We Dramatically Increase Existing and New Buildings' Values Through Innovative, Sustainable, and Financially Rewarding Design, That Makes Occupants Feel Safe, Healthy, and Proud.

Welcome To ISD Architects

We believe that homes should do more than shelter us-they should elevate their daily lives, regenerate communities, and restore connection to place and planet.

Whether you're revitalizing an older home, developing a multi-unit project, or imagining your next family dwelling, our process begins by asking: "Why does this place matter?"

Lets build something with purpose.

Our Circle of Influence

At ISD Architects, architecture is more than a set of plans — it’s a force for meaningful impact. Our Circle of Influence illustrates how every project we take on is rooted in a deeper purpose: to revitalize, re-engage, and regenerate the built environment in ways that serve both people and place.

This diagram isn’t just a visual — it’s our daily compass. At the center is our driving belief in Purpose-Driven Architecture. Surrounding it are the actions that shape our work:

  • Revitalize – We breathe new life into spaces through sensitive design that respects history, context, and character.
  • Re-Engage – We reconnect homes, buildings, and communities by listening first and designing for real human needs.
  • Re-Generate – We uncover untapped value and sustainability, ensuring that great design doesn’t come at the cost of environmental or cultural integrity.

You can see this influence in every project we touch — whether it’s a lane home for multigenerational living or a full-scale urban revitalization.

The Max 4 Method

A smarter, faster framework to unlock your property’s full potential

We developed the Max 4 Method to help homeowners, developers, and investors gain early clarity on what’s possible—and what’s profitable—on any given site.
No guesswork. No waiting for months.

It’s a 4-phase strategy designed to surface hidden value, align vision with zoning and lifestyle needs, and deliver fast-track schematic design packages.

Unlock Your Project’s Potential Today!

Ready to take your design project to the next level? The Project Planning Pack is a free resource from ISD Architects, created to help you start with a clear, effective plan.

Inside, you’ll find expert tips on site analysis, design strategies, and how to avoid common project pitfalls. Whether you're just starting or refining your plans, this guide will give you the direction you need to move forward confidently.

Download your free Project Planning Pack today by clicking the button below.

Download PPP

What You Get with ISD Architects

Whether you're designing a laneway home, a revitalized residence, or a multi-unit development, our process is designed to provide clarity, creativity, and confidence every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:

➤ Strategic Site + Zoning Review

Understand what's possible on your site before investing heavily in plans or permits. We'll assess zoning, land-use, and environmental conditions to provide you with a clear path forward.

Visualize opportunities and explore multiple directions — fast, flexible, and thoughtfully done by hand. We’ll present you with creative options that reflect both the potential of the site and your vision.

➤ Conceptual Design Sketches

Visualize opportunities and explore multiple directions — fast, flexible, and thoughtfully done by hand. We’ll present you with creative options that reflect both the potential of the site and your vision.

➤ Feasibility & Phasing Advice

Know what to build now, what to hold for later, and how to maximize long-term value. We help you prioritize your vision based on practical, financial, and regulatory considerations.

➤ Stakeholder-Ready Presentations

Communicate your vision clearly to investors, city officials, or collaborators with visuals and language they understand. We ensure your project is compelling and easily digestible by all stakeholders.

➤ Design Development (DD)

In this phase, we refine the design, coordinating with engineers and consultants to integrate structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. We also prepare for necessary planning approvals, including Site Plan Approval (SPA), rezoning meetings, and any required pre-approval meetings with local authorities. Your design is refined in detail, and we ensure it’s aligned with regulatory requirements while maintaining your vision.

➤ Construction Documentation (CD)

Detailed architectural drawings and specifications are prepared to guide the construction process. These documents are also used to secure building permits and ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.

➤ Construction Administration (CA)

During construction, we provide oversight to ensure the design is executed correctly. We liaise between the contractor and client, managing any issues or changes that arise during the building phase to keep the project on track.

Ready to explore what's possible on your site?

Book a 15-minute free feasibility call to get started — no commitment, just expert guidance.

Here’s How We Can Help
At ISD Architects, we specialize in fast-tracking project approvals and providing innovative design solutions that help you sidestep delays and avoid costly design errors. Before we dive deeper into our discussion, I invite you to watch a brief video that highlights our purpose-driven design process.

This video is crafted to give you insights into how we approach each project to maximize value, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Click the image below to watch it, and let us show you how we can bring your vision to life — seamlessly and efficiently.

Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?

At ISD Architects, we prioritize clarity and efficiency, ensuring that every step of your project is well-planned to avoid costly mistakes and delays. However, many people face challenges during the design phase, from uninspired solutions to overlooked site details. These issues can add unnecessary costs and extend timelines.

To help you navigate these challenges, I’ve created a free on-demand class that dives deep into the key strategies for a successful project. In this class, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, develop a solid action plan, and ensure your project stays on track and within budget.

Click below to watch the class and start your project with a clear, informed approach.

Watch the Class, Free!

Expedite Your Approvals?

Imagine a world where your Site Plan Approval application or building permit is expedited with ease, regardless of the size, type, or complexity of your project.

I believe my team and I have honed our skills in accelerating project approvals, and I would love to show you how we can help. Before we delve into a quick conversation, I invite you to watch a short video below.

This video sheds light on our innovative design process, designed to save your project from delays and design errors. Simply click on the image below, and let us demonstrate the value we can bring to your project.

I assure you, this video will provide valuable insights and prove worth your time.
Click the image below to watch.

Watch my Free Class

Imagine a world where your Site Plan Approval application or building permit is expedited with ease, regardless of the size, type, or complexity of your project.

I believe my team and I have honed our skills in accelerating project approvals, and I would love to show you how we can help. Before we delve into a quick conversation, I invite you to watch a short video below.

This video sheds light on our innovative design process, designed to save your project from delays and design errors. Simply click on the image below, and let us demonstrate the value we can bring to your project.

I assure you, this video will provide valuable insights and prove worth your time.

Watch the Class, Free!

why iSD architects?

ISD refers to Innovation, Sustainability, and Durability. At ISD Architects we challenge the status-quo. We challenge the mindset that created the status-quo.

We believe that the current paradigm is as much responsible for the dire crises society is facing today as the harm itself: lack of decent housing, inequality, degradation of resources and the environment, and the object-centered design instead of human-centered creativity.

We invite residential developers to consider investing in better way to design buildings. This in our view isn't a cost issue. It's a commitment issue; a commitment to align with who we really are: creative, cost-effective, and responsible human beings.

Issam (Sam) A. Shukor OAA, AAA, AIBC, MAA, CPHD, is the principal and senior architect at ISD Architects. He is a Certified Passive House Designer with exceptional design skills and wide range of expertise. Sam likes to call himself the Innovative Sketch Designer. For him sketching is more than presentations or visions. They are a source for iterations and an engine of inspiration. Sam believes that creativity is a duty of the architect not a choice or a marketing tag. The source of creativity for him is not technical. It is the clients' needs and aspirations.

To hear Sam's story click on the image below. You can also download his must-read report with invaluable information for anyone thinking to build or invest including how to increase value of design, cost of construction, site impact and the value-added design.

Download the Project Planning Package by clicking on the button below.

Download PPP

Home
Renovations

Mid-rise
Multi Family

Schematic
Designs

ISD Process

ISD Process is a design roadmap which aims to help you, the homeowner or property developer, navigate through your project seamlessly. It ensures that you obtain creative, high-performance, and cost-effective design, enhances coordination with teams, and minimizes conflicts that could arise causing costly delays, overtuns, disputes, and confusion during construction.  
Click below to enlarge the ISD method infographic.

from our valued clients

in our valued clients' words

Extremely Efficient

Issam was willing to meet numerous times to involve me in the creative process, and he put me atease with his knowledge, creativity and his solid success rate within the City of Toronto's permit process. He is very current with his ideas, practical when it comes to costs, and unfailingly kind.!
Marilyn Preston, Toronto,ON

Creative & Personable

Issam is not only a very skilled and creative architect but he is also very personable and easy to deal with. His services have been multi-faceted, from design and drawing to knowledgeable consultation regarding the best ways to deal with the municipality in order to get my project approved.
Amos Carlen,
Toronto, ON

Success with Municipality

This is the second time I have benefited from the exceptional services of Sam Shukor (ISD architects). The level of service, quality of drawings, creativity and responsiveness has been of the highest quality. Sam was fantastic with communicating and negotiating with the committee of adjustment to achieve the approval. I whole-heartedly recommend Sam and would not hesitate to continue using his services.
J. Casey, Toronto, ON

A Masterpiece

Sam took my thoughts and created a masterpiece home for my family. His team is extremely professional, and unparalleled in their crafts. I would highly recommend ISD Architects to anyone. This is a 5-Star treatment (big time!).
D. Lovatsis, Toronto, ON

Office Tower, Erbil

K&A - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

The Gottardo Head Office, Woodbridge, ON

Petroff Partnership Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

Youth Centre, Alberta

ISD Architects - Designer & renderer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

Multi-family Residential Building, Ontario

ISD Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

Multi-family Residential Building, Ontario

ISD Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

The Saied Residence, Mississauga, ON

ISD Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

The Lovatsis Residence, East York, ON

ISD Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

Le Royal Hotel, Beirut

K&A - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor

Multi-family Residential Building, Ontario

ISD Architects - Designer: Issam (Sam) A. Shukor