The most influential architect in Toronto right now

Dear reader,

For the second half of the century, Toronto’s reputation for design was considered meh at best, with critics routinely attacking the city for its lack of originality (unlike Montreal) and for its dearth of greenery (unlike Vancouver). And the worst part was that they were mostly right. Our pathologically pragmatic approach to growth gave us blandiose concrete towers and a downtown besieged by parking lots. But that was the past.

Today, Toronto’s builders, engineers and architects routinely garner worldwide praise—not simply because their projects are beautiful, but also because they solve contemporary problems: condos that generate their own solar energy, parks that render stormwater potable with lasers, modular housing that can rise in a day. That sort of thing.
Chief among the city’s new innovators is architect Siamak Hariri—No. 35 on our list of this year's most infliential Torontonians—a man bringing renewed glam to Toronto’s cultural institutions. The visionary behind Stratford’s recently reimagined and rave-worthy Tom Patterson Theatre is also working on a $400-million eco-overhaul of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, a high-tech revitalization of the Regent Theatre on Mount Pleasant and a built-from-scratch stunner in York University’s new art gallery. Hariri came up during the dark days of design. Now he’s shining light on Toronto as a city of the future.

Also in today’s Curb Appeal: $3.3 million to live in the childhood home of a Canadian legend, a Trinity Bellwoods detached with 36-foot ceilings and a behind-the-scenes look at some new laneway suites at Main and Gerrard. Visit torontolife.com for all our real estate coverage.

We’re about to see a whole lot of Hariri and his firm, Hariri Pontarini Architects, in 2024 and beyond. Along with his stunning cultural builds sprinkled across the city, he’s hinted at some soon-to-be revealed projects for the ROM and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Read more here.

Neil Young lived in this Moore Park classic for five years as a teenager. It’s since been renovated into a fancy duplex, with an 1,100-square-foot basement a secret hot tub. Take the tour now.

This $4-million home in Trinity Bellwoods is a residental rarity: its frame is made of steel, which allows its floors to seemingly float above the atrium, each supported only by three walls.

In October 2020, neighbours George Emerson and Jon Braun set out to build three new laneway suites overlooking Norwood Park, inspired by London’s famous mews. Here’s how it went.

In the latest issue: our annual ranking of the people whose courage, smarts and clout are changing our city—and the world—as we know it. Plus, the ultimate holiday gift guide, memories of 888 Dupont, a Q&A with prog-rock icon Geddy Lee, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.