Watson MacEwen Teramura Architects

Albion-Heatherington Community Centre

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Albion-Heatherington Community Centre

The City of Ottawa retained WMA to provide full design and construction administration services for a new community centre in south Ottawa. Set in a small park, the building replaces a 30-year-old “temporary” structure. The program includes a small gymnasium, dividable multi-purpose room, and administration areas. The siting of the building is intended to preserve as much open space and existing trees as possible, as well as to provide natural light and passive solar heating in the multi-purpose room. The gym, which for security and operational reasons has minimal windows, is set to the rear of the site.
William McElligott photographer
Cartier Square Drill Hall Envelope Repairs

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Cartier Square Drill Hall Envelope Repairs

A condition assessment of the roof, windows, and masonry of a National Historic Site in Ottawa. A seismic assessment and long term recommendations were provided. Subsequent tender packages addressed urgent deficiencies.
Long Term Vision and Plan

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Long Term Vision and Plan

A large planning study of Parliamentary accommodations in the Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa, spanning the twenty-five year period of the implementation of a linked series of major capital projects
Postal Station B Ground Floor Redevelopment

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Postal Station B Ground Floor Redevelopment

The rehabilitation of a former Post Office branch to serve as an executive boardroom with videoconferencing and simultaneous interpretation capabilities. Historic finishes were restored to their original appearance while concealing infrastructure required to provide multimedia functionality.
Supreme Court of Canada Elevator Rehabilitation

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Supreme Court of Canada Elevator Rehabilitation

Restoration of two historic elevator cabs in the Supreme Court Building, as well as a new, dedicated Judges’ Elevator. The project required the careful restoration of many historic and irreplaceable surfaces, such as walnut paneling and faux-finished steel doors. New electronics were incorporated into new control panels to preserve the character of the cabs while providing barrier-free access. Photos by William McElligott.
Parliament Hill Visitor Welcome Centre Feasibility Study

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Parliament Hill Visitor Welcome Centre Feasibility Study

A study examining the technical and aesthetic requirements of creating a new security and visitor services facility on Parliament Hill. With DTAH Architects.
Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Centre

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Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Centre

WMTA provided laboratory planning services for this project by Kongats Architects at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.

All laboratory spaces were designed with extensive consultation with the users to optimize their use. Functional workflows, logical servicing, healthy work environments and long term versatility were key considerations.
Maple View Lodge Long Term Care Centre

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Maple View Lodge Long Term Care Centre

An expansion and adaptive re-use of an historic structure to accommodate a 60-bed Long Term Care Centre, located in Athens, Ontario. The structure is planned to allow views of the surrounding countryside, and generous communal spaces are provided for activation programs and social events.
William McElligott photographer
Science Research Building

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Science Research Building

WMTA provide laboratory planning services for this project by Moriyama Teshima Architects at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.

The Science Research Building consists of three floors of advanced research laboratories designed with long-term flexibility as a priority. All spaces are capable of easily accommodating the most demanding of serviced research laboratories, the wet chemistry lab; however, many of the initial uses are for biology, psychology, and other less service-intensive uses.
Woodward Environmental Laboratories

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Woodward Environmental Laboratories

WMTA provide laboratory planning services for this project by McCallum Sather Architects.

The new Environmental Laboratory is located on the site of the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. The laboratory consists of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and microbiology sections. The lab provides chemical and bacteriological analytical services to other City departments, private companies and the public.
Atlantic Veterinary College Expansion

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Atlantic Veterinary College Expansion

A major new four-storey North Wing added to the existing College building at the University of Prince Edward Island to house an Animal Resource Facility, advanced wet laboratory space for research, and related offices. With WHW Architects.
Large Animal Isolation Hospital

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Large Animal Isolation Hospital

A free-standing, advanced facility for horses, cattle and larger animals at the University of Guelph. It completely separates potentially infectious external patients from non-infectious patients, especially horses that are being admitted for elective medical/surgical evaluations or other procedures.
Desmarais Hall

