Featured Member: WalterFedy

WalterFedy has been an industry leader for decades since its inception in 1951, becoming one of Canada’s first fully integrated architecture and engineering firms in 1970. Unlike traditional models, their combined team of experts from different disciplines resides under one roof, allowing them to collaborate in finding solutions for their clients efficiently and creatively.

This past March, the newly opened branch in Calgary now complements the three existing offices in Ontario—an expansion to serve Western Canada, establishing WalterFedy as a national organization.

“We have confidence in the future of Western Canada. Economic markets are showing steady projected growth for Western Canada, especially in Alberta and we want to be here to support it,” says Senior Architect Ben Gregory.

The West’s future towards clean energy and technology development in solar, geothermal, biogas, hydrogen projects, and more, have been keen draws for the Calgary team with their emphasis on green designs.

“Part of our goal was to create a presence in Western Canada to support the extensive innovation that is evident here,” says Tricia Smith, Business Unit Leader, Engineering Services. “We chose Calgary, in particular, because it’s central and it’s the energy capital of Canada.”

Collaborative, multisector approach

WalterFedy’s extensive design portfolio spans from educational and cultural spaces, industrial facilities, healthcare, commercial, multi-tenant residential and infrastructure design for energy and carbon solutions. In each of these sectors, WalterFedy architects and engineers work together balancing knowledge, ideas and solutions to create spaces that ultimately become important parts of a community.

“This differentiator of a diverse portfolio and strong multi-disciplinary team positions us to meet the need in the market for a collaborative and effective build experience for our clients. We are establishing this same successful WalterFedy ecosystem in Calgary,” says Ben.

Modern team structure

WalterFedy’s collaborative approach means that the team stays ahead of building trends, in terms of developing and delivering eco-innovative designs.

“We work very collaboratively with our clients," says Tricia. "We work to understand our clients, their operations and what they need from their space. We also look to challenge the status quo by bringing new ideas to move their strategy forward.”

By fostering a multidisciplinary environment where architects and engineers seamlessly collaborate, the team acquires efficiencies and develops a coordinated approach to serve our clients best. This synergy enables them to provide creative, holistic design solutions across a diverse range of project types.

"Our integrated approach defines our team dynamic and fosters the swift exchange of ideas. It also enables comprehensive discussions about project challenges and holistic design solutions," says Ben.

WalterFedy’s team’s primary focus is to understand and embody their clients’ needs. “Each sector is unique and demands a tailored approach in order to be successful for our team and our clients,” he says.

Although the Calgary branch just opened, the team already has projects in motion and is making connections throughout the city as they get established.

Award-winning company

This year, WalterFedy was recognized for its hybrid workplace, and was selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers of 2023, accolades that the new Calgary team aspires to continue. WalterFedy is committed to purchasing enough carbon offsets annually to offset remaining emissions plus an additional 10% to take the firm Beyond Zero Carbon.

“We track our office’s energy efficiency, carbon emissions from travel, water usage and waste generation in order to benchmark our progress,” says Ben. “As a firm, we try to lead by example and walk the talk of our sustainability focus”

Learning from and sharing with others defines their culture of collaboration. That spirit extends to being a member of the Calgary Chamber.

“Connecting with the local business community here in Calgary has been instrumental in helping WalterFedy understand the upcoming trends for the West,” says Tricia. “Our multidisciplinary team is ready to support the growth that is in progress, and we look forward to creating sustainable spaces that have a positive lasting impact on Calgary and the surrounding area”

For more information, visit WalterFedy.com.