Residential Architecture
Residential Architects
We transform character homes with care, creativity, and bold design.
From thoughtful retrofits to major additions, we help you reimagine your home without erasing its history. Every project balances character and performance—designed around how you live and built to endure.
Residential Architecture
We transform character homes with care, creativity, and bold design.
From thoughtful retrofits to major additions, we help you reimagine your home without erasing its history. Every project balances character and performance—designed around how you live and built to endure.
Designing Homes That Work for Real Life
A home should support how you live—not just how it looks. Whether you’re renovating an older home, planning an addition, or exploring a multiplex conversion, the goal is to create spaces that feel natural, functional, and built around your everyday life.
We work closely with homeowners to understand what’s not working and what could be better—whether that means improving flow, creating more space, increasing natural light, or making the home more comfortable and efficient.
Our approach balances thoughtful design with practical decision-making—so your home not only looks right, but works well for years to come.
Explore Our Services
HERITAGE & CHARACTER HOMES
Character Homes
We specialize in working with older, character-rich homes—particularly within sensitive contexts and Heritage Conservation Districts. Our approach respects the architectural integrity of each property while adapting it for modern living. Whether your home is designated, listed, or located within a Heritage Conservation District, we design thoughtful interventions that respond to both the building and its surroundings.
Examples
- Renovations within Heritage Conservation Districts
- Alterations to Listed or Designated Properties
- New Design within Character Homes
reinventing existing buildings
Renovations and Additions
We transform existing homes into spaces that feel entirely new—reworking what’s there to create a more functional, refined, and cohesive home. Our approach goes beyond surface upgrades, focusing on layout, performance, and long-term livability.
This often includes rethinking the building envelope and introducing a new façade—improving energy performance while giving the home a renewed architectural identity. Whether through a full renovation or a carefully integrated addition, the result is a home that looks and performs like new—without starting from scratch.
Examples
- Full Home Transformations
- Rear and Second-Storey Additions
- Custom Residential Design
MULTI-unit residential
Multiplex Buildings
We help homeowners and investors unlock additional value by converting existing homes into duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, creating flexible, income-generating spaces.
Our approach integrates zoning, building code, and smart design – ensuring each project is efficient, buildable, and positioned for approvals.
Examples
- Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex Conversions
- Multiplex Buildings
- Multi-Generational Buildings
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
Accessory Structures and Secondary Suites
We design accessory structures and secondary suites that add flexibility, space, and long-term value to your property. Whether used for family, rental income, or work, these spaces are designed to feel complete, independent, and connected to the main home.
Examples
- Laneway and Garden Suites
- Guest Houses and Studios
- Pool Houses and Outdoor Structures
Explore selected projects that demonstrate our work with heritage buildings, adaptive reuse, and the thoughtful transformation of existing structures.
free download
The essential handbook to unlock the potential of your heritage property.
Heritage buildings are precious gems in our community. If you’re thinking about giving yours a makeover, it’s crucial to do it right. An out of control project is stressful, massively expensive and unnecessary. This handbook leads you through each phase of the process and through each important decision to bring your heritage property back to life.
"The buildings we choose to keep speak louder to future generations than anything we could say."
ERIC RODRIGUES
Design That Respects the Past and Builds the Future
Our design process is thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to you. We guide you through every step of transforming your heritage space — from idea to execution — with clarity, care, and creativity. You’ll feel empowered, not overwhelmed. We listen closely, challenge assumptions, and deliver work that honours your building’s story while unlocking new potential.
our approach to RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Reworking What Exists
We see opportunity in what’s already there. By rethinking existing homes, we create spaces that feel entirely new—without starting from scratch.
Designing Around How You Live
Every home is shaped around your daily life. We focus on flow, function, and comfort to create spaces that feel natural, intuitive, and personal.
Adding Space with Purpose
Additions are carefully integrated to feel like they’ve always belonged—enhancing both the home’s function and its architectural character.
Improving Performance
Thinking Long Term
Our work is designed to last—balancing immediate needs with future flexibility, long-term value, and lasting quality.
Why Clients Choose Boldera
Guidance: Navigating heritage rules can be overwhelming. We bring clarity and leadership every step of the way.
Integrity: We don’t chase trends or hide behind facades. Our work preserves the soul of your building — honestly and ethically.
Transparency: You’ll always know what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects your vision, timeline, and budget.
Momentum: Our process removes red tape and guesswork — helping you move from approvals to construction without delays.
Confidence: With Boldera, you’re not just protecting your building. You’re doing what’s right — for the site, the city, and the next generation.
Understanding What Matters
Every heritage building has defining elements that give it architectural and cultural significance. We begin by studying the building’s history, materials, and craftsmanship to understand what must be protected and what can evolve.
Respecting What Exists
Where possible, original materials and architectural elements should be preserved and repaired rather than replaced. Maintaining historic fabric ensures buildings retain their authenticity and character.
Designing With Care
New interventions must respect the scale, character, and integrity of historic structures. Our designs create a clear dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary design.
Enabling Buildings to Evolve
Historic buildings must adapt to remain useful. We carefully integrate modern needs—accessibility, building systems, and new programs—while preserving the building’s architectural identity.
Thinking Long Term
Heritage architecture is an act of stewardship. By extending the life of existing buildings, we protect cultural heritage, reduce environmental impact, and ensure these places remain meaningful for generations to come.
Your Advantages
Working with a team of expert heritage professionals, responsible for multiple award-winning heritage conservation projects.
In-house expertise in restoring heritage buildings.
Design with sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact.
Enjoy a collaborative approach, ensuring your input is valued throughout the process.
Reduce project timelines with expedited permits and planning approvals.
Boldera’s Commitment to SUSTAINABILITY
We believe it’s time to be bold. Architects, Planners, Developers, and Builders must be at the forefront of the sustainability discussion to ensure we build a world that our children will be proud of.
Heritage Conservation with Sustainability in Mind.
Boldera’s heritage architects have the unique ability to transform your heritage property into a sustainable and high-performing building.
Every project we take on is designed with the environment in mind. Our team of heritage specialists and architects has a deep understanding of energy efficiency and green initiatives. Boldera is committed to transforming heritage structures that are as beautiful as they are comfortable without compromising sustainability principles.
Historic Spaces with Better Quality of Life
At Boldera, we want to help you optimize your heritage building with heritage conservation solutions that are both eco-friendly and cost effective. Our heritage architects are experts at crafting architecture and spaces that enhance people’s quality of life.
Reduce your Costs
One of the greatest benefits of a sustainable building is the reduced costs associated with energy. Our heritage architects understand the need for designing and rejuvenating buildings that are cost-effective and energy efficient.
Heritage with Modern Performance
At our firm, we seamlessly fuse heritage expertise with cutting-edge sustainable building design, delivering solutions that transcend expectations. Our experience ensures that our clients not only receive preserved historical buildings but also experience top-tier performance equivalent to the highest standards expected in modern construction.
Built to Last
Through procuring local and natural materials, our team ensures that these historical buildings are preserved with longevity in mind. We recognize the importance of sustainability and work hard to make sure we use materials that are naturally sourced, recyclable and minimally processed.
John Street Roundhouse rejuvenation and restoration project.
An example of how historical buildings can provide modern day performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most significant renovations, additions, or layout changes, working with an architect ensures the design meets zoning, building code, and permitting requirements—while also improving how your home functions and feels.
Yes. Our approach focuses on retaining the defining elements of your home while improving layout, performance, and livability. The goal is to evolve the home—not erase its character.
Yes. We regularly work on homes within Heritage Conservation Districts and other sensitive contexts, ensuring designs are appropriate and approvable.
Costs vary depending on size, scope, and complexity. During early design phases, we help establish realistic budgets and align the design with your investment goals.
We typically begin with a feasibility and concept phase, followed by detailed design, permitting, and construction support. Throughout the process, we guide you through key decisions and approvals.
Yes. We design duplex, triplex, and fourplex conversions, as well as secondary suites and laneway or garden suites—helping you maximize your property’s potential.
Most renovations, additions, and new units require permits. We prepare the necessary drawings and coordinate submissions to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Timelines vary, but most projects take several months for design and approvals, followed by construction. We provide a clear schedule early in the process.
Yes. We often upgrade the building envelope, insulation, and systems to improve energy performance, comfort, and long-term durability.
Recognized expertise
Our work is grounded in recognized professional standards across architecture and heritage conservation. As members of leading organizations, we bring credibility, accountability, and expertise to every project.
Homeowners
Looking to renovate or reinvent your home?
We help you transform character homes into modern, efficient spaces — while preserving their story. Whether it’s a thoughtful retrofit, a full renovation, or a sensitive addition, we guide the process with care, clarity, and design expertise.
Developers & property owners
Working on a site with history or hidden potential?
We partner with developers to reimagine underused buildings — blending adaptive reuse, sustainability, and zoning insight to maximize value and impact. From feasibility to approvals, we help you build boldly and responsibly.
Are you a homeowner who wants to work with us?
From energy-efficient homes to precise construction techniques, we make it easy to build your dream home with confidence.
Are you a developer who wants to work with us?
Unleash your developer potential through innovative solutions and comprehensive support.
