Lindy Consulting Limited
Transforming Toronto Homes – Seamlessly, Sustainably, and Stylishly.
Steven Lindy Architect would like to work on your home renovation, addition or new build residential project. We can guide you through the building permit and approvals process. Homes are all about making the vision into reality. Every home owner wants to see their dreams take shape the right way. We are comfortable to work on contemporary or traditional designs and enjoy the challenge of adding character and personality to each and every project.
Our Services:
Transforming Toronto Homes
Seamlessly, Sustainably, and Stylishly
Modern Additions
Permit and Zoning Expertise
Design Options
Architectural Design
3d Visualization
Site Analysis
Determine Eco-Friendly design goals
New Construction
New Houses
Customized Designs
Renovations
Zoning Review Drawings
Attending Committee of Adjustment
*Expert at Obtaining Variances at Committee of Adjustment
Working Drawings
Permit Plans
Finish Selections
Site /Construction Review
Shop Drawing Review
Before and After
Design Intent: A modernist reimagining that retains the brick shell but integrates bold vertical glazing elements for a strikingly contemporary aesthetic.
Facade: The brick is preserved but now acts as a contrasting frame to expansive, floor-to-ceiling curtain wall systems with black aluminum framing.
Windows & Openings: The new design maximizes natural light and transparency, featuring a highly rhythmic and asymmetrical grid of glazing that gives the facade depth and sophistication.
Entry: The entrances are redefined with modern canopies and large glass doors, enhancing visibility and creating a more inviting threshold.
Architectural Features: Addition of stone coping along the parapet adds texture and contrast; vertical articulation with large glass sections lends the building a loft-like or high-end residential feel.
Architectural Summary:
This transformation shifts the building from utilitarian post-war housing to a sleek, urban contemporary residence. The renovation respects the original structure’s massing and brick materiality while elevating its architectural language through thoughtful modern interventions—especially via transparency, clean lines, and vertical emphasis.
Before and After
The images illustrate a dramatic residential transformation from a conventional mid-century home to a striking contemporary residence.
The original 1960s/70s split-level house featured a traditional brick exterior, pitched asphalt shingle roof, and basic landscaping typical of suburban developments of its era.
The renovation completely reimagined the structure with clean geometric lines, a flat roof, and a sophisticated mixed-material façade combining neutral stucco with warm wood accents. Expanded window openings create a stronger indoor-outdoor connection, while the new second story features extended horizontal elements that enhance the modern aesthetic. The exterior upgrade extends to the landscaping and driveway, where ornamental plantings and geometric paving replace the conventional concrete approach.
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Clean, geometric lines and a flat roof design
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Mixed material façade combining neutral beige stucco with warm wood paneling accents
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Large, minimalist windows that create visual openness
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A thoughtfully designed second story with extended horizontal elements
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This architectural metamorphosis transforms an ordinary suburban home into a contemporary residence with improved visual appeal, accompanied by enhanced functionality and energy efficiency.
Before and After
This is a striking residential transformation and conversion of a modest traditional home with a pitched roof, brick exterior, and conventional suburban aesthetic into a bold contemporary residence. The renovation features a sophisticated dark charcoal/black brick façade contrasted with warm wood accents, clean geometric lines with a flat roof, expanded window openings, and modernized entryway with contemporary stairs. This portfolio piece effectively demonstrates the architect's vision and expertise in completely reimagining ordinary residential structures with contemporary design principles, likely enhancing both form and function. The visual impact of this transformation serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of thoughtful architectural intervention in residential spaces.
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A dramatic contemporary transformation with striking modern architecture
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Dark charcoal/black brick exterior contrasted with warm wood accents
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Flat roof design with clean, geometric lines
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Expanded window openings with minimalist framing
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A prominent vertical wood panel section that serves as an architectural focal point
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Modern garage door integrated into the overall design
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New exterior staircase with contemporary railings
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Complete reimagining of the home's exterior character and street presence
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This transformation exemplifies how architectural intervention can completely reinvent an ordinary residential structure, bringing it into contemporary design language while likely improving functionality, energy efficiency, and spatial quality. The juxtaposition effectively showcases the architect's ability to envision and execute dramatic residential transformations.
Before and After
This is a dramatic architectural transformation of a semi-detached urban dwelling. In the "before" image (top):A traditional brick semi-detached home with a somewhat dated appearance red-toned brick exterior with a sunroom/enclosed porch addition with aluminum framing, a single-car garage at grade level with a basic overhead door, simple, functional entrance with concrete steps, minimal landscaping with basic plantings, traditional architectural elements typical of mid-century urban infill housing, limited street presence with ordinary proportions and materials.
In the "after" image (bottom): A complete contemporary reimagining of the semi-detached structure. Sophisticated black and white exterior color scheme creating striking contrast, clean, geometric forms with flat roof and cubic massing. Expanded second floor with large windows and a modest terrace/balcony. Modernized garage door integrated into the overall design aesthetic. Grand entrance with wide, geometrically designed concrete stairs. Thoughtful landscaping with structured planting beds and paved surfaces. Strong horizontal and vertical lines creating architectural interest. Significantly enhanced street presence and curb appeal.
The renovation represents a bold architectural intervention that completely transforms the semi-detached property from a dated, conventional structure into a contemporary urban residence. The redesign respects the original footprint while dramatically updating the visual language, spatial relationships, and the interior functionality.
This transformation demonstrates how architectural vision can reimagine existing housing stock to meet contemporary aesthetic and functional needs while maintaining the urban fabric of established neighborhoods.
Before and After
The transformation of this house is a striking example of a complete architectural overhaul — moving from a modest early-20th-century dwelling to a refined and formalized contemporary residence inspired by classical European influences.
The original house reflects a traditional post-war vernacular — a mix of Tudor and early modern elements, typical in many older North American neighborhoods.
The façade used red brick and stucco, with wooden window frames and a shallow front porch.
The structure was visually divided — an asymmetrical arrangement with a bay window, gabled roof, and central front entrance beneath a covered porch. This gave it a somewhat informal, domestic appearance.
The house appeared horizontally oriented, squat and modest in presence.
The redesign is a bold neoclassical reinterpretation with contemporary lines — evoking the grandeur of Parisian or Georgian townhouses but simplified for modern tastes.
A dramatic shift to limestone cladding provides a monolithic, elegant appearance. The windows are now black-framed and sharply detailed, enhancing the contrast and modernity.
The elevation is now more symmetrical, reinforcing classical balance.
The inclusion of low relief columns and a dentil cornice adds a monumental quality.
The dormer windows in the roof add architectural interest and height without disrupting the composition.
The front door has been repositioned to become a clear, framed focal point, beneath a classically proportioned portico.
The house has been visually and vertically elevated, achieving a sense of grandeur and vertical elegance previously lacking. The street presence is now bold and commanding.
This is more than a renovation; it's a complete transformation that reimagines the identity of the home. The original structure has been replaced or heavily restructured to create a formal, architecturally ambitious home. Where the old house was comfortable and anonymous, the new house is assertive, stylized, and formal — making a clear statement of refinement, permanence, and classical influence filtered through a contemporary lens.
Before and After
The images showcase a significant architectural transformation of an urban residence.
In the "before" image (top): A traditional home with charming but dated character Gray stucco exterior with a multi-pane glass sunroom/enclosed porch addition, pitched roof with older roofing.
The "after" image (bottom): A completely modernized residence with contemporary architectural languageLight-colored brick exterior creating a clean, refined appearanceSimplified cubic massing with flat roof and strong rectilinear forms minimalist fenestration with large, black-framed windows, generous glazing including a dramatic picture window on the main level, dark entry door integrated into a minimalist composition, simplified entry approach with clean lines. Restrained, precise landscaping with organized plantings.
Overall more sophisticated street presence.
The renovation transforms an older urban dwelling into a refined contemporary residence. The redesign employs current architectural principles with an emphasis on clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and a material palette that feels both modern and timeless. The transformation maintains the home's urban context while significantly updating its aesthetic and likely improving its interior spaces through better light penetration and modern spatial organization. This project demonstrates how architectural intervention can respect a building's history while boldly moving it into the present.
Visit our website www.lanewayarchitect.com our website dedicated to Laneway Housing in Toronto
Lindy Consulting Limited is an award Winning Licensed Architectural Practice for the Province of Ontario
Visit our blog and www.greenismainstream.ca our site dedicated to Green Building
STEVEN LINDY
Architect, Principal
Steven Lindy, B.Arch., OAA
Experience working at Zeidler Partnership Architects, Arcop Architects, Norr Architects, in the Real Estate Development industry, for Alterra Group, consulting for Greenpark Group.
Lindy Consulting is an Architectural practice formed in 2008.
Winner Best of Houzz 10 years in a row.
We have won best of Homestars 3 times.
We offer personalized and friendly service and attention to detail.
We have a strong understanding of sustainability.
Most of our projects are located in the best neighbourhoods in the GTA.
We will take the time to meet, to listen, and to understand your needs and to help them through the process and the project.
Process for Variances and Permit
Zoning Review
-Drawings for a Zoning Review;
-Obtain zoning review
Committee of Adjustment
-Apply to Committee of Adjustment
-Obtain hearing date
-Post notice of public hearing
-Planning or other stake holders may provide comments or report to the committee (planner may recommend approval or refusal)
-obtain letters of support from neighbours.
-Attend committee hearing.
Permit
-Finish drawings for permit.
-Obtain structural comments and seal
-Apply for building permit.