Toronto has long been known as a hub for innovative design. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is home to a vibrant community of designers working across disciplines like architecture, industrial design, fashion, graphic design, and more. This special report will provide an in-depth look at some of the latest design news and developments happening in Toronto.
Overview of Toronto’s Design Scene
Toronto has a rich history when it comes to design. Some of Canada’s most iconic buildings like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Toronto City Hall were designed by famous architects in the city. Toronto is also home to dozens of post-secondary design schools including OCAD University, Ryerson University School of Interior Design, and Yorkville University’s School of Design.
These schools churn out thousands of graduates every year, helping to feed Toronto’s bustling design community. Whether it’s a small graphic design studio, boutique industrial design firm, or large architecture practice, Toronto has no shortage of creative design talent.
The city hosts several major design events each year including Toronto Design Week, Interior Design Show, and the architecturally-focused Open Doors event. Toronto also has a number of studios and showrooms for international design brands, giving locals access to globally-renowned furniture, lighting, and home decor.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest happenings in Toronto’s architecture, interior design, industrial design, and fashion design sectors.
Notable News in Toronto Architecture
Toronto’s skyline is always evolving thanks to the work of the city’s talented architects. Here are some of the most exciting new projects and architectural developments happening in Toronto right now:
The Well Mixed-Use Development
One of the most ambitious projects in Toronto is The Well. Located downtown near Spadina Ave and Front St, The Well is a massive 7-acre mixed-use development designed by architects Allied Works, Diamond Schmitt, KPMB, and Hariri Pontarini.
When finished, this urban neighborhood will feature over 1 million square feet of retail space, office space, rental apartments, and condominiums all centered around a large public square. The unique curved terraced structures are designed to maximize sunlight and create an interconnected community. The Well is set to be completed in 2023.
Mirvish Village Revitalization
Mirvish Village is a historic merchant area in Toronto dating back to the early 1900s. The aging buildings are now being revived through a major development project led by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The revitalization will add new retail spaces, residences, and public areas while preserving heritage buildings like the iconic Honest Ed’s sign.
EY Tower Expansion
Toronto’s iconic EY Tower (formerly known as Aura) is getting a major expansion designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects. The addition will be a new 49-storey tower integrated into the existing 78-storey condo building. This architecture milestone will make the expanded EY Tower the tallest residential structure in Canada upon completion in 2023.
Notable Interior Design Projects
Interior design is thriving across Toronto for both residential and commercial spaces. Here are some standout new interior design projects in the city:
Magellan Aerospace Corporate Headquarters
International design firm Gensler was brought in to reimagine the corporate headquarters for aerospace manufacturer Magellan Aerospace. The stunning new office design in Mississauga features a sun-drenched atrium, spacious work areas, vivid graphics, and unique curved architectural details.
Marigold Boutique Condos
These new modern condominium suites were designed by Audax Architecture. Located steps from Yonge Street, these compact residences maximize space with clever transformable furniture and have chic interiors featuring marble surfaces, custom millwork, and high-end finishes.
Toronto Restaurants Interiors
Some of Toronto’s top restaurants have undergone gorgeous interior renovations lately like Italian spot Terroni Adelaide, seafood restaurant Bar Reyna, and the Whelan Café located within the Metropolitan United Church. These dining rooms showcase the creativity of Toronto’s restaurant design community.
Update on Industrial Design in Toronto
From the design of gadgets to furniture, industrial design is crucial for developing new consumer products. Here are some of the latest industrial design developments happening in Toronto:
Bus Tech Manufacturing Facility
Toronto-based Bus Tech Inc. opened a new high-tech manufacturing facility in 2021 to build its accessible transit vehicles. The facility has industrial design labs and prototyping equipment for designing and testing innovative new accessible buses and shuttles.
University of Toronto Furniture Research
Researchers at the University of Toronto have collaborated with long-term care facilities to create specialized furniture to improve quality of life for elderly residents. The industrial designers address issues like postural support and pressure relief through customizable chair and bed prototypes.
Soma Water Filtration
This Ontario-based startup used industrial design to create an elegant countertop water filtration device. Soma’s signature carafe and plant-based filter were engineered to provide premium filtration while looking beautiful in any home.
