Cultivating Excellence: Design in Waterloo Region

Comprising three distinct communities—Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge—each with unique economic drivers, priorities, and political landscapes, the region presents a rich tapestry of architectural expression, which MSS is proud to cultivate.

World-Class Regional Architecture

Architecture reflects the interplay of economic, social, and political dynamics within a region. While major cities and economic hubs often lead in sophisticated architectural developments, smaller and medium-sized markets like Waterloo Region present their own compelling narratives.

MSS is committed to shaping and elevating design standards while adapting to local economic conditions. Navigating these constraints can be challenging but over the years it has also inspired innovative design solutions, tailored to each client, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for the region.

We consistently aim to create designs that instill pride in both current clients and future stewards of the city. This commitment drives us to design buildings that are not only exciting and relevant today but also timeless, to inspire future generations. This often leads us to develop the calm and understated structures for which we are known—designed with an eye toward the architectural milieu of the region.

MSS Partner Jason Martin emphasizes the importance of our long-term perspective: “As we move forward, it's essential for us to work with the understanding that what we build now will endure for the next 100 years. MSS has always embraced sustainability practices and resisted disposable architecture because forward-thinking design demands a thoughtful investment in the concept of permanence.”

Unique Regional Characteristics

Waterloo Region is defined by its three distinct communities, each offering unique architectural expressions that reflect their individual identities.

Cambridge boasts historic architecture, picturesque riverfronts, and a robust manufacturing sector. Projects like the reimagined Gaslight District master plan demonstrate how large parcels of land, previously occupied by old manufacturing buildings, can be transformed into vibrant mixed-use spaces that include residential, commercial, hospitality, and public areas. 

Kitchener, a historically prominent industrial hub, blends rich historical elements with contemporary designs. Examples include the adaptive reuse of the Breithaupt Campus, where Buildings I and II were revitalized, and the entirely new 300,000 sq. ft. Building III was added to complement the existing structures for commercial use. This complex is strategically located at the intersection of the LRT and GO train transit lines, making it an excellent hub for community employment.

Waterloo, with its strong emphasis on technology and research, contributes significantly to the region's economy, showcasing a blend of academic institutions, high-tech office spaces, and residential areas. The revitalized Old Post Office, a landmark building in Uptown Waterloo, merges heritage with contemporary design, restoring the Romanesque architecture and adding modern accessibility features. Jason explains that “this project exemplifies our approach to sustainable adaptive reuse, preserving cultural heritage while enhancing the building’s functionality for the community.”

These recent projects follow in the footsteps of the architectural designs MSS has been known for for more than seven decades.

Design Evolution Within the Region

Since the founding of Barnett & Rieder Architects in 1946, MSS and its predecessors have integrated innovative and forward-thinking solutions into our projects, always with the aim to contribute to the evolution and elevation of local architecture. Many of these early projects have stood the test of time beautifully, and make up many architectural highlights within the region.

Our 75th anniversary book, 75 Years of Modern Architecture, walks readers through the firm’s most notable projects from the Modern, Late Modern, Postmodern, and New Modern eras of design. And while what might be considered ‘good design’ has changed slightly over the years, the principles of Modernism remain at the forefront of our practice — openness and transparency, a balance between a static appeal and the functional requirements of a building, and above all, how a building serves the needs of the occupants or community.

The local design community in Waterloo Region has embraced a significant shift towards sustainability and solutions-oriented approaches to pressing social challenges and climate change goals. The housing crisis presents a daunting challenge that demands innovative solutions, and through our initiatives in affordable housing and sustainable architecture, MSS demonstrates a steadfast commitment to pioneering new trends that positively shape the region's architectural landscape. MSS is committed to creating high-density, livable spaces that enhance urban quality of life. 

This deep connection to the community is a cornerstone of our design philosophy. As Jason notes, “When you live or have grown up in the community, as many of our team have, you gain a deep, ingrained understanding of the building stock that exists in the Region, and it shows in our design. Whether it is the proportions of window openings from an early turn-of-the-century industrial building or unique mid-century modern masonry work, these details are often reflected in our projects, inspired by examples in the community.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Talent

Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and healthy competition are essential for the continuation of design excellence in Waterloo Region. At MSS, our commitment to architectural excellence extends beyond our projects to promoting design dialogue within the community and building strong partnerships, such as those with the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

We established the Martin Simmons Sweers Architects Graduate Scholarship for Locally Focused Architecture to encourage students to delve into and contribute to our local architectural opportunities. By fostering a sense of community and empowering graduates to help shape the region's architectural landscape, we’re investing in the future of our built environment. 

Our goal is to inspire our community to embrace architecture that serves both present and future generations, creating a legacy of thoughtful, innovative design, of which the residents of our region can be proud.

‍Interested in learning more about our approach to design? Contact us to discuss your next project with one of our partners.

‍_{*This project involves the contribution of two architectural firms. Martin Simmons Sweers is responsible for the design of the site plan, existing heritage structures, the adjacent 96 Grand Avenue project, as well as providing design input on the parking podium façades. ABA Architects is responsible for the design of the residential towers and associated parking podiums.}