Hariri Pontarini Architects Earns Prestigious Recognition

Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) has earned an impressive distinction, having been selected by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) as the recipient of the 2013 Architectural Firm Award.

Noted for its modern design style, the firm has already been well-recognized for its work, having earned more than 60 awards since it was founded in 1994, including the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, which it received for the Schulich School of Business and Executive Learning Centre.

HPA was also part of the team behind Lindvest Properties’ B.streets condos, which received both the BILD Project of the Year – High-Rise and the OHBA Project of the Year – High- or Mid-Rise.

“The award is especially timely because it acknowledges past works but also credits research and education at a juncture when the firm’s philosophies concerning cities and especially sustainable growth are beginning to be realized in built form,” said partner David Pontarini.

HPA’s work includes residential, commercial, cultural and institutional projects including the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, the McKinsey & Company office at the University of Toronto and an art deco-style upgrade to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

HPA-designed projects currently in the works include the massive One Bloor East condo tower and the Jackman Law Building at U of T.

“Hariri Pontarini Architects’ work is noteworthy and significant in the rigour, balance, and utter refinement of form, materials and detail control and in the utmost precision in execution, evidenced in all their projects,” the jury said. “The jury particularly appreciated the range of work – from high-rise housing to public buildings – all demonstrating responsiveness to site, program and tectonics.”

The jury also noted HPA’s commitment to holistic design, education and practice.

The RAIC’s Architectural Firm Award is given to an architecture firm that designs quality buildings, makes use of innovation, contributes to architectural education and professional institutions, serves its clients well and is well-regarded publically.

By Anthony Morales