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
Past Practice Archive

ISD Architects Inc. is no longer providing architectural services.

The principal of the former practice is currently practicing architecture under a different Certificate of Practice. This site is maintained as an archive of past work and ideas.

For general inquiries related to this archive, he may be reached at sam.s@formstudioinc.ca.

CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

During its years of practice, ISD Architects was guided by a conceptual framework called the Circle of Influence. This framework illustrated how each project was informed by a broader purpose: to revitalize existing conditions, re-engage people and context, and regenerate long-term value for communities and the environment.

The diagram presented here is preserved as a record of how the practice approached decision-making and design thinking. Though no longer applied within an active practice, it remains part of the intellectual legacy of ISD Architects.

THE MAX 4 METHOD

The Max 4 Method was developed as an internal framework to help clients and project teams gain early clarity about site potential, constraints, and direction. Rather than serving as a fixed service offering, it functioned as a roadmap for understanding context before major commitments were made.

This method is archived here as a reference to how ISD Architects structured early-phase thinking and sought to align opportunity, performance, and long-term value during its years of practice.

PROJECT PLANNING

This section previously shared resources and insights intended to support early project thinking, including site analysis, strategy, and common considerations when embarking on residential or multi-unit projects.

These materials are no longer maintained or updated, but are preserved here as part of the ISD Architects archive for reference and reflection.

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What You Get at ISD Architects
Past Practive Archive

Historically, ISD Architects’ work included strategic site review, conceptual exploration, feasibility insight, and clear communication with stakeholders. These approaches reflected how the practice sought to reduce uncertainty, improve coordination, and support informed decision-making.

This section is presented for reference only and does not represent services currently offered. It documents how the practice operated during its active years.

Ready to Move Forward with Greater Clarity?

The work presented on this site reflects the thinking and methodology developed during the active years of ISD Architects Inc. While the practice itself is no longer operating, the principal architect continues to practice as a Senior Architect at FormStudio Architects Inc., where architectural services are delivered under a separate Certificate of Practice.

The design approach documented here—emphasizing early clarity, contextual understanding, performance awareness, and thoughtful decision-making—continues to inform the principal’s professional work within a fully licensed architectural practice. This continuity of thinking should be understood as intellectual and methodological, not as an extension of services offered under the ISD Architects name.

All architectural services, including schematic design, design development, construction documentation, construction administration, and coordination with consultants and authorities having jurisdiction, are undertaken exclusively through FormStudio Architects Inc. and are subject to its professional, contractual, and regulatory framework.

This archive remains available as a record of past work and ideas, offered for reference and reflection. It does not represent an active architectural service, nor does it solicit new commissions under the ISD Architects name.

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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.

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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