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Business Details
26 Years
experience
Custom Architectural Design Services in Oakville
Gus Ricci Architect was established in April 2000 as a boutique architectural firm specializing in custom residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Our firm prioritizes a hands-on approach, ensuring personal oversight from our principal, Gus Ricci, on every project. With diverse expertise in architectural styles, we guide clients through all phasesfrom site selection to construction reviewwith a focus on detailed design and client collaboration. Our team brings decades of collective experience, fostering long-term relationships with clients and maintaining rigorous attention to detail.

We pride ourselves on transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to translating client visions into functional, aesthetically refined spaces. Our process integrates regulatory compliance and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure seamless execution. This dedication has solidified our reputation for delivering high-caliber projects across southern Ontario, reflecting our passion for architectural innovation and craftsmanship.
Services
Custom Residential Design Commercial Architecture Institutional Projects Site Selection Conceptual Design Permit Drawings Municipal Approvals Construction Review Interior Detailing Consultant Coordination
Details
  • Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
  • We provide personalized oversight from our principal architect.
  • Our team offers over two decades of expertise in custom residential design.
  • We maintain rigorous attention to detail across all project phases.
  • We coordinate interdisciplinary consultants for comprehensive solutions.
  • We prioritize client collaboration and transparent communication.
Associations and certifications
  • Ontario Association of Architects
  • Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Services
Custom Residential Design
We craft tailored residential spaces, from luxury homes to renovations, emphasizing functional layouts and aesthetic coherence. Our process integrates client preferences with code compliance, ensuring detailed construction documentation and on-site oversight. With expertise in diverse architectural styles, we deliver projects that balance innovation with practicality, prioritizing long-term client satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and material selection.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating spaces that align with brand identity and operational needs. We specialize in small-scale developments, including restaurants and office buildings, combining creativity with regulatory adherence. From conceptualization to completion, we prioritize spatial efficiency, sustainability, and client collaboration to ensure projects meet both functional and aesthetic goals while maintaining budgetary constraints.
Institutional Projects
We design institutional facilities, such as golf course clubhouses and community spaces, with a focus on durability and user experience. Our approach balances architectural integrity with practical functionality, incorporating stakeholder input throughout the design process. Detailed planning and coordination with engineers ensure compliance with municipal standards and long-term operational efficiency for public or semi-public spaces.
Municipal Approvals
Navigating regulatory frameworks is streamlined through our expertise in securing municipal approvals. We handle site plan reviews, zoning compliance, and permit submissions, ensuring projects meet local bylaws. Our proactive approach reduces delays, leveraging established relationships with planning departments to expedite approvals while safeguarding design intent and client interests.
Construction Review
Our construction review services ensure designs are executed with precision, conducting site visits and coordinating with contractors to address challenges in real time. We verify adherence to architectural drawings, maintain quality standards, and facilitate communication between stakeholders. This phase guarantees the final build aligns with the clients vision, meeting all technical and aesthetic requirements efficiently.
People
Gus Ricci
Principal Architect
Gus Ricci, principal architect, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto and has over 35 years of experience. He founded the firm in 2000 after working with renowned Toronto-based firms, bringing expertise in custom residential and commercial design. His leadership emphasizes hands-on client engagement and design excellence.
Dina Ghaly
Intern Architect
Dina Ghaly has been with the firm since 2003, managing residential and commercial projects. She specializes in Ontario Building Code compliance, ensuring projects meet regulatory standards while coordinating approvals and client interactions for seamless execution.
Lisa Hewson
Architectural Technologist
Lisa Hewson, with over 20 years of experience, handles complex residential and industrial projects. She manages drawing systems and protocols, contributing to detailed documentation and efficient project workflows since joining in 2001.
Mark Fesyk
Architectural Designer
Mark Fesyk brings 17 years of custom residential design experience. He collaborates with Gus on design development and construction drawings, integrating historical architectural references into modern projects since joining in 2013.
Questions
What types of architectural services do you offer?
We specialize in custom residential, commercial, and institutional projects, including new builds, renovations, site selection, municipal approvals, and construction oversight across southern Ontario.
How involved is the principal architect in each project?
Gus Ricci personally oversees every project, ensuring hands-on guidance from concept through construction to maintain design integrity and client collaboration.
Do you handle regulatory approvals and permitting?
Yes, we manage site plan reviews, zoning compliance, and permit submissions, leveraging expertise to expedite municipal approvals while protecting design intent.
How does your firm approach client collaboration?
We prioritize open communication, actively listening to client needs and incorporating feedback throughout the design process to ensure tailored, satisfying outcomes.
What regions do you serve?
Our primary service area is southern Ontario, including Oakville, Toronto, Kitchener, Mississauga, and surrounding communities for residential and commercial projects.
Can you assist with construction-related queries during the building phase?
Yes, we provide construction review services, conducting site visits and coordinating with contractors to address issues and ensure adherence to design specifications until project completion.