Leo Mieles, B.E.S., B.Arch, OAA
Principal
As the founding principal, Leo has over 25 years of experience working in the field of architecture. A range of work in design and construction includes various residential, institutional, and commercial buildings and renovations in Ontario. From these experiences come the skills and ability to manage, communicate, design and coordinate complex projects.
Leo graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in 1995. As a student, Leo worked for several local Toronto firms as well as working abroad. After graduation, Leo was a staff member of Diamond and Schmitt Architects for over a decade. As an Associate of the firm, Leo was the project architect of several post secondary institutional projects, including the Thistle Courtyard addition at Brock University and the University of Toronto Scarborough Instructional Centre.
Since establishing independent practice, Leo's work has focused primarily on residential additions and renovations for homeowners, with new standalone buildings in Toronto and the nearby region. Many of these projects required the increase of space and density within challenging conditions; responding to nearby adjacencies, historical structures and zoning constraints. Alongside this residential work, Leo has also designed institutional renovations that seek to maximize the utility and enjoyment of an existing building. Overall, the design language and approach is contemporary, while respecting context, client needs and effective sustainable practices.
The work of Leo Mieles Architect has been published regionally, internationally and is the recipient of local and international awards:
Kitchen Retrofit included in a Dwell Magazine web article on interior finishes. Item #13 Geometric Tiles, of 15 Modern Kitchen Floor Ideas. September 2023.
Danforth garage project featured in Designlines magazine Look Book section, Issue No 3, 2023, page 38. Also part of the Designlines webpage on Indoor-Outdoor Living.
Contributor to the Summer 2019 issue of The Right Angle, titled Reflections on a Renovation to St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto
Regional Finalist for Exhibition at Brookfield Place for the Migrating Landscapes National Competition, February 2012.
Christian Island Cottage featured in Small Houses in Nature by LinksBooks and the Ontario Association of Architects Perspectives Magazine Fall 2011. Also featured in Dwell Magazine November 2009 and Dwell Magazine website interview.
Ontario Association of Architects Award of Merit for Light Shade, 2006. Featured in the OAA Perspectives Journal, Summer 2006.
Awarded stay at Vitra Workshop in Boisbuchet, France, sponsored by the Vitra Design Museum and Blueprint magazine, summer 2000.
3rd Prize awarded for the TKTS Ticket Booth International Design Competition in New York City, sponsored by the Van Alen Institute, fall 1999. Featured in Architecture Magazine, February 2000 and Metropolis Magazine April 2000.
