Architecture Awards 2017

14 BUILD - Architecture Awards 2017 , he work of the firm is versatile, as is evident in their diverse portfolio and their use of differing styles to meet the needs of clients and situations. All of their work, however, is united by a passion for detail and the passion to ensure that all aspects of the building work together as a whole, both aesthetically and functionally. Makow Architects’ work displays a profound understanding of the poetic relationship between light and shadow, colour, space and form. Stan told us about a recent project that the firm completed at the Pine and Pearl Seniors Residence. “As the only retirement building in downtown Burlington, it was designed with ground floor retail space to fit with the commercial street on the corner lot. A stepped form with combined 14 and 9 storey towers was developed to break up the volume of the building, and to blend with the smaller scale of nearby urban fabric. Our development of a building which respected and reinforced the nearby urban fabric earned the project the support of the city during the approvals process. The resulting building has received praise from both its residents and from its neighbours. “In the Eldercare field, Makow Associates has developed a solid client base by listening to its clients and studying each project to provide unique and original design solutions. Spaces are designed to be multi-functional, non-institutional, and accessible. The firm’s long standing experience in pro- viding sensitive designs that address people’s domestic needs has equipped it to provide high quality services for those with special requirements in a group living circumstance. Seniors who are self-sufficient require a norma- tive environment that feels warm, familiar and comfortable from a residential perspective, yet provides the necessary assistance, when required, for basic as well as social needs.” Makow Associates has been instrumental in establishing an up-to-date prototype building, supportive of these requirements. “The growing need for senior living in Ontario, and the need for leadership in setting a high standard for the buildings which must be built to satisfy this need, make this region an ideal base for our firm. To help our clients under- stand and participate in the design process, we use both the time-honored method of hand drawn perspectives and renderings, together with computer models of the building developed with the most up-to-date software and computer technology. Using this cutting edge software enables us to create working drawings which are clear, highly detailed, and coordinated. “One of the most unique elements of our approach is the integration of interior design throughout the process, that ensures warm, elegant, and gracious interior spaces. Our firm, which has been following these principles for over thirty years, has a strong compliment of staff who have played an instrumental role in developing our methodology and who bring their years of experience with our approach to every project. At the same time, new and young staff members bring their fresh perspectives and abilities with the latest technologies to our team. New standards in environmental integrity are constantly being developed, and Makow Associates’ senior staff includes a LEED certified architect so that environmental sustainability is maximized wherever possible. “Makow Associates select materials and finishes that maintain the desired aesthetic in addition to being durable and easy to maintain. The beauty of a variety of natural materials connects the building to its users, while also serving to minimize a project’s environmental footprint. Technically, Makow’s buildings represent state of the art building techniques, with respect to energy conservation, building/thermal envelope detailing and sustainable design.” Makow Associates Architect Inc. Best Retirement Home Architectural Firm 2017 - Toronto Makow Associates Architects combines a thriving practice designing custom homes with a full service practice designing senior’s residences. Whatever the project, their approach is to thoroughly assess the needs and approach of the client for the individual project, and to craft a solution which suits their unique situation. Stan Makow was keen to tell us more about his firm. T “The growing need for senior living in Ontario, and the need for leader- ship in setting a high standard for the buildings which must be built to satisfy this need, make this region an ideal base for our firm.”