Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo Architects & Engineer: company of the year (1-15 employees).

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: Celebrating Excellence 2004 - Company Profile

John Stephenson describes architectural design as an interactive "process of discovery."

Breaking down the complexities of building design for clients has been one of the core values behind the success of Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo Architects & Engineer. The progressive Thunder Bay firm has developed a track record for bringing an energized passion and commitment to their projects, combined with a unique element of environmental responsibility and conservation to meet client needs.

By engaging clients early and often in project design, from the early schematics to the final drawings, "we break down the process much more and do more dialogue with them about their options every step of the way," says Stephenson. Stephenson is one of the senior partners in the firm that includes Walter Kuch, Michelle Gibson, Jim Malo and Ian McEachern.

"It's a greater degree of involvement with the client throughout all the stages and transparency in the process.

"The end result is a better building and a more educated client."

The firm, formed in January 2002 with the merger of two well-established Thunder Bay firms--Kuch Stephenson Architects and GBW Plus Architect & Engineer - has participated in some high-profile projects in northwestern Ontario. Two of those projects include Confederation College's $8.4-million state-of-the-art Aviation Centre of Excellence and the $220-million Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.

The merger has brought a diversified mix of youth and depth of experience to the 13-member team, which includes architects, a structural engineer, an interior designer and technicians, and has opened doors to more substantial projects in the Thunder Bay area.

A key area of focus is designing buildings that are not only functional for clients, but stand as a healthy workplace.

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"We take our responsibility as good environmental stewards pretty seriously," says Stephenson.

Building construction and operation represent about a 30 per cent proportion of all energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in the overall economy, he says.

In light of the Kyoto Accord and the need to treat the environment in a more sensitive manner, "by showing leadership in this area, we believe we can have a big impact.

"It has marketing benefits, but we also think it's the right thing to do."

As a member of the Canada Green Building Council, the firm has demonstrated a keen interest in implementing sustainable approaches to building design.

"We look...