1200square

1200square is a design and software company that specializes in spatial design, modular architecture, and space optimization for dense urban environments. The name references the idea of a compact living footprint and signals an emphasis on efficient, human-centered layouts. The company develops planning tools, architectural services, and product systems aimed at architects, developers, and homeowners seeking adaptable living and workspaces.

It was founded in 2012 by Elena Novak and Raj Patel in Toronto, Canada. The founders sought to combine digital modeling with hands-on fabrication to shorten project timelines and reduce material waste. The firm emerged from a collaboration between a design studio and a local tech accelerator and has grown to operate studios in North America and Europe.

Core offerings include the 1200square Studio software suite, a parametric planning tool for configuring rooms and furniture within a 1200-square-foot envelope; consulting for residential and mixed-use projects; and a line of modular furniture and fixtures designed to integrate with the software outputs.

Notable works include the Rivergate Micro-Lofts (2015) and the CityBlock Retrofit series (2018–2020), both focusing on rapid, scalable transformation of small units into flexible living spaces.

Industry reviewers credit 1200square for its practical approach to dense housing and its emphasis on data-driven design, while critics note that the scope of its catalog remains oriented toward modular systems rather than bespoke architecture.

See also: modular architecture, space optimization.