BUILD Architecture Awards 2023 52 address any inquiries from clients and keep them well-informed at all times. “We are very client-focused, with a desire to see them succeed, so we act as our client’s wingman,” elaborates Julie, telling us a little more about the firm’s unique selling points and what sets it aside in the competitive marketplace. “We anticipate and resolve potential problems before they happen, find solutions when others might throw in the towel, and do our best to understand the big picture, all the while keeping everyone in the loop.” Another aspect that sets Spitfire apart is its deliberate efforts to hire talent from around the globe, to complement its Canadian roster. The firm recognises the immense value of diverse worldviews in staying relevant within the creative industry. Currently, the dedicated team includes design professionals from Chile, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, and the Philippines. These exceptional individuals, who share Spitfire’s intrinsic core values, not only bring their unique design perspectives to all projects they undertake, but also contribute elements of their own cultures to the overall office environment. “Our dedication to preserving our company culture has played a significant role in our success,” Julie explains further. “Interestingly enough, our culture was established based on who we did not want to become. Our founder, Denis, drew from his experiences working in larger corporations and other design firms when creating Spitfire. He compiled a list of attributes that he believed stifled employee morale, such as inflated egos, arrogance, and hierarchical structures. From this realisation, we have cultivated a team of like-minded individuals who possess exceptional talent yet remain modest. They are competent and confident, yet humble. They are driven and ambitious in their careers, yet treat their colleagues and clients as equals.” As with any industry, there are challenges and obstacles to be navigated around and the architecture sector is no different. Externally, rising interest rates and building costs are the main hurdles affecting the industry right now, so Spitfire’s focus is to be very cost-conscious, all the while still delivering a beautiful and functional product. Integrated design, architectural, and engineering team, Spitfire Architecture Inc believes in making things easy for general contractors, engineers, architects, designers, and developers to collaborate and problem solve under the same roof. This is why the innovative firm has developed three separate arms of the business, to ensure that each and every stage of a project gets the attention and dedication it deserves. Operating as Spitfire Design, Spitfire Architecture, and Spitfire Engineering, the company can provide a team of down-toearth frontline architectural technologists and designers with expertise and solutions for every budget to bring client-driven designs to life. In its commitment to offering comprehensive services, Spitfire has expanded its expertise to encompass mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more recently, interior design. Additionally, the firm provides design coordination to ensure seamless integration and proper alignment of all project components, with an overall goal being to serve as a one-stop shop for all design and coordination needs. Over the past decade, Spitfire’s focus has primarily been on multi-residential buildings, although it has vast experience designing various other types of structures, including commercial and industrial. Its expansive portfolio boasts more than 14,000 apartment units spread across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and now Ottawa. “Working closely with key players in the multi-residential industry has provided us with valuable insights on how to successfully execute these projects,” explains Julie Chiasson, a Partner and Architect at the firm. “We understand the importance of maintaining cost-efficiency throughout the entire construction process, starting from the foundation.” When onboarding new clients, Spitfire ensures that each project is assigned a dedicated team leader who serves as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the design phase. This team leader maintains regular communication with the technologist, architect, and other consultants involved in the project. As a result, they possess a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress, enabling them to Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Spitfire Architecture Inc (Spitfire) is an architectural business with a difference. With a clear focus on the client, the company aims to be a one-stop shop for all architectural needs, from initial design conception through to construction. We find out more from Julie Chiasson as the firm is named in the Architecture Awards 2023. Apr23601 Most Collaborative Architectural Design Studio 2023 - Atlantic Canada
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