From Idea to Reality, From Dream to Reality
Studio
Mary Ellen Lynch
OAA, NCARB, M.ARCH, Design IALD
Mary Ellen Lynch, OAA, is a founding Principal at Lynch + Comisso: Architecture + Light.
After obtaining her Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, Mary Ellen’s experience includes neighborhood redevelopment projects in East Harlem, New York City to museum exhibit design and architectural lighting design for both interior and exterior environments.
She has become an expert in analysis and thoughtful adaptive re-use of older structures, including the Aurora Cultural Centre (adaptive reuse of an 1886 school), renovation/restoration of several Roman Catholic churches and rectories in the Greater Toronto Area, and many sensitive ‘forever’ home renovations and additions.
She is an advocate for sensible intensification of urban density, working in collaboration with other Architects and the City on the amalgamated Zoning By-law. She is currently serving a 3 year term on the OAA Policy Advisory Team. Detail-oriented and a stickler for good communication, Mary Ellen excels at creating an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie throughout the design and construction process. She mentors aspiring architects and designers through their internship and events such as Nuit Blanche.
Mary Ellen finds inspiration and enjoyment from traveling, singing in a POP choir, and spending time with family and friends.
Steven Comisso
OAA, NCARB, M.ARCH
Steven Comisso, OAA, is a founding Principal at Lynch + Comisso: Architecture + Light. Before joining Lynch + Comisso, Steven kick-started his career in New York City.
With an extensive background in conducting accessibility audits and retrofits for cultural facilities and specializing in millwork design and detailing for retail and high-end interior design firms, he brings 27 years of experience to the table, focusing on high-end residential and cultural buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. Notably, Steven was the lead architect of the Aurora Cultural Centre and Pierre Berton Heritage Centre projects, and he is currently leading the architectural efforts on the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum addition and renovation project.
Steven’s design approach for Residential and Cultural projects is creative and down-to-earth, aimed at ensuring client comfort. He thrives on collaborating with contractors, trades, and individual craftspeople, guiding them through his vision, and working alongside them as needed.
Steven holds a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
He actively engages in the community and enjoys biking, climbing, and traveling.
Jennifer Anderson - Project Architect
OAA, LEED, B.E.S., B.ARCH
Jennifer Anderson, OAA, LEED, has over 25 years of experience in architecture, 13 of which have been with Lynch + Comisso. Her extensive experience spans various project sizes, making her a valuable asset to any collaboration.
In her role as Project Architect and Coordinator for all of Lynch + Comisso’s cultural projects, Jennifer excels in leading design development, producing precise working drawings, and overseeing construction administration. In addition, Jennifer coordinates with sub-consultants to produce complete and well-integrated design and tender packages. Some notable projects she has worked on include the renovation of the National Arts Centre Theatre, the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre, and the renovation of St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Jennifer enjoys collaborating with clients and their representatives as part of a team to develop solutions that best meet the owners’ needs.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jennifer enjoys painting, writing, taking long walks, reading, and spending quality time with friends.
Warren Brown - Technician
PHC, RAIC (STUDENT), B.SC
Warren Brown, CPHC, RAIC (Student), has 12 years of experience at Lynch + Comisso, where he serves as the Architectural Technologist for both residential and cultural projects.
He expertly prepares presentation drawings, permit application sets, and construction working drawings. Additionally, Warren coordinates information with consultants throughout various phases of project development and collaborates with municipal and environmental authorities to navigate the approvals process.
In 2019, he became a Certified Passive House Consultant, enriching our team with his specialized knowledge. We are excited to announce the design of our first Passive House, with construction set to commence in the summer of 2025. This innovative project exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and excellence.
In his spare time, Warren is a multi-talented individual who enjoys attending concerts, theatre, and going camping. He also takes pride in exploring new DIY projects.
Sarah McLennan - Project Administration
B.F.A., Arts Admin. and Cultural Management Certification
Sarah McLennan, B.F.A., has ten years of experience in architectural project administration and office management.
In her role at Lynch + Comisso, she is instrumental in preparing contracts, specification documents, project and finish schedules, and reviewing sample shop drawings. She also manages project-related accounting tasks. As the studio Office Manager, Sarah is responsible for maintaining office organization, coordinating samples, writing proposals, overseeing marketing efforts, submitting awards, and handling project accounting.
In her spare time, Sarah studies Gestalt Psychotherapy, practices yoga, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
OUR STory
Twenty-five years ago, Steven and Mary Ellen invested their savings into a run-down two-storey storefront building in a developing Toronto neighborhood. They were attracted to the area by the community, the affordable building price, and the potential for architectural experimentation. The location offers easy subway access, a friendly community, green spaces, beautiful old trees, and no commute.
A small group of creative businesses has joined the neighbourhood and we thrive and support one another. As the Lynch Comisso family grew, we designed and built a third floor with eco-friendly building materials and radiant heating. Sadly the City infrastructure could not support our proposed solar panels.
We chose our office space with the community in mind. Our large storefront window is a space for us to engage with the public about architecture. In the main window, we place large window designs relating to our projects, Architectural topics, the Season, or the larger GTA. We do this quarterly or when something exciting is happening. In a smaller window by the door, we place project highlights. This winter we are participating in the city-wide DesignTO storefront window exhibit.
In 2016, we replaced the original single-pane storefront window with high-quality ECO glass. The ECO glass reduced street noise and the temperature in the office. In 2020 we updated all the office lighting to highly efficient LED. We recognize the importance of addressing our environmental impact. We are reducing our carbon footprint and support renewable energy by partnering with Bullfrog Power for the last 15 years. Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind, solar, and low-impact hydropower from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. This green energy purchase is also helping support new, community-based renewable energy projects in our region and Canada. We welcome visitors to our friendly storefront location, to share ideas and a good coffee (our espresso machine is always on).
COMMUNITY
Awards and Press
2022
IES 2022 Illumination Section Award for Interior Lighting Design - Archdiocese Office and Archives
Illumination Award for Interior Lighting Design, sponsored by Edwin Guth. Design Team – Mary Ellen Lynch from Lynch + Comisso, E-Lumen International Inc. and DASD Contracting.
NKBA ONtario Chapter 2nd Place Winner – Other Room Category – Wine Room
The NKBA Chapter of Ontario awarded us 2nd place in the Category of Other Room. The win was for our work on the Wine Room at our Park Ridge Project.
2020
IES 2020 Illumination Section Award – St. Martin de Porres
St. Martin de Porres Church has won the 2020 Toronto IES Illumination Section Award. Section recognition of commendable achievement in lighting design.
2019
OPWA Project of the Year (Structures, Less Than $2Million Category)
The Pierre Berton Heritage Centre project has been awarded the 2019 OPWA Project of the Year Award in the Structures, less than $2 Million category.
2018
NKBA Ontario Chapters Winners – Best Before and After
NKBA North America Wide Honorable Mention / Medium Kitchen
The NKBA Ontario Chapter awarded our Runnymede Project with Best Before and After.
Mary Ellen and Steve traveled to Orlando, Florida January 8th to attend the 2018 NKBA Design Awards and Show. Lynch + Comisso was pleased to receive an Honorable Mention.
2017
On the Bay – Light Moves
On the Bay Magazine is featuring an interview with Mary Ellen Lynch about residential lighting.
NKBA Ontario Chapter – 1st Place for Willard Residence Powder Room
Willard Residence Powder Room he NKBA Chapter of Ontario awarded us 1st place for Willard Residence I Powder Room.
2016
Featured in the National Post - Home Section for Lake Simcoe Boathouse
On Saturday, January 23, 2016, we were featured in the Home Section of the National Post for our Lake Simcoe Boathouse project. Article Link
NKBA Design Competition 2nd Place for Lake Simcoe Boathouse Kitchen
NKBA Chapter of Ontario awarded us 2nd place for our Lake Simcoe Boathouse Kitchen project.
National Post Feature – Urban Oasis
On September 11th, 2016, Lynch + Comisso: Architecture + Light was featured on the front page of the Home section of the National Post. A wonderfully written article by Martha Uniacke Breen explores the renovation of our Urban Oasis project.
2015
Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest Winners – Boathouse
Lynch + Comisso: Architecture + Light is proud to announce that we are 1st Place Regional Winners for the Sub-Zero & Wolf 2013-2014 Kitchen Design Contest.
At an awards ceremony on May 28th in Toronto, Steven Comisso and Mary Ellen Lynch received the ‘Best of the Best’ award for their Lake Simcoe Boathouse Kitchen Design.
The Lake Simcoe Boathouse Kitchen was then submitted to the National Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Competition.
At an awards ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona, on September 14th, 2015, Mary Ellen Lynch and Steven Comisso won BEST FIRST TIME ENTRY for their Lake Simcoe Boathouse kitchen.
National Kitchen & Bath Association Award Winners – FOUR Ontario Chapter awards.
Lynch+Comisso: Architecture+Light is the proud recipient of FOUR 2015 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) – Ontario Chapter awards.
1st Place Specialty – Contemporary Design
1st Place – Large Bathroom
1st Place Specialty – Best New Bathroom Designer
2nd Place – Medium Kitchen
IES Toronto division The Cutler Award – Residential Lighting Design Regional Winners
IES Toronto division The Cutler Award for Urbantown House Each year, the Illuminating Engineering Society hosts awards of excellence in lighting.
Featured in the On The Bay Magazine – Chalet Lighting **
The Winter 2015 issue of On the Bay Magazine featured our lighting design project. The Ski Chalet in Collingwood.
2014
Third-Floor Additions – National Post
Mary Ellen Lynch was quoted in this article for her expertise in third-floor additions. Two of our projects are also examples in this article by Dave LeBlanc published in the Globe & Mail on Thursday, February 20th, 2014.
