RATIO news: Mark Hamilton Architect AIBC has joined Chris Pollard as principal and partner of RATIO Architecture, Interior Design & Planning Inc.
RATIO’s new office entryway incorporates brand elements that are immediately recognizable to our team and to our guests. Dennis Boyle built upon our existing brand identity, creating a striking entry experience that is rooted in the experience of our office culture. He developed a customized visual system including spatial orientation graphics and a key brand wall which also serves as privacy foil for a large staff lounge.
On February 16, 2019 we lost Mike Barnes, Architect AIBC, a beloved friend, respected colleague, senior advisor and RATIO partner.
In case you missed it: Our expanded design team is having a terrifically busy year. We are a proudly diverse and talented group working collaboratively with our clients to create design solutions ranging from community infrastructure to workplace tenant improvements to the rehabilitation of heritage structures. Here is a quick look at some of the projects we’ve been working on.
We are pleased to introduce (and welcome) our newest RATIO team members.
RATIO’s credit union clients, Island Savings and Salmon Arm Savings & Credit Union were 2 of the featured banking branch design concepts in the Financial Brand’s international photo showcase.
Our name is grounded in the importance of relations and relationships in our work. Between a building and its environment. Between citizens and structures. Between our firm and our clients. How do we live and breathe the RATIO story? On every project we bring distinctive thinking, rigorous creativity, and a progressive approach. Here are four stories from 2015 we are proud to share.
Our process is creative, collaborative and innovative, but backed by pragmatic business reason. The hand sketch is a tool. It is a step between the insights gathered in the pre-design phase and a schematic design. It is a visual synthesis of the data and project goals.
One of Canada’s National Historic Sites, the Triple Island Lighthouse, is to receive a complete heritage rehabilitation. RATIO has been commissioned to lead the design including a seismic upgrade and overall building refurbishment. Mike Mammone, RATIO principal, recently made a site visit and took these stunning shots from the helicopter and ground. RATIO’s work on this project is already underway with construction commencing this spring.
Recently published is a list of Canada’s Top 100 biggest infrastructure projects. Included is BC Hydro’s ambitious Ruskin Generating Station project (#64 on the list), a machine age hydroelectric station, still producing power but needing numerous upgrades to meet modern operating standards. RATIO is part of BC Hydro’s team on this complex, and interesting project. The Ruskin Generating Station has a historic role in British Columbia, significance to local and First Nations residents, and 1930’s Art Deco architecture. Find out more about the list, the projects, and how British Columbia ranks for projects on the go.
The opportunity to share holiday spirit with children and fellow members of the design community was one we couldn’t pass up. In early December RATIO took part in the 13th annual holiday tradition called We Care, started and organized by our friends at Workplace Resource . Each year 10 design firms develop craft ideas that can be… Read more »
At the beginning of 2014, RATIO was launched. Our name is grounded in the importance of relations and relationships in our work. Between a building and its environment. Between citizens and structures. Between our firm and our clients. How do we live and breathe the RATIO story? On every project we bring distinctive thinking, rigorous creativity and a progressive approach.
We share a brief look back at our year….
Island Savings Chemainus branch recently opened in the new Chemainus Village Square. RATIO led the corporate wide reimagination which included a branch design concept and implementation strategy. The Chemainus location ‘branch of the future’ is the 5th in the concept rollout. Even though Chemainus is the smallest branch in system, the 25’ high ceilings, full height exterior glazing and open plan make the space feel larger than it is; modern and welcoming. RATIO leveraged Island Savings new brand identity by using the already-iconic “sand dollar” motif as the basis for a 16’ x by 47’ 3D mural. The mural runs the width of the branch, acting as a unifying element that ties together all member facing branch components including entry, atm vestibule, greeter, members lounge, and teller wickets within the open plan.
Envision Financial, under the umbrella of First West Credit Union has opened the door to a new way of banking. It also introduces a fresh, cohesive design concept for the merged credit union network under First West. Their newest branch, at Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack, introduces this new member experience. During the design and planning process RATIO and the First West team re-imagined the credit union from the perspective of its true definition: a cooperative organisation of individuals for a common purpose; and as a key community stakeholder. Design decisions were made based on the client’s very successful brand drivers.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation has launched an innovative fundraising campaign on Fundrazr for their free digital lab project dubbed the Inspiration Lab. Check out their video and donation rewards on Fundrazr. You’ll find out what the Inspiration Lab is all about and hear from project supporter Ace Fipke, CEO & Founder of Nerd Corps Entertainment.
