We don't just design buildings—we shape the way people experience their world
How it started
Back in 2012, I was sitting in a cookie-cutter glass tower downtown, drafting yet another soulless corporate lobby. That's when it hit me—there's gotta be a better way to do this. Architecture shouldn't be about chasing trends or slapping together whatever's cheapest. It should mean something.
So I left that job, rented a small studio on Queen West with my business partner Elena, and we started Onyx Valorix with one simple idea: create spaces that actually respect the people using them AND the planet we're all living on. No greenwashing, no hollow marketing speak—just honest, thoughtful design.
Thirteen years later, we've grown from two idealistic architects to a team of seventeen passionate folks who genuinely care about what they're creating. We've made mistakes, learned a ton, and probably argued over material choices more than any team should. But every project still gets that same attention we gave our very first client—a family who wanted a home that didn't compromise their values.
Marcus Chen
Principal Architect & Founder
Started sketching buildings on napkins when I was eight—drove my parents nuts. Studied at Waterloo, spent five years working for firms that taught me exactly what I didn't wanna do, then took the leap.
When I'm not obsessing over facade details, you'll find me cycling around Toronto's neighborhoods, checking out how buildings age and how people actually use spaces. That real-world observation beats any theory from textbooks.
Elena Rodriguez
Principal Architect & Co-Founder
Grew up in a family of builders in Vancouver, so I've literally been on construction sites since I could walk. That hands-on background means I design things that can actually be built—not just pretty renderings that make contractors cry.
I handle the sustainability side of things and won't let a project move forward unless we've really thought through its environmental impact. Some clients think I'm stubborn, but honestly? The planet's kinda worth being stubborn about.
What we actually believe
Context matters more than ego
Every site has a story—the neighborhood, the climate, the people who'll use it. We spend time understanding that before we even think about drawing anything. A building should fit its place, not fight it.
Sustainability isn't optional
Look, we're in a climate crisis. Every project needs to reduce energy use, consider materials carefully, and plan for the long haul. It's not about getting LEED points—it's about doing the right thing.
Beauty and function aren't enemies
A gorgeous building that doesn't work is just sculpture. A functional building with no soul is just a box. We're after that sweet spot where something works perfectly AND makes you feel something when you walk through it.
Collaboration beats competition
We work closely with engineers, contractors, and artisans who know their stuff. The best projects happen when everyone's bringing their expertise to the table and actually listening to each other.
The team
We're seventeen people with wildly different backgrounds and approaches. Some of us are detail-obsessed perfectionists, others think more about big-picture concepts. We've got folks who came straight from school and veterans with decades of experience.
What bonds us? We all genuinely care about making spaces that improve people's lives. Sounds cheesy, but it's true. We also have heated debates about everything from stair railings to software choices—that tension actually makes the work better.
Our office has a no-jerks policy. Life's too short to work with talented people who make everyone miserable. We'd rather have someone who's still learning but brings positive energy and curiosity.
Let's talk about your project
Whether you've got detailed plans or just a rough idea, we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Coffee's on us.
Get in touch