News

Relationship building is important, no matter the industry. Getting to know people beyond reputation can go a long way towards building your business and defining the contributions you can make to your community. This notion is true for architects and their clients too.

The Chmiel team is pleased to share the exciting news that our 400,000 square foot fitup for Export Development Canada (EDC) has achieved a LEED GOLD certification for Commercial Interiors from the Canada Green Building Council. The 19 storey facility includes notable features such as an addressable lighting system, low water use plumbing fixtures, daylight in 75% the space, use of construction materials and furniture with low VOCs, certified wood and recycled content, Energy Star rated equipment and appliances, employee “cafes” designed for leisure use and informal meetings, and an employee fitness centre.

Before planning any new build, architects and builders should always consider the importance of social space within a building. Social architecture is the conscious design of an environment that encourages a desired range of social behaviours. Social psychologist Kurt Lewin (1936) designated this equation as: B = f (p,e) which stands for “Behavior is the function of a person within their environment.”

Welcome to the new ChmielArchitects.com. Over the last few months, we have been working with Ottawa-based TRUEdotDESIGN to design a website that would allow us to showcase our team and projects and we are pleased with the results.

There are many links between urban planning and healthy communities. Environmental, social and economic conditions can have both positive and negative influences on our health. Urban planning professionals play an important role in shaping those conditions – while supported by dynamic leadership, urban planners, developers, citizens and city officials must work together towards one goal: the improvement of health, well being and overall quality of life. Whatever the process, healthy urban planning must always take into account the various cultures, religions and lifestyles within the community.

On September 22nd, 84 golfers gathered for the 4th Annual Keltic Cup Charity Golf Classic at the Marshes Golf Club. More than $8,500 was raised in support of cancer coaching and survivorship programs offered through the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s Maplesoft Centre.

Joule is a new company headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. Branched from the Canadian Medical Association, it was created to foster connections and healthcare changes through physician-led innovations, including grants and labs, health hacking events, and delivery of trusted products and services. When we launched the project, we immediately recognized two major challenges that required addressing.

The Forum Lecture series, organized through Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, introduces students, faculty and the Ottawa community to a host of leading practitioners and architectural critics. Through the generous support of local sponsors, the series is free and open to the public, and invites the city to engage in emerging ideas and celebrate the architectural profession. Upcoming Forum Lectures are taking place on January 23rd, February 6th and March 20th, 2017.

On July 5th, we celebrate a female pioneer of architecture, Ethel Mary Charles – the first woman architect to join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1898. Because of her trailblazing the way, today we recognize and highlight the achievements of women in architecture worldwide, and within our own organization.

Just a few blocks from Parliament Hill, National Arts Centre, and the Ottawa ByWard Market, The Alt Hotel and The Slater (199 Slater) are fresh and bright, a spectacular example of contemporary design by Chmiel Architects and Lemay Michaud Architecture Design. This 23-storey infill project combines two separate occupancies in one high rise configuration: a condominium and a boutique hotel.

What makes for the best work environment? Seems to be forever evolving, however, more and more companies are starting to tear down their cubicles and share their workspace – which in turn is changing the way we as architects think about office design of the future. Research has shown that conversation, noise, and (just a touch of) chaos can actually be good for sparking up creativity and co-worker collaboration. Researchers also believe that physical space is the key to forming friendships and positive work relationships, as people who pass each other often or work within close quarters have adopted similar attitudes and styles – resulting in an exchange of knowledge, thoughts, ideas and surprising combinations.

In compliance with Ottawa Public Health’s recommendations on limiting the spread of COVID-19, CHMIEL ARCHITECTS has established the following general office protocols effectively immediately: