Services | Architects at Play

Why Hire An Architect?

Architects know how to create high-quality spaces! They understand how to make a place special and enjoyable, and can advise on large structural systems down to small details, like furniture.

Architects are problem-solvers! They want to help you address your spatial needs, while remaining sensitive to your budget. This includes knowledge on energy-efficiency and maintenance, which can save costs for years to come.

Architects have a variety of technical and technological skills. They understand how to approach, design and assemble a project, from initial site evaluations and feasibility studies, to site visits and inspections during construction.

Architects can manage the particulars of building processes, and facilitate contractors and sub-consultants. This includes creating realistic schedules and budgets, and understanding building codes and permitting.

Architects are professionals. In Manitoba, architects are accredited by the Manitoba Association of Architects. To become accredited, architects need graduate degrees, work experience and to pass detailed, written exams. This process ensures that architects are dedicated and passionate, as well as skilled and experienced.

The Value of Play

Play takes a non-traditional approach to architecture. Our firm is, first and foremost, a gathering of friends devoted to the notion that play is in our DNA!

We are a one-stop shop. Our team employs a variety of diverse skillsets, and we enjoy designing every aspect of a space, from structure to interiors to furniture to signage.

Through our holistic approach to design, we have built a large network of talented and reliable collaborators to draw guidance from.

As our firm is small, we are more flexible and have lower costs than larger architectural firms. However, despite our small size, we still have large amounts of experience and are committed to the quality of our work.

Play cares deeply about positive customer experiences, and our non-traditional approach helps us maintain long-standing relationships with many of our clients.

Residential Design

The place where we live, our home, is the one piece of architecture of which we have the most intimate knowledge. For many of us, the home is where the heart is. The home is where we feel most safe, comfortable, and intimate. It is where we create memories filled with love, laughter, and tears. It is a space of rest and contemplation. It is where we work, play, and enjoy the company of friends and family. It is where dreams are made.

Whether you are you looking to build or renovate your house we understand that there is no place like home. And your home should be like no other. Discovering your individuality and understanding your inner most desires and goals is our starting point for creating a design that you can be proud to call yours. We believe that each project is an opportunity to do something remarkable, and this is of greatest importance on projects that carry a personal aspect.

Many of the homes we design (if not all) engage the exterior as an essential part of the home. Features such as courtyards, screen rooms, balconies, patios, decks, and verandas extend the living space beyond the home and provide an oasis during those valuable summer months. Our home designs feature spaces that support a variety of activities, from intimate to social, from active to quite, and from formal to playful.

We would love to work with you to design a home that is functional, comfortable, and inspirational.

Workplace Design

In a world where time is money, productivity is key, and the grunt of 9-5 is the norm, we believe in a work environment that is safe, fun, efficient, and profitable. The workplace plays an essential role in each of our lives. Therefore, it is important that we strive to make spaces that encourage creativity, support diversity, and bring happiness. We believe that human-centred design is the key to achieving this.

By taking a holistic approach to designing an environment for your organization, it is possible to elevate the work experience with better planning. We could look at everything from the ground up, which means not only designing the spaces, but also the products, accessories, and branding associated with your business. This could include collaborating with other creative professionals in the discipline of graphic and industrial design, artists, film makers, and furniture suppliers to create a one-stop-shop for all your design needs.

If you are looking to start a small business or in the process of expanding your enterprise feel free to drop us a line as we would be interested in growing with you.

And Everything in Between

From the time we were young, we've loved designing the environments that surround us, not just the spaces we occupy, but also the objects we engage with. We've designed planters, toys, stage sets and props, signs, tables, desks, chairs, logos, books, businesses, costumes, light fixtures, sheds, decks, golf courses, playgrounds, clothing, climbing walls, and so much more.

Our dream is to, one day, design a building and everything that goes in it. Imagine having your house custom designed, along with your door knobs, coat hooks, light switch plates, and furniture. A complete package, made just for you. Or imagine your company offering a cohesive experience for your customers, from the front door, to the reception desk, to the staff uniforms. We can make that happen.

Do you have a design challenge that we could help out with? Do you have a business idea that you'd like to explore? Are you looking for a unique product? We're up for any design challenge and would love to talk to you about how our people can bring out the best in your project. Send us an e-mail or drop us a line, and we'd be happy to chat with you!

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