DDi is an architecture and design studio that believes in honest straight-forward dialogue, working through the details, and enjoying the process.
Who we are.
Jorge
Jorge is an architect and designer who began his career on Canada's West Coast, earning a degree in Architectural & Building Engineering Science and working on large-scale projects across commercial, healthcare, transportation, and residential sectors. These experiences shaped his approach to creating innovative, functional spaces. He later moved to Toronto to complete his Master of Architecture, embracing the city as an ideal place to grow his career. With an eye for detail and a creative instinct, Jorge blends aesthetics and function to create spaces that are both thoughtfully designed and feel good to be in. Outside of design, Jorge's composed demeanor pairs with a competitive edge. Whether playing hockey, soccer, or supporting his favourite teams, he brings balance and focus to everything he does.
Jorge Silva, Architect OAA
Principal | Director of Practice
Mark brings to the practice backgrounds in Architecture and Industrial Design. He leverages his passion and expertise in contemporary building science to drive innovation and elevate each project. He has spent the majority of his architectural career focused on high-end residential design, design-build, and fine-tuning details with builders, carpenters, and fabricators. Prior to that, his professional focus was on designing flagship retail and hospitality spaces, including custom furniture and fixtures. Mark likes to balance time spent behind a desk with time spent getting his hands dirty, whether it’s building something new or fixing something old. When the lighting is right you can often find him exploring the streets with a camera over one eye.
Mark
Mark Friesner, MArch, MIndD, BEnvD
Principal | Design Director
After first meeting in the Master of Architecture program as the alpha class at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), Jorge and Mark cultivated their careers independently within design offices across the city.
Design Distillery was created as an opportunity to combine the strengths of collective experiences and enrich them with positive energy whenever and as often as possible.