Our Design Philosophy

Design and renovation rooted in elegant balance —
between old and new, beauty and function, built and natural environments. 

Why Studio Z?

Studio Z is a woman-owned firm that specialises in designing and renovating older homes with a thoughtful, client-centred approach. By blending timeless house design with thoughtful functionality and quality elements, Studio Z creates spaces that foster calm, connection, and enduring beauty.

A woman with glasses on her head, wearing a cream blouse and black pants, sitting on a gray striped couch with her legs crossed, in a room with large windows and white curtains, next to a tall potted plant and a marble-topped table with books.

About Zuzanna Krykorka

Zuzanna Krykorka is an architect, designer, collaborative leader, and passionate advocate for meaningful, sustainable architecture in Toronto’s older urban neighbourhoods. 

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

MY MISSION IS TO TRANSFORM HOMES INTO SPACES THAT TELL YOUR STORY, REFLECT YOUR VALUES, AND GROW WITH YOUR LIFE. I SEE EVERY PROJECT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING BEAUTY, BALANCE, AND MEANING INTO DAILY LIVING.

If you believe that architecture should respect its built and natural surroundings and reflect the people living in it — without sacrificing beauty or function — we’re on the same page. 

Learn about how we work collaboratively to bring your vision to life. 

CONTACT US

Because this is about YOU - and the home you love. 

We believe that great design starts with understanding you and how you live. Every Studio Z project is shaped by your unique lifestyle, values and vision — ensuring spaces are designed to feel personal, intuitive and deeply connected to your day-to-day.

Modern dining room with wooden table, black chairs, white wall with paneling, and art painting, separated by a black framed glass partition, visible staircase, and industrial-style ductwork.

Studio Z’s take on sustainability and green design 

At Studio Z, sustainable design goes beyond the conventional focus on eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency. We take a holistic, practical approach that considers a home’s entire life cycle, the needs of the people living in it and the unnecessary environmental impact of unnecessary trend-driven design choices. 

Cozy corner of a room with a round table, a white chair, a leather banquette, a vase with branches, a poster on the wall, a gray cabinet, and a lamp.

The Studio Z Method

A step-by-step method that ensures your vision is brought to life thoughtfully, intentionally and beautifully.
Here’s how it works. 

Modern living room with beige sofa, potted plant on a wooden side table, small coffee table with books and a white bowl, rattan chair, and large window showing parked cars outside.

  • Step 1. Laying the groundwork for a seamless transformation. 
    An information-gathering phase that forms the foundation for the design process. The goal is to understand the client’s needs, site conditions, and feasibility. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Background research about site & location 

    • Survey of existing conditions 

    • Determine zoning & land use requirements 

    • Confirm project feasibility & alternatives 

    • Programming 

    Step 2. Schematic Design 
    Where design concepts take shape through sketches, models, and preliminary layouts. It’s a time for testing options and refining ideas. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Sketches & models to test design concepts 

    • Client feedback & refinements 

    • Preliminary floor plans & exterior concept ready for further development 

    Step 3. Design Development 
    Refining the details and integrating expertise. 

    By the end of this phase, the design is fully shaped, structural engineering considerations are incorporated, and materials are selected. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Significant advancement and further refinement of the design 

    • Structural engineer & other consultants added to the team 

    • Preliminary cost estimating & value engineering 

    • Outline specification 

    Step 4: Building Permits 
    Ensuring compliance and securing approvals. 

    The construction drawings and all necessary approvals are submitted to the City for review. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Building, land use & energy code compliance checklists and forms 

    • Historic district or community design review (if applicable) 

    • Monitor application progress & provide additional information as requested 

  • Step 1. Construction Documents 
    Translating design into a precise plan for construction. 

    A detailed set of documents that guide the contractor and ensure accurate execution. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Client decisions on materials & finishes 

    • Specify fixtures & components to be installed 

    • Coordination of consultant drawings 

    • Dimensioned drawings & connection details 

    Step 2: Bidding & Negotiation 
    Finding the right builder to execute the vision. 

    If a contractor hasn’t been selected, this phase ensures a competitive and fair bidding process. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Issue drawings and specs to bidding contractors 

    • Answer questions from bidders & issue formal clarifications if necessary 

    • Review & compare bids and advise the owner 

  • Overseeing execution and protecting your investment. 

    Throughout construction, Studio Z acts as an advocate for the client, ensuring smooth progress and high-quality execution. 

    What’s involved: 

    • Regular on-site meetings with you and your builder 

    • Review plans and specifications during construction 

    • Address questions and proactively resolve issues 

    • Final punch list to ensure all details are completed