Hi there,

We’re Simone & Phil

OUR story…

the short story…

We embarked on our journey in 2019 after relocating from Toronto to Hamilton, captivated by its vibrant history and distinctive old-world architecture. Our first project, a charming 100-year-old home, showcased our passion for preserving historical details, earning us recognition in the local community. Following the success of our renovation of project St. Clair, we’ve since been revitalizing homes across the GTA, infusing each space with unique character and soul.

the long story…

We met in 2017 and 2 years later had the opportunity to buy our first house. Being priced out of Toronto’s crazy real estate market, we did what everyone does and headed to the suburbs - until we realized how much we were city people. Quickly into house hunting we realized how much we craved culture, diversity and OLD architecture. 

Hamilton is to Toronto as Brooklyn is to Manhattan. A perfect gem only 45 mins away with its own scene.

We bought our first home together, Project Stipley 1. It was all we could afford and it needed WORK, but knowing we were ready to tackle a project, it wasn’t an issue for us. We didn’t want to pay for someone else’s crappy “flip” renovation with grey floors which was so ubiquitous.

We bought right before the pandemic and Phil, being a Sous Chef at the time, was laid off. Our reno dreams had to be readjusting quite a bit which meant doing a lot of the work ourselves. 

Renovating our first home took 2 years of doing whatever we could here and there overtime. Luckily, life got brighter for us as we were both now working again and we were able to climb the property ladder and move into our current home - project West Harbour.

After posting our Principal Bathroom renovation to social media, we caught the attention of our first ever client who was obsessed with the fact that we reproduced the 100 year old floors in our first home, and because she had them in her home too! This along with our (very limited) portfolio of previous work led her to take a leap of faith with us and gave us our 1st ever job - a 2.5 story Edwardian with a nanny suite.

We now have a business that is thriving and keeps attracting the best of clients we could ever ask for. Each project is an opportunity to breathe new life into old spaces, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.

OUR philosophy…

WE ADD SOUL INTO EVERY HOME

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship. We believe in creating spaces that are not just on-trend but timeless, integrating the unique character of each home with the needs and lifestyles of our clients. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with our clients, honoring the architecture and history of their homes while designing for modern living.

the CREATORS

  • Simone Smith

    Principal Designer & Creative Director

    Simone Smith leads our design approach with a strong focus on creating spaces that blend contemporary style with timeless appeal. She carefully balances the original character of each home with the needs of modern living, making sure every space is both functional and true to its roots. With a degree in Construction Engineering and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, Simone oversees each project from start to finish, ensuring the final result reflects the client's vision and lifestyle.

  • Philip McDonald

    Lead Contractor & Construction Manager

    Philip McDonald manages the construction side of our projects with a focus on quality and attention to detail. As Lead Contractor and Project Manager, Philip brings experience and dedication to every build and remodel, ensuring the work is done efficiently and to the highest standards. His role is to make the construction process as smooth as possible, delivering spaces that are well-crafted and built to last. Philip is a licensed contractor with exceptional knowledge of part 3 and 9 of the Ontario Building Code.

OUR process…

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY, WE HANDLE IT ALL

Our process is designed to make your renovation or new build as smooth as possible. We start with a discovery call to understand your vision, followed by an in-depth design consultation where we outline your dream space. Once the design is approved, we manage the entire build process, keeping you informed at every stage. From concept to construction, we handle it all, ensuring your dream space comes to life with minimal stress.

OUR specialty…

REVIVING HOMES, CREATING LEGACY SPACES

We specialize in transforming older homes, blending their unique character with modern design. Whether it’s a renovation to restore a historical gem or a new build designed to fit seamlessly into its surroundings, we take pride in creating spaces that stand the test of time. Our work focuses on giving new life to homes while preserving their history, creating legacy spaces that will be cherished for generations.