Fathom Studio is an architectural practice that is pushing the boundaries of how the built environment can represent culture, history and better serve under-represented groups. Fathom studio is an integrated practice of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, interpretive planners and environmental graphic designers who have developed an integrated design process based on deep listening and research.
Fathom Studio has completed numerous designs that capture their approach to research, client engagement, and designing from a multitude of design disciplines to further enrich their projects. Not only has this approach transformed their architectural work, it has also changed each individual discipline's approach to design. This can be seen in their work in traditional landscape and planning with the design for the 2SLGBTQIA+ National Monument, and their architectural approach to their interpretive work in Batoche. Both feature definitive architectural expressions of culture and community.
Fathom Studio's approach and methodology is fully realized with two key projects - the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and the Under One Sky Awigati Longhouse and Cultural Centre. This past year, the team and clients' work has secured over 60 million dollars of much-needed funding for these two critical cultural projects.
PHOTO - PETE LAWRENCE
RENDER - FATHOM STUDIO
RENDER - FATHOM STUDIO
PHOTO - HARRISON JARDINE
PHOTO - FATHOM STUDIO
PHOTO - JULIAN PARKINSON
Fathom Studio has differentiated itself by confidently curating an inter-disciplinary approach, seamlessly integrated within one studio, which resets the way architects collaborate and engage with their teams, clients, communities, and contexts. The evidence of a shared language and mission between the firm’s landscape, architecture, planning and environmental design projects is clearly demonstrated in the resolution of built form, landscape and graphics. Fathom is owning the space where many younger practitioners and students are heading: that is, at the intersection where allied arts meet, the boundaries fall away, and the real discussions begin.
The voice of an emerging architectural practice is defined as much by the types of commissions it pursues as it is by the execution of the work itself. While Fathom Studio has a relatively small portfolio of completed projects, the practice is actively working on an ambitious body of work that is focused on culture and community, including The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and Under One Sky Awigati Longhouse and Cultural Centre. With a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes inclusive and interdisciplinary design, we can expect big things from this team of practitioners.
2023 Annual Awards Jury