Since our office’s inception 15 years ago, we have become increasingly confident that remarkable buildings in the education sector take their root in the predesign phase. Our integrated and consultative approach begins in the research work that comes before design, delivering informed environments. We translate pedagogical vision into functional, efficient, adaptable and timeless learning spaces through research.
Our integrated predesign and design methodology delivers architecture ‘from the inside out’ through the following steps:
Active Listening: Lasting, meaningful design that resonates begins with understanding. We create forums for listening to understand a clients’ values, ambitions, goals, challenges, and operational realities to clarify objectives and set a solid foundation for every project.
Insightful User Engagement: Every institution has its own narrative. Through storytelling-based engagement, we gather deep insights from users, ensuring the project vision is informed by those who use the space. We thrive on backstories and facilitate a process where they inform something new, innovative, and remarkable.
Comprehensive Analysis: Our team gathers and assesses the required data, the existing site, the building conditions, and any respective challenges. This ensures design decisions optimize both existing and proposed spaces, reduce risks, and avoid unintended costs or scheduling and spatial inefficiencies.
Foresight Research: Looking to the future, we discuss merits of prescient forms of pedagogy, explore trends, innovations, and scenario planning to create adaptable, resilient spaces.
Functional Space Programming & Activity Modelling: We translate complex programs into efficient, practical layouts, aligning space allocations with operational needs, projected academic schedules, and user activities to create sympathetic, high-performing environments.
Defining Sustainability Ambitions: Environmental integrity is incorporated from the start. Measurable sustainability goals guide site strategies, material choices, and long-term resilient solutions.
Designing Values: Accessibility and evidence-based design principles ensure inclusive, user-centered spaces aligned with WELL and Rick Hansen Foundation standards wherever possible.
Feasibility, Constraints & Opportunities: Early in the process, we offer preliminary capital budgets, timelines, and project scope to ensure realistic, achievable solutions that meet institutional and community expectations.
Concept Design: Our integrated programming, planning and design methodology bridges vision and reality, synthesizing insights into a coherent, functional, and aesthetic framework — creating architecture “from the inside out” that is purposeful, enduring, and technically sound.