About Us - Jade Vornthal Quinth Architects

Our Story & Mission

Look, we started JVQ back in 2011 because frankly, we were tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter designs everywhere. Toronto deserves better than that. What began as three friends sketching ideas over way too much coffee has grown into something we're genuinely proud of - a studio that refuses to compromise on sustainability or creativity.

Here's the thing about us: we don't do "standard solutions." Every project starts with listening - really listening - to what you need, how you live, and what matters to your community. Then we blend that with our obsession for green building practices and contemporary design principles. Sometimes that means pushing back on conventional wisdom, and honestly? That's when the magic happens.

We've worked on everything from cozy residential renovations in Leslieville to commercial towers downtown, and each one taught us something new. Our mission isn't complicated - create buildings that enhance lives while respecting the planet. Sounds simple, but getting there takes experience, collaboration, and yeah, a few late nights arguing over details that most people won't even notice (but trust us, they'll feel the difference).

"Great architecture isn't about ego or awards - it's about creating spaces where life unfolds naturally, beautifully, and sustainably."

- Our founding principle

Meet The Team

Jade Vornthal

Principal Architect & Co-Founder

Jade's the one who'll challenge your assumptions in the best way possible. With 18 years under her belt, she's turned skeptics into believers when it comes to sustainable design. She studied at McGill and somehow convinced us that green roofs aren't just trendy - they're essential. When she's not redesigning Toronto one building at a time, you'll find her teaching workshops on passive house design.

Marcus Quinth

Design Director & Co-Founder

Marcus is our detail guy - nothing gets past him. Trained at Waterloo and spent five years in Copenhagen (which explains his obsession with natural light and bike-friendly designs). He's got this gift for making complex spaces feel intuitive. Fair warning: he'll probably sketch three different ceiling treatments before settling on the perfect one. That perfectionism? It's why our projects actually work.

Elena Vasquez

Senior Heritage Specialist

Elena joined us in 2016 and transformed our heritage restoration work completely. She's got this incredible ability to honor a building's history while making it relevant for today. UBC grad with a passion for Victorian-era craftsmanship. She can tell you the original paint colors of pretty much any historic building in Toronto - it's honestly impressive and occasionally terrifying.

David Chen

Urban Planning Lead

David thinks about the big picture - how buildings interact with neighborhoods, transit, and community life. He's worked with the city on multiple mixed-use developments and knows Toronto's zoning bylaws better than most people know their phone numbers. Ryerson educated, community focused. He's the reason our projects actually make sense in their urban context.

Sarah Kim

Interior Space Planning Director

Sarah's the one who makes sure our buildings aren't just beautiful on the outside - they're actually livable on the inside. She's obsessed with flow, light, and how people actually use spaces (not how we think they should). OCAD graduate who spent years in residential design before joining us. She'll rearrange your entire floor plan and you'll wonder why you ever considered anything else.

Thomas Okafor

Sustainability Technology Specialist

Thomas is our tech wizard and sustainability numbers guy. He runs the simulations that prove our green designs actually work. Background in environmental engineering from Toronto Metropolitan, he's always testing new materials and systems. If there's a more efficient way to heat, cool, or power a building, Thomas has probably already modeled it. His energy reports have saved clients thousands.

Our Queen West Studio

Where ideas become reality

Why Work With Us?

We're Honest

If something won't work, we'll tell you upfront. No sugarcoating, no surprises down the line. You'll always know where your project stands.

We're Local

We know Toronto - the neighborhoods, the permitting process, the contractors, the weather challenges. That local knowledge saves time and headaches.

We're Collaborative

This is your building, not ours. We listen, we adapt, we iterate together until it's right. Your vision drives the process.

We're Committed to Sustainability

Not as a marketing line - as a core principle. Every material, every system, every choice gets evaluated for its environmental impact. Period.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Let's grab coffee and talk about what you're envisioning. No pressure, no sales pitch - just good conversation about possibilities.

Get In Touch