Archinect - Features

Archinect Celebrates Canada Day by Highlighting 15 Architecture Firms That Are Defining the Future of Canadian Architecture

2023-07-01T08:00:00-04:00

July 1, also known as Canada Day, is a time when Canadians come together to commemorate the union of what were once three separate colonies — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada (contemporary Ontario and Quebec).

Canada isn't just one of the largest countries in the world, but it's also one of the most urban. In a 2021 report, about 82% of the country's total population lives in cities. In honor of Canada Day, we take a moment to celebrate Canadian architecture by highlighting 15 firms working across the country.

Vancouver Based D'Arcy Jones Architecture Stays Small to Maintain Intimacy With Their Work

2018-06-11T16:30:00-04:00

After designing a home for his parents while taking some time away from architecture school, D'Arcy Jones knew he was eager to one day start his own practice. Eventually founded in 2005, his Vancouver based firm has grown into a 9 person studio producing distinguished architecture that is consistently recognized as some of Canada's best—in 2017, the firm had the high honor of receiving the AIBC Emerging Firm Award as well as being named RAIC's Emerging Architecture Practice.

DJA's portfolio is comprised mostly of residential projects that are efficient and thoughtful but the team has recently expanded this approach to tackle commercial spaces, art galleries, and larger multi-family housing projects. In the latest Small Studio Snapshot, Jones discusses this growth and what he sees as a "natural evolution" for the studio.

Architect Michael Leckie, of Vancouver-Based Leckie Studio, Discusses his Intention and Craft-Driven Small Studio

2018-06-04T12:41:00-04:00

Architect Michael Leckie began his professional career working at top firms in Canada and Europe. But as the type of person who prefers to create things himself, it was only natural that he established his own practice Leckie Studio Architecture + Design. Since 2015, the interdisciplinary Vancouver firm has designed a fantastic variety of eye-popping interiors and residential projects, plus they have a growing roster of big clients and collaborators. Without a doubt, things are looking up for the young studio, who received the 2018 Emerging Firm Award from the Architectural Institute of British Columbia last month.

In the latest Small Studio Snapshot, Michael Leckie talks about the significance of keeping his practice small, the democratic nature of Canadian design, and some of the exciting plans his firm has in store.