Architecture with a Maker’s mindset
Doty Design Studio began in 2010 in the model shop of an architecture school, where we learned that good design isn't just drawn—it's crafted. Today, we bring that same hands-on rigour to full-scale custom homes and renovations across Toronto. By bridging the gap between architectural theory and construction management, we ensure that the warmth and detail of the initial sketch survives the build process intact. We don't just design your home; we understand exactly how it’s put together.
The practice operates at the intersection of architectural design and hands-on building. Its background includes work on custom coastal villas abroad, experience that sharpened the studio’s sensitivity to light, materiality, and the relationship between architecture and landscape. In Toronto, that perspective informs a refined yet practical approach to residential design.
With extensive experience in residential construction management, the studio delivers projects with continuity and precision—overseeing planning, detailing, trade coordination, and on-site execution to ensure design intent is carried through to completion.
Material stewardship and long-term performance guide the studio’s approach. Projects prioritize sustainability, local sourcing, and thoughtful detailing, whether at the scale of a custom home or a single piece of furniture.
Doty Design Studio works within a context shaped by a long Indigenous history and vibrant contemporary communities. This awareness informs a respectful, grounded approach to design.
For inquiries related to architectural design, renovations, design-build services, or custom furniture, please reach out through the Contact page.
James Doty - B.Arch | ICU | TMU