Harry Morison Lay Architect

Harry designed a classical fireplace mantlepiece for my Napolean gas fireplace. It adds greatly to the charm of my Ontario Cottage style of house. My carpenter enjoyed the undertaking and was so proud of the outcome, he received requests for others
Dec 6th, 2020

On a recommendation, we commissioned Harry to complete a major kitchen renovation and great room addition. Being a person who loves to cook, the renovation would allow us the space to entertain friends and family while enjoying from the inside the outdoor landscape of our country property. Harry grasped what we were considering and designed a dream kitchen and great room that far surpassed our expectations and became the heart of the home. We thoroughly enjoyed the process of shopping with Harry to select building materials to ensure the completed project was a masterpiece. In addition, Harry assisted in hiring a talented contractor who executed Harrys design on time and budget. There have been many nights while sipping a glass of wine by the fireplace that weve commented on the amazing space that Harry designed. The renovation transformed our house to our forever home. We tell every person who visits the great experience we had working with Harry and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Nov 18th, 2020

We bought raw land on Lake Muskoka for a cottage. We had never built or even renovated anything before. Harry had put a third floor on our city neighbour's house. We share a driveway with the neighbours. They were very pleased with the results. We were impressed with the ease of the construction process and the small impact on our lives. We heard that Harry also had a practice in Muskoka so we hired him for our cottage. After checking references we hired the builder he recommended. The whole process was fun and easy and we were delighted with the eventual design and Harry's attention to detail. The project came in on time and on budget. We would not hesitate to hire Harry again or to recommend him to others.
Nov 14th, 2020

I contacted Harry to see if he could help us out - a hundred year old 2-storey mixed-use building in the Junction with internal access issues. Harry was able to design a simple yet elegant new addition at the rear containing a new stair that linked all the floors together with a new ground floor rear entrance. It has transformed how we use the building - what was once a pain that involved frequent going out one door to come in another has been resolved in this simple plan. It has made it possible to make full use of the building including the basement. Further it was Harry's recommendation that brought us together with our contractor, Euclid, who has done a terrific job. Top marks all round!
Oct 20th, 2020

We bought a 30-minutes-by-boat cottage out in Georgian Bay a few years ago, and engaged Harry in 2017 to help us redesign it. We loved the century old cabin in the front, but the 1980's addition at the rear was lacklustre to say the least. It felt like a completely different building and we personally couldn't see how to make the two work together. Harry helped us unblock our mental logjam and he developed an excellent design so that the old and new sections became, almost magically, an integrated whole. And we loved the old wrap-around porch, but it was screen only. We wanted to make it three-seasons - but not lose the charm of the old cottage. Harry developed a great design for old-style awning windows that are both functional and beautiful. Rather than diminish the old charm, they add to it. The rest of the building benefitted from Harry's vision. Bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces were all reconstructed to provide a sense of warmth and style. The design of the layout was superb, but he helped us with so much more. Selecting a contractor, designing an interior look-and-feel, developing a great kitchen layout, helping manage the kitchen contractor, suggesting great lighting, even helping us pick out appliances. To say he held our hand all the way through this substantial renovation in a tough location is a considerable understatement. We now love our cottage better than any place on earth. And that's down to Harry's vision and meticulousness in helping us get it done.
Aug 29th, 2020