Nothing Left Unconsidered

At Aware Design Studio, we believe great design starts with paying attention. Every project is grounded in thoughtful collaboration with our clients, trade partners, and the communities we work in. Whether we’re working on an adaptive renovation, a Net Zero home, or a lakeside retreat, our goal is the same: to create spaces that feel intentional, personal, and built to support real life.

The name Aware reflects more than a mindset—it reflects a responsibility. We approach each project with care and curiosity, considering everything from technical requirements and site conditions to how a space feels at different times of day and evolves over time. It’s this level of attention that allows us to create spaces that are not only functional, but intuitive, comfortable, and lasting.

Our process matters just as much as the outcome. We work closely with our clients to ensure they feel heard, supported, and confident every step of the way. As a studio, we’re committed to designing with purpose—prioritizing sustainability, advocating for accessibility, and strengthening the relationships that make each project possible. We believe that better design leads to better living, and that home should always feel like yours.

about

Elsa Batten is the founder and principal designer of Aware Design Studio. With a background in business administration and environmental design, she brings a thoughtful balance of creativity, strategy, and care to every project. Her path into residential design wasn’t linear—it was shaped by curiosity, guided by experience, and grounded in a desire to help people feel more comfortable and connected in the spaces they live.

Raised in the country by capable, creative parents who valued hard work and gratitude, Elsa’s interest in design began with a simple goal: to improve how people live in their homes. She believes that a home should support the people within it—not the other way around—and that well-considered design can foster connection, ease, and a strong sense of belonging.

After studying through George Brown College and OCAD U’s Environmental Design program, Elsa joined a residential interior design firm, where she realized her focus extended beyond finishes to the structure and flow of space itself. That shift led her to pursue her BCIN certification for Small Buildings, which she earned while gaining hands-on experience with a multi-award-winning design/build firm.

Elsa is a BCIN-certified residential designer, a CHBA-accredited Net Zero Home Builder/Renovator, and an Adaptive Home Specialist. She is committed to ongoing education and actively contributes to the advancement of the industry. Elsa serves on the board of directors for the Peterborough and Kawartha’s Home Builders’ Association and is a member of the Ontario Renovators Council through the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. She also participates in several committees, including:

  • CHBA Women in Residential Construction Council

  • Ontario Renovators’ Council

  • OHBA Under 40 Advisory Committee

  • PKHBA Vice Chair

  • Peterborough Women In Trades Co-Chair

Her work is grounded in the belief that thoughtful design can improve the lives of clients, communities, and the professionals who help bring each project to life.

Outside of work, Elsa finds inspiration in the things that keep her grounded—her two spirited dogs, a close-knit circle of friends and family, time in the garden, and the quiet satisfaction of making things by hand.

Design is Personal

  • Communication
    Clear, honest, and collaborative communication is the foundation of every successful project and every strong relationship.

    Respect
    We honour the trust of our clients, the craft of our collaborators, and our responsibility to the communities and environments we work within.

    Thoughtfulness
    Every decision matters. We approach design with intention, clarity, and care, always considering how space shapes experience.

    Collaboration
    Design is never done alone. We work in partnership with our clients, trades, and industry professionals to create spaces that are functional and deeply personal.

    Curiosity
    We ask questions, explore possibilities, and remain open to discovery—because meaningful design starts with a willingness to learn.

    Community
    Community means giving back, building up, and strengthening the relationships that connect us. Good design supports the people who call a space home.

  • To create thoughtful, well-considered residential design solutions with care for every client, every collaboration, and every detail.

  • To shape homes that feel intentional, enduring, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.

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