Darkhorse Design & Development Inc.

Darkhorse Design & Development Inc. is led by Sean Carty, a residential designer and architectural technologist based in Kanata, Ontario.

Sean has lived and worked in Ottawa’s west end for most of his life, with strong ties to both Stittsville and Kanata. After graduating from the three-year Architectural Technology program at Algonquin College in 2002, he began his career with a well-known architectural firm in Stittsville. Over the following 12 years, Sean worked alongside award-winning architect David Mailing, contributing to a wide range of custom homes, cottages, renovations, and additions while developing a strong foundation in residential design, technical detailing, and 3D modelling.

Darkhorse was first established in 2010 as a part-time residential design business, created out of Sean’s desire to work more closely with homeowners and bring thoughtful, well-detailed residential projects to life. In late 2014, after more than a decade in private practice, Sean made the move to operate Darkhorse full-time.

In March 2022, Sean stepped away from Darkhorse for a period of time to join Hobin Architecture, where he spent just over four years working as part of their residential and wood-frame design team. His time there provided the opportunity to contribute to larger and more complex residential projects, further strengthening his experience in project coordination, construction documentation, quality control, and contract administration.

By the summer of 2026, Sean realized that his passion remained in working directly with clients, builders, and homeowners through a more personal design process. With that in mind, he made the decision to re-establish Darkhorse Design & Development Inc., bringing together his years of experience, technical knowledge, and renewed focus on custom residential design.

Today, Darkhorse is focused on providing residential design services for custom homes, cottages, additions, renovations, and carefully considered development projects in Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Sean currently resides in Kanata with his wife, a dedicated member of the Canadian Armed Forces, their three children, and their family dogs. He takes great pride in supporting his wife’s military career while building a family-focused business rooted in the Ottawa community.