Our Story

Where Innovation Meets Environmental Harmony

Our studio space

Who We Actually Are

Look, we're not gonna feed you the usual lines about being "visionaries" or whatever. Truth is, we started Zirelith Quinthar back in 2011 because we were tired of seeing buildings that looked cool but performed terribly—or worse, eco-friendly designs that felt like living in a glorified camping tent.

Our thing? Creating spaces that don't make you choose between aesthetics and doing right by the planet. Yeah, we're serious about sustainable design, but we also believe your home or office shouldn't feel like a science experiment.

Based in Toronto's west end, we've tackled everything from tiny residential renovations to commercial projects that pushed our AutoCAD skills to their limits. Every project teaches us something new, and honestly, that's what keeps this work interesting after all these years.

Meet The Team

Real people designing real spaces—no corporate speak here

Sarah Quinthar
My Philosophy

"Every building tells a story, and I'm obsessed with making sure that story includes how it'll perform in 50 years. Sustainability isn't a trend for me—it's literally the only way forward. Also, I have way too many houseplants and my Revit library is probably excessive."

Signature Project: The Riverside Net-Zero Community Centre

Sarah Quinthar

Principal Architect & Founder

15 years wrangling complex projects and teaching clients that "green" doesn't mean "expensive" (usually)

Marcus Zirelith
My Philosophy

"Design should feel effortless even when it's anything but. I spend way too much time on details most people won't notice—but they'll feel the difference. Got my start in historic preservation, which taught me that old buildings have lessons we keep forgetting."

Signature Project: The Junction Adaptive Reuse Complex

Marcus Zirelith

Design Director & Co-Founder

Master at blending old-school craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech. Also makes the best office coffee.

Jennifer Wu
My Philosophy

"Buildings should work with nature, not against it. Simple as that. I'm the one running energy models at 2am and geeking out over passive solar strategies. Also certified in LEED and Living Building Challenge because why not aim high?"

Signature Project: Lakeshore Passive House Residence

Jennifer Wu

Sustainability Lead

Our resident building science nerd who can tell you exactly why your HVAC system is working too hard

David Okonkwo
My Philosophy

"Commercial spaces don't have to be boring boxes. I'm all about creating work environments where people actually want to be—natural light, smart layouts, materials that age well. Also lowkey obsessed with acoustic design after working in too many echo-chamber offices."

Signature Project: TechHub Collaborative Workspace

David Okonkwo

Commercial Projects Lead

Specializes in workplace design that doesn't make people want to work from home forever

Elena Rodriguez
My Philosophy

"Spaces need to feel right, not just look right. I focus on how people actually move through and use interiors—because a beautiful room that doesn't function is just an expensive headache. Big believer in natural materials and letting texture do the heavy lifting."

Signature Project: Yorkville Penthouse Interior Transformation

Elena Rodriguez

Interior Design Specialist

Turns architectural shells into places that feel like home (or the perfect office, or that cafe you never want to leave)

Thomas Chen
My Philosophy

"Great design means nothing if it can't be built properly. I'm the bridge between vision and reality, making sure contractors can actually execute what we're proposing. Also really into construction tech—BIM coordination is my jam."

Signature Project: Distillery District Mixed-Use Development

Thomas Chen

Project Manager & Technical Lead

Keeps projects on track, on budget, and actually buildable—the unsung hero of every successful project

How We Actually Work

We Listen First

Yeah, we've got ideas—but your project isn't about our ego. We start by understanding how you actually live or work, not just what you think you want. Those conversations usually reveal the real opportunities.

Sustainability Without Sacrifice

We bake environmental performance into every design from day one. Not as an add-on, but as a core requirement alongside aesthetics and functionality. It's 2024—this should be standard practice.

Honest Budgets

We'll tell you what things actually cost, not what you want to hear. Better to adjust expectations early than deal with sticker shock when the contractor bids come in. Trust us on this one.

Details Matter

We obsess over the stuff most architects gloss over—how the light hits that wall at 4pm, whether the door swing makes sense, if that material will still look good in ten years. It's the little things that make or break a space.

Ready to Start Something?

Let's talk about your project—no pressure, just real conversation about what's possible.

Get In Touch