Studio

All the majesty of a city landscape

All the soaring days in our lives

All the concrete dreams in my mind’s eye

All the joy i see through these architects’ eyes

~ David Bowie

At These Architects, we aspire to create architecture that transcends function and elevates the human experience. Inspired by the spirit of Bowie’s “Thru’ These Architects’ Eyes”, we approach each project as a balance of art and purpose — crafting spaces with a quiet lyricism that resonates deeply with the people who inhabit them.

Our work grows from a holistic integration of architecture and interiors, informed by our extensive backgrounds in both architecture and interior design, where thoughtful planning, refined materiality, and sustainable decisions come together to shape spaces that feel effortless, functional, and timeless.

Architecture shaped by purpose. Spaces enriched by meticulous creativity.

Team

Channing Julien of These Architects Inc.
William chief doggo at These Architects Inc.
Colin W Grant of These Architects Inc.
Gina Schafrick of These Architects Inc.

  • Gina prides herself in being detailed-oriented, focused and always approachable. She is skilled at bringing the right players to the table to make each project a success. After completing her degrees in Fine Art Studio and Architecture at the University of Toronto, Gina developed her passions in a variety of venues- from furniture companies to architectural practices- eventually, specialising in residential design which lead to establishing her own design firm - Design Nine Architects.

    She is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (MRAIC), the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA), the Women in Niagara council (WIN) and is on the executive of the Niagara Society of Architects (NSoA).

    OAA, MRAIC, B.A., B.ARCH., ON

  • Colin is passionate about making a space sing its story and cares deeply in bringing out the very best in a project, encouraging a tight collaborative team effort to deliver a project that exceeds expectations. Following his completion of a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Toronto, he worked in both small and large Toronto firms building a varied portfolio of projects that spanned the globe from the Middle East to Asia, specialising in retail and hospitality design.

    He is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (MRAIC) and the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) and has 3 Arido Awards of Collaborative Work for his past work in interior retail design.

    OAA, MRAIC, B.A, B.ARCH

  • Channing is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Architectural Science, specialising in design in 4th year. He is classically trained in the alto saxophone having worked his way through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and spent many a session in a variety of bands and ensembles. Channing is a key member of the team, valued for his keen eye to detail, working through all the stages of a project- from design to construction.

  • Chief Doggo

Approach

We believe architecture begins with a quiet conversation — with our clients, with the land, and with how life naturally unfolds. We listen closely, allowing each project to be shaped by the stories, values, and rhythms that matter most. Our work brings architecture and interiors into a single, fluid expression, where thoughtful planning and refined materiality create spaces that feel effortless, grounded, and deeply poetic.

We design with a sensitivity to place: the quality of light, the pull of a view, the character of the land. Sustainability is woven into these decisions, guiding spaces that not only look beautiful but live beautifully. Throughout the journey — from first sketch to final build — we remain present, engaged, and collaborative, committed to craft and the countless details that give a space or home its soul. Our goal is simple: to create environments that feel meaningful, warm, and enduring, shaped with care for the people who call them home.

Process

Our design process consists of these phases:

Listen:

Through open and honest dialogue, our primary focus is to understand our client’s vision and needs, not to present our own. We distill your wishes and wants into a clear understanding of the project’s specific programme as it relates to site through massing and preliminary planning. At this early stage we define the zoning requirements and begin site analysis studies. We develop a thoughtful parti that remains as a guiding principle throughout the project.

Discover:

We continue to develop these ideas through modelling, plans and sectional studies, layering in material compositions and refinement of details as the project evolves, drawing out the projects’ unique qualities.

Advocate:

We work hard to successfully guide your project through the complicated and often daunting process of municipal approvals through rigour and a commitment to uphold the project’s vision through to permit drawings.

Implement:

Collaborating with a professionally assembled team, we oversee to make your vision a built reality during the construction phase. While quickly resolving on-site challenges, we ensure the design is implemented on time and on budget.

Press + Recognition

Featured in Toronto Interiors: Modern Residential Design Book

Published by Figure.1 Publishing

Cover: House in the Hill

2025

Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition Winner: House in the Hill

North American Residential Category

Ceramics of Italy Award 2025

“This is just a cool, hip, sophisticated house”

Blogto 2022

“This tiny coffee shop in the Junction Triangle serves up cute lattes in a fun space”

Blogto 2020

“Inside the City’s Most Beautiful Homes”

Our Homes 2018

“Home of the Week: Good Design Pays Off”

Globe and Mail 2017

“Bash Pad - One Couples Ode to Entertaining”

Toronto Life 2016