Who We Are
Mitchell & Associates is a design/build firm that has been creating new residential built form in the City of Toronto for the past thirty-five years. In 1982 they designed, developed and built the first legal loft condominium conversion in Toronto at 41 Shanly Street, previously the Dominion Felt Company, and won the Ontario Renews Award in 1984 for that project for excellence and innovation in design. Since then, Mitchell and Associates, through subsidiary project specific companies, has converted numerous factories, Churches, and institutional buildings into high quality residential loft condominiums. In 2014 Mitchell and Associates rebranded as Mitchell Lofts and M LOFT
The principal of Mitchell Lofts, Robert Mitchell, holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He is a (retired) member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and has over 35 years hands-on experience in all aspects of the retrofitting and conversion of buildings into residential condominiums as well as creating new infill condominium projects.
Design Philosophy
The two primary defining characteristics within the context of built form are spatial volume and light. Working with new purpose built or existing non-residential structures (factories, churches , schools, etc.) the potential exists to create astonishing living environments. Large volumes of space, high ceilings, long clear spans, and visible structural elements are common denominators for industrial and institutional space. Articulating and subdividing space within the building envelope is an holistic design process involving the existing structure, its external environment, planning and code constraints, and the end user, a random variable in every equation, bringing different values, goals and ideas to the table and resulting in an evolutionary design process with consistently unique results.
Maximize space and light. Work with and not against existing structure. Be aware of the surrounding environment. Ask the right questions and listen to the answers. Consider colouring outside the lines.
