Toronto · Muskoka · Across Canada

Architectural design shaped by people and place.

BLDG Workshop is a Canadian architectural design studio creating custom homes, cottages, renovations and additions shaped by the people who live in them and the places they call home.

From our offices in Toronto and Muskoka, we work with clients across Canada, including British Columbia.

Start a conversation

A timber and glass cottage set among the rocks and trees of the Algonquin Highlands. — Algonquin Highlands Cottage · A home in conversation with its setting.

Nathan Buhler

Canadian designer and founder of BLDG Workshop.

Nathan leads the team from offices in Toronto and Muskoka. He is often in British Columbia, where he grew up and where the studio has designed homes in the Okanagan.

He came to architectural design through architectural technology, bringing an equal interest in building science and the feeling a place creates. His approach starts by listening to the people who will live in a home, looking closely at its setting, and making room for clients, colleagues and builders to shape the work together.

“We want to do work that matters to us, matters to our clients, and matters to the builders that are building it.”
Nathan Buhler · The Construction Source

Textured pale stone surrounds the tall fireplace at the home in Port Credit. — Lakeshore Residence, Port Credit · Built with Easton Homes.

Your ideas belong here.

At Lakeshore Residence, a client reimagined a stone detail Nathan had proposed. Her version was rougher, more textured and more closely connected to what she wanted the home to feel like.

“She came up with a detail of her own, replacing my detail. I loved my detail, but she made something even better.”
Nathan Buhler · The Construction Source

That is the kind of exchange we welcome. A strong design point of view, with room for yours.

See the home in Port Credit

A conversation that becomes a home.

Begin with people

How do you want to live here? We talk about your routines, the things you love, your ideas for the property, and the practical considerations that shape the project.

Listen to the place

Light, views, trees, rock and the character of the site give the design its starting points. We explore how your home can belong to its surroundings.

Shape it together

Ideas become drawings, conversations become decisions, and the design develops in collaboration with you and the people who will help bring it to life.

From clients and collaborators.

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been thrilled to have Nathan and his team guide and facilitate us through our cottage rebuild.
Many people in this industry have big egos but not Nathan. He is a true collaborator and keen to do what is right for his clients.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Joanne C 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nathan took us from an assortment of photos and a wishlist to a home! He connected us to our awesome team, including interior design by Jenny @ Jae Form and our contractor, RBA. Thank you, BLDG Workshop! Great things happening.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Tali L 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've had Nathan do four projects for us, and it's been terrific. He is great at understanding your ideas and turning them into something better than you envisioned.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Peter d 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have happily hired BLDG on two renovations for our family and have referred them to others often.  Their work is incredible and their process is collaborative and creative!
10/10 would recommend
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   AB

A few good questions.

What kinds of projects do you take on?

Our work includes custom homes, cottages, renovations and additions. We’re drawn to projects where the people and the qualities of the site can meaningfully shape the design.

Where do you work?

We have offices in Toronto and Muskoka and work on projects elsewhere in Ontario and British Columbia. Tell us about your location so we can discuss whether the project is a good fit.

What should we bring to a first conversation?

Start with the location, what you hope to create or change, and your anticipated timing and budget. Photographs, plans or a few references can help, but you don’t need to have every answer.

Tell us about your place.

We’d love to meet the people behind the project. Share a little about yourself, your property and what you hope life there could look like.

A sheltered sitting area opens towards trees and the lake at Algonquin Highlands Cottage.