---
title: "Ironside Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ironside-architect-pfvwus-pf~2114054576
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114054576.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Ironside Architect"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b5b3394e0ee11989_5412-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "532 Annnette Street, Toronto, Ontario M6S 2C2, Canada"
latitude: 43.6485
longitude: -79.4875
phone: "(416) 761-9691"
website: http://ironsidearchitect.ca
rating: 5
review_count: 7
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 231
last_updated: 2026-09-07
---

# Ironside Architect

Original Houzz profile: [Ironside Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ironside-architect-pfvwus-pf~2114054576)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Toronto, ON
- **Serves:** Toronto
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2024), for Service, Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

IRONSIDE ARCHITECT was formed in 1992. Projects have included custom homes on both rural and urban sites, residential renovations and additions, office renovations, group homes and a cultural centre. Styles have varied from traditional to contemporary, reflecting client taste and site context.

The Toronto-based firm has completed many projects throughout the GTA in areas such as Forest Hill, Rosedale, Lawrence Park, The Beach, Bloor West and High Park. Outside of Toronto, project locations have included Caledon, Brampton, Big Bay Point, Bon Echo Park, Barrie, Stouffville and Rice Lake. Out-of-province projects have been built in Nova Scotia, Virginia and Michigan.

Clients can expect carefully prepared designs and budgets, accurate permit and contract drawings, and continued involvement through construction. An initial courtesy meeting is offered to discuss the proposed project. References are available, upon request.

Good architecture is experienced both"Inside and Out". The exterior and interior design of a project should be considered together. IRONSIDE ARCHITECT provides design solutions for the entire project.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Universal Design
- Basement Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Toronto

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Ironside Architect |
| Address | 532 Annnette Street, Toronto, Ontario M6S 2C2, Canada |
| Phone | (416) 761-9691 |
| Website | http://ironsidearchitect.ca |
| Followers on Houzz | 231 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Ironside Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ironside-architect-pfvwus-pf~2114054576)
- **Website:** http://ironsidearchitect.ca
- **Phone:** (416) 761-9691

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2024), for Service, Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 7 reviews

**★★★★★ — Amna, Aug. 2023**

> This was a large and fairly complex home renovation project for us to take on (corner lot without direct access to side yard - needed to solve for access issue as well as incorporate a redesigned kitchen and pool). We interviewed several architects before we met Neil and instantly knew we wanted to work with him - and we're thrilled that we did!
> Neil is professional, patient and very talented - he took the time to understand our needs and came up with clever design solutions quickly. He understood the aesthetic design we were aiming for and had incredible attention for detail. He was with us every step of the way (committee of adjustment, permits securing, identifying GC, liaison with GC and City of Toronto for issues and post project permit closures). He has a wealth of experience with deep passion for his craft, for which we're grateful for - it truly felt like a partnership all the way with Neil. Highly recommend Neil with two thumbs up!

**★★★★★ — deshy, July 2015**

> I worked with Neil on a reno that included a complete gut and partial second floor addition.  Neil was easy to work with, amenable to my ideas and thoughtful to my needs. Importantly for me, he tried to keep to the original style and feel of the building rather than simply bolt on the functionality to an existing envelope and was willing to consider new materials. Penned a pretty through document for bidding process that made the building phase likely much easier for myself and the contractor. Very pleased with his work and would highly recommend him--particularly if you like to be actively involved in building your home.

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> Thanks.  It was a very engaging project and a great working relationship.  I am pleased with the results.

**★★★★★ — digimur, April 2015**

> Neil is great to work with.  He listens, is thoughtful, and creative.  His design respects the site, and is true to our vision -- even though we stated it in quite broad terms, he knew what we wanted.  We especially appreciate his eye for details -- trim, materials, space, layout, framed vistas are functional, comfortable, add character, and create a sense of place.  His work is timely and respectful of budgets, and he's always available to answer questions. We will definitely hire Neil again.

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> Thank you for the great review.  I am glad I was able to meet your expectations.

**★★★★★ — Richard Unterman, April 2015**

> Neil completed the design and project administration for our addition. It was a successful project in part because Neil was always available to discuss design elements as the project evolved over 7 months and provided excellent attention to detail and successfully managed the trades.

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> I am so pleased with the completed project.  You were part of a great team!

**★★★★★ — margsteed, Nov. 2014**

> Neil listened...and slowly took us through a journey to plan a beautiful renovation of our dear old home.
> A journey, as I wanted certain features that became impossible to include due to trees, setbacks and lack of space. So what to do? Start again. End result? A beautiful renovated home with a brand new interior that still takes our breath away when we walk through the doors. The most fun is when someone new walks in and by their reaction we know they didn't expect to see what they see. An old home that went from knob and tube to pot lights and natural light; to an office that moved out of the basement and displaced a dining room that was moved to the back of the house, with the most fabulous room divider to solve a problem that the dining room was in the same room as the kitchen. The divider, four units in length, comes out of a small cupboard and magnificently transforms the area into two rooms.
>
> You won't be disappointed working with Neil - you'll enjoy the experience!

