Business Details
18 Years
experience
Designing Public Spaces for Healthy Communities
Public City Architecture is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture and landscape architecture, dedicated to enhancing public life through innovative design. Since our founding in 2008, we have collaborated with visionary public and private sector leaders to create dynamic public spaces that foster community engagement. Our practice prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and forward-thinking solutions for small to medium-sized public commissions, including cultural, educational, and recreational facilities. With studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton, we combine local expertise with national experience to deliver projects that address complex social infrastructure needs. Our team is recognized for integrating sustainable energy, environmental, and envelope systems into public buildings and sites, ensuring long-term ecological and social benefits.We believe in the transformative power of well-designed public realms to strengthen cities and communities. Our portfolio reflects a commitment to technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and meaningful community collaboration. As advocates for equitable design, we actively contribute to industry discourse and mentorship initiatives. Our work has been celebrated nationally and internationally through awards and publications, underscoring our leadership in public realm design. We remain dedicated to advancing socially responsible architecture that responds to the evolving needs of communities across Canada.
Services
Public Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Sustainable Design
Urban Planning
Community Engagement
Heritage Conservation
Climate-Resilient Design
Indigenous Design
3D Modeling Services
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We specialize in complex public realm projects with 16+ years of dedicated experience
- Our multidisciplinary team holds expertise in sustainable building systems and urban design
- We maintain local studios in three major Canadian cities for responsive collaboration
- Our work has received national and international architectural awards
- We pioneered inclusive design frameworks for winter urbanism and accessible public spaces
What people say
Award-winning designs
Community-focused approach
Sustainable solutions
Inclusive spaces
Technical expertise
Services
Public Architecture
We create functional, aesthetically compelling public buildings that serve as community anchors. Our approach combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver culturally significant spaces. Projects include libraries, civic centers, and cultural facilities designed for long-term public benefit.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice creates dynamic outdoor environments that enhance urban ecosystems. We design parks, plazas, and recreational spaces that respond to local climate conditions and community needs. Our work integrates sustainable materials and innovative programming.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate energy-efficient systems and climate-resilient materials into all projects. Our sustainable design approach addresses environmental challenges while maintaining aesthetic quality. This includes LEED-certified buildings and net-zero energy strategies tailored to Canadian climates.
Community Engagement
We facilitate inclusive design processes that incorporate diverse community perspectives. Our engagement strategies ensure projects reflect local needs and cultural contexts. This includes workshops, charrettes, and digital platforms for participatory design.
Heritage Conservation
We specialize in revitalizing historic buildings while maintaining their architectural integrity. Our approach balances modern functionality with heritage values through careful material selection and adaptive reuse strategies. Projects include award-winning library renovations and cultural landmark restorations.
People
Peter Sampson
Principal Architect
Co-founder with 16+ years of experience in public infrastructure design. Former educator at three Canadian universities. Leads innovative projects that merge architectural excellence with community needs.
Liz Wreford
Principal Landscape Architect
Co-founder specializing in community-driven landscape design. Advocate for equity in architecture and founder of Prairie Building Equality in Architecture. Recognized for winter urbanism expertise.
Andrew Lewthwaite
Senior Associate Architect
Project leader with expertise in construction procurement and building codes. Teaches technical design at University of Manitoba. Manages complex public commissions from concept to completion.
Taylor LaRocque
Indigenous Design Lead
Mtis landscape architect integrating cultural narratives into public spaces. Serves on Winnipeg design boards. Brings historical sensitivity and technical expertise to community-focused projects.
Maggie Bonnetta
Senior Landscape Architect
Specializes in large-scale public projects with technical precision. Coordinates complex urban developments across Canada. Expert in balancing design aesthetics with practical implementation requirements.
Questions
What types of projects does Public City Architecture Architecture specialize in?
We focus on public realm projects including libraries, parks, civic spaces, and cultural facilities. Our expertise covers small to medium-sized commissions with an emphasis on community impact.
Do you work outside of Canada?
While our primary focus is Canadian projects, our design approach incorporates international best practices. We've influenced projects in the US through cross-border collaborations.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We integrate energy-efficient systems, climate-resilient materials, and sustainable site strategies. Our projects often exceed standard environmental requirements while maintaining design excellence.
Can I visit your offices for a consultation?
We welcome in-person meetings at our Winnipeg, Toronto, or Edmonton studios. Please contact us to schedule appointments with our design team members.
What makes your firm different from other architecture practices?
Our unique combination of public realm focus, winter urbanism expertise, and commitment to community-driven design distinguishes our approach to architectural practice.
