By Susan Kelly
To meet the principals of Lucid Homes—an upscale residential design firm based in Oakville—is to see double: co-owners Pamir and Aamou Rafiq are identical twin brothers.
“There have been some amusing moments when a client encounters us side-by-side for the first time,” says Pamir. “But we share the same vision when it comes to refined design and commitment to excellence.” It’s a vision that since 2018 has led to the company’s swift ascent to designing upwards of 100 luxury single-family homes per year. An impressive portfolio showcases projects throughout the GTA and southern Ontario, and as far afield as Miami, Turks and Caicos, and Africa. The brothers grew up in Germany and have engineering “in their veins,” with several relatives in the profession. They also synced through a passion for art early on in life. After they moved to Canada as teenagers, architecture, which has both aesthetic and technical sides, seemed the natural vocation.
Both gained certification as architectural designers and pursued divergent careers in the architecture and building industries for some years. Now reunited, Aamou handles more of the operations and overseeing the team of eight designers, planners, and project managers. Pamir focuses on business management and development, including initial meetings with clients. “We chose to specialize in luxury estate homes because there is more leeway for creativity,” Pamir says. “We approach every project as a work of fine art, seeking to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that beautifully reflects the people who live there.” And they do it in a big way. Each year Lucid Homes designs around 10 houses that exceed 8,000 square feet in floor space. Past realizations include a 43,000-square-foot mansion in Stouffville, complete with an indoor pool and basketball court. The company does take on smaller mandates, such as homes in the 4,000-to-6,000-square-foot range, or designing house expansion or renovation projects.
Big or small, each project stands out for its bespoke design that embraces the homeowner’s unique tastes and lifestyle. From exterior facade to interior layout, there is a meticulously crafted continuity, a seamless fusion of aesthetics and functionality.
“WE SHARE THE SAME VISION WHEN IT COMES TO REFINED DESIGN AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.”
Customized elements, such as arched doorways and panoramic windows that frame breathtaking views, lend a sense of elevated luxury. “We specialize in facades and entranceways that are modern yet evoke a classic grandeur,” Aamou says. “As well, our painstaking attention to detail truly sets our designs apart.”
Every Lucid Homes realization stands out as a fresh take on a current trend or classic design. And the designers ensure that some of the owners’ stories are incorporated so they feel a deep connection even before crossing the threshold. “For most people, the day they receive the key to their dream home is one of the most exciting times of their lives, one they’ve sometimes waited a lifetime for,” says Pamir. “And we want them to know that we respect that.”
