Video: 7 Architecture firms designing Canada’s future

Canada’s skyline is being shaped by some of the world’s most inventive architectural minds, and in this video, we’re highlighting seven firms that are redefining the country’s built environment. From sustainable mass timber innovations to culturally grounded Indigenous design, these studios are creating spaces that are not only visually striking but socially and environmentally meaningful. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking projects and award-winning work of Michael Green Architecture, 5468796 Architecture, RDH Architects, Revery Architecture, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Two Row Architect, and Formline Architecture.

Transcript:

“Architecture is hard. Luckily for Canada, there are much better minds than mine who are helping shape our skylines. I’ll keep practicing, but in the meantime, let’s check out 7 amazing firms creating Canada’s architectural marvels. 

Michael Green Architecture (MGA) is a Vancouver-based firm led by Michael Green and Natalie Telewiak, internationally recognized for its expertise in mass timber and sustainable design. The firm’s groundbreaking projects include the T3 Minneapolis office building, Ronald McDonald House in B.C., and leading Canada’s effort to create 50 standardized housing designs. MGA is a global leader in tall wood innovation, and its work has earned over 50 international awards.

5468796 Architecture, founded in Winnipeg in 2007, is known for its inventive, often sculptural approaches to multi-family housing. Signature projects include the OMS Stage, Bloc_10, and the award-winning YouCube development. Their adaptive reuse of a 1906 pumping station into the Pumphouse residential project exemplifies their bold design ethos. The firm has received several Governor General’s Medals in Architecture and was a finalist for the prestigious Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize.

RDH Architects is a Toronto-based studio with roots dating back to 1919. Once a traditional practice, it has transformed into a modern design powerhouse known for civic buildings such as the Waterdown Library and Civic Centre, Mount Dennis Library, and North York Central Library. RDH has won more than 70 major design awards, including four Governor General’s Medals and multiple OAA Design Excellence Awards.

Revery Architecture, formerly Bing Thom Architects, is a Vancouver-based global firm acclaimed for dramatic, community-centered cultural spaces. Their standout works include the Xiqu Centre for Chinese Opera in Hong Kong, Surrey City Centre Library, and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. With a reputation for blending form, function, and social purpose, Revery has earned the RAIC Gold Medal and numerous international accolades, continuing Bing Thom’s legacy of architectural storytelling.

Hariri Pontarini Architects is a Toronto-based studio founded in 1994 by Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini, known for designing emotionally resonant spaces across sectors. The firm’s global landmark Bahá’í Temple of South America received the RAIC International Prize, while Canadian projects like the Richard Ivey Building at Western University and the McKinsey & Company Toronto Office showcase its elegant, humanist approach. 

Two Row Architect is a 100% Indigenous-owned firm based in Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario, established in 1992. Led by Brian Porter, the firm is dedicated to designing spaces rooted in Indigenous knowledge and traditions, with projects such as the Seneca College Indigenous Centre, Mohawk College’s Indigenous Gathering Place, and Cayuga Grand Vista. Its culturally attuned practice has earned national recognition for advancing Indigenous design in Canada’s built environment.

Formline Architecture, founded by Alfred Waugh in West Vancouver, is known for environmentally conscious, culturally grounded architecture that elevates Indigenous narratives. Signature projects include the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC and the Snuh-NAY-mow-wuh First Nation Youth Centre. With a focus on expressive wood construction and sustainable design, Formline has received numerous honors including an RAIC Governor General’s Medal and the Wood Design Award for Institutional Wood Design.

All that research has inspired me to give my masterpiece another go. Perfect! See you all next time.”