By Susan Kelly
Renderings by Contempo Studio
Slated for completion in fall 2025, a stately stunner in Mississauga is one of the current works in progress for builder Justin Miandro, founder and owner of Title Building Group of Oakville. “The millennial couple who commissioned it had found a property they considered ideally situated, as it backed onto a parkland, and they have big dreams for the luxury home they wanted to build there,” he explains. “It will span some 7,000 square feet and feature soaring 11-foot ceiling heights.”
Realizing big visions is something of a specialty for Miandro, the first-ever winner of the Living Luxe 2024 Mastermind Builder Award for “turning dreams into reality by creating exquisite, tailor-made homes that embody luxury.” As with all of its projects, this company specializing in newly built homes will handle every aspect, from planning the design and architecture to managing the build.
For the design, the homeowners equate sensual and sophisticated French chateau architecture with opulent living. The builder turned to architectural designer Marin Zabzuni, owner of Toronto-based design firm Contempo Studio, to interpret the vision. “The homeowners instantly loved his unique transitional take on the style,” Miandro says. “He created something timeless for them with many contemporary touches, customized to their tastes and budget that will make it a standout in the neighbourhood.”
The bulk of the budget was reserved for luxe interior finishes. So while the original plans called for a mainly limestone facade, Miandro suggested incorporating more economical yet highly chic custom white brick with precast details in a harmonized soft neutral palette. “Every project is a process,” he says. “Even though the owner may regard it as a forever home, many elements have to be shifted over time to balance wish lists with practicalities like investment and resale value.”
Blueprints show that the owners wanted to incorporate every modern feature to support their lifestyle. Since they are wellness-conscious, elements such as an advanced water filtration system are a must-have, as is a full home gym in the basement with easy access to the backyard and spa-like pool area. A huge walk-in dressing room tucked between the primary bedroom and bathroom elevates the suite to five-star hotel status. Taking Miandro’s advice, the owners opted to add a nanny or in-law suite, handy for visitors or if the family situation should change.
Designing the interior of the four-bedroom, three-bathroom plus powder room home is entrusted to Natasha & Michael Design Studio. The overall style exudes a thoughtful fusion of transitional and contemporary design. “We continued the neutral palette throughout the home to create a calm, cohesive flow but with modern interjections of black,” says co-founder and designer Natasha Gonzalez. Chateau elegance is bestowed through the use of such haut de gamme materials as richly veined marble—white for the kitchen and bathrooms, black to add drama to the fireplace facing—and other natural stones. European white oak flooring is laid in a herringbone pattern. “The goal was to evoke a sense of understated elegance, where every element feels carefully curated, with an emphasis on comfort, function and timeless beauty,” she says.
Building a new home is a creative process that can go on for many months and involves a lot of back-and-forth. To reduce any potential stress for homeowners, Miandro, who has a degree in business administration marketing, makes every effort to keep his clients involved from the earliest stages. “They like being in on the process, so I provide them with daily digital access to schedules and charts,” he says. “That way, they can see the progress for themselves and be reassured.”
Since he began building homes in 2014, collaboration with a core of top professionals has been key to Miandro’s success. From designers to suppliers to trades, they share his passion for exceeding expectations while keeping clients’ wishes foremost. At the next Living Luxe Design Show from April 24 to 27, for instance, Title Building Group will share a central booth with luxury real estate firm Barry Cohen Homes and Lancaster Custom Cabinetry.
The showstopper booth is designed by Gonzalez, who also is Miandro’s fiancée. She is a partner in another important creative project: the couple have a five-month-old son named Mason. Fatherhood has changed Miandro’s life in many ways. “I’ve always built homes with longevity in mind,” he says. “Now I look at my business, too, as something to hand down to my child. I hope that one day he’ll share my passion for the business and will want to pass it on to future generations.”