MTa builds on rich history of legacy project work with an eye on the future
Many companies have trouble deciding on succession plans, some perhaps not even realizing the importance of planning a future that will ensure their continued success.
Marshall Tittemore Architects has gradually made that transition over the past few years to be able to build on its rich history of legacy project work in Calgary, the Bow Valley corridor and surrounding areas.
It has rebranded itself as MTa and two years ago added new partners: architect Mike Woodland, who is principal leading the Edmonton studio, and Claudia Schaaf, an architect who has more than 20 years’ experience in design and implementation of complex building assignments. Recently, she was named as managing principal of the firm’s Calgary and Edmonton offices, focusing on the operational side of the business.
Founded in 2001 by partners and good friends Bill Marshall and Tom Tittemore, the firm has prospered through a diversity of projects that have earned it a number of awards.
Most recent was the 2017 Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award in the institutional category for the Emerald Hills Leisure Centre in Sherwood Park that was designed as an integrated team project with MJMA of Toronto, a valued partner in sports and recreational facilities.
Marshall has more than 30 years of experience in the Rockies since designing a fire exit in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and remains passionate about development in the Bow Corridor.
Tittemore has spent the last couple of years working with Mike Durtnall, project manager with U.K.-based Arup Group, as bridging architects for the Calgary Cancer Centre but has recently resigned his partnership.
Success has prompted the need to further grow the leadership with the promotion of Chau Tran and Jeff Lyness as new partners and principals joining an enthusiastic leadership group invigorating its design excellence and client engagement through its four Living, Learning, Wellness and Workplace studios.
Tran leads the interior design group, supported by new associate Diane Sawa, that is currently completing the interiors of the Stadium Shopping Centre redevelopment consisting of a four-star, 189-room hotel and conference centre, medical and commercial office building, residential towers and grocery/ retail.
Downtown they are upgrading 345 guest rooms and the club lounge at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, while assisting with other major hospitality brands in new builds and renovations.
Currently, in the Canmore area, MTa designed the underconstruction Malcolm Hotel and Conference Centre in the Spring Creek development.
Marshall was responsible for the master plan of the area and has been involved with its design in various stages for the past 12 years. He was also instrumental in the master planning of a nine-hectare Canmore brownfield industrial and railway siding into a centre for living and shopping.
Work is proceeding on multifamily residences in Three Sisters, and further along the road in Banff two exciting projects are the redevelopment of both the Homestead Inn and Voyager Inn.
Jeff Lyness is leading the design and processes of both studios while focusing on the Stadium hotel and the Watson Lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country. The Alberta Parks facility is being redeveloped to create a better design for the main lodge and 22 cabins that provide yearround, barrier-free lodging for persons with disabilities, seniors and their families.
MTa staffs of 30 in Calgary and seven in Edmonton are of a size that they are able to work closely together — all projects are shared.
A good example of the result of the collaborative approach is the design of the Christine Meikle School in Varsity. It offers an advanced learning environment for up to 125 children with complex special needs.
Building on a strong founda- tion, the new team at MTa has transitioned successfully and the firm is looking forward to many more years of growth in new sectors and areas.
Laura Dade, director of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Centre in Washington, D.C., will be at the Global Business Centre on Monday. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Influencers in 2016, Dade will discuss NAFTA at the Canadian Council for the Americas — Alberta event along with Carlo Dade, director of the Trade & Investment Centre with the Canada West Foundation.