And honestly? That's exactly how we like it.
Back in 2012, we were just three architects sharing a cramped office space in Toronto's Distillery District, arguing over coffee about what modern design really means.
The truth? We'd gotten tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter glass boxes going up everywhere. Don't get us wrong - there's a time and place for minimalism. But we wanted something more... let's say, human.
So we started Crystal Quintavor with a pretty simple idea: what if buildings could feel both cutting-edge and comfortable? What if contemporary architecture didn't have to be cold?
Here's the thing - we've seen a lot of firms talk about "innovation" and "client-centered design." Sure, those matter. But what really keeps us going?
Not just look pretty in photos. We're talking about how light moves through a room at 3pm, where you'll actually put your keys when you walk in.
Yeah, we'll push boundaries. But we won't design you a dream home you can't afford to build. Been there, learned that lesson early.
We build green because it makes sense - financially, practically, and yeah, for the planet too. But we skip the lectures.
We're a team of 17 now - still arguing over coffee, just with better equipment.
Five architects who can sketch faster than most people can talk. They're the ones turning "I want something cool" into actual buildable plans.
The engineers and specialists who make sure our designs don't just look good - they stand up, stay warm, and pass every inspection.
They're the ones keeping everything on track when contractors call at 7am or when permit offices need just "one more document."
Look, we won't pretend every project goes perfectly smooth. Construction's messy, permits take forever, and sometimes the material you fell in love with gets discontinued halfway through.
But here's what we can promise: we'll pick up the phone, we'll explain things in actual English, and we'll figure it out together.
Being based here isn't just about the address. We know which neighborhoods have tricky zoning, which inspectors prefer which documentation styles, and yeah - where to grab the best lunch between site visits.
We've done residential projects from Rosedale to Liberty Village, commercial spaces across the downtown core, and we're not planning on leaving anytime soon.
Yeah, we mentioned this already, but it's worth diving deeper. Every project we do incorporates sustainable principles - not because it's trendy, but because it genuinely makes better buildings.
Better insulation means lower heating bills. Smart window placement means less AC in summer. Durable materials mean you're not renovating again in 5 years.
We're not chasing LEED certifications for the sake of it (though we've got plenty). We're building stuff that'll still be functional and beautiful decades from now.
"The best sustainable building is the one that doesn't need to be rebuilt in 20 years."
Not perfect, definitely not typical, but committed to designing spaces that actually improve how people live and work.
Got a project in mind? Or just want to chat about what's possible with your space?
Let's talk about it