ARCHITECT SPEAK
Heather Dubbledam and her world of design
How did you get into architecture?
Being a fourth generation architect, I’ve been exposed to the profession my entire life. My father being an architect encouraged me to attend architecture school. Even though I started working as an architect after graduating from university, I developed skills in other related disciplines like photography, graphic and furniture design before opening my own practice.
What kind of projects are your forte?
We specialise in private residences. Lately, we have been winning a number of high profile commercial and institutional projects. I think people appreciate our strong attention to detail and craft that we apply to projects of any scale; as well as our creative use of materials and ways of bringing natural light into interiors and views to the exterior.
Which is your favourite project?
So far, work has paid rich dividends, and I am happy with the opportunities that have come my way. However, there are a few homes where the clients gave us complete freedom (I rate them the best). We were of course given a set of requirements, but we conceptually developed an architectural language that prioritised light, air and a connection to the outdoors, which we have carried throughout all our projects.
Where do you derive your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, which are again very specific to each project. Sometimes it’s the site, whether rural or urban, that provides an idea that we want
“People appreciate our strong attention to detail and craft that we apply to projects of any scale; as well as our creative use of materials and ways of bringing natural light into interiors.”
to express through the built form. In the case of existing buildings that we have renovated, sometimes it’s the heritage tag of the building itself that inspires ideas about the look and feel we want to achieve.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
My firm was honoured with the Canadian Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture last year, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious architecture prizes. This award will support our research project entitled ‘ The Next Green – Innovation in Sustainable Housing’, which entails travel to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Germany to study sustainable housing precedents and research for northern climates. The knowledge gained will help in our continued commitment to innovation.