Architectural Technologies Industry Night!

Our team had an exceptional time at SAIT’s AT Industry Night, hosted by the Architectural Technologies Student Association.

Last Thursday Gravity had the opportunity to speak with students about all things architecture and were able to answer some important questions they had. We know transitioning from school to the workplace can be an intimidating endeavour, so we were honoured to have the chance to ease some students’ minds and spark inspiration for their future careers.

We had select team members attend—all SAIT graduates—who poured their hearts into the event. Chris brought his energetic personality as he shared Gravity’s work and his experience as a Project Manager. He was joined by Intern Architect Maureen with her diverse industry background who is currently pursuing her registration as an architect, and by our passionate junior AT, Julianne who has adjusted to working at Gravity seamlessly since graduating from SAIT’s AT program in May 2023. There’s no doubt students were in good hands voicing their anxieties and excitement about this field.
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Students mentioned a few specific projects of Gravity’s that they used as inspiration for their own projects throughout the semesters—some including our Mission 19, Opus Nines, and Shaganappi Multi. This was very humbling to hear and we are grateful to see how our work can inspire new generations of students.

We thank SAIT for providing students with essential networking events like these and look forward to next year. It’s an easy yes for Gravity to attend when we get the chance to talk about what we love most!

Welcome John, our new Permits and Contract Administration Coordinator!

John joined Gravity in May 2023 after graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). John is passionate about art and design and has maintained numerous creative hobbies that have led him to a career in architecture. His pursuit stemmed from hours spent sketching, drawing and playing Mindcraft. These hobbies allowed John to continuously challenge himself creatively and motivate him to learn new skills that he could use in his both his personal and professional life.

John worked on multiple projects while at SAIT — one including a design for an on-campus building that required his team to complete on a very tight schedule. This focus and solution-seeking mindset does not go unnoticed and his enthusiasm is evident through his work at Gravity.

A couple of John’s favourite projects are our Shaganappi Multi and Emerge Arbour Lake. He is an active Revit user, and enjoys editing and working with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom in his free time. Whenever John is not utilizing his artistic skillsets, he can be found outside hiking, playing soccer, or learning a new sport!

We are excited to welcome John, and have his creative mindset and fresh perspective be an addition to our team!

Meet David, our New Architectural Technologist in Vancouver!

Dave’s passion for architecture started back in high school when he picked up a book called, A History of Architecture… and well, the rest is history!

Dave began his career 12 years ago and acquired his registered architect certificate in the Philippines. He began working in Canada in 2021 with two of those years being in the Lower Mainland and has since worked on various residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional projects. Some of him notable work has been on the FedEx Ground facility in Nanaimo, B.C and the BC Housing Apartments and Townhouses Project in Prince Rupert, B.C. He has also contributed to the Logel Sage Townhouses project in Alberta.

From Dave’s impressive global experience and commitment to deliver quality work, he offers invaluable insights on the unique opportunities and challenges that are found in architecture. Dave has the ability to navigate any obstacle with a keen-eye for detail and strong collaboration with our clients and consultants.

His thoughtful and positive deposition does not go unnoticed, and Gravity looks forward to more exciting developments in BC with him as our trusted Architectural Technologist!

Welcome Julianne, our New Architectural Technologist!

Julianne Brewer is a talented and focused technologist who has demonstrated sensitivity in her understanding of the creative and practical elements of architectural design. She began her architectural career with a specialisation in Architectural Technologies, and joined Gravity after graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2023. Her education featured notable achievements like winning the 2022 Offsite Design Competition and earning the Pacific Capital Properties Corp. (PCRE) SAIT AT Capstone Award for a mixed-use modular construction project. 

Known for her collaborative and amiable predisposition, Julianne possesses the requisite technical education and background that endows her with fundamental skills for creative problem solving—her desk is always organised!

As an integral part of our production team, Julianne works closely with the Principals, Project Architects and Project Managers to ensure that the technical aspects of each project align with the client’s vision with accuracy and integrity.

In her spare time, she reads and draws, loving to explore the intersection between art and science. A true knowledge-seeker and an innovative thinker, Julianne is steadily working toward becoming a registered architect and aspires to push the boundaries of residential design, making it more sustainable, accessible, and beautiful. She is also interested in other typologies, such as care home design and supportive design for vulnerable persons. We are thrilled to have Julianne become part of Gravity’s growing family.

Introducing Aivee Gososo, our BC-based Project Manager

In March, while driving around West Kelowna looking at upcoming project sites, we were also on the phone negotiating with Aivee Gososo to join our team. Our portfolio in BC was (and is) growing, and we needed an experienced project manager to help with the workload.

