TESTIMONIALS
Transformative Experience with a Talented Architect!
We recently took the leap and left Toronto to purchase a fixer-upper in a quiet, picturesque cul-de-sac in Peterborough. The house had tons of potential but also plenty of quirks that needed attention. That’s when we found our architect, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!
From the very beginning, Harry was incredibly receptive to our ideas and vision for the space. He worked with us to create a home that felt both modern and timeless, while retaining the charm of our cottage. One of the first major changes was removing the quirky second front door, which opened up the space and allowed for a stunning row of windows in the kitchen. These windows not only let in tons of natural light but also create a beautiful view of our street. The addition of banquette seating in the kitchen, which we now call ‘the sunroom,’ has truly elevated the space. It’s become our favorite spot to entertain and relax.
In the living/dining area, Harry expertly opened up the floor plan, making the space feel much more open and inviting. The highlight here is a stylish new wood-burning fireplace, which adds so much warmth and character to the space—perfect for cozy evenings.
Another brilliant addition was a sleek, spiral staircase from the living room down to the basement. Not only does it save space, but it adds a beautiful, modern design element to the home. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, and has made accessing the basement much more convenient, while also serving as a statement piece in the room.
Upstairs, the transformation is nothing short of magical. The previously dark, cramped top floor has been completely opened up into a grand, airy primary bedroom. With large skylights, elegant French doors, and a Juliet balcony overlooking the street, it’s now a sanctuary of natural light and fresh air. We love sipping our morning coffee there and greeting the neighbors as they walk by or listening to the birds in the spring!
The mix of modern and classic design elements has made our home feel relaxed, yet sophisticated—a true retreat from the world. It’s amazing how Harry took a house that once felt run-down and turned it into a beautifully balanced and functional home.
Overall, we are beyond pleased with the work our architect did. Harry brought our vision to life in ways we never could have imagined. Our home now feels light, airy, open, and inviting. If you’re looking for someone who can truly understand your vision and deliver a flawless result, we highly recommend this architect!
J. Routliff
About a Peterborough renovation
Over the past weekend my family members have been exclaiming how spectacular the cottage is — as have I, of course. There were tears of joy last evening. To say thank you is wholly inadequate. Your design, your selection of finishes, your insistence on using Steve to build the cottage — just several of the reasons for our deep appreciation.
R. Stamberger
About a new cottage on Georgian Bay
We knew when we purchased our 2 bedroom semi in Leaside that eventually we would want more space. Loving the neighbourhood and not wanting to move, we engaged Harry to help us expand our home.
Harry was professional and accountable throughout the entire process. He came up with concepts I never would have imagined and people are always commenting on the great new layout. I highly recommend working with Harry! Construction is always somewhat painful, but Harry guided us expertly and helped ease our stress tremendously.
K. Grundy, Toronto
“Your renovation has preserved the look and feel of a cottage that has enjoyed almost 100 years of family ownership. Doing a major renovation like this required an architect we could trust to carry out our wishes and to see that the work was done well and on time. You did all this and were terrific to work with.
The beautiful cottage we now have will be enjoyed by my family for another 100 years.”
Kirtland Gardner, Tuscon, Arizona
About a Muskoka cottage
“We really cannot express how pleased we are with the re-design of our first floor — thanks to Harry. Our house, built in Rosedale circa 1900, had a very small kitchen, an overly large dining room, and a totally unusable back room leading to the garden. Harry came in and saw immediately how it “should” look. We now have a lovely large kitchen, a sitting area where the kitchen was, and a dining room overlooking the garden with 7 foot high windows. It honestly looks like a new house, while still maintaining the charm and traditional detailing of the original.
Harry was very respectful of our
Harry worked very well with our contractor and was very professional in all of our dealings. Without hesitation would we recommend him to our friends and family!”
T. Wheler, Toronto, Ont.
About a downtown renovation
“We are committed city-dwellers, and after buying a historic,
We had some serious structural and planning issues to resolve. After we reviewed Harry Lay’s suggestions for remedies and costs, we gave him free rein to manage the whole project. Years of neglect meant that all parts of the home had to be rejuvenated. We had problems with the heating and cooling; the lighting was terrible; we needed a new staircase, and all aspects of the interior design needed a professional touch.
Harry has struck a balance between old and new in our home. It now shows off all the best parts of its’ age, without making sacrifices to modern function. The design for our home has captured exactly the spirit that we wanted to convey. The principal rooms sparkle; our third floor is a romantic aerie.
Harry worked alongside the builder to tailor the work carefully to our
J. Black and B. Allan, Toronto, Ont.
About a Toronto home
“Elevated in a secluded inner hollow of the town Port Hope, this beautifully proportioned house is a fine blend of the traditional with the modern, where nothing seems out of place.”