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Desmarais Hall

Desmarais Hall at the University of Ottawa houses the School of Management as well as parts of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and most notably the new School of Political Studies. The design has provided each faculty with distinctive spaces suiting their particular corporate nature. In association with Moriyama Teshima Architects.
William McElligott photographer
Fauteux Hall

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Fauteux Hall

A new building for the Faculty of Law, at the University of Ottawa. Currently in progress. In association with MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects.
East Block Interim Senate Chamber Study

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East Block Interim Senate Chamber Study

A study examining the feasibility of constructing a temporary Senate Chamber in the courtyard of the East Block. This intervention into the historic East Block is required to provide legislative accommdations for the Senate of Canada while the Centre Block undergoes a necessary rehabilitation.
Communications Security Establishment Headquarters

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Communications Security Establishment Headquarters

WMTA, in joint venture with Wood Banani Bouthillette Parizeau, a mechanical and electrical engineering firm, lead the Owner’s Advocate Consultant Team (OACT) for this project. The OACT has provided Defence Construction Canada and CSEC with strategic, technical and professional advice, has prepared many key proposal call documents, reviews submissions, monitors performance and quality and served as the independent commissioning agent.
Life Sciences Research Institute

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Life Sciences Research Institute

The Life Sciences Research Institute is a new facility Dalhousie University, Capital Health, and the IWK Health Centre. The intent is to co-locate research groups working in the life sciences sector and create scientific synergies. In association with WHW Architects
BG Distribution

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BG Distribution

New Construction of a large warehouse in the east end of Ottawa. A new head office fit-up with sales and pick up area were designed for major tenant BG Distribution.
Laboratory for Photonics Components and Systems Research

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Laboratory for Photonics Components and Systems Research

The Laboratory for Photonic Components and Systems Research is accommodated in a major addition at the Communications Research Centre Canada Campus in Ottawa. The space requirements of the LPCSR and the need for exacting vibration-free conditions necessitated the construction of a specialized addition.
William McElligott photographer
Confederation Building Envelope Screening

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Confederation Building Envelope Screening

A multi-year assignment to screen the building envelope for emergency, short-term, and long term repairs. Several masonry repair projects followed to stabilize hazardous conditions found during the investigations.
National War Memorial Conservation

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National War Memorial Conservation

Report on the condition of the stone, metal and structural elements of the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Cobourg Search and Rescue Station

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Cobourg Search and Rescue Station

The Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Station in Cobourg’s harbour is past its service life and requires replacement. Designed to Passivhaus standards, the new structure will have a highly air tight and heavily insulated walls and high performance windows. The summer cooling demand is expected to be near zero, with solar shading and an extended phase shift due to the insulation levels keeping the structure cool in summer months. Similarly the shoulder seasons will require minimal heat with most energy coming from passive solar gain, and the building will be kept frost-free in the winter off season with no energy. With the minimal energy inputs coming from electricity, the building will emit zero emissions.
Halifax Armouries

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Halifax Armouries

The Halifax Armouries is a National Historic Site, and a designated heritage structure designed by Thomas Fuller, Chief Dominion Architect from 1881-1896. The conservation project required masonry investigations, structural repairs, window repairs, historical research, and the collaborative development of a conservation approach.
Institute for Nutrisciences and Health

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Institute for Nutrisciences and Health

A new advanced wet laboratory facility accommodating 60 scientists, technical staff and students in a collaborative research environment. With Bergmark Guimond Hammarlund Jones Architects.
Centre Block Ventilation Towers Conservation

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Centre Block Ventilation Towers Conservation

Structural repairs and seismic upgrading of two slender ventilation towers on the Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa. The project involved extensive masonry repairs and rebuilding in an occupied building with stringent security requirements.
Centennial Flame Reconstruction

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Centennial Flame Reconstruction