Aivee was bringing over a decade of professional experience with her. Aivee’s portfolio featured an extensive array of project types such as residential, industrial, commercial and institutional. As well, she had strong knowledge and experience in securing municipal/city approvals for different types of development in and around the Lower Mainland.

Aivee is a graduate of the Architecture program at Technological University of the Philippines. Immediately after completing this program, she embarked on her career and worked with one of the sought-after firms in the Philippines. Immersing herself in both architectural design and project management, working with different teams of consultants and engineers for commercial, healthcare and institutional projects.

In 2011, Aivee achieved her professional certification as an Architect in the Philippines. In the same year, she moved to Canada where she started working with MQN Architects in the Okanagan.

Born and raised in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, Aivee missed the liveliness of the big city and decided to move to the Lower Mainland in 2015 where she then worked with Aplin & Martin Consultants as one of the pioneers in the Architectural Department.

Luckily the negotiations went well and Aivee signed up with Gravity as a Project Manager! She’s been spearheading a wide range of Gravity’s BC projects ever since.

Welcome Maricris!

We are very happy to announce that Maricris Ussher joined the Gravity team as a Project Architect in 2023.

Maricris received her Bachelor of Design from the University of Alberta in 2005. In 2007, she was hired at Rockliff Pierzchajlo Architects (now Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman Architects), and she worked there for over four years where she gained experience in building design and the construction process. The people and the work experience inspired her to pursue further education in architecture. 

In 2013, Maricris graduated from the Master of Architecture program at the University of Calgary. As part of the program, she studied in Barcelona for a semester and took courses in the Netherlands and California. She enjoyed studying in Spain and travelling to neighbouring countries where she experienced the local architecture and design in person.

Maricris worked at various firms both large and small and gained valuable design and construction experience in commercial, institutional, continuing care, office, industrial, residential, mixed-use, and community projects. Clients and colleagues have appreciated her care and attention to detail with every project.

With over 16 years of experience, Maricris joined Gravity Architecture in early this year as a Project Architect. She is currently overseeing projects in all phases of the architectural process.

We're Seeking a Contract Administrator

Gravity is currently hiring for a variety of roles across our Vancouver and Calgary offices, including a Senior Contract Administrator.

In this role, the selected candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of our architectural projects by overseeing contract administration and construction administration processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract management and construction administration within the architectural field.

To learn more about additional roles we are currently hiring for, please visit our careers page. 

Congratulations Maureen!

Congratulations to Maureen Carrigy on becoming registered as an Intern Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects!

Maureen joined Gravity Architecture in early 2023 with nearly a decade of experience in the architectural world as an Architectural Technologist. She graduated with honours from SAIT’s Architectural Technology program in 2014. Then Maureen enrolled at the University of Calgary to broaden her perspective and expand on her design skills. She completed a Bachelors of Arts in 2017, majoring in ancient history, followed by the completion of her Masters in Architecture in 2022.

We’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Gravity Welcomes New Architectural Technologist Nadia

We are excited to share that Nadia Music has joined Gravity. Nadia joined the Gravity team as an Architectural Technologist right after completing their diploma in Architecture Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2022.

Having a fascination for building design and construction from a young age, Nadia spent countless hours sketching and creating their own dream homes. This passion led them to pursue a career in the field, where their dedication and enthusiasm has served them well. What sets them apart is their unique and creative flair, as well as their passion for art. Their education, experience, and innate talent bring a fresh perspective to their work, which is evident in everything they do. Their passion for the field is evident, and they are already proving to be a valuable addition to the Gravity team.

Welcome Nadia!

Gravity Welcomes New Marketing Coordinator Charlotte

Gravity is excited to announce Charlotte Aksenchuk has joined Gravity as our Marketing Coordinator.

Before she joined the team, she held marketing positions in various sectors. She chose a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Calgary. Throughout her final year and a half of her degree, Charlotte interned at Harvest Builders, a Calgary-based startup tech incubator. She learned and honed her marketing skills under a very experienced team. Since then, she has worked in environmental monitoring, tech, and the architecture industries. The skills she developed in these positions translated well into becoming the Marketing Coordinator for Gravity.

Charlotte moved to Vancouver in the middle of 2021 but continues to enjoy returning to Calgary to visit. She proudly remains a Calgary Flames fan and enjoys watching hockey games with her husband. On rainy days (which are very common now that she lives in Vancouver), she enjoys making breads, desserts, and elaborate meals. On not-so-rainy days, Charlotte can be found outside enjoying the fantastic views of mountains and oceans, or playing a round of golf with her husband!

David Charlton Joins Gravity as an Architectural Technologist

We are excited to announce David Charlton as one of Gravity’s new Architectural Technologists!

