Award

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 7 mcCallumSather P H OTO G R A P H Y BY P H I L I P C A S T L E TO N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J E SS E CO L I N J AC K S O N for our profession to bring critical thinking to the foreground and engage in integrated design processes has never been greater." Matt Bolen, managing principal, underscores this commitment, stating, "The vision has always been to make the built world around us more environmentally sustainable and equitable for all. From my perspective, the evolution of this has been in how this ambition can be continually pushed and executed through deep and authentic collaboration with aligned parties such as clients, govern- ments, and colleagues." Over the years, mcCallumSather's portfolio has grown significantly, showcasing a multi-disciplinary team offering architecture, mechanical engineering, and interior design. An early collaboration with Enermodal Engineering on the 77 Governor's Road six-storey condominium project marked a turning point with the introduction of an integrated design process – a departure from traditional methods. "The project drew significant interest, even attracting representatives from NRCan and CMHC [Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation] to our design workshops in Hamilton," McCallum notes, solidifying mcCallumSather's reputation in integrated, sustainable design. For Mary Georgious, principal and mechanical lead, a significant milestone was the SIF-funded lab projects at the University of Guelph, particularly the MacNaughton Building and the Food Innovation Building. These projects marked a turning point for the mechanical department. "These complex, large-scale projects pushed the boundaries of what our team was capable of," she shares. "We set a goal to design sustainable labs, collaborating closely with the architecture team to successfully deliver on that vision. Our work on these projects has set a precedent, and we continue to design energy-conscious labs that reflect our commitment to sustainability." McCallumSather's diverse portfolio, including The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation at Mohawk College and the Endress+Hauser Customer Experience Centre, showcases the firm's dedication to sustainable design with their groundbreaking achievements in net-zero energy standards. Other notable projects, such as the Region of Waterloo North Hydro Headquarters and Fleet Services Centre and North Hamilton Community Health Care, which all hold LEED certifications, further illustrate that sustainability is achievable across various building types. "These projects demonstrate significant reduc- tions in building operational costs and enhanced occupant wellness based on measurable improvements in interior thermal control and indoor air quality, access to views, natural light, and natural ventilation," McCallum explains. The firm continues to push the boundaries of sustainable design with cur- rent projects like two Net Zero libraries in Kitchener and Toronto, affordable housing units using mass timber construction, and the Biindigen Well Being Centre – a collaborative initiative with Indigenous partners. "This project allows us to hone our design approach with deeply held cultural values that honour Indigenous heritage and foundational knowledge of respecting the earth. It promises to be an exciting journey," McCallum notes. Collaboration is central to mcCallumSather's culture, both within the firm and in its external partnerships. "Our culture is rooted in care taking," says Bolen. "We aim to support every team member, celebrating successes and tack- ling challenges together through shared experiences and collective knowledge." The firm's commitment to "walking the talk" in its everyday office environ- ment resonates deeply with its team and attracts many, including co-op students who have gone on to build impressive careers both in Canada and abroad, advocating for environmental protection while upholding design excellence. A significant part of mcCallumSather's growth has been the development of its own mechanical engineering group. The firm excels in driving energy effi- ciency in complex projects, particularly laboratories, through both renovations and new builds. Its interiors team complements this by creating environments with sustainable materials and furnishings. This integrated expertise shines in mcCallumSather's own LEED Gold CI-certified office, a multi-award-winning space reflecting the firm's strengths in architecture, mechanical, and interior design. Today, mcCallumSather has offices in Hamilton, Kitchener, Toronto, and Kincardine. Looking ahead, the firm's future direction is clear: to expand its national presence while preserving deep, personal connections within the communities it serves. "We aim to become a firm with a national reach yet remain rooted in the values that have defined us from the start," Bolen remarks. For mcCal- lumSather, the next decade promises growth, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to creating built environments that honour and respect the earth. As they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable design, mcCallumSather stands as a testament to the power of vision, collabora- tion, and a relentless commitment to making the world a better place – one thoughtfully designed project at a time. A Endress +Hauser Customer Experience Centre, Burlington, ON Toronto Public Library , Toronto, ON Region of Waterloo North Hydro Headquarters, Waterloo, ON MacNaughton Building, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON

• Cover