How We Got Started
Back in 2012, our founder Sarah Halrion was sitting in yet another meeting where a client's vision for a sustainable building was getting watered down because "it costs too much" or "it's not practical." She'd had enough. That weekend, she called up her old university buddy Marcus Storm, and over way too much coffee, Halrion Storm was born.
We started small - really small. Just the two of them working out of Sarah's garage in Toronto's Junction neighborhood. Their first project was a residential renovation that incorporated passive solar heating and reclaimed materials. The homeowners loved it, their neighbors wanted one too, and suddenly we weren't just another architecture practice anymore.
Fast forward to today, and we're a team of fifteen passionate designers, engineers, and urban planners. But we've kept that same energy from day one - every project gets the care and attention it deserves, no matter if it's a single-family home or a commercial complex.
What Actually Drives Us
Look, we're not gonna lie and say we don't care about awards or recognition - we do, and we've got a few on the shelf. But what really gets us out of bed in the morning? It's when a client calls us three years after we finished their building to tell us their energy bills are half what their neighbors pay. Or when a community space we designed becomes the heart of a neighborhood. That's the stuff that matters. We believe good architecture shouldn't cost the earth - literally. Every building we design has to answer one question: how does this make things better? Better for the people using it, better for the community around it, and yeah, better for the planet too.
Meet The Folks Making It Happen
We're a weird mix of perfectionists, tree-huggers, and design nerds. Somehow it works.
What We're Actually Good At
Residential Architecture
From laneway houses to custom estates, we design homes that reflect how you actually live - not some magazine's idea of perfect. Every home we create balances your lifestyle needs with energy efficiency and future adaptability.
Commercial Building Design
Offices, retail spaces, mixed-use developments - we've done 'em all. Our commercial projects consistently outperform conventional buildings in energy efficiency while creating spaces people actually want to be in.
Sustainable Design Consulting
Sometimes you don't need a full architectural service - you just need someone to tell you how to make your project greener. We work with other firms and developers to integrate sustainable practices into existing designs.
Interior Space Planning
Good architecture doesn't stop at the walls. We plan interiors that flow naturally, maximize natural light, and use materials that don't off-gas nasty chemicals into your living space.
Urban Planning & Development
Cities need to evolve. We work on neighborhood planning, transit-oriented development, and public spaces that bring communities together rather than divide them. It's bigger-picture stuff, but it matters.
Historic Building Restoration
Toronto's old buildings have stories worth preserving. We specialize in breathing new life into heritage structures while maintaining their character and bringing them up to modern performance standards.
Working With Us
We're not gonna sugarcoat it - good design takes time and honest conversations. We ask a lot of questions, some of which might seem weird at first. But that's how we get to know what you really need versus what you think you need.
Our process is collaborative. You're not hiring us to disappear for six months and come back with some grand reveal. We work together, iterate constantly, and make sure you understand every decision we're making along the way.
And yeah, we'll push back sometimes if we think there's a better way. That's what you're paying us for - our expertise and our willingness to fight for the best possible outcome for your project.