--- title: "BLDG Workshop Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bldg-workshop-inc-pfvwus-pf~2114327036 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114327036.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "BLDG Workshop Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4ad305a202006f89_1704-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "163 Sterling Rd., Toronto, Ontario M6P 0A1, Canada" latitude: 43.6621 longitude: -79.4593 phone: "(416) 877-4741" website: http://bldgworkshop.ca rating: 4.9 review_count: 45 best_of_houzz_awards: 14 followers: 701 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # BLDG Workshop Inc. Original Houzz profile: [BLDG Workshop Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bldg-workshop-inc-pfvwus-pf~2114327036) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Toronto, ON - **Serves:** Agincourt, Baldwin Village, Brockton Village, Carleton Village, Centennial Park, Clarks Corners, Corktown, Davisville Village, Distillery District, Don Mills, East Bayfront, Eglinton East, Eringate, Etobicoke, Forest Hill, Greenwood Coxwell, Humber Valley Village, Junction Triangle, Lawrence Park, Leaside, Liberty Village, Little India, Malvern, Mimico, Mirvish Village, Mississauga, Moore Park, Niagara, North York, Oakridge, Old Mill, Pape Village, Parkdale, Parkway East, Port Credit, Port Lands, Princess Anne Manor, Regent Park, Rexdale, Riverdale, Roncesvalles, Rosedale, Seaton Village, South Hill, The Elms, Toronto, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Wanless Park, Willowdale, Woodbine Gardens - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (45 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Speaks English, Spanish We believe that great clients are integral to the design process, so we seek them out as we seek to create beautiful work. We engage in architectural design, and love the creative process no matter the medium. We enjoy sites that can respond to the design and vice versa. In Toronto, the Muskokas and throughout Canada, BLDG Workshop pursues the goal of creating architectural design that forms a sense of place through responding to client needs, the site and its conditions. Favourite projects often include custom homes, cottages, renovations and additions where the site includes natural features that can become integral to the overall design. We consider sustainability, interior, industrial, and landscape design as instrumental in our work as we approach projects in relationship to their context. We feel the best way to create successful design is to embrace a collaborative relationship in which the client’s voice and ideas are heard and implemented. We believe that good architectural design should respond to many fundamental and site specific principles; however, at the end of the day, your home should respond primarily to you. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Rooftop Deck Installation - Log Home Construction - Dock Design & Construction - Land Surveying - Construction Drawings - Custom Home - Forward Thinking Design ### Areas Served - Agincourt - Baldwin Village - Brockton Village - Carleton Village - Centennial Park - Clarks Corners - Corktown - Davisville Village - Distillery District - Don Mills - East Bayfront - Eglinton East - Eringate - Etobicoke - Forest Hill - Greenwood Coxwell - Humber Valley Village - Junction Triangle - Lawrence Park - Leaside - Liberty Village - Little India - Malvern - Mimico - Mirvish Village - Mississauga - Moore Park - Niagara - North York - Oakridge - Old Mill - Pape Village - Parkdale - Parkway East - Port Credit - Port Lands - Princess Anne Manor - Regent Park - Rexdale - Riverdale - Roncesvalles - Rosedale - Seaton Village - South Hill - The Elms - Toronto - Trinity Bellwoods Park - Wanless Park - Willowdale - Woodbine Gardens ### Typical Job Cost Typical Job Cost is actual construction. Design Fees are typically charged hourly or as a percentage of the construction cost. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | BLDG Workshop Inc. | | Address | 163 Sterling Rd., Toronto, Ontario M6P 0A1, Canada | | Phone | (416) 877-4741 | | Website | http://bldgworkshop.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 701 | **Social profiles:** - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/bldgworkshop - Blog — http://bldgworkshop.ca/blog ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [BLDG Workshop Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bldg-workshop-inc-pfvwus-pf~2114327036) - **Website:** http://bldgworkshop.ca - **Phone:** (416) 877-4741 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - featured in dwell, interior design, canadian interiors, designmilk, designboom, uncrate, treehugger, azure, architizer, canadian architect, cottage life, wired and the globe & mail - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 45 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Gale Force V LLc, July 2023** > BLDG Workshop, led by architectural designer Nathan Buhler, is simply brilliant. This is our third experience working with a designer to build a new home--BLDG stands out for its clear and creative dialog with us on both the interior and exterior design. Responsive, sensitive and very collaborative, we feel that BLDG is our partner in creating a home that will not only be a pleasure to live in, but we expect will stand the test of time as fine architectural design. BLDG is respectful of our budget, and has been very responsive to our aggressive timeline, turning solutions within days of our discussions. Nathan's knowledge of resources and building techniques for extreme weather conditions (i.e. Vermont), was a must for this project. Fun, exciting, and a flawless effort. