RAIC | Architecture Canada is pleased to announce Hariri Pontarini Architects as the recipient of its 2013 Architectural Firm Award.
Founded in 1994, Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) is a Toronto-based, full-service architectural practice known for creating modern landmarks. The firm’s work has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally, having won over 60 awards, including the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture for the Schulich School of Business and Executive Learning Centre.
In choosing the firm, the Jury noted that “Hariri Pontarini Architects’ work is noteworthy and significant in the rigour, balance, and utter refinement of form, materials and detail control and in the utmost precision in execution, evidenced in all their projects. The jury particularly appreciated the range of work – from high-rise housing to public buildings – all demonstrating responsiveness to site, program and tectonics.”
HPA’s portfolio covers a broad range of institutional, cultural, commercial and residential projects. The firm is committed to the development of design as a meaningful cultural, social, and economic endeavour. Its process is based on intensive research, dedication to detail and craftsmanship, an emphasis on sustainability, sensitivity to site, and open collaborations. The firm designs from the inside out, emphasizing the importance of the user experience and promoting a positive contribution to the wider community.
HPA also recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to architecture, education, and practice. It supports efforts at various levels to foster interest in design and architecture, and continuous learning both internally and externally.
All about Hariri Pontarini Architects
Hariri Pontarini Architects is a Toronto-based, full service architectural practice renowned both nationally and internationally for creating modern landmarks. Established in 1994 by Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini, the firm has designed and delivered a broad range of architectural and urban design works of exceptional quality including institutional, commercial, residential and academic projects.
Each project is developed through intensive research, dedication to detail and craftsmanship, emphasis on enduring materials, sensitivity to site, and open collaborations. Over the past 18 years, Hariri Pontarini Architects has consistently prioritized these pillars in order to reach the best possible outcome for each project. Lessons learned are continuously carried forward to improve the quality of work, the service provided to clients and the development of best practice within the profession. This methodology has led to a series of notable contributions to the profession and continues to drive the firm.
Hariri Pontarini Architects recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to architecture, education, and practice, and supports efforts on various levels to foster interest in design, architecture, and continuous learning. The practice invests in its 70 professional staff by supplementing on-the-job training that includes the roll-out of BIM across the office and both formal and informal mentoring, with creative programming such as an in-house film series, site tours of projects and involvement in various not-for-profit design projects. The firm’s investment in its team’s knowledge and engagement with architecture and design on a wider scale greatly benefits the staff, clients, consultants, and ultimately, the end users of its projects.
Hariri Pontarini Architects projects always exceed the aspirations of the client. They are regularly acclaimed by industry and the architectural profession, and have been recognized in over 60 awards programs including the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, the International Property Awards, OAA and Canadian Architect Awards on numerous occasions, and the Progressive Architecture Award. The firm has established itself as an industry leader and continues to be an ambassador for the profession both nationally and internationally.
RAIC Architectural Firm Award
The RAIC Architectural Firm Award recognizes the achievements of a firm for its quality of architecture, its service to its clients, its innovations in practice, contributions to architectural education and to professional institutions and associations and public recognition.
The 2013 jury was made up of: Peter Cardew, MRAIC (2012 Gold Medal Recipient), Anne Cormier, Eric Haldenby, FRAIC, Barry Johns, FRAIC, Marianne McKenna, FRAIC, Lola Sheppard, MRAIC, and Yves Gosselin, PP/FIRACas professional advisor.
