Building a Legacy: Peter Turner's 50-Year Journey with Turner Fleischer

Peter Turner’s journey from a young Architect to the founder of Turner Fleischer is a testament to adaptability, collaboration, and a bold willingness to embrace the unknown. As the Studio celebrates its 50th anniversary, Peter reflects on the early days, the values that have sustained it, and the lessons learned along the way.

Looking back to 1974, when you founded Turner Fleischer, what inspired you to start your own Studio?

I wish I could say I had a grand vision, but really, I just didn’t want to work as an employee anymore. I’d completed the mandatory 24 months of experience to qualify for registration and passed the exams, so I decided to hang out my shingle. I shared office space with a developer I had worked with before, and that was it. There wasn’t a big plan—it was just about being independent.

When did Turner Fleischer start to grow beyond just you?

It was probably around 1975 or 1976, when I hired a student who was taking a year off his Architecture degree at the University of Toronto. He worked for me for a year before heading back to finish his degree. I asked if he knew anyone else who might be interested, and he mentioned a classmate of his. That classmate was John Chow.

John worked with me for a year, then went back to finish his studies. In 1978, he came back to help with a project I was working on for the City of Toronto. That was in the summer of 1978, and here we are, all these years later—John is still with me.

What challenges did you face in those early years?

Recessions were a big challenge. In the 1980s and 1990s, economic downturns hit hard, forcing layoffs across the industry. But those tough times also taught us resilience and adaptability. We learned to take on different types of projects, deliver work faster, better, and build relationships with Clients who appreciated that approach.

Was that a part of your “say yes and figure it out” philosophy?

It was everything. Back then, we didn’t overthink typologies or expertise—we just took on the work and figured it out as we went. That mindset created strong partnerships with Clients. We were all learning together, and that collaboration led to trust and repeat business.

Do you think that approach has shaped the Studio’s values?

Absolutely! From the beginning, we worked as a team. There wasn’t a hierarchy where leaders sat back while others did the work. Everyone pitched in, and that sense of equality nurtured loyalty and commitment. That ethos of collaboration led to formal partnerships, and we established Turner Fleischer. It wasn’t about me anymore—it was about the people who had grown the Studio with me.

You have grown the Studio from one person to over 250 people. How do you make sure that new members align with the same values?

Our leaders embrace a shared vision that shapes the experience of everyone working with us. I always encourage people to find their own paths, take risks, and try new things. Watching younger Architects grow, develop their own styles, and build lasting relationships with Clients has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

As you reflect on the past 50 years, what do you hope for Turner Fleischer’s future?

When I look back, I never set out with a clear vision of growing into what we are today—I simply wanted to create a place where we could innovate and take on projects that pushed the boundaries. As we continue into our next 50 years, I hope Turner Fleischer remains a place where we take the same entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability we’ve always had, embracing new challenges and collaborating as a team, building stronger connections with Clients.

What advice would you give to Architects starting their careers today?

My advice would be simple: say yes to new opportunities, even if you don't know exactly how you'll handle them. We built Turner Fleischer on the idea that we didn't need to have all the answers up front. The key to success is being adaptable, resourceful, and willing to figure things out as you go. The industry is constantly evolving, and the ability to learn quickly, stay flexible, and collaborate with others will be crucial in navigating the changes ahead.

Peter Turner’s journey is a testament to the strength of adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to shared values—a legacy that will inspire the studio’s continued growth and guide its future with purpose and integrity.