For over 75 years, Martin Simmons Sweers has helped shape the built form throughout Waterloo Region. Many buildings designed by the firm in its early career are still in use today—a testament to the high standards of sustainable design that we strive for.
We believe that quality architecture and durable construction are essential for creating a sustainable, climate-positive built environment that people are proud to live, work, and play in, and that can be maintained for future generations.
We understand that there are no universal solutions to building sustainability and every project has unique goals, requirements, and constraints. Throughout a project lifespan, we carefully consider all options, giving our clients a thoughtful and realistic approach to determining which design solutions will generate the most value, for the project and the planet.
Every project has unique goals, requirements, and constraints that create opportunities for sustainable design.
At MSS, we believe that sustainability and good design must go hand-in-hand; you can't have one without the other. This principle is inherently part of our work process and seamlessly integrates into everything we do.
As a studio, and as individuals, we are committed to:
Our design processes incorporate a range of sustainable design principles, including:
Many of our team are well-versed in sustainable building practices, and we also have members who are certified:
LEED® AP
Patrick Simmons, B.ARCH, M.ARCH.U.D, OAA, RAIC, LEED® AP - Partner
Passive House Designers / Consultants
Greg Piccini, PHPP - Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect
Kristin Schreiner, PHPP - Associate, Senior Project Designer / Design Lead
While not every project falls under a labeling program or category, most of our builds incorporate high performance elements in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
MSS has completed several large adaptive reuse projects in the region, as well as many LEED-certified buildings, including Canada's first triple-platinum office building.
We’d like to recognize and thank the team members who lead the studio’s sustainability efforts:
Jason Martin, Partner
Greg Piccini, Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect
Mark Buckley, Associate, Senior Project Architect
Jesse French, Associate, Senior Project Manager / Contract Administrator
Andrew Vlcek, Associate, Project Architect
Brendan Lacy, Designer