Why Altius
The best buildings result from architects, clients, consultants, and contractors coming together to achieve something great. At Altius, we drive and manage that cohesive process because we know the extraordinary results of an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. You’ll be thrilled on the day you move in, and many years to come.
BEAUTIFUL, LIVABLE SPACES
Your space will be durable and sustainable, functional and comfortable, and very easy on the eyes.
THE CHOICE OF BUSY PEOPLE WITH HIGH STANDARDS AND EXCITING DREAMS
Do you want a superior new building, but just don’t have time to wade through all the minor details?
We’re one of the rare architectural firms that also offers you expertise in construction management and interior design. We take care of your dream, from concept to completion, and assign you a single point of contact for every aspect of your project.
Cathy Garrido and her team are fantastic! Cathy listened and gave expert advice and solutions during our home reno, and always made herself available to answer questions and provide information. I highly recommend Altius Architecture Inc., and would definitely work with Cathy and her team again.
— Kristen M.
YOU SEE YOUR BUILDING IN 3D – ACTUALLY SEE IT – FROM THE GET-GO
You’ll benefit from a smart 3D-model of your project right at the beginning. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D modelling system that supports every stage of the project, assisting all parties, improving communication, and flagging potential problems before they become a reality.
By making everything visual, BIM boosts the coordination between mechanical, structural and architectural features, and all the people involved. As just one example, BIM helps to eliminate bulkheads, enabling the sleek and fluid design of a modern space.
Make sure to ask any architect that you’re considering whether they use BIM. Its capabilities are far beyond a simple paper approach or 2D computer-aided design.
LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY
Altius is proceeding to Passive House Certification: the global gold standard for sustainable building. We see “net-zero” homes as a universal reality in the very near future, and are pleased to share how we’ve been integrating these principles into our designs for the past 20 years.
We’ll educate you on how to take advantage of passive solar principles, and convince you that constructing the most energy-efficient building you can afford is in your best interest. You’ll thank us later!
RESPECTED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Since we opened, Altius has been regularly awarded and recognized by industry experts. Early on, we won awards such as the industry’s “15 Young Firms to Watch”. We were also the inaugural winners of the Ontario Association of Architects Best Emerging Practice award in 2007.
More recently, our portfolio has been voted Best of Houzz for three consecutive years. Houzz boasts more than 25M monthly users, including 500,000 active industry professionals who are eligible voters in the Houzz awards. Altius is also regularly featured in publications such as Canadian Business Journal, and in mainstream newspapers across Canada.
BALANCE IN ALL THINGS
Each decision we make balances aesthetics with performance. It’s not really about what you see at the outset. It’s about what you experience, and it’s about whether your space is a joy to live in.
A surprising number of the decisions we make are reflected behind the walls, integrated within the building enclosure. You won’t be able to see or feel the difference during the build. But you’ll definitely feel it and know it as you experience it.
HIGH TOUCH SERVICE
We help to guide you through a maze of decisions, and coordinate the work of the entire team, including designers, engineers and construction professionals.
You’ll find that we work hard to build your confidence, because the best results invariably come from a relationship of trust. We’re not motivated by impressing you with our skills. Our goal is always to impress you and please you with results.
To get there, we help you choose all of the materials, equipment, light fixtures, colours, finishes and features—and put it all together so that you love the outcome.
CONNECTING INDOORS TO OUTDOORS
Everything is integrated. We connect your indoors to your outdoors by designing decks, driveways, walkways, pools or waterways, and outdoor experiences.
COMPLETION
Our comprehensive service doesn’t end when the last contractor leaves. We will:
- Walk you through your new space and teach you how to use any technological features.
- Prepare a maintenance manual for you, including instructions for maintaining your property, user guides for your equipment, and warranty information.
- Professionally photograph your new space, and provide you with copies. You also get copies of the construction photos so you know exactly what has created the comfort and joy you get to experience each day.
