces and corridors of a 1960s multiresidential rental building to add value for clients within an increasingly competitive market. Due to the boom in condominium construction, investors are inundating the rental market with newly constructed units attached to attractive amenities. To remain competitive, the fresh design and value added features at 45 Balliol have enhanced the building’s desirability and increased tenant applicatio… [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/kohn-shnier-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014792079) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165848970/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165848969/list/wish-list) — 1 idea [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ksarc) ## Community Q&A **Q: What type of windows are used? Looks to be commercial aluminum?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes, these are aluminum frame windows with insulated glass units. They are suited to commercial as well as residential uses. **Q: Kitchen counter stool** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are stools from? A: It is the Nara Stool, a Danish design, purchased at Mjolk in Toronto **Q: And ... sofas - they are stunning. Brand / color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We did not specify the furniture, so unfortunately we are unable to provide that information to you. They were owner purchased. **Q: What is on the floor? Is it slate?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is it one color tone? What is pattern - it looks like 3 sizes are used? A: yes it is slate **Q: what is this countertop? if quartz, what is brand / color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: the countertops are Statuario Marble **Q: patio cover make please** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi stscsf. Both manual and motorized versions are available through Rolltec. Rolltec can put together a package for you if you describe your needs to them. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-18.*