• Bonnie Chan

    Co-founder and Principal

    AIA, OAA, M.Arch, MAUD, B.A. LEED AP, NCARB

    With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Bonnie can navigate her way through a variety of projects, from commercial use to residential and everything in between. Her passion for her work has been recognized by the industry through the numerous awards she's received from BILD, OHBA and Wood Council of Canada. Bonnie is now bringing her expertise to ZO1 as its founding partner and is excited to infuse her creativity and passion into each and every one of her projects.

  • Derek Leung

    Co-founder and Principal

    OAA, AIA(Overseas), HKIA (Non-Resident Member), MBA, M Arch, BA(AS)

    Derek is equipped with a background in architecture and business administration, allowing him to approach projects with both a creative and logical mind. With over 20 years of local and international experience, he is able to move from a variety of projects, from residential to hospitality, with ease across different countries. As one of ZO1's founding partners, he is dedicated to helping clients unveil their creative vision and harness its potential.

About ZO1

ZO1 Architects is an Ontario-based architectural practice co-founded by Bonnie Chan and Derek Leung in 2020, with a focus on delivering responsible, sustainable, and community-oriented design solutions. The firm is committed to advancing accessible, sustainable, low-carbon, and economically viable development across a broad range of project types.

We provide full architectural services, including master planning, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and contract administration. The firm has experience delivering projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the Greater Golden Horseshoe, ranging from small-scale infill developments to large, complex, multi-phase projects.

Our portfolio is diverse. We are actively engaged in a broad spectrum of work including low-rise and high-rise residential for purpose-built, affordable and supportive mixed-use communities, hotels, senior living and long-term care, retail commercial, workplace and industrial. Many of our clients are established for-profit and non-profit organizations that are shaping the future of communities across the region.

We have particular experience working with non-profit and mission-driven organizations, as well as private-sector clients contributing to community-focused development. The firm is also actively engaged in projects utilizing modular and prefabricated construction systems, supporting efficiency and innovation in delivery.

Technology and coordination are integral to ZO1’s practice. The studio is fully equipped with Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, utilizing Revit for design, documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination. This enables clear communication with clients, consultants, and stakeholders, and supports the effective delivery of technically complex projects.

We believe that Every project is an opportunity to translate a client’s vision into a built form that reflects their identity, strengthens neighborhood character, and contributes positively to the urban environment. Our strength lies in guiding a project from early hand sketches through to constructed architecture, supported by a deep belief in the power of teamwork.

Mission, Vision, and Values

At ZO1 Architects, our mission is to create innovative design solutions that improve everyday life through simplicity, environmental responsibility, and social empathy. Our work in compact residential and mixed-use community developments reflects our belief that design excellence is not a luxury, but a means to enhance community well-being.

We value integrity, passion, efficiency inclusivity, sustainability and collaboration — principles that align directly with Verdance’s goals of affordable, inclusive, and educationally supportive housing for vulnerable populations.

We approach every project as an opportunity to translate each client’s and stakeholder’s vision into architecture that reflects their brand, responds to context, and strengthens neighbourhood identity. We are committed to continuous improvement through education, research, and innovation.

We maintain responsible financial planning strategies across all aspects of our practice to ensure value, accountability, and long-term success.

We believe in the power of collaboration—that every member of the development process, from client and consultant to city official and community member, contributes something meaningful. Through this collective effort, we deliver architecture that is thoughtful, buildable, and enduring.

We define success by our ability to work collaboratively, and by the creation of timeless, enduring buildings and public realms that serve both end users and the surrounding community. These values have helped us build long-standing, trusted relationships with our clients.

Visit us

 

Unit 201, 85 Scarsdale Rd,

North York, ON, M3B 2R2

Email
bonnie.chan@zo1.ca derek.leung@zo1.ca

Office Line
(647)-636-8771