Award

A PR IL 2019 | 7 S2 Architecture Excellence This has undoubtedly helped S2 attract and retain a vast array of talent from architects, interior designers, and architectural technologists to support staff. Walk into any of the three S2 Architecture studios and there is a friendly, collaborative vibe, as groups of all ages gather around computer screens, discussing plans, ideas, and sharing insight. "We believe that a rich mixture of people and ideas from all sides of a project supports and leads to innovation," says Symons. The firm's innovative approach has been key to the company gaining great rec- ognition for its work. In fact, over the past 25 years S2 Architecture has received no less than 15 awards and notable mentions for excellence in urban and architectural design and building technology. The projects, well, they speak for themselves and are testimony to the versatil- ity and talent of the firm and its employees. Since its humble beginning in 1993 the firm has completed more than 1,600 projects, not just here in Canada, but across the world. This is no doubt one of the reasons why the firm is sought after by notable international architectural firms for joint venture/collaborative work in Calgary. "I wouldn't say we have a signature type of building because we listen to our clients' needs and respond accordingly," says Symons. "We firmly believe our flexibility and team collaboration has led to our success." Success that includes working with a local design-build firm in Las Vegas on projects including the Bellagio Hotel, Wynn Towers, and the Platinum Residences. S2 was also the design architect on one of the largest residential high-rises in San Diego and the design architect for the award-winning Thomas Jefferson School of Law, also in San Diego. Here in Canada, some projects of note include the 95-acre West District master plan in Calgary, the impressive New Horizon Mall in Balzac, and the 35-storey, mixed-use residential development Vogue in Calgary, whose concept design is based upon developing a symmetrical contemporary Art Deco esthetic. Then there's the Pason Centennial Arenas in Okotoks, Alberta, which involved a 47,834-square-foot expansion that included a NHL-sized rink with spectator seating and a leisure ice surface with a fireplace and skate change areas, and the 22,000-square-foot Royal Vista Fire Station in Calgary. The list of projects, from new build to renovations, while also working within challenging parameters, is indeed incredibly impressive. Innovation continues to drive the firm forward. Whether its embracing technology like BIM/REVIT, Building Information Technology, 3D modelling and printing, or virtual reality, the award-winning S2 Architecture continues to take the lead and make its stamp on the built environment. And as the company continues to grow, taking on larger and more high-profile projects, and gaining increasing recognition as a major western Canadian practice, its staff set their sights on the future, looking for new succession partners and opportunities in other cities. The future is indeed bright for S2 Architecture. A 1. Vogue, Calgary, AB 2. Royal Vista Fire Station, Calgary, AB 3. Pason Centennial Arenas, Okotoks, AB 4. New Horizon Mall, Balzac, AB 5. West District Master Plan, Calgary, AB 6. Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, CA 4 5 6

• Cover