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> Still need to get pictures of the "fabulous room divider".  You pushed hard for a creative solution.  Thanks for being demanding, in a nice way!

**★★★★★ — jonahethanclaudia, Nov. 2014**

> Neil Ironside has done three projects for us so far and we are in the process of doing a 4th with him. He initially did a renovation on our city home; we then had him design a country house for us; he was the architect on an office new build and we have now asked him to work on our city condo. Neil is a wonderfully talented architect: he listens to his clients' wishes, he works so well with contractors and designers and he follows through from beginning to end. We have recommended him to others without hesitation. He is talented, he is very professional, he is kind and as all always needed with clients - he is very calm. Neil was also always respectful of the budget we had and was able to work with it - there were no surprises.

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> Your project was a highlight for me.  Thank you for the opportunity to take a simple concept through to a completed home without compromise.

**★★★★★ — murraykc, Oct. 2014**

> I am delighted to write a review regarding Neil Ironside, having built two of his designs (see New City House in photos--I was owner and builder).  We worked together for a bit more than a year and a half through the design, Committee of Adjustment application/hearing, permit application and construction.  It was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.  Neil is immensely creative and could be relied on to come up with a choice of solutions to any problems that arose during the design stage and construction.  He is a consummate professional in terms of attitude, reliability and cost management.
> We are currently working on the initial design of a new project in Toronto--a complete gut/renovation with addition to an existing single family home.  There are some unique and interesting aspects that I am very much looking forward to building.
> I can recommend Neil Ironside without reservation.

**Comment from Ironside Architect:**

> We had a lot of fun doing these houses.  The owner/builder model is an interesting opportunity to do explore options as the project gets built.  I am glad you are happy with the houses and thrilled to be involved in your future endeavors.

## Selected projects

- [Contemporary Country Home Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-country-home-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~5922319)
  - Location: Caledon, ON
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: The original home was built on a steep Ontario hillside using old barn posts and beams as a supporting structure. The new addition and renovations updated the esthetic and opened up the walls to the spectacular views. The addition is a simple (but challenging to build) glass volume with floor to ceiling wrap around glass that visually unifies and anchors the form.
- [3rd Floor and Rear Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3rd-floor-and-rear-addition-pj-vj~24640)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: The owner is a professional cabinetmaker and had made carefully crafted changes to the interior including paneled walls with exotic woods. The need for a third floor master suite and the frustration with limited parking on the street required a third floor addition and below-grade parking without affecting the completed interior work. Details and esthetics were considered from a craft perspective, and the client built many of the components after a General Contractor had completed the rough fram…
- [Four Season Cottage near Haliburton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/four-season-cottage-near-haliburton-pj-vj~751668)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 59
  - Description: The project is a 4-season vacation home on a dramatic site overlooking a Northern Ontario lake. The design imagines the roofs as enormous "snow shovels" directing the snow and rain to areas of the site that do not affect access. The overall form is "geological", an abstraction of the craggy granite rock outcroppings of the site. Screened porches are cantilevered into the trees.
- [Country Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-home-pj-vj~102941)
  - Location: Caledon, ON
  - Photos: 36
  - Description: This hillside home faces south towards a pastoral Ontario countryside view. The roof line follows the slope of the hill, minimizing heat gain from the south and opening up to the forested hillside on the north. The deck is located to the side, so that the view from inside is unobstructed and allowing sunlight into the lower level. Below the deck will be a screened porch for those hot buggy summer evenings. Designed for a middle-aged couple with married children and expecting lots of grandchildre…
- [Industrial Loft Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/industrial-loft-condominium-pj-vj~2403643)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: A condo in an industrial building in the downtown was gutted and refinished. A new stair configuration brings light and into the lower levels as well as giving access to the garden. Interiors design was a collaborative effort with Audacious Interiors.
- [City Home Late Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-home-late-modern-pj-vj~1391352)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: The clients had raised a family in their traditional solid brick detached city home, and had only renovated the basement. Now everything in the house was tired and worn out, and so they asked for a total gut, updating the finishes, the mechanicals and of course, the style, without adding any floor area. The back wall was opened up to the view, walls removed, and skylights introduced natural light. The pantry cabinetry was combined with a powder room to create a discrete but sculptural wood eleme…
- [Kitchen Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~24687)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: The clients have lived in the current house for many years and have a strong attachment to the neighbourhood. The existing kitchen blocked off the view of the rear yard, and the basement where the home business was located was unpleasant and awkward to access. To solve all these problems, the stair was reconfigured and a small addition was added to the rear, creating generous window area, a better rear yard entry, while also providing a small deck off the second floor bedroom.
- [Downtown Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~31274)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: The house almost filled its city lot. A tall rear addition allowed for clerestory windows that let in light, but still afford privacy, and as a bonus provide wonderful natural ventilation.
- [New City House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-city-house-pj-vj~31283)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: The client initially wanted to just replace their existing house, but quickly realized that buying and also replacing the next door house would make the overall project less expensive and the street appearance more attractive. It turned out that the neighbour was eager to sell, and so the project became part owner-occupy, and part speculative. The two homes share a design that was determined in large part by the sloping site and carefully calibrated vertical dimensions required to meet City of T…
- [Rural Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rural-home-pj-vj~24685)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: The clients asked for a new rural home that would fit respectfully into the southern Ontario landscape without resorting to replicating traditional styles. The house is part of a working farm. The large rural property lies north-east of Toronto. The plan is divided into 4 principal "blocks". • A small ground floor Home Office and second floor Guest Suite are near the front entrance. The arrangement provides convenient separation of the work and home activities. • A single storey Great Room block…
- [Master Bedroom Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bedroom-suite-pj-vj~31287)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Late Modern Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/late-modern-renovation-pj-vj~1111441)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: A second floor addition to an existing bungalow provided space for a Master Bedroom suite. The ground floor was renovated by removing walls, enlarging the Kitchen, and raising the ceiling above the Living Room to create a dramatic and light-filled central space.
- [Modern Addition to Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-addition-to-traditional-home-pj-vj~751444)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
- [Toronto Transitional Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/toronto-transitional-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~31248)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 34
  - Description: A third floor and rear two-storey addition was added to the 1920's era home. The narrow lot prohibited new windows in the side walls, so skylights, opening up the plan, and using glass block helps to get natural light into the dark interior spaces. Throughout he house, "slashes" in load-bearing walls create gaps where light can pass, as well as the occasional bed mattress on the way to the second floor. These vertically-proportioned openings become part of the visual language of the house. The r…
- [Kitchen Remodel and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-and-addition-pj-vj~57896)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: The ground floor of the house was visually cut off from the rear yard, and the kitchen was outdated. The design removes the back wall, adds a one-storey addition and creates a single kitchen and family room area, with maximum window opening to the re-landscaped rear yard. The flat roof of the addition provides a deck area for the second floor. The scope of work included repairing, replacing and the ground floor finishes. The new trim matches the existing and helps to unify the interior design.
- [Kitchen for an Architect and a Gourmet Cook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-for-an-architect-and-a-gourmet-cook-pj-vj~5595266)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 24
- ["Condo Kitchen", but with a back yard.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/condo-kitchen-but-with-a-back-yard-pj-vj~3666142)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Detached City Home Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/detached-city-home-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~3233740)
  - Location: Toronto, ON
  - Photos: 21
- [Contemporary Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~2402568)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
  - Description: This addition and renovation to a 1930's Toronto home for a young family brings a contemporary esthetic, lots of daylight, and opens up the whole house to the wooded property.
- [Adding a Contemporary Feel to a Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adding-a-contemporary-feel-to-a-traditional-home-pj-vj~2015007)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: The typical Toronto semi-detached home was large enough for the family of four, but the conventional floor plan was awkward and dark. The existing small addition was replaced with a contemporary design, which emphasized natural light and clean simple lines. Interior walls were removed and a redesigned kitchen installed to improve the flow and freshen the look.

