Hariri Pontarini Architects

Ontario’s Celebration Zone for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games was designed as a beacon for gathering along Toronto’s active waterfront. Two undulating inflatable pavilions created the opportunity for 1,500 people to celebrate and included flexible spaces for cultural exhibitions, large scale digital media, headline concerts, and restaurant pop-ups. #urbandesign #torontoculture #archidaily

We're looking for creative and enthusiastic HR Manager to join us at HPA! If you're looking for the next challenging and rewarding step in your HR career check out this opportunity and apply today! https://lnkd.in/gEzi5KyT

We are incredibly proud of HPA’s Temitope Akinsiku whose project Sabon Gida, Sabon Farko – “Home After Crisis” won both the People’s Choice and Jury Awards in the A Student Work category at the 2024 Azure Awards. It’s a privilege to have so many talented young architects in our studio who are leveraging the power of architecture to elevate the human experience globally. Follow the link for more: https://lnkd.in/gBaru-iK #azureawards #emergingtalent #architecturaldesign

19 Duncan - a stunning addition to Toronto's skyline and streetscape. #urbandesign #torontoarchitecture #davidpontarini

5 Questions with Carl Laffan, Design Manager, Interior Architecture. Who/What inspired you to pursue the career you have today? I started my career in London (UK) working on High-End Residential & Institutional projects before I moved to New York. The firm I joined wanted me on their commercial Interiors team. At first I was uncomfortable with the idea - only weeks before I was designing the facade of a ground-up at Cambridge University, so Interiors was the last thing I was expecting. I'll never forget how the hiring director convinced me I would be a stronger designer if I first understood the inner workings of a building and the functional needs of its users - he was so right. By working on high-profile tenant fit-outs and landlord re-positioning projects, I deepened my understanding of interior architecture and gained invaluable insight working closely with a range of executives in NYC’s Commercial Real Estate industry. It was that move to commercial interiors that ultimately brought me to my role today. What is your role at HPA? I'm a Design Manager at HPA, with a focus on interior architecture and planning. I identify and capitalize on design opportunities that elevate the quality of life for the end-user and maximize ROI for our clients. Working closely with clients on our multi-family residential and mixed-use projects, we combine spatial thinking and creative problem solving, with a keen understanding of market dynamics and industry drivers to ensure design decisions enhance the desirability and marketability of the projects. When did you start at HPA? February 1st, 2022 What accomplishment are you most proud of at HPA? When the office market took a hit after COVID, a mixed-use project of ours had nearly finished construction, and like most, was facing challenges going out to market. We worked with the client to understand what options were available, when the idea arose of pivoting from office to hotel. The idea was almost thrown out - the structural grid, expansive mullion spacing and a deeper lease-span were specifically designed and built for office. It was assumed the existing core and shell would not lend well to hotel use. Our team developed a solution that created attractive hotel suites and accommodated a quantity that surpassed client expectations and original projections. We were happy to turn things around for our client - a great example of the tangible value our team offers.   What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know? I initially studied business in University, that explains a lot as I've always enjoyed that side of things. I was halfway through the course when I realized it wasn't satisfying my creative side - I made the decision to start again in architecture and I'm glad I did. I’m grateful to work in an industry that has some structure (we design, document, build, and repeat), but then every project is different with unique challenges. It pushes us to innovate - every day so engaging and satisfying.

Today Siamak Hariri received an honorary Doctor of Design from OCAD University at Roy Thomson Hall. In his remarks to the graduating class of 2024, he spoke of embracing beauty and perfection and the importance of being of service to others. #hariripontariniarchitects #OCADU #siamakhariri #convocation2024

As part of HPA's ongoing commitment to support DEIB initiatives, and to celebrate this year's Pride Month, staff members participated in a Toronto Society of Architects led walking tour of Church & Wellesley Village. The tour offered an insightful exploration of one of Toronto's most vibrant and historical neighborhoods — a place which has long been a central gathering place for the 2SLGBTQIA community. The HPA designed Casey House - a specialized healthcare facility for individuals with HIV/AIDS - was a featured stop along the way.

#OfficetoResidential conversion sounds great, but there are real concerns & challenges in making it commercially viable. I'll be sharing some successful case-studies from Toronto & abroad, as well as some projects here at Hariri Pontarini Architects, illustrating how creative design solutions can help navigate these issues & ultimately increase asset value. I’m looking forward to presenting alongside prominent thought-leaders on #AdaptiveReUse at the Office-To-Residential Summit on June 19th hosted by Trueventus, see the full line-up here.... https://lnkd.in/gADXeTeu

We're looking for creative and nimble HR Manager to join us at HPA! If you're looking for the next challenging and rewarding step in your HR career check out our post and apply today! https://lnkd.in/gEzi5KyT

We are honoured that 8 Spadina at The Well has won design excellence distinctions from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The LEED Platinum officer tower is recognized in the Best Tall Building by Height, 100-199 metres category of the international competition. #thewell #torontoarchitecture #urbandesign