RATIO is proud to lead the creative design for the Inspiration Lab. RATIO, in consultation with library staff, has helped to define and refine the new Inspiration Lab space. The plan for the lab maintains a cohesive link to the existing library architecture designed by renowned architect, Moshe Safdie. The sketch above shows how different activity zones will relate to one another and fit in within the original library space.
Imagine a place where you can create, explore and bring ideas to life. This is the concept of VPL’s Inspiration Lab – a free public space to nurture the talent and creativity of our city. A hub for learning and experimenting with traditional, digital and new media. VPL’s Inspiration Lab will be an incubator – a place where the next generation of Vancouver’s digital and creative community gets its start. Ratio is proud to work with the Vancouver public Library on this innovative project.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation needs your help to bring the Inspiration Lab to life. Fundraising efforts have begun with a goal to raise $500,000. Click here to help.
Canada’s Green 30 list identifies companies that integrate sustainability programs into their workplace culture. This collection of Canadian businesses whose employees, according to consulting firm Aon Hewitt, are most positive about their record of environmental stewardship. More about the Green 30 can be found in Maclean’s. This year’s list included Island Savings and Vancity. We… Read more »
As part of the City of Vancouver’s Digital Strategy released last year, the Vancouver Public Library is re-imagining what a library ought to be in the connected world of today. A priority is the development of a new space within its Downtown Central Branch with creative design coming from RATIO. This space (approximately 6000 sf) will house a digital media workspace, dubbed the Inspiration Lab. The area is envisioned as a hub where people can create, learn, interact and collaborate through technological tools and resources. What makes this space different is the introduction of creative activities into a traditional library setting. Imagine a space with graphic, audio and multimedia tools that encourage creativity. Imagine a flexible and collaborative workspace as opposed to banks of library work desks and enclosed meeting spaces. Imagine vibrant and dynamic space that can be used in a multitude of ways, for various events and circumstances.
Tom Annandale brings a distinct humanity to all of his architectural work. Tom is well known as a design leader and consensus builder. He is also recognized as a mentor and unceasing advocate for architecture and it’s importance in the public realm. Punctuating Tom’s 40+ year career is his leadership, vision and care to preserve BC’s architectural heritage as evidenced through his many hours of service on heritage advisory boards. His commitment can be seen through restorations and adaptive reuse projects including the award-winning architecture on the Stave Falls Visitor Centre and Britannia Mine Museum.
This May, Thomas S. Annandale will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Fellowship is bestowed upon members by their peers as recognition of the recipient’s pursuit of excellence and personal contributions to the profession of architecture.
Here’s a first glance at what the new Aldergrove border crossing will look like. This rendering, prepared by RATIO for Public Works & Government Services Canada, shows the upgrades including two new lanes for commercial truck traffic and a new commercial inspection facility. RATIO is Architect and Coordinating Professional on the new $17.7M Aldergrove Port… Read more »
RATIO is proud to be part of The Lark Group’s team as Architect and Coordinating Professional on the new $17.7M Aldergrove Port of Entry. RATIO principal Mike Mammone said, “this project continues RATIO’s long standing relationship with both Public Works & Government Services Canada and the Canadian Border Services Agency.” The announcement by the federal… Read more »
Architecture should be inspiring, useful and sustainable delivering an ideal balance between site-specific goals and broader societal and environmental contexts. Are there buildings in British Columbia you feel a connection with and are inspired by? The Architectural Foundation of British Columbia is inviting all British Columbians to nominate their favorite building in BC regardless of… Read more »
Mike Mammone, principal, Ratio was honoured with two awards at the 2014 Wood Design Awards in BC. He was honored with the Architect Award for his use use of wood in his work on the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union – Uptown Branch, Salmon Arm, B.C. A quote from the Wood Design award notes:… Read more »
In 1954, our firm was established as Toby & Russell Architects. After six decades of working with our clients to create outstanding spaces and build their brands, we realized it was time to evolve our own brand. As we step forward into the next 60 years, we’re excited to share a new identity that articulates the firm we are today and will become in the future.
Ratio.
A ratio expresses proportion, balance and relationship. Our new name is grounded in the importance of relations and relationships in our work. Between a building and its environment. Between citizens and structures. Between our firm and our clients.