[See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ironside-architect-pfvwus-pf~2114054576)

## Ideabooks

- [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9739657/list/fireplaces) — 10 ideas
- [Panelled Ceiling](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111125643/list/panelled-ceiling) — 13 ideas
- [Small spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64811738/list/small-spaces) — 12 ideas
- [interior finishes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3392565/list/interior-finishes) — 26 ideas
- [Bathrooms, ensuites](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3392667/list/bathrooms-ensuites) — 39 ideas
- [Exterior finishes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3392330/list/exterior-finishes) — 41 ideas
- [pools, cabanas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3392604/list/pools-cabanas) — 8 ideas
- [dog care](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20476398/list/dog-care) — 1 idea
- [Cottages](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20339230/list/cottages) — 2 ideas
- [paint colours](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9901117/list/paint-colours) — 6 ideas

[See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/nironside)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What type of Siding is this (the grey 2nd story addition)? thanks** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: James Hardie "HardiPanel" cut into 16" x 8' lengths. Be careful to observe their warranty requirements re nailing... they are very specific about the type of nail head and the nailing pattern, and also the need to somehow protect the edges from water.  The material looks like it is indestructible, but actually can fail if not properly installed.

**Q: Siding?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What kind of siding is near the pool in this photo? Is it wood or Hardie board?

A: The siding is clear Douglas Fir.  I don't recall the final finish, but it was all done indoors and then installed.

**Q: exterior colors** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the dark charcoal color you are using on this exterior?

A: It is a pre-finished cement fiber siding made by James Hardi, called HardiPlank.  The colour is "iron Gray" and the finish is "smooth face" .

**Q: cost?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the cost of doing this in a new house?

A: Mudroom dog wash

**Q: paint color** *(in Photo Questions)*

what is the paint color on the wall?

A: Thanks for asking... the project is a few years old and I no longer have a record of the paint colour.  My apologies.

**Q: dimensions of the island please?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Very nice island can you provide me the dimensions of the island?

A: 9'-5" x 3'-5"... glad you like it.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*