As Toronto gears up for another Doors Open weekend on May 25 and 26, UrbanToronto looks again at this year's theme of "Hidden Histories," this time going beyond the well-trodden paths to the architectural studios that shape our city. Several of the city's leading architectural studios are opening their doors to the public through the Toronto Society of Architects' "Open Studio" initiative, showcasing their innovative designs and projects, while providing a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes.

Inside the studio doors, visitors may engage directly with architects, landscape architects, planners, and interior designers. While all of the studios will be showcasing their unique projects and specialties throughout their opening hours, some will include special programming and presentations at certain times. 

The atrium space of TMU's Architecture Building, image by Department of Architectural Science

Whether you are a budding architect, a design aficionado, or simply curious about Toronto's architectural marvels, these studios are some of the top spots to check out.

• Dubbeldam Studio Building 
   
• Project Studio Architects
   
• DTAH (Design Studio)
   
• SvN Architects + Planners 
   
• Q4 Architects Studio
   
• Three Architecture Practices at 18 Gloucester Lane
   
• Design Workshop Architects 
   
• Hariri Pontarini Architects' Studio
   
• HOK Toronto Design Studio
   
• Guido Costantino Projects
   
• RAW Design Studio - The Commodore Building
   
• Taylor Hazell Architects

Looking west to the Daniels Building, image by University of Toronto

In addition to Open Studio, Doors Open also offers access to several key architectural landmarks and educational institutions that play major roles in shaping Toronto's architectural dialogue. Be sure to explore these notable sites as well:

• Daniels Building at the University of Toronto
   
• Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Architectural Science
   
• Ontario Association of Architects Headquarters
   
• St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts — preparing for redevelopment designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects in collaboration with LMN Architects, Tawaw Collective, Smoke Architecture, and SLA: make sure to check out a room there dedicated to the evolving plans for the new centre!

Looking south to the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, image by City of Toronto

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the spaces and meet the minds behind some of Toronto’s most iconic buildings at this year's Doors Open!

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.​​​​​