Architectural Firm Award 2018 | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

 

Architectural Firm Award 2018

RDH Architects
Toronto
ON
Award Category: 
Architectural Firm Award

RDHA is a Toronto-based architectural studio that specializes in buildings for the public realm. Founded in 1919, RDHA is one of Canada’s oldest practices. Over the last century, the firm has produced a wide range of work, including corporate headquarters, embassies and chanceries, industrial facilities, academic buildings, recreation centres, arenas, transportation infrastructure, and both academic and public libraries.

Over the last 12 years, the firm has undergone a transformation, growing from an office that delivers good projects, on budget and on time, to one that produces architecture of the highest calibre. The current partners, Tyler Sharp, Geoff Miller, Bob Goyeche, Rob Boyko, and Momin Hoq, have redefined the office structure and the creative design process, attracting aninflux of young talent. Facilitating the professional paths of these emerging architects has been a priority for the management team.

Principals and staff are also committed to the promotion of the architectural profession and giving back to the community. They are involved in numerous volunteer, academic, and professional pursuits outside the day-to-day of running a practice.

RDHA presents a model for transformation and renewal of aging architectural processes. This example of succession planning and transition demonstrates how success can grow through a process of strategic evolution.

Jury Comment(s): 

“There is a remarkable consistency throughout the last 10 to 15 years of work by a younger generation of designers that have taken over the firm and kept the lineage and re-established themselves as a leading designing firm in Toronto.” 

“For the successors to rebuild the firm and reputation and deliver a fresh portfolio of completed projects, is exceptionally difficult."

“Many of their projects are cost-driven. They make very good architecture with lean budgets.” 

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Bloor/Gladstone Library

Photo: Tom Arban

Bloor/Gladstone Library

Photo: Tom Arban

Hamilton Public Library

Photo: Tom Arban

Hamilton Public Library

Photo: Tom Arban

Williams Parkway Operations Centre

Photo: Tom Arban

Williams Parkway Operations Centre

Photo: Tom Arban

Surrey Operations Centre

Photo: Ema Peter

Surrey Operations Centre

Photo: Ema Peter

Surrey Operations Centre

Photo: Ema Peter