• 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 a progressive architectural practice co-founded by Bonnie Chan and Derek Leung in 2020, driven by a commitment to responsible, sustainable, and economically viable development. We strive to deliver innovative and creative design solutions that respond to context, community, and long-term value.

We provide full architectural services—from master planning through concept design, approvals, construction documentation, and contract administration—for projects ranging from small infill sites to large-scale, high-density, multi-phase developments. Our team of passionate architects and interior designers brings extensive design and development experience throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

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

Technology and collaboration are at the core of our process. Our studio is fully equipped with BIM capabilities, utilizing Revit 3D modeling to design, coordinate, and clearly communicate complex building programs. This enables efficient collaboration with clients, consultants, and stakeholders, and supports seamless navigation through intricate spatial and technical challenges.

Every project is an opportunity to translate a client’s vision into a built form that reflects their identity, strengthens neighbourhood 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. We recognize and value the contributions of every project stakeholder—clients, consultants, and municipal partners—ensuring that the process is as successful as the final outcome.

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