Gravity Architecture has been providing architectural projects in Calgary since 2014. Notably, they specialise in commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects in British Columbia and Alberta.

What we like most about them is that they provide pre-design services. This is ideal because feasibility studies are done before developing the final design to meet the requirements of a client.

It’s also convenient that their firm provides a comprehensive spectrum of architectural services, from creating concept designs and contract documentation to handling development and building permits. 

Another thing that distinguishes the team at Gravity Architecture is their passion for community-oriented projects such as daycares, shelters, and affordable housing.

Furthermore, their projects give importance to pleasant and human-scaled environments. We like that they aim to create a place where people would feel good.

We noticed that many of their previous clients complimented their modern aesthetics, which they inject with brutalist and Bauhaus elements. We appreciate how their sense of style allows their projects to stand out.

We’re a bit bummed to hear that they can be quite selective about the projects they choose to work on. Nonetheless, we look at this positively because it means that they devote much time to each client.

However, we were a tad disappointed about reports that they needed to improve their customer care. Although they have a good track record, it wouldn’t hurt to improve their response time to their client’s queries.

XCArchitecture Inc. provides architectural services in commercial, residential, institutional, healthcare, and industrial projects across Calgary.

This firm’s owner is Xiangdong Chan, an architect with over 25 years in architectural design and construction. It is noteworthy that he is affiliated with organisations such as the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA), The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and more.

On top of that, Xiangdong Chan is the only architect in the firm. While this limits him in accepting multiple projects simultaneously, we think this is favourable to the client since he can give complete attention to specific goals.

In addition to providing schematic design, we like that they provide site administration and inspection services to ensure that their clients’ projects go smoothly without any legal hitches.

Upon looking at their portfolio, we like how their recent works show expertise in balancing art and function. We also enjoyed viewing how each project transformed from concepts on paper to actual, beautiful buildings. 

We think that XCArchitecture Inc.’s conceptualisation and design process is a good fit for clients who are meticulous about planning and drafting their designs. His expertise from having over 30 diverse projects shows in his drafting skills.

Moreover, we like that they are hands-on in their undertakings. From planning to executing projects, they work with their clients to develop designs that fit their vision.

Unfortunately, we heard that they are difficult to contact. Several clients we surveyed mentioned that they are frequently unresponsive to calls.

LOLA Architecture was established in 2018 and has since provided architectural services that are mindful of the environment.

We like that its founders created the firm to provide architectural services focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Their designs are socially and environmentally conscious and consider environmental footprint, energy use, and construction methods.

It is noteworthy that they can provide cost-effective and responsible design solutions through intensive research and a cross-disciplinary approach. 

Although a young and small firm, they take pride in their efficient and creative workforce. Notably, the team is adept in all aspects of architecture, interior design, and technical expertise, which shows in their wide range of projects.

Notably, they have worked on facility assessments, feasibility studies, single-family houses, minor interior renovations, massive building system replacements, and more.

We’ve heard so much great feedback about this firm. Clients remarked that they are professional and proficient in achieving eco-friendly and sustainable design requirements. 

On the downside, having a small team means taking on a limited number of clients. 

However, we think this is a good point since we’ve heard that this setup enables them to establish good relationships with their clients. It also allows them to efficiently address all concerns regarding their projects – a plus point for customer service!

Kasian Architecture provides architecture, interior design, and planning services across Calgary. It prides itself on having a team of knowledgeable innovators and creative thinkers, so we set out to check its claims.

We like that they are a diverse team of architects, planners, and designers who provide design solutions for their clients. Their designs are based on their “in-between thinking” approach, through which they elevate their workmanship to enhance communities. 

They provide a broad spectrum of services, including planning facilities, interior design, and more.

Not just that they provide aesthetics to the building’s design, there are also stories behind their craftsmanship. On top of that, their empathy-based designs and sustainability make them stand out from other firms. 

Past clients commend their architectural services as they incorporate a human-centred approach and have remarked how quality the firm’s workmanship is in providing aesthetics to building and design function.

We’re a bit bummed to hear that they can be quite selective in terms of the projects they see fit to work on. This is, in our opinion, because they dedicate their time to every client.

However, we’ve heard that they are hard to reach via phone, which is a bit worrisome as there are clients who want regular updates on their projects.

Steven Ho Architecture, Inc. has over 25 years of experience designing churches, commercial and hospitality buildings, retail stores, and multi- and single-family homes.

They distinguish themselves from other firms as they have earned several notable awards, including the Alberta Masonry Design Awards in 2011, the University of Kansas School of Architecture Honor Roll in 1991, and many more.

We were glad to hear from our surveys that Steven Ho Architecture delivers exceptional quality and service. Many of its clients were satisfied with how this firm developed the projects based on their visions.

Furthermore, we like how they go out of their way to keep in touch with their clients throughout the process to ensure a strong relationship.

It’s also worth mentioning that they utilise full computerised and electronic communication for the design process such as programming, project management, building code, structural analysis and more. 

Steven Ho, the founder of this firm, remarked that they aim to enhance the experience of communities through their designs. 

Notably, they are as adept with smaller-scale projects as with large-scale ones and have produced buildings that span from single-family homes to vast commercial and residential developments.

Unfortunately, we’ve heard reports that it takes days for them to reply to queries in emails. While we understand that they have a small team in the firm, it would be great if they can improve on this aspect.

Also, since they are a small team, we’ve heard that they are picky about the projects they choose to work on.