2025 Best in Design Awards: Meet the Finalists!

Discover the standout projects and designers

Championing exceptional creativity, innovation and design excellence from across Toronto and the GTA, we’re proud to announce the finalists for Designlines’ inaugural Best in Design Awards (2025 BDAs).

Our esteemed jury has been hard at work, carefully evaluating an incredible response to our call for submissions. Their efforts have culminated in a shortlist of projects and design studios across five categories. Each finalist exemplifies outstanding vision, craftsmanship and ingenuity in their designs.

Without further ado, here are our 2025 BDAs Finalists:

Signature Space

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Oneida Ridge Residence | Drew Mandel Architects

A spectacular living room in a family home on the Niagara Escarpment, seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings through thoughtful design, geothermal systems and native materials.

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Boston | Wanda Ely Architect Inc.

Redesigned as a serene, sculptural refuge, this Leslieville semi-detached home maximizes light and bespoke details within its second-floor office despite a narrow footprint.

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Ballantrae Country House | Drew Mandel Architects

A multi-generational vacation retreat seamlessly blending glass, natural materials and elevated design in its living room to connect with woodland surroundings in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Home Renovation

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House on the Park | Superkül & Pencil Design

A stunning transformation of a century-old Edwardian home, featuring meticulously restored heritage details alongside bold modern interventions.

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House Caroline | Reign Architects

A seamless blend of Victorian heritage and modern design, this Leslieville home features a striking A-frame third-floor addition, biophilic design principles and custom millwork.

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Craftsman House | Drew Mandel Architects

A This project masterfully restores and modernizes a 1920s Craftsman-era home for a family of six.

Restaurant/Bar/Hotel

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Nobu Toronto | Studio Munge

A 10,000-square-foot culinary destination blending Japanese, Peruvian and Canadian influences through bold design and cultural storytelling.

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STOCK T.C | Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. Architects

A reimagined 1936 Art Deco post office transformed into a vibrant culinary emporium, seamlessly blending heritage restoration with modern hospitality across three dynamic levels.

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Daphne | Studio Paolo Ferrari

A cinematic reimagining of the American bistro, blending sculptural forms, custom furnishings and a playful mix of nostalgia and modernity across a series of distinct, immersive rooms.

Shop/Showroom

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Karir Eyewear Boutique | Drew Mandel Architects

A sculptural flagship in First Canadian Place, defined by pink lime-plaster walls, biophilic touches and innovative lighting that enhances the eyewear shopping experience.

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Monos Ossington | Ste Marie Studio

A serene retail space inspired by Japanese philosophy, blending natural materials, a central olive tree and calming water features to evoke mindfulness and slow discovery.

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HXOUSE | Creative Union Network Inc.

A versatile, minimalist studio space designed for creative collaboration, featuring adaptable elements like movable partitions and acoustic treatments to support cross-disciplinary innovation.

Emerging Talent

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Studio Nonplus Inc.

Recognized for their innovative design of the Osborne Laneway House.

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Sam Tibs Studio

Celebrated for transforming a dark, cramped basement apartment into a warm, functional living space.

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Marcus Iafrate Design

Recognized for “Classic Contemporary,” a sophisticated Toronto home that harmonizes sleek modern design with timeless mid-century furnishings.