Architectural Conservancy’s Guide to Port Hope, 1997
About a new home in Port Hope
“We searched high and low for the Toronto Architect who could best handle the tough job of renovating our century-old farmhouse. We chose Harry Lay because of his beautiful work. We chose him for his excellent rapport with builders. We chose Harry for his wonderful feeling for Ontario architecture. And we would recommend him to anyone interested in design, be it for a home or a country place.”
Mrs. H. S. Gooderham, Millbrook, Ont.
About a century farmhouse
“It’s a great feeling seeing the
Mr. D. Blakey, Bass Lake, Ont.
About a cottage on
“We couldn’t have been more pleased and satisfied with the experience, skill, creativity
In our project … Harry not only creatively but very enthusiastically met the challenges that we had struggled with for years. The end result is that they have turned out to be the signature features of our building! Harry handled our work very independently, managing the general contractor, subcontractors and all the liaisons with the government bodies for permits, with little involvement from us once the plans were agreed upon. We are especially indebted to him for his skill in this aspect of the work. We would not hesitate in any way to use Harry’s services again (and, in fact, are doing so, as we head into Phase 2 of our project).”
Glenn and Trish Jones, Port Severn, Ont.
About a cottage on Port Severn
“Harry Lay has done an excellent job with our renovation, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
When my husband and I decided that we needed to renovate our century-old home, our main considerations were budget and to maximize light and space. Having formerly been broken up into apartments, the house was very dark, and when Harry came to see it,
Then came time to find a contractor. Harry helped us to find the best possible contractor for our small budget. During the work, Harry was at our house almost every day, checking in with the contractor and trades, and keeping everyone
Now, we love our home. It is perfect for entertaining and people always admire its unique design is unique, beautiful, yet highly practical and functional design. We are very happy with Harry’s work and proud to show off his design. We will undoubtedly work with him again in the future.”
Leslie Brown
About a house renovation in Regal Heights
At the initiative of Harry Lay, the front Portico of Regal Road School in the Oakwood neighborhood of Toronto was completely restored. This historic landmark was built originally in 1913, and constructed in Toronto brick and Birmingham sandstone. The stonework on the building facade had fallen into a state of disrepair when the local citizens, lead by Harry Lay, undertook its restoration. The project was awarded the City of Toronto 2008 Heritage Award.
“Congratulations on your 2008 Heritage Toronto Award! Your hard work and dedication to our city’s heritage have enriched the quality of life in Toronto, and we are enormously grateful for your efforts.”
Cesar Palacio, Councillor, City of Toronto
About a City of Toronto Heritage Award
“The Regal Road School Portico became a priority of the Residents’ Association, and in particular of Harry Lay, the immediate
This is what can happen when resourceful residents (like Harry) band together with the Councillor and put their minds to something.”
Heritage Toronto
City of Toronto Heritage Award
“Seventeen years ago, we had bought a home on a beautiful 2-acre property. But now, it was time to update the house with a modern kitchen and a great room in an open concept style. We retained the services of Harry Lay Architect … we now have a house that takes full advantage of the surroundings and provides a lovely kitchen and great room: the acme of comfort and style in all seasons.
The whole process was pleasurable. Harry worked with us on design and budget, assisted in selecting finishes which were practical and at the best prices without sacrificing quality or style. He located a hardworking contractor using local trades and, in addition, was on the site frequently to ensure good construction. Contrary to what you read about renovations, ours was completed within the budget.
As an investment, we feel that the time and money spent on the renovation is unparalleled, not only in our enjoyment of the
We cannot speak more highly of the services that Harry provided.”
K. Ayres, Milton Ont.
About a country house renovation
“Five years ago, we decided to renovate our modest century-old home. Friends recommended that we engage Harry Lay as an architect who would be perfect for the job. They were absolutely right.
Harry guided us through every phase of the project in a very professional manner. He patiently listened to our wish list, and explained what was and was not possible; drafted the request for proposal that was provided to select contractors, and helped us understand the pros and cons of their responding bids; oversaw the work of the contractor, to ensure that the work was done fully and properly; and made sure that the project stayed both on time and within our limited budget.
We have now been back in our home for more than three years. The result is stunning. Harry’s design has preserved the essential historic quality of our home while seamlessly adding new elements. We could not be more pleased with the result.”
Carol Gallagher and Delmar Doucette
About a downtown Toronto addition and renovation
“This is a huge thank you to you for all of your guidance and assistance during our renovation. We are thoroughly overjoyed with the result. We made it back over for ten days in September and in the evenings we found ourselves just sitting there and gazing about at the home you have helped us create.”
Mr. and Mrs. D. Wilson
About a cottage renovation
“Harry, every day we continue to enjoy your beautiful renovation of our home. Your ability to take a 100 year-old house and maintain its integrity while giving it beautiful modern touches is truly astounding. Anyone looking to renovate their home would be well served if they turned to you.”
Carol Gallagher and Del Doucette
About a Toronto renovation