David joined Gravity in the middle of 2022 as an Architectural Technologist. Originally from the Lower Mainland area of BC, David moved to Calgary in 2007 and received his BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2014. He then worked in the insurance industry for a year and discovered it wasn’t for him. This decision led him to pursue a career in architecture by getting an Architectural Technologist diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2018. 

David has always been fascinated by architecture and the process of how buildings are constructed. Combined with the idea of having a career that takes designs and makes them into real-world construction, the architecture industry appealed greatly to him.

Prior to joining Gravity, David was at Systemic Architecture Inc, where he worked on various commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family projects. Some of his previous work includes Basecamp Resorts, a resort chain that operates in various mountain towns of Alberta and B.C, and The Shops at Buffalo Run, a multi-building commercial development, in Tsuut'ina Nation, just outside of Calgary. His favourite style of architecture is West Coast Modernism and his favourite architect is Arthur Erikson.

When David is not at work, you can find him participating in a variety of sports, including hockey, hiking, snowboarding, and skateboarding. David also frequently takes his dog, Indiana, on hikes and walks, where he does photography for fun, mostly taking photos of architecture and nature.

We are excited to have David on our team!

Gravity's New Office Manager

We are pleased to announce Kayla Anez has joined Gravity as our Office Manager.

Kayla joined us in May 2022 and has over seven years of experience in the administrative field. Prior to joining Gravity, she had been an administrative assistant at three other architecture firms. Her experience in our field translates well into her current role as our new Office Manager. 

Kayla’s passion has always been to become an Office Manager. Her ability to wear many hats shows when she is able to take on a variety of tasks. She thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments and prides herself on being able to handle everything and anything that comes across her desk. Kayla’s always eager to learn and provide assistance wherever she's needed. She firmly believes that TEAM stands for Together Everyone Achieves More, and she brings that philosophy to the office daily. 

You can find Kayla at the gym, hanging out with her husband, family and her two cats outside of work. She’s lived in Calgary since 2006, however, she is originally from Montreal so naturally, her favourite hockey team is the Montreal Canadiens. Kayla and her husband enjoy hiking together, and the mountains are still a novelty for her, even after 16 years. Moraine Lake holds a special place in her heart, as that is where her now husband proposed to her. 

We are excited to have Kayla on our team!

Richard Anderson Joins Gravity as a Project Architect

Gravity Architecture announces Richard Anderson has joined the team as a Project Architect.

Richard joined the Gravity team in early 2022 as a Project Architect and brought over 12 years of Southern Alberta-focused architecture experience with him. Hailing from Lethbridge, which he affectionately calls “Leth Vegas”, Richard completed his Bachelor's in Environmental Design at  the University of Manitoba in 2006. After a short break,  Richard moved to Ottawa to complete his education at Carleton University, graduating with his Masters's in Architecture with Distinction in 2011. While completing his Masters's degree, Richard spent an action-packed semester in Berlin at the TU Berlin Institut For Architektur on a directed studies abroad program.

Prior to joining Gravity, Richard was an Architect at NORR Architects Engineers Planners in Calgary from 2018 to 2022. While there, he was a team member in the public studio and worked on various multi-family residential projects including the senior's facility, Amica Oak Bay, in Victoria, BC, and Elder’s Lodge affordable housing for the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. 

Richard’s favourite style of architecture is dense minimalism, a style practiced by British  architect David Chipperfield. He incorporates elements of dense minimalism into projects when he can, including on the Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School in Calgary, completed during his time with Gibbs Gage Architects. 

In the winter you can find Richard curling twice a week in one of the two recreational leagues he’s joined. He describes himself, tongue-in-cheek, as a well-dressed nerd and reformed hipster. In addition to being a passionate architect, Richard follows automotive design closely, with his favourite car companies being VW, Audi, and Porsche.

We are pleased to have Richard on our team.

Gravity's New Junior AT

Gravity Architecture is pleased to announce Maddy Peters has joined the team as an Architectural Technologist.

Maddy joined the Gravity team as an Architectural Technologist for the summer right after completing her diploma. After studying art history for a year at the University of Calgary, she was inspired by one of her professors to pursue an Architecture Technology diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). 

Even though Maddy doesn’t have a “dream job", she loves working at Gravity because of the collaborative environment. She missed out on that aspect of going to SAIT as she started the diploma program in 2020, not long after the pandemic started. Before joining Gravity, Maddy’s previous summer job was as a general labourer for Jackson Masonry Ltd. 

Maddy’s favourite historical styles of architecture are Gothic, Queen Anne Victorian, and Stave Churches (a medieval wooden Christian church building once common in north-western Europe). 

Maddy has been in the Calgary area for her whole life—living just outside of Millarville—where she enjoys a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in the summer, as well as snowboarding and skating in the winter. She is also musically inclined and, while she can play many instruments, the violin is one of her favourites.