Major Fashion & Apparel News
Whether it’s high fashion or mass-market brands, Toronto has an abundance of apparel designers. Check out these recent happenings in Toronto fashion:
Jamilah Barry Wins Futures Forward Fashion Prize
Emerging Toronto designer Jamilah Barry gained international recognition after winning the 2022 Futures Forward Fashion Prize for her sustainable line Hanifaland that combines vibrant African textiles with minimalist silhouettes.
Mackage Opens Yorkville Flagship Store
Canadian outerwear brand Mackage committed to the Toronto market by opening a new 3,575 square foot flagship boutique in the posh Yorkville neighborhood. The two-level store features the brand’s full range of leather jackets, coats, and accessories.
Knix Plans Permanent Showroom
After gaining popularity with its leakproof underwear and swimwear, Toronto D2C brand Knix announced plans to open the company’s first permanent showroom where shoppers can see and try on products in person.
Supporting Toronto’s Emerging Designers
From special events to mentorship programs, Toronto has many great initiatives to support up-and-coming designers:
- The DesignTO festival highlights local designers through exhibitions, pop-up shops, studio tours, and its annual EDITION showcase.
- Toronto Arts Council’s CONTACT Photography Festival has an annual “On The Rise” showcase to promote developing lens-based artists.
- The Design Exchange “Fashion Incubator” program provides workshops, mentorship and business training for new fashion designers and brands.
- Non-profit organization Fashion Takes Action runs a “Design Forward” incubator for ethical and sustainable fashion startups.
Supporting this next generation of creative talent will ensure Toronto remains at the forefront of innovative design in the future. The city has built a strong foundation through its world-class design schools, bustling indie design scene, competitive incubators, and a population passionate about architecture, interiors, industrial design, fashion and more.
Exciting design developments are happening every day across Toronto. This special report has only scratched the surface of the noteworthy news and trends shaping the city’s vibrant design community. From new architectural marvels, to chic residential interiors, ingenious product inventions, and rising fashion talents – it’s an inspiring time to be a designer in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto Design
Here are answers to some common questions people have about design in Toronto:
What are the best architecture firms in Toronto?
Some of Toronto’s top architecture firms include Diamond Schmitt, KPMB Architects, Moriyama & Teshima, Quadrangle, RAW Design, and designersAlliance. Many have designed iconic buildings locally and worldwide.
Where do interior designers in Toronto source furnishings?
Top furniture and decor showrooms include EQ3, Elte, Dwell, House of Han, Ciot, and Herman Miller. Shops like Mjölk and Style Garage are also designer favorites. Local fabric shops like Fabricland supply custom upholstery materials.
Is the interior design job market strong in Toronto?
Yes, interior design has seensteady job growth in Toronto as the city expands. Most jobs exist in residential design firms and corporate design studios. Entry-level positions are competitive – new grads often first work as in-house design assistants or sales associates.
Where do industrial designers find jobs in Toronto?
Major employers of industrial designers in Toronto include tech firms, medical companies, consumer product brands, and automotive companies. Many industrial designers are also self-employed or work at independent design consultancies.
How can Toronto fashion designers build their brands?
They can establish themselves through fashion competitions, pop-up shops, mentorships, starting online stores, networking at fashion events, interning under established designers, and collaborating with photographers/stylists to create polished portfolios.
Are there good shops for locally made fashion in Toronto?
Yes, local boutiques supporting Toronto brands include Spadina Avenue’s Courage My Love, Queen Street’s Radical Road Radio, West Queen West’s Centre for Style, and Dupont Street’s M’Oak. Events like Toronto Fashion Week also showcase local emerging talent.
Conclusion
Toronto has cemented itself as a world-class city when it comes to creativity and design excellence. Looking at the new architectural triumphs, chic interiors, design-forward products, and household name fashion brands born in Toronto – it’s clear this city has a bright design future ahead.
With its fine schools pumping out talented graduates and the support systems in place from organizations, incubators and government funding – Toronto’s designers have incredible resources available right on their doorstep. The local design scene has never been stronger or more vibrant.
This special report has illuminated just a sampling of the remarkable design innovation and news happening in Toronto today. From game-changing mixed-use communities to sustainable industrial prototypes, groundbreaking fashion talents and more – Toronto design is making headlines around the globe. We look forward to seeing how Toronto designers continue pushing boundaries and shaping the future.
