Our approach to design is phenomenologically driven with a commitment to social equity.

Toronto-based architecture firm, Kongats Architects, has been in practice since 2001. The team includes Principal Alar Kongats, Senior Associate Mathieu Blais (LEED AP), and a support staff of 10 which includes design professionals, registered, and graduate architects. We offer a full range of Architectural Services including consultation, visioning, design, programming, assessments, feasibility/ planning studies to project delivery and contract administration services. We focus solely on the public sector with a large portfolio of award-winning educational, cultural, and community projects.

Kongats Architects approaches each new program of work as an entirely fresh challenge, ensuring the broadest exploration of possibilities. We look at the situation from all perspectives, tailoring a design solution to the individual needs of our clients, to draw both information and inspiration. Through the strategic way we approach each venture, continuously testing the boundaries, possibilities, and opportunities, we uncover the potential to create something extraordinary within the framework of client and community needs, goals, and vision to tell its unique story.

Selected Clients

Educational: University of Toronto, UTM, Queen’s University, McMaster University, York University, University of Guelph, Wilfred Laurier University, Ryerson University, Centennial College, College Boreal, Nipissing University & Canadore College.

Municipal: City of Toronto, City of Owen Sound, King City Township, County of Lambton, Cambridge Libraries and Galleries, International Estonian Centre.

Awards in Summary

  • 3 Governor General’s Medals for Architecture
  • 6 OAA Architectural Excellence Awards
  • 5 Canadian Architect Design Excellence Awards & Merits
  • 2 LEED Gold Certified Projects
  • Ontario Library Association Design Excellence Award
  • Zero Footprint Re-Skinning Award
  • New York Architectural League’s Emerging Voices Prize, Nominee

Testimonials, Educational

"A key element in the success of our building was Kongats’ responsiveness to the requirements of the various stakeholders and the creation of a space that has proven to be highly effective, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. What greater complement can we pay to Kongats except to say that we truly love our building? This statement is true of the staff, faculty and students."

-Dr. Pamela Coates Academy Director, The Mississauga Academy of Medicine, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex

"Project schedules and budgets are extremely important for us and Kongats Architects continually meet expectations. [...] Kongats Architects has provided high quality of work and professionalism in their projects. It is apparent to me that they value attention to detail through an in-depth coordination process and I believe they take pride in the quality of the work the provide."

-Isabell Nault, Manager (formerly), Architecture and Design, Queen’s University, Various Projects

"We would not be here today if it had not been for the persistence, dedication and drive of our principal architect, Alar Kongats. Every nook and cranny, and every design detail is a result of his determination to make this building everything we wanted and more... Alar walked us through every stage with patience and vision... One closing comment, if I knew then what I know now, I would have changed a thousand things about the project – but one of the things I would not have changed was our choice of Alar Kongats and his talented team."

-Penny Kirlik, Executive Director, CCSAI, Centennial College Student Centre

Testimonials, Municipal

"Throughout the process the Kongats team has been attentive to our needs, offering insightful and consideration solutions to the full range of requirements and details inherent in a project of this magnitude and complexity. The architectural challenge was considerable as it required the integration of three building types: a historical restoration, a renovation of an existing building and new construction while ensuring that we achieve Category A status. Kongats also provided interior design solutions including signage, lighting and gallery furniture that helped to integrate the three building styles while maintaining the character of the buildings and ensuring the function of the space."

-Lisa Daniels, Curator and Director, Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery

"It was our good fortune to select the architects who creativity overcame the many functional drawbacks of the existing Carnegie building to give us a showcase library for the twenty-first century. The exterior makes a stunning statement in a community badly in need of a civic presence, while the interior provides an ordering progression through the library’s functional requirements."

-Greg Hayton, Chief Librarian, Cambridge Libraries & Galleries, Hespeler Library

"Alar had a keen sense of the need to balance design, function and sustainability with budget. The City Hall Accommodations Ad Hoc Committee quickly developed a rapport with Alar and knew they could rely on his advice and judgment. During construction meetings and on site, Alar demonstrated an ability to work with the team to solve problems in a collaborative fashion, always keeping the key project goals at the forefront."

-Pamela Coulter, Director of Community Services, Owen Sound, Owen Sound City Hall Renovation & Expansion

Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex at UTM, Photo Credit: Angie McMonigal

Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex at UTM, Photo Credit: Angie McMonigal