Maddy joined Gravity in 2022, and we are excited to have her on the team.

Gravity Welcomes Noel Heard

Gravity Architecture is pleased to announce Noel Heard has joined the team as an Intern Architect.

Noel Heard comes to us with over 12 years of experience. He has studied and worked in Calgary for 24 years during which he completed his undergraduate degree in fine art at The Alberta University of The Arts and his Masters in Architecture at the University of Calgary. After completing his education he designed major projects in the transportation, recreation, education, residential and commercial sectors. In addition he has continued his artistic practices focusing on printmaking and sculpture while being involved in Calgary’s Art community in his capacity as the President of the board of Directors of The New Gallery, Calgary’s oldest artist run centre. 

He honed his design skills while creating meaningful spaces for Calgarians and spent a great deal of time thinking about how the public realm impacts the lives of all. Many of the projects he has designed have helped make the City an engaging and rewarding place to live. Some of the projects of which he is most proud include the Quarry Park Recreation Centre, the Glenmore Sailing School expansion, and the Westbrook pedestrian overpass. He is also very proud of the home that he designed for his parents in Kaslo, BC and the garage that he designed for Canadian Artist and photographer Hutch Hutchinson in Bowness.

Noel is experienced in development planning, and with all aspects of advanced building systems. He also possesses a high degree of proficiency in architectural visualization and design iteration, from sketching and physical modelling to technical drafting, as well as multi-platform 3D modelling and rendering.

In his free time Noel enjoys all aspects of human creativity as well as cycling long distances, running, swimming, and BBQ.

Noel joined Gravity in the latter half of 2021, and we are very happy to have him on the team.

Garth Poitras Joins Gravity

We’ve happy to announce that Garth Poitras has joined us here at Gravity as an Architectural Technologist.

Garth’s passion for building structures started in 1989 when he was learning the tricks of the trades included everything from drywall and stucco, but with the bulk of his experience focused in framing. In 1998 he shifted from from production construction to the more creative and free-form carpentry possible in log home building at Sure Log Homes,

After a five-year stretch of log home building (the highlight of the on-site portion of his career), and a move to Halifax, Garth satisfied his creative inclinations by enrolling into the Drafting/Architectural course at Nova Scotia Community College where he graduated in 2005. 

With years of experience in general contracting and construction of custom homes, he focused his new career as an architectural technologist on working with like-minded builders including Morrison Homes, Albi Homes and Cornerstone Homes. Throughout his well-rounded career in the construction industry, Garth found inspiration while working in a talent-rich environments. With a desire to continue working with talented, like-minded people he found Gravity through a close connection.

We’re very pleased to have Garth on our team!

Gravity's New BIM Manager

We’re happy to welcome Adam Nixon to the team at Gravity!

Adam spent countless hours with Lego in his youth (and adult) life. This evolved into an interest in PC modifications and gaming, and these two hobbies synchronized with a drafting class in high school which opened the door to a career in Architecture.

Graduating the Architectural Technology diploma program with honours from NAIT in 2009. Adam has gained experience at wide variety of firms finding his niche in leveraging the BIM environment.

First exposed to real-world Revit in 2014 at Dialog working on Bjarke Ingels Group’s Telus SKY, he was taken with the efficiency BIM could offer.

From there he had the opportunity to work with Executive Millwork reverse engineering a Revit model to generate shop drawings and installation diagrams for the internal woodwork in Calgary’s New Central Library by Snøhetta and Dialog. More recently Adam was responsible for the implementation of Revit at Sturgess Architecture, taking on the role of BIM manager.

In the fall of 2021, Adam joined Gravity Architecture, eager to bring a new perspective to the growing team.

These days Adam spends his free time with a healthy mix of woodworking, motorcycles, downhill mountain biking, and snowboarding in the winter.

Adam joins us as a Senior Technologist and our BIM Manager.

Welcome Nicholas Tam!

We’d like to welcome Nicholas Tam to the team at Gravity!

Nicholas’s early penchant for drawing and craft led to his pursuit of a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Southern California, winning multiple studio commendations and awarded the opportunity to study at the Politecnico di Milano for a semester, immersing himself in classical Roman architecture, Italian literature, and field studies throughout Italy and Switzerland.

Nicholas has been involved with architecture varying in typology, scale, and complexities ranging through athletic centres, institutional master plans, industrial warehouses, medical facilities, commercial, and multi-family (6 to 200+ units). This diversity of project exposure begets interpreting every design prompt anew; challenging convention with meaningful design narratives and articulating ideas with clarity. He is an eternal optimist that sees opportunity in every difficulty and executes projects from sketch to site with an exceptional level of organization. Travel and field sketching continue to be a treasured habit to this day.

Nicholas has taken the role of Project Architect at Gravity.