Harry Morison Lay Architect

Harry did a fantastic job with our very complex renovation. He brought outstanding creativity, respected the heritage and environment of the site, simplified the planning and permit stages, and kept the contractor on track. He was a pleasure to work with and we are very, very happy with the results. I would happily recomend Harry Lay Architects to family and friends.

We bought a 30-minutes-by-boat cottage out in Georgian Bay a few years ago, and engaged Harry in 2017 to help us redesign it. We loved the century old cabin in the front, but the 1980's addition at the rear was lacklustre to say the least. It felt like a completely different building and we personally couldn't see how to make the two work together. Harry helped us unblock our mental logjam and he developed an excellent design so that the old and new sections became, almost magically, an integrated whole.And we loved the old wrap-around porch, but it was screen only. We wanted to make it three-seasons - but not lose the charm of the old cottage. Harry developed a great design for old-style awning windows that are both functional and beautiful. Rather than diminish the old charm, they add to it.The rest of the building benefitted from Harry's vision. Bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces were all reconstructed to provide a sense of warmth and style.The design of the layout was superb, but he helped us with so much more. Selecting a contractor, designing an interior look-and-feel, developing a great kitchen layout, helping manage the kitchen contractor, suggesting great lighting, even helping us pick out appliances. To say he held our hand all the way through this substantial renovation in a tough location is a considerable understatement.We now love our cottage better than any place on earth. And that's down to Harry's vision and meticulousness in helping us get it done.

We knew when we purchased our 2 bedroom semi in Leaside that eventually we would want more space. Loving the neighborhood and not wanting to move, we engaged Harry to help us expand our home. Harry was professional and accountable throughout the entire process. He came up with concepts I never would have imagined and people are always commenting on the great new layout. I highly recommend working with Harry! Construction is always somewhat painful, but Harry guided us expertly and helped ease our stress tremendously.

My husband and I would most definitely recommend Harry Lay for any new construction or renovations you have planned. He is very focused on client satisfaction as well as staying within budget. His selection of a contractor is also excellent as he has great attention to detail and demands this of the contractor as well. Keeping the contractor on schedule is also one of his many assets. We are very proud of the new addition to our farmhouse and would not have been able to accomplish this task without the guidance and expertise of Harry Lay.

My husband and I hired Harry Morison Lay to design a new home for us on our country property in Halton Hills. We decided to engage Harry after viewing some of his work in Toronto and we could not be happier with the outcome. Harry seemed to have pulled our dream home from our heads, creating it through multiple site visits, questions and revisions. Harry designed for us a home sympathetic with our needs but also sympathetic with the surrounding landscape and the history of the farm. It is a house full of interest, light, flow and comfortable spaces. We have loved living and entertaining here for over 10 years. It is the perfect house for us.

Harry Lay was wonderful to work with on our Victorian farmhouse addition and renovation. His vision on what the house could become led to a masterful design that incorporated all of our dream elements. Best of all, he made sure the project was completed on time and on budget. We were so happy with Harry's work and integrity that when it came time to design and build a complementary coachhouse on the property, Harry was the only architect we consulted. We highly recommend Harry to anyone who cares about quality, integrity, and vision.

Harry is an amazing architect to partner with for your projects! We first enlisted Harry's services in 2005 to fully renovate our small house in Roncesvalles Village. After interviewing a few other architects, we selected Harry. A few years later Harry designed our two porches and just recently designed our future garage. Getting everything we have wanted in such a small space in Toronto has been a big challenge but Harry repeatedly delivers. Based on his work, we highly recommend his services to others. What has impressed us most about Harry is his ability to get to know his clients well enough so that he can deliver results that are not only stunning but practical and highly functional. Harry always works within our constraints and works hard to optimize the end results. We look forward to partnering with Harry on projects in the future!

We worked with Harry on a project on Georgian Bay. The original cottage in the front was getting old and tired while the back addition that had been put on was poorly laid out. The owners wanted to keep the authenticity of the old cottage in the front and open up the back to make it more spacious and comfortable. With Harry's guidance and planning the cottage was transformed into a fantastic mix of old charm and modern layout. Throughout the project his attention to detail never faltered. I would recommend him to anyone who has an idea like this or a dream they want designed.

On a recommendation, we commissioned Harry to complete a major kitchen renovation and great room addition. Being a person who loves to cook, the renovation would allow us the space to entertain friends and family while enjoying from the inside the outdoor landscape of our country property.Harry grasped what we were considering and designed a dream kitchen and great room that far surpassed our expectations and became the heart of the home.We thoroughly enjoyed the process of shopping with Harry to select building materials to ensure the completed project was a masterpiece. In addition, Harry assisted in hiring a talented contractor who executed Harry’s design on time and budget.There have been many nights while sipping a glass of wine by the fireplace that we’ve commented on the amazing space that Harry designed. The renovation transformed our house to our forever home.We tell every person who visits the great experience we had working with Harry and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Harry Lay is passionate about reviving heritage homes and brings sensitivity and amazing expertise to all his projects. We worked with Harry to completely rebuild the kitchen in our century farmhouse. This wonderful new space has greatly enhanced our enjoyment of our home. It makes me happy each time I open the door!