Learn about us

Our 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 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.



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

Valerie O’Reilly

Senior Architectural Designer

Peter Giordano

Technical Associate

Cristina Monaco

Lead Interior Designer

Hilda Andrade

Business Manager

Rebecca Muise

Senior Project Manager

Kelly Clark

Project Coordinator

Julie Odanksi

Project Manager, Permits

Thomas Brintnell

Architectural Designer

Rodolfo Cardozo

Design Coordinator

Nathan McGuire

Senior CAD Technician

Mitchell Wells

Interior Design Technician

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.

Design Awards

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…

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…

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…

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,”…

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.

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.

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…

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,…
OH_OAKVILLE_Fall2017_Inside

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." -…
OHB_Fall2017_Inside

Design By Committee

Ontario Home Builder | Fall 2017
Shared business goals and improved communication technologies are pushing architects and builders out of their silos.
Houzz_Feature_Sept2017_Inside

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.

Enchantment on Fairy Lake

Our Homes | Summer 2017
Designed by David Small, the unique stone and cedar cottage nestles into a gentle slope.

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.

Tuning in Old Memories

Ontario Home Builder | September 2016
Piano Man: David Small's personal home includes a special place for a family heirloom.

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.

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…

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:…

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.”…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

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.

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,…

Homes of the Week

Globe & Mail | Winter 2013
French Cottage with a Lorne Park twist

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…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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…

The Cottage

Our Homes | Winter 2012
David designed an open concept space that brings the breathtaking lake view indoors at every turn.

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…

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…

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…

You deserve exceptional

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