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Our Custom Home Design Story

A home should be a testament to your potential

We believe the very best designed homes are those that are truly unique. They stand out just as they seamlessly fit into the surrounding landscape. They’re a source of pride for the families that occupy them; an architectural embodiment of their lifestyle, values and beliefs. For many, the family home becomes a distinct part of their identity, indelibly tied to their sense of self.

A shared experience built on creativity and trust

We’re equal parts facilitators and creators. Our clients trust us to capture and embrace their home design vision, framing those ideas within our distinctive organic compositions.  They come to us because they know that a DSD project is built on professionalism and communication. We offer an exceptional service experience that ushers them through the entire life cycle of their home’s conception—from exterior to interior design, and all points in between. We manage every facet of an architectural design project up to construction to ensure that it meets our exacting standards—and most importantly, yours.



A shared experience built on creativity and trust

We’re equal parts facilitators and creators. Our clients trust us to capture and embrace their vision, framing those ideas within our distinctive organic compositions. They come to us because they know that a DSD project is built on professionalism and communication. We offer an exceptional service experience that ushers them through the entire life cycle of their home’s conception—from exterior to interior design, and all points in between. We manage every facet of a project up to construction to ensure that it meets our exacting standards—and most importantly, yours.

We’re anti-architects. We borrow inspiration from every design school and epoch, be it the rural chateaus of 18th century France or the postmodern perfection of Frank Lloyd Wright. We explore radical geometry and allow traditional materials to play together in exciting new ways. We are transparent, attentive to every detail and deeply passionate about our work. Our integrity is unwavering. We thrive on putting complicated design pieces together in a way that makes both aesthetic and functional sense.

Our Team

David Small

Founder & Creative Principal

Rebecca Muise

Vice President

Valerie O’Reilly

Senior Architectural Designer

Peter Giordano

Lead Technical Associate

Cristina Monaco

Lead Interior Designer

Hilda Andrade

Business Manager

Kelly Gibson

Community Manager

Rodolfo Cardozo

Design Operations Manager

Tom Kaptur

Senior CAD Technician, Architecture

Alicia Sosniak

Design Coordinator

Soha Eslami

Design Associate

Monika Fijalkowski

Design Associate

Rachel Roberts

Interior Designer

Nasim Omidi

CAD Technician, Interior Design

Ben So

CAD Technician, Architecture

Emily Crocetti

Interior Design Assistant

Caroline Small

Architectural Assistant

David Small

Founder & Creative Principal

For David, designing homes has been a lifelong labour of love.

His integrity and passion for the business were instilled at an early age by his father and grandfather—both of whom were custom home builders. Fuelled by the lessons of his upbringing and admiration for revolutionary designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, David earned his Bachelor of Architectural Technology degree at Ryerson University and completed his Masters of Architecture from the State University of New York. Unrelenting curiosity and extensive experience would eventually give rise to the Natural Modern aesthetic. His strong design sensibility and work ethic—coupled with a deep-seated love of his craft—have resulted in more than 30 years of industry success.

David is now committed to mentoring our design team on the creative and technical fronts. He continues to seek out design inspiration from all corners of the world and all walks of life, sharing those insights and helping to drive our firm’s ongoing exploration of new architectural styles and ideas.

Home Design Awards

  • 2024

    OHBA Best Custom Home


    OHBA Awards of Distinction
    Best Custom Home (3,001-5,000 sq.ft.)
    Project: The Chalet

  • 2022

  • 2021

    BILD Best Custom Home

    The Narrow Lot design won Best Custom Home under $1M at the BILD and Renovation and Custom Home Awards.

  • 2020

    CHBA Best Custom Home, Finalist

    Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Awards for Housing Excellence
    Finalist for Best Custom Home
    (3,500 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft.)
    Project: The Last House

  • 2020

    CHBA Best Custom Home, Finalist

    Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Awards for Housing Excellence
    Finalist for Best Custom Home
    (over 5,000 sq.ft.)
    Project: Modern Luxury

  • 2020

    BILD Best Custom Home

    BILD Renovation & Custom Home Awards
    Winner of:
    Best Custom Home (over $2,000,000)
    Best Overall Custom Home
    BestNew Home Washroom
    Project: The Last House

  • 2020

    BILD Best Renovation

    BILD Renovation & Custom Home Awards
    Winner of Best Renovation
    (over $500,00, no addition)
    Project: Modern Upgrade

  • 2019

  • 2019-2014

    Best of Houzz - Service & Design

    Best of Houzz

    Design:
    2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014

    Service:
    2019, 2017, 2014

  • 2018

    BILD Best Renovation


    BILD Renovation & Custom Homes Awards
    Winner of Best Renovation
    (over $500,000)
    Project: Midcentury Upgrade

  • 2017

    OHBA Most Outstanding Custom Home


    Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction
    Winner of Most Outstanding Custom Home (5,001 sq ft and over)
    Project: The Glass Corner

  • 2016

  • 2016

    BILD Best Custom Home


    BILD Renovation & Custom Home Awards
    Winner of Best Custom Home
    Project: The Glass Room

  • 2013

    BILD Best Custom Home


    BILD Renovation & Custom Home Awards
    Winner of Best Custom Home
    Project: David’s House

  • 2013

    OHBA Most Outstanding Custom Home


    Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction
    Winner of:
    Most Outstanding Custom Home
    Most Outstanding New Home Kitchen
    Most Outstanding New Home Bathroom
    Project: David’s House

  • 2013

  • 2012

    OHBA Most Outstanding Custom Home


    Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction
    Winner of Most Outstanding Custom Home (over 5,000 sq.ft.)
    Project: Old Oakville

  • 2012

    BILD Service Professional of the Year


    BILD Associate Awards
    Winner of Service Professional of the Year

  • 2011

  • 2011

    BILD Best Renovation


    BILD Renovation & Custom Home Awards
    Best Renovation
    ($300,000 – $500,000)
    Project: Tall Trees

  • 2011

    HHHBA Best Custom Home


    Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction
    Winner of Best Custom Home
    Project: Old Oakville

  • 2008

    Mississauga Urban Design Award


    City of Mississauga Urban Design Awards
    Award of Merit for Building Execution
    Project: Office of David Small Designs

  • 2007

  • 1998

In the Media

This Etobicoke home with European design just hit the market for $4.7 million

Toronto Life | May 2022
In 2019, the current seller purchased a small bungalow on the lot, tore it down and built this place. He hired the Oakville-based architectural designer…

This is what a $7 million home next to Lake Ontario looks like

BlogTO | December 2021
If you're over the cottage commute and just want to always be beside a lake this home is ideal. Listed for $6,669,850, 82 Cumberland Drive is a four-bedroom,…

Matt Dusk gets a swingin’ new pad

The Globe and Mail | August 2021
Standing behind the long, cool-grey bar, crooner Matt Dusk admits his mixology skills are lacking – his…
Chateau style home with black trim, light stone and glass garage door.

Home of the Week

The Star | September 2020
This $4.68-million Mississauga estate has nearly 8,000 square feet of living space. “David Small was able to work with us to design a stylish and functional…
Natural modern home with stone siding, wood siding and large balcony.

It’s All In The Details

OHBA Magazine | Summer 2019
To add the effect of bringing the outside in, “one of the call-outs to modernist houses is to have the same range of materials both inside and out,”…
Traditional house with wood beams, arched window and chandelier.

The Mississauga Reflection

Objekt Magazine | 2019
The house stands in full glory, an architectural beacon, between the trees of the lush landscape of the city of Mississauga.
Contemporary home with floating roof, wood siding and second floor balcony.

Influenced by the world

Objekt Magazine | 2019
It is considered the house of positive energy. Huge Windows pull the forest view into the house and beautiful open spaces give an energetic feeling.
Modern family room with black frame windows, steel columns and beige couch.

Don’t Get Floored by the Options, featuring David’s House

Renovation Contractor | April/May 2018
The large-format materials allow you to achieve more of a modern, seamless look that can be very dramatic, added Cristina Monaco, interior designer at…
Natural modern home with corner windows, frosted glass garage door and landscape wall.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Toronto Home | Fall 2017
It is known as "infilling." And like any form of change, it has its advocates and detractors. But on one street in the Mineola district in Mississauga,…
Interior designer Cristina Monaco in Our Homes Oakville magazine.

People: Pros Who Know

Our Homes | Fall 2017
"My role is to get to know our client and offer ideas and selections that align with their design style and lifestyle." -…
Kitchen with black frame windows, gray cabinets and breakfast bar.

How to Design a Warm Contemporary Kitchen

Houzz.com | Fall 2017
What do you do when you desire the cool vibes of modern style but also crave warmth? You plan a warm contemporary kitchen.
Magazine spread with modern house.

Design By Committee

Ontario Home Builder | Fall 2017
Shared business goals and improved communication technologies are pushing architects and builders out of their silos.
Cottage with stone chimney, glass railing and wood soffit.

Enchantment on Fairy Lake

Our Homes | Summer 2017
Designed by David Small, the unique stone and cedar cottage nestles into a gentle slope.
Contemporary house with wood soffit, black frame windows and wall sconce.

OHBA Awards: Most Outstanding Custom Home (Finalist)

Ontario Home Builder | Fall 2016
Finalist, Most Outstanding Custom Home (5,001 SF and Over): Profile Custom Homes for: The Glass Room. Architectural Design by David Small Designs.
Modern home with sliding door, floor to ceiling windows and hardwood floor.

Tuning in Old Memories

Ontario Home Builder | September 2016
Piano Man: David Small's personal home includes a special place for a family heirloom.
Dining room with wood dining table, gray walls and white trim.

20 Fabulous Features That Make This Oakville House a Home

Our Homes | Summer 2016
(This) home epitomizes transitional design, it’s a balance of modern and traditional in both the details and overall composition.
Modern renovation with steel beams, floating roof and wood trim.

Design Details: Panes Worth Having

Houzz.com | Spring 2016
This glass with a dewdrop pattern gives homeowners privacy, light and something more interesting to look at than the backside of a door. Project: The…
Mississauga traditional house with green siding, stone skirt and white trim.

Dynamic Duo: How to Pull Off a Two-Tone Exterior

Houzz.com | Spring 2016
Another tip for deciding where to add a contrasting hue is to look for areas broken up by a line of trim, such as on the gables of this lovely home. Project:…
Traditional house with blue siding, stone chimney, and stone skirt.

Grand Design: Country Club Crescent

Goodlife Magazine | Spring 2016
Is this resort-like haven in Muskoka? No, this stunning family home is right here in Mississauga in the Rattray Marsh area.
Natural modern home with wood soffit, natural stone and black trim.

Grand Design: David's House

Goodlife Magazine | Spring 2016
Mississauga Custom Home Designer David Small thinks big. His massive 3,800 square foot "natural modern" home... is the perfect example.
David Small speaking at a conference.

Renovators' Roundtable: Current Trends in Custom Home Design

Renovation Contractor | Winter 2016
After almost 20 years and more than 1,200 projects to his credit... David Small knows a thing or two about the custom home and renovation business.
Modern house with wood siding, black frame windows and wood front door.

Modern Manor

Our Homes | Fall 2015
“We didn’t want a building that looked like it came from outer space and crashed here,” (David Small) explains. “It needed to look like it belonged.”…
David small designs team in magazine article.

Building Dreams

Our Homes | Fall 2015
A well­ designed home is a work of art. The people at David Small Designs will help design a unique, beautiful, functional home to be enjoyed for years…
Transitional home with natural stone, wood siding and stone skirt.

A Beautiful Life

Our Homes | Summer 2015
"The unique aspect of this home is the merging of traditional and contemporary styles...The front facade is traditional. It blends perfectly with the character…
Mississauga modern home with natural stone, metal cladding and flagstone walkway.

David Small Sees the Big Picture

Renovation Contractor | Summer 2015
For the award-­winning architectural designer, orienting and connecting a home with its surroundings is just as important as what happens inside. Project:…
Custom kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinets and hardwood floor.

Lorne Park Luxury

Our Homes | Spring 2015
“The challenge was to find a balance between the timelessness of traditional design and current trends. The house had to be exciting to live in now and…
Traditional home with light stone, arched windows and white trim.

Zest for Design

Our Homes | Summer 2014
“The challenge was to create a 4,700 sq. ft. home that respected the transitioning neighbourhood.” says David Small. “The result envelopes the square…
Modern front entry with wood front door, stone steps and horizontal stone wall.

Glass Doors That Welcome - and Protect Your Privacy Too

Houzz.com | Spring 2014
Another option is textured glass. Depending on the pattern, it can obscure the view inside or, as in this case, slightly distort it.
Bungaloft with open concept, wood floor and white trim.

Timeless Elegance

Our Homes | Spring 2014
"I would never have guessed David would have given us the footprint that he did, but once I saw it sitting on the lot where the trees were positioned,…
Mississauga traditional house with green siding, stone skirt and white trim.

10 Things To Do Before The Renovation Begins

Mississauga home with natural stone, white doors and white columns.

Details Reign

Our Homes | Winter 2013
“There is truly a sense of Old Port Credit in the design of Damian and Ky's home. The rolling rubble stone exterior creates warmth, french doors on the…
Traditional home with wood portico, natural stone and vertical siding.

Transcendent Design

Our Homes | Winter 2013
Designed by custom home designer David Small of David Small Designs, the manor­style home is tucked into a storybook setting with a sprawling lot that…
Globe and mail home of the week article.

Homes of the Week

Globe & Mail | Winter 2013
French Cottage with a Lorne Park twist
White kitchen with hardwood floor, tile backsplash and large island.

At Home with Design

Our Homes | Fall 2013
"The couple wanted a Georgian­style exterior; Tina loves its symmetry and balance. As one drives up to the house, first impressions are of a timeless…
Traditional house with horizontal siding, 3 car garage and gables.

Custom Build With Family Appeal

Our Homes | Fall 2013
David points out that the layout, a traditional centre­hall style with the dining and living rooms flanking the foyer, lends the house the formality that…
Stone house with black frame window, cupola and shingled roof.

Copper Corner

Our Homes | Summer 2013
“The house is a shining example of how a modernist footprint can step comfortably into a neighbourhood celebrated for its pioneer history." Project:…
Mississauga modern home with natural stone, metal cladding and flagstone walkway.

A Designer Of High End Homes Builds One For Himself

The Globe & Mail | Spring 2013
The designer calls its look "natural modern". As things have turned out, that's an apt handle for what he has done.
Family room with natural stone, built in cabinets and beige couch.

Modern With Soul

Toronto Home | Spring 2013
Nestled in a quiet, older Mississauga neighbourhood is a special Modern home. This house is notable for a sculptural presence that melds into the surrounding…
Traditional home with large courtyard, black frame windows and double chimney.

A Modern Spin on Old-World Elegance

Our Homes | Spring 2013
A well­-travelled aficionado of European style, the discriminating homeowner had a particular vision of what his home should feel like. He credits custom…
Cottage kitchen with breakfast bar, wood beams and hardwood floor.

The Cottage

Our Homes | Winter 2012
David designed an open concept space that brings the breathtaking lake view indoors at every turn.
Brick house with stone siding, shingled roof and arched windows.

Lofty Ideal

Our Homes | Winter 2012
The exterior of the home is neo­eclectic...there is a hint of French chateaux in the dormers and steeply pitched roofs. The soft lines evoke a touch of…
Traditional home front entry with white column, wood front door and flagstone walkway.

Awarding Custom Service Excellence

Toronto Star | Winter 2012
Selected as 2012 Service Professional of the Year was David W. Small Designs Inc. for the company's commitment to professionalism and attentiveness.
Living room with steel beam, black frame windows and white walls.

The House That David Built

Our Homes | Fall 2012
Award­-winning custom home designer David Small of David Small Designs predicts a resurgence of the simple and clean style in the GTA. He is building…
Home front entry with stone fireplace, hardwood floor and white baseboard.

Una Bella Casa

Our Homes | Summer 2012
Just on the edge of Old Oakville, tucked along one of the town’s most exclusive streets, is an Italian­inspired estate whose old­style façade belies…
Traditional stone house with David small standing beside it.

Designing Man

Our Homes | Spring 2012
The man behind David W. Small Designs, the award­winning custom home design firm, carries on his family legacy, though he’s chosen to focus less on…
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Modern bungalow with horizontal stone, corner windows and wood soffit.

You deserve exceptional

Let’s work together to bring your home design vision to life

Get in touch




Design Matters

Contact

+1 905 271 9100
Toll Free +1 833 271 9100
4-1405 Cornwall Rd
Oakville, ON, L6J 7T5

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Copyright David Small Designs | Privacy | Newsletter

Copyright David Small Designs
Privacy | Newsletter