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks so much for these kind words Gayle, this is going to be such a nice home! **★★★★★ — Scott Grant, Jan. 2021** > My wife and I very much appreciated Nathan at the BLDG Workshop as a designer with significant expertise including an in-depth understanding of the permitting process. He was also patient, personable and with a positive attitude. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Scott thank you so much for your kind words, it was an absolute pleasure working with you. Hopefully we'll be able to do some more together at some point in the not too distant future! **★★★★★ — Shaun Armour, Jan. 2021** > Nathan/BLDG Workshop designed my dream standalone office. Every day I go to work, I feel happier, more motivated, and more prepared to face whatever kind of day is in front of me. They were professional, achieved everything we asked, and more, and were wonderful to work with. Phenomenal! Thank you! **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Wow, thanks Shaun! > It was such a fun project and we loved working on it. **★★★★★ — Amanda Garraway, Jan. 2021** > So happy to have been working with Nathan. We have a perfect design for our home and will finally have the space we need to complete our home. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks so much for these kind words Amanda! I can't wait to see the space once it's finished. **★★★★★ — Candace L. Fieguth, Jan. 2021** > The BLDG Workshop helped us turn our dream into reality! They were the perfect designers for us - creative, visionary and super easy to work with. We have no hesitations in recommending them!! **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > This was one of the funnest and most creative projects ever. Thanks so much for letting us be a part of it! **★★★★★ — Micky & Christopher, Nov. 2020** > In our first meeting we explained we were looking for a cross between Cottage, Industrial, and Modern. They made sense of it! > > We highly recommend Nathan and his team. Their ability to understand, space by space, what we envisioned and then finding the right compromises to make it functional is what we sought - and what they delivered on. > > BLDG was also pro-active in resolving permitting and helped narrow down the choice of contractor. > > Building a house is stressful - working with Nathan was not. He is down to earth but knows his stuff inside and out. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks Micky and Chris for such kind words! > We always try to work through all the challenges and this house is going to be so intricate and so great! > Can’t wait to see the finished product. **★★★★★ — Deb Pakes, Nov. 2020** > Nathan at BLDG workshop lead the design of our large home renovation. He was very professional, flexible, and creative. He took our vision and made it come alive on paper. He lead the process of getting it through the gruelling permitting, making sure we met all the by-laws to ensure timely approval. We were very pleased with the final design and can’t wait to live in our new amazing space. I highly recommend this professional small business to anyone who wants to make their dream home renovation project come true without all the headaches that many others face. > Thank you Nathan for all your hard work! **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks Deb so much for this. > You're our type of client. > We always find it very easy to do good work for clients who give us the optimism/postivity and freedom and to do so! **★★★★★ — Barb Nagy, Sept. 2019** > Nathan designed an awesome detached garage that related well with our house which was recently renovated. The design has helped to make the back yard cosy and inviting. Nathan was great to work with and suggested a great building contractor as well. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks Barb! > This has been such a delightful process, your garage looks even better than we imagined! > Cheers **★★★★★ — schmambey, Feb. 2019** > Nathan built us our dream home and we would recommend him to anyone. All of our asks were delivered on (especially our ask to maximize natural light!) and overall beyond our expectations with an amazing design. Nathan was so lovely to work with, highly collaborative, very accommodating and creative. All of the trades have gone out of their way to tell us how much they love the design too - one experienced site supervisor asked if he could bring his wife round to check it out which was a first for him in all his years, he just loved the design so much he wanted her to see. Thank you Nathan for such an amazing design and it was a pleasure! **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks Amber for your kind words! Our work is so much fun when we get to work with clients as enthusiastic and positive as you! **★★★★★ — Veronica Andrew, Jan. 2019** > Nathan Buhler drove down to our lot, took a look at the surroundings, we chatted a bit about our family and Oh my gosh! did he design a dream home for us! Everyday I walk around our new home and admire the thought he put in designing a beautiful space for us to live in. We were blessed to have found him on Houzz.com and teamed with a great builder, we ended up with a home which is even better than we imagined it would be. > > My advice to anyone starting on this very stressful journey of building a home is to hire a great designer like Nathan. It would be the best money spent as a good plan saves a lot of money during construction and beyond. The whole process becomes exciting and fond memories made for many years to come. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Wow, Veronica, thank you so much for your kind words! > Hearing a client loves there home so much is exactly why we do what we do! **★★★★★ — Louise Lacchin, Dec. 2018** > Nathan is extremely creative. He listened to our ideas and developed a house plan that exceeded our expectations. He was receptive to any suggestions we made along the way, also working with us on any challenges in the building process to maintain the vision of the original design. We love our new home. **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks so much Louise for your lovely comments! > This was one of our favourite projects ever; the design and the clients! **★★★★★ — Susan Gordon, Nov. 2018** > house exterior moves to BLACK > > Nathan Buhler is the next person to thank for his keen advice and patience - my house has been transformed - everything from white to black - and perfect! Professional advice with kindness, that's Nathan! Our house hasn’t had an upgrade to its exterior for 40 years. With white shutters, downspouts, eaves troughs, soffit & fascia, Nathan was my first contact to ask for advice on using black. He thought black would be stunning, not heavy, but make a statement. So with a gasp, we went for BLACK - STUNNING! How our house speaks modern, sophisticated, elegant! > THANK YOU! **Comment from BLDG Workshop Inc.:** > Thanks for your kind words Susan, it was so nice working with you too! ## Selected projects - [Big Hawk Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-hawk-lake-cottage-pj-vj~6412914) - Location: Algonquin Highlands, ON - Photos: 4 - [White and Rusty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-and-rusty-pj-vj~6579874) - Location: Caledon, ON - Photos: 49 - [Caledon Mountain Home - Industrial Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caledon-mountain-home-industrial-farmhouse-pj-vj~1137517) - Location: Caledon, ON - Photos: 31 - Description: An expansive home had been in need of a deep renovation when the new owner took possession. BLDG Workshop provided an entirely redesigned floor plan and renovation services. Leaving much of the existing home in place, a very raw, industrial aesthetic emerged at the same time as a modern design was set into the design. - [Home on Targa Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-targa-road-pj-vj~6265969) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 13 - [Home on a Lake of a Thousand Colours](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-a-lake-of-a-thousand-colours-pj-vj~1262059) - Location: Vernon, BC - Photos: 154 - Description: A home built on one of Canada's most beautiful lakes posed a design challenge. The home had originally been built almost directly in opposition to natural light and views to the lake. While most opinions were to tear the existing home down, BLDG Workshop worked closely with the client to recreate the home in a way that opened it up and became more fitting to the site. - [Mad River Chalet - Craftsman Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mad-river-chalet-craftsman-modern-pj-vj~1099441) - Location: Collingwood, ON - Photos: 62 - Description: The owner of this Devil’s Glen Ski Resort chalet was determined to honour the original structure built by his father. At the same time, a growing family created the need for an amplified space. The design for the enlarged chalet attempts to incorporate proportions and angles from the original craftsman styled structure while simultaneously taking cues from the challenging mountain site. Stonework and timber beams create a framework for expansive glazing that affords sweeping views to the mountai… - [Home on Godfreys Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-on-godfreys-lane-pj-vj~6579865) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 8 - [cae(cj)b home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caecjb-home-pj-vj~296530) - Location: Calgary, AB - Photos: 73 - Description: A home in transition for a family in transition. This home no longer met the needs of a growing family, but was renovated with a desire to broaden the familiar feel of the existing home. A more modern vocabulary was injected into the scheme while an open floor plan and extended glazing allowed natural light to create a sense of place within the home. Different levels or depths of texture were experimented with in order to create an aesthetic that presents itself more thoughtfully than a typical… - [Home in Port Credit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-in-port-credit-pj-vj~5491193) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 12 - [Sunnylea Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunnylea-home-pj-vj~5491154) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 29 - Description: A modern home built for a family in Etobicoke in Toronto. Attention was paid to sun patterns and natural light in union with large open spaces focused on the outdoors. - [Beach Hut on a Lake of a Thousand Colours](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-hut-on-a-lake-of-a-thousand-colours-pj-vj~5491180) - Location: Coldstream, BC - Photos: 24 - [Bigwin Island Bunkie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bigwin-island-bunkie-pj-vj~744427) - Location: Bracebridge, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: An incredible location on Lake of Bays provides the backdrop for the extend-o version of our digital, prefabricated Bunkie. The client wanted a retreat space for yoga and other activities that responded peacefully with the site and view over the lake. A deck and entrance volume have been added to further enhance the space and function while continuing to engage with the exterior. - [Georgian Bay Bunkie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/georgian-bay-bunkie-pj-vj~2001160) - Location: Collingwood, ON - Photos: 18 - Description: This Bunkie was set up as a transformative retreat space near the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. Large panels of glazing create a feeling of space and volume despite the small footprint of The Bunkie, while allowing it to commune with the natural setting in which it is placed. - [Brynhurst Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brynhurst-home-pj-vj~2832516) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: A dated home required a modern renovation to allow for the home to fit the needs of a family who had purchased it. BLDG