To commemorate the creation of Nunavut, the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill was modified to include a 13^th segment honouring the territory. A hard deadline of December 13, 2017, the date of the re-dedication ceremony, required rapid design, documentation, and construction. Largely prefabricated off-site, the project required close collaboration with the construction managers, sculptors, artisans. and trades.
Carleton Martello Tower Rehabilitation

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Carleton Martello Tower Rehabilitation

A military structure in Saint-John, New Brunswick, the Carleton Martello Tower is a unique combination of an 1812 era fortification and WW2 era Command Post. The heavily deteriorated and unstable masonry requires extensive repair, and the project mandate includes the replacement of the massive concrete addition with a lightweight replica. Unfinished Portland cement panels fastened to a steel frame replaces the original Command Post, preserving the general character of the place while being clearly a modern intervention.
Knox Church Condition Assessment

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Knox Church Condition Assessment

A study of the condition of the building envelope of a 1930’s church in Ottawa. Recommendations for long and short term investments were provided.
County of Carleton Law Association

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County of Carleton Law Association

The CCLA Project saw the major renovation of a large tenant space within the Ottawa Courthouse. The space was re-envisioned to integrate modern technology and functions including offices, a library, lounge and training rooms.
Amherst Armoury Stabilization

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Amherst Armoury Stabilization

A condition assessment, and design for emergency stabilization.
Supreme Court of Canada Modernizations

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Supreme Court of Canada Modernizations

In 2005 the Supreme Court of Canada embarked on a major project to modernize the broadcasting, audio-visual, translation, and computer network infrastructure in the main courtroom. The project involved the complete replacement of the all racks, cabling, panels, and devices associated with the original systems. In addition, the new system required the installation of networked laptop computers at each seating position in the courtroom, including at the Justices’ Bench. A new, barrier-free lectern was required as well, which is height adjustable and remotely controlled by the AV operator.
William McElligott photographer
Ian G. Scott Courtroom

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Ian G. Scott Courtroom

A motions court for the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. It is a fully functional courtroom overlooked by a classroom. All AV and IT hardware is integrated into custom made millwork. Photography by William McElligott.
Hunt Club-Riverside Community Centre

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Hunt Club-Riverside Community Centre

An addition and renovation to an existing community centre for the City of Ottawa, including a community kitchen, multipurpose room, and fitness centre.
William McElligott Photographer
Almonte Heritage Conservation District

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Almonte Heritage Conservation District

A study and plan to create a Heritage Conservation District in the historic mill town of Almonte, A community Facebook page, write-in postcard canvassing project, and facilitated public discussions were employed to gather the community’s input. The HCD was adopted by Mississippi Mills Council on June 28, 2016.
Confederation Building Window Rehabilitation Phase 2

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Confederation Building Window Rehabilitation Phase 2

Repairs to roughly 600 double-hung wood windows using traditional repair techniques, including splicing in wood repairs where required, refinishing brass hardware, installing new bronze weatherstripping, and linseed oil based finishes.
Migration Monitoring Station

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Migration Monitoring Station

An off-grid scientific facility for Environment and Climate Change Canada, this migration monitoring station is part of a system of stations used to capture, measure, band, and release migratory birds. Constructed of cross-laminated timber panels, the structure was erected in one day. Traditional wood window and door construction was also employed, complementing the state-of-the-art CLT fabrication.
Carleton Food Services

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Carleton Food Services

Carleton University Dining Services provides over 7100 meals a day to students in their Fresh Food Co. facility. The servery and adjacent dining hall occupy the top floor of the Residence Commons Building. The project evolved from the anticipated new needs with the introduction of an all access food plan for students and the need to update this well used space.
Tropical Greenhouse Restoration

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Tropical Greenhouse Restoration

The historic tropical greenhouse at the Central Experimental Farm required repair and rehabilitation. This project was for the conservation of the existing cypress windows and frames, as well as the production of replacement cast-iron gutters to match existing elements.

About

A shