Omar Gandhi Architects
The Toronto Studio
Omar Gandhi Architects is a celebrated Canadian architectural firm with studios in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario. Established in 2010, the firm has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative and contextually sensitive designs.
Since opening the Toronto studio in 2016, the firm has expanded its focus from Atlantic Canada’s vernacular architecture to include urban, mixed-use, and residential projects across Toronto and Ontario. Known for blending modern aesthetics with natural and urban landscapes, the firm is committed to creating designs that are as functional as they are inspiring.
Notable Projects Across Toronto and Ontario
Prime Seafood Palace
Located in Toronto’s vibrant West Queen West neighborhood, Prime Seafood Palace is an excellent example of the firm’s ability to craft intimate yet bold spaces. The restaurant’s design blends warmth, solidity, and elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners.
The meticulous use of wood and natural materials reflects the firm’s emphasis on harmony and sustainability, qualities that define its work across Ontario.
Lady Marmalade
This popular brunch spot in Toronto showcases Omar Gandhi Architects talent for merging functionality with aesthetic appeal. The design features clean lines, open spaces, and playful touches that create a lively dining environment.
Lady Marmalade is a testament to the firm’s skill in translating a client’s vision into a distinctive urban project that enhances the local fabric of Toronto.
1255
Situated in the Greater Toronto Area, this residential project reimagines the traditional family home. Perched on a hill, the house provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The design incorporates terraced half-levels, creating a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the natural environment.
This project exemplifies the firm’s commitment to integrating contemporary design with Ontario’s unique topography.
Lake Joseph Cottage
Located on a private island in Lake Joseph, Ontario, this family retreat includes a main cottage, boathouse, and bunkies. The design’s cross-gable roof orientation maximizes views of the surrounding water, creating a tranquil and cohesive aesthetic.
Lake Joseph Cottage is a prime example of how Omar Gandhi Architects harmonizes architecture with Ontario’s breathtaking natural settings.
Brar Residence
Located in Toronto, Ontario, the Brar Residence demonstrates the firm’s ability to blend contemporary design elements with traditional forms. This multi-generational residential project celebrates the client's cultural identity while ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The residence is yet another example of the firm’s growing influence in shaping Ontario’s modern architectural landscape.
Pier 8 Competition
Omar Gandhi Architects participated on a team led by KPMB Architects in the high-profile Pier 8 competition, which focused on redeveloping the Hamilton waterfront in Ontario.
The teams entry showcased its innovative approach to urban planning and sustainability, emphasizing community engagement and ecological preservation. This project highlights the firm’s versatility and ability to tackle large-scale urban projects across Ontario.
About Omar Gandhi
Omar Gandhi, the founder and principal architect of Omar Gandhi Architect, was born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, Ontario. He earned a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Toronto and a Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since establishing his firm, Gandhi has become one of Canada’s most celebrated architects, known for his thoughtful designs that connect architecture to its surroundings.
Gandhi’s work has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture from the Canada Council for the Arts in 2014. In 2018, his firm received a Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, further cementing its reputation as a leader in Canadian architecture. Gandhi has also served as the Louis I. Kahn Visiting Assistant Professor at the Yale School of Architecture, reflecting his dedication to mentoring the next generation of architects.
In 2020, Gandhi was announced as an inaugural fellow at UHN (University Health Network) Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine Housing Design Fellowship. This fellowship recognizes Gandhi’s expertise in creating innovative and affordable housing solutions, particularly in the urban contexts of Toronto and Ontario.
About Stephanie Hosein
Stephanie Hosein is a registered architect and associate at Omar Gandhi Architects, playing a pivotal role in the firm’s Toronto studio. A graduate of Dalhousie University’s Master of Architecture program, Hosein received the AIA Henry Adams Certificate and was recognized on the RAIC Honour Roll for her academic achievements.
Hosein’s expertise spans commercial, hospitality, residential, and educational projects, making her an invaluable asset to the firm’s operations in Toronto and Ontario. She is known for her exceptional leadership and meticulous attention to detail, which are evident in many of the firm’s high-profile projects.
In addition to her architectural practice, Hosein is deeply committed to advancing equity in the profession. She serves as a member of the board for BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto), an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the architectural community. Her work with BEAT reflects her passion for fostering a more equitable and representative profession, particularly in Toronto and Ontario.
In 2024, Hosein was inducted into the Royal Architectural Institute's of Canada's College of Fellows in recognition of her voluntary contributions to the profession.
OG
The Toronto Studio
Named the Top Architecture Firm in both Toronto & all of Canada by Architizer
Connecting Architecture to Place
Omar Gandhi Architects’ work across Toronto and Ontario is characterized by a deep respect for the natural and cultural contexts of its projects. The firm prioritizes designs that are both functional and emotionally resonant, ensuring that each project enhances its environment.
Whether designing a restaurant in downtown Toronto or a family cottage in rural Ontario, the firm’s approach remains consistent: to create spaces that are as beautiful as they are meaningful. This philosophy has earned Omar Gandhi Architects a reputation as one of Canada’s most innovative and influential architectural practices.
Omar Gandhi Architects’ Toronto studio represents a significant evolution in the firm’s practice, allowing it to contribute to the architectural discourse in Ontario and beyond. Through projects like Prime Seafood Palace, Lady Marmalade, 1255, Lake Joseph Cottage, the Brar Residence, and the Pier 8 competition, the firm has demonstrated its ability to blend modern design with local traditions.
Both Omar Gandhi and Stephanie Hosein exemplify the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity. With its growing portfolio of impactful projects and its strong presence in Toronto and Ontario, Omar Gandhi Architects’ continues to shape the future of Canadian architecture.
For more information about the firm’s projects and philosophy, visit omargandhi.com.
The Toronto studio of Omar Gandhi Architects has become a hub for innovation and creativity, enabling the firm to expand its impact across Ontario. Located in Parkdale, the studio focuses on projects that explore urban design, sustainability, and community engagement. By blending modern architectural techniques with Ontario’s diverse cultural and environmental contexts, the studio continues to shape the province’s architectural identity.
Projects like Prime Seafood Palace, Lady Marmalade, and the Pier 8 competition demonstrate the studio’s ability to adapt its design philosophy to Toronto’s urban environment. Meanwhile, residential projects such as the 1255 Project, Lake Joseph Cottage, and the Brar Residence highlight the firm’s capacity to integrate modern design with Ontario’s cityscapes and unique landscapes.
The Toronto studio also serves as a platform for collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and the broader architectural community. By maintaining a strong presence in Ontario’s largest city, Omar Gandhi Architects’ is well-positioned to influence the future of architecture in the province.