Workshop created essentially an entirely new home using the existing structure and adding increased space on the upper floor. - [Credit River Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/credit-river-home-pj-vj~6579779) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 2 - [South Hill Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-hill-home-pj-vj~1436412) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 17 - Description: Our client wanted an open concept space in a long narrow home that left original textures and details untouched. A brick wall was exposed as a walnut kitchen and industrial style floor-to-ceiling glazing were added. The enormous island and brass light fixture from Lindsey Adelman are key features. Construction by Greening Homes - [Crow's Nest Home - Toronto Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crow-s-nest-home-toronto-modern-pj-vj~744540) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: A sloping site afforded expansive views over a long valley that extends all the way back down into the city. Making the home "of the hill" as opposed to "on the hill" was a key part of the design, attempting to integrate the home into the surrounding landscape. - [Van Dusen Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/van-dusen-home-pj-vj~2832532) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 3 - [Analog Home - Rock n Roll Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/analog-home-rock-n-roll-modern-pj-vj~296503) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: The design of this custom home accommodates the needs of an audiophile and his creative family in suburban Toronto. The client’s expansive record collection and equipment had been banished to the basement for 20 years. A major focus of the design was to locate the music centrally; allowing it to be at the heart of the home. In addition to the creation of the analog room, interior spaces have been provided for art and recording studios. A contemporary interior design includes an open floor plan a… - [Lynne Knowlton Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lynne-knowlton-home-pj-vj~1863766) - Location: Durham, ON - Photos: 27 - Description: BLDG Workshop was engaged to help well known design and lifestyle blogger Lynne Knowlton of Design the Life You Want to Live entirely revamp the kitchen and main living area of her farmhouse. The outcome is an eclectic blend of rustic elements mixed with modern details. [See all 190 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bldg-workshop-inc-pfvwus-pf~2114327036) ## Ideabooks - [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57483471/list/interiors) — 2 ideas - [Glass](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18041161/list/glass) — 5 ideas - [Stone](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18039985/list/stone) — 9 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57408127/list/kitchen) — 1 idea - [Treehouses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18042343/list/treehouses) — 3 ideas - [Wood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18042068/list/wood) — 1 idea - [Weathering Steel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18041319/list/weathering-steel) — 6 ideas - [Concrete](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18041022/list/concrete) — 5 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bldgworkshop) ## Community Q&A **Q: Architects Input Needed for 80's contemporary facelift!** *(in Building a Home)* I am looking to update this 1980s style contemporary home into something new/fresh. It screams 80s. Was thinking of tearing off the second floor and squaring off the home in the front (install a 3rd garage stall). See below for my thoughts. I was thinking of tearing off the 2nd floor and moving the entire front wall of the home where the arrows are to line up (square off the front of the home) with the portion of the home sitting furtherest most to the front (the part circled). I would gain full first and second floor in the area of the home extended forward. As well as a third garage stall and a full second story of the front room in the right of the picture (angled ceiling) that is just first floor space now. I was thinking of something similar to the home below but on the left hand side it would be different as I would extend the master bedroom above the 3rd garage still (on the front end of the home) as the master is currently above the garage. What are your thoughts/ideas? Below are pictures of the home currently. A: I love that house in its current form. With some good architectural design to freshen it up it could become a real masterpiece. **Q: Love the design would you share the post hardware specification** *(in Photo Questions)* Post hardware, post connectors, specifications A: Thanks for your comment. It was all custom built out of 1/2" steel best, BLDG **Q: Questions about this A-frame shed** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this custom or pre-fab? Is there a contractor in LA who can build this for me? A: This is prefab. Contact The Bunkie Co and/or ebare@bunkie.co **Q: which manufacturer made the curtain wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* Trying to find them for our aframe A: Thanks for your question. These were original windows from many years ago, I don't know when they were installed or who did them. My recommendation for something good (so therefore expensive) but packs a lot of bang per buck is WeatherShield **Q: gravel** *(in Photo Questions)* what type of gravel is used here? A: Thanks for your question. I don’t know for sure because it was the landscapers decision, but I think it was just regular pea gravel **Q: hi can you tell me the colour of that stain?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love those stairs requesting the stain info A: Thanks for your kind words! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*