Alva Roy Architects (aRA) is an award-winning Toronto-based architectural practice founded by Alva (John) Roy. Since its formation in 2003, the firm has consistently pushed the boundaries of architecture through the innovative use of honest materials, refined spatial strategies, and a deep commitment to meaningful design. With extensive experience in the management of complex urban, residential, and institutional projects, aRA combines a rigorous design process with hands-on construction knowledge to deliver work that is both visionary and grounded.
Since our inception, aRA has been responsible for the design of over 131 projects, 40 of which are located in Ontario, and 89 located in Europe, Asia and Middle East. We are responsible for a number of residential developments, numerous private residence, restaurants, automotive showrooms, Exhibition booths and interior design such as sun glasses showrooms.
Alva is a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects, a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and the Toronto Society of Architects.
Originally trained in Tehran, he earned his professional Master’s degree from Azad University and later relocated to Canada, where he achieved his architectural license and established his Toronto-based practice. Before founding Alva Roy Architects, he interned at Sharestan on several award-winning institutional and high-rise projects and co-founded AX Architects in Tehran and Dubai, working across the Middle East and Europe.
Roy is best known for his seminal projects including the Garden Void House, the BMW Showroom in Tehran and Dubai, the Exhibition Hall for Airline Homa 2, Tower of Love in Mississauga, Affordable Housing for City of Toronto and Dubai’s Police Museum.
his other notable projects include the London Celebration Centre (concept design), Pickle Barrel Restaurant (17 locations), LCBO Collingwood, Ford & Lincoln Showroom in Alliston, and Princess Auto in Owen Sound.
Alva’s design leadership continues to shape aRA’s wide-ranging portfolio, which spans commercial, residential, hospitality, and institutional work.
The studio’s interdisciplinary team also brings expertise in interior architecture, working closely with clients to articulate brand identity and create immersive, human-centered spaces. With projects published internationally and award recognition across continents.
Albert is a professional engineer specializing in consulting, structural, and civil engineering, with additional expertise in site inspection, engineering reports, reserve fund study reports, and performance audits for condo projects. He believes in delivering excellent service at an affordable price and has been providing design and additional engineering services to his clients for nearly 20 years. His services are characterized by professionalism, punctuality, and affordability, catering to a diverse range of clients, including investors, property owners, property managers, industrial facilities, real estate developers, and construction contractors dealing with various types of buildings and properties
William specializes in landlord commercial and custom mid and high-rise residential projects, where his expertise -particularly in the area of design and technical documentation – is matched by his strong project management skills and ability to lead diverse group of people. He also oversees the mentoring and training of junior architects, focusing on professional development and the continued support of the design team.
William completed his Bachelor of Architectural Technology at The Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson), and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston. He has over 28 years of experience in the field of architecture, and has worked in Hong Kong, Houston and Toronto in multiple and diverse project types and environments. His ability in dealing with fast paced working environments combined with his technical and social skills result in the delivery of quality and efficient architectural service to our clients.
Everything we do revolves around our people. Their skill, enthusiasm for serving as dependable advisors, and unwavering quest for original, workable solutions energize each project we work on. Our people exist in an innovative culture where design, technology, and research all converge. We craft abstracts into reality. Our versatility and agility help us to deliver outstanding architectural designs with a commitment to unbridled creativity.
