Our History

The Beginning

Études was founded in 2009 by Michael Chen in Toronto, Canada. What started as a small studio with just three architects has grown into an internationally recognized firm with over 120 team members across three continents.

Michael's vision was simple yet ambitious: create an architecture firm that merges creativity with functionality, always with sustainability at its core. This vision has guided every decision we've made since day one.

Our Journey

2009 — Founding

Études opens its doors in Toronto with a team of 3 architects. First project: a sustainable residential renovation in Cabbagetown.

2011 — First Award

Winner of the Ontario Association of Architects Award for Innovation for our sustainable community center project in Hamilton.

2013 — International Expansion

Opens second office in New York City. Team grows to 25 members. First international project: a boutique hotel in Barcelona.

2015 — Sustainability Leadership

Achieves LEED Platinum certification for the Greenview Corporate Campus. First firm in Canada to reach 50 completed sustainable projects.

2017 — Digital Innovation

Launches proprietary BIM workflow system. Wins Fast Company Innovation by Design award. Team reaches 75 members.

2019 — Ten Years of Excellence

Celebrates 10 years with 500+ completed projects. Opens London office. Launches Études Architect App with 10,000+ users in first month.

2021 — Pandemic Innovation

Adapts to remote work with enhanced digital collaboration tools. Completes 50 projects remotely. Launches virtual design consultation services.

2023 — Global Recognition

Named one of Architectural Digest's Top 50 Firms. Featured in Dezeen, ArchDaily, and TED Talks. Team grows to 120+ members across 4 offices.

2024 — The Future

Continuing to push boundaries with AI-integrated design tools and sustainable materials research. Currently working on 85 active projects across 12 countries.

Awards & Recognition

Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by leading organizations worldwide:

AIA Gold Medal — 2023 (Michael Chen)
Architectural Digest Top 50 Firms — 2023, 2024
Fast Company Innovation by Design — 2017, 2022
Dezeen Awards Finalist — 2021, 2022, 2023
LEED Firm of the Year — 2020 (Canada Green Building Council)
AIA Young Architects Award — 2022 (Elena Rodriguez)
Ontario Association of Architects Award — 2011, 2015, 2019
Sustainability Leadership Award — 2021 (Green Building Council)

Looking Forward

As we move into the future, Études remains committed to our founding principles: innovative design, sustainable practices, and client-centered collaboration. We're exploring new technologies like AI-assisted design, advanced materials science, and modular construction to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Our goal is to not just meet the challenges of tomorrow's built environment, but to help shape it. Join us on this exciting journey.