Behind the Build: Evan Saskin - Blue Lion Building

Evan Saskin is an architect, builder, and founder of Blue Lion Building, an architect-led design-build practice in Toronto and now, Halifax, Nova Scotia, dedicated to creating thoughtful infill housing. Raised in a family steeped in construction—his grandfather an engineer and his father a McGill-trained architect and builder—Evan grew up surrounded by drafting tables and construction sites. Childhood visits to his grandparents’ Montreal apartment also left a lasting impression, giving him an early appreciation for urban density, modern design, and the comfort of well-made domestic spaces.After completing an undergraduate degree, Evan pursued his Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto. While the school’s focus at the time leaned toward high-end homes and global commissions, he was drawn to the deeper question of how architects’ problem-solving skills could extend beyond form into regulation, finance, and systems. His early career took him to London, UK, where he joined a boutique practice working on intricate, high-budget residential projects. There he learned the discipline of exhaustive detailing—designing every surface and joint—and the rigor required to translate ambitious ideas into buildable realities.Returning to Toronto during the 2008 downturn, Evan joined Architects Alliance, gaining expertise in high-rise approvals and development processes. Yet his entrepreneurial drive, coupled with hands-on experience renovating his own home, soon led him to found Blue Lion Building in 2011 with his partner Cameron. The name came from their street in London, a nod to the hidden, tucked-away places that inspired their approach.Blue Lion focuses on missing-middle housing—duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes tucked into narrow Toronto lots—bringing architectural care to a scale often ignored by large developers. The firm manages the full process: land acquisition, feasibility, design, approvals, construction, and sales. Saskin’s projects embrace density while delivering bespoke quality, inventive layouts, and durable construction at accessible price points. With over two dozen projects completed, Blue Lion demonstrates how small-scale, design-driven development can address urban housing needs while enriching neighborhoods.Curated Podcast Sponsors:Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/The Doors: https://thedoors4u.com/Aquanta Pools: https://aquanta.caTo connect with our sponsors, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast

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