Ashley Jane Adams

I am a licensed architect with a Master of Architecture and a background in fine arts from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Based in Toronto, I have over six years of experience in custom residential design, creating homes that begin with how people live and feel in their spaces. I enjoy the design challenge of bridging the old and the new—preserving the character of a home while introducing thoughtful, functional improvements.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Before focusing on residential work, I gained experience on large-scale transit projects, school renovations, and heritage restoration, which shaped my attention to detail and ability to navigate complex design challenges.

Over the past six years, I have specialized in high-end custom residential architecture, focusing on both transformative renovations and carefully integrated additions. My experience spans a range of projects including full rebuilds of existing homes, modern second-storey additions, rear and side extensions, and interior gut renovations.

I have worked closely with clients to reimagine and maximize existing spaces, often addressing challenging constraints such as limited window openings, narrow lots, or multigenerational living needs. My approach emphasizes daylight, spatial flow, and material harmony, blending natural light, wood, and contemporary finishes to create homes that feel open, bright, and welcoming.

KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Additions & Rebuilds
Second-storey and rear additions, cantilevered extensions, and full-house reconstructions that respect the character of the existing home while providing modern functionality.
Interior Renovations
Ground-floor reconfigurations, kitchen and living area redesigns, bespoke cabinetry, and careful detailing to improve circulation and highlight architectural features like stairs or skylights.
Material & Finish Strategy
Thoughtful integration of modern materials—such as metal, wood, fiber-cement, or stucco—with the existing materials of the home, whether brick, siding, or other surfaces, ensuring that new additions and renovations harmonize with the original facade and textures to create a cohesive, contemporary-yet-rooted exterior.
Daylighting & Spatial Planning
Strategic placement of skylights, lightwells, and window openings to maximize natural light and create the illusion of larger, airy interiors.
Building Systems & Performance
Upgrading and coordinating HVAC systems—including forced air and radiator setups—along with electrical and plumbing infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration with structural modifications and interior renovations for optimal comfort, functionality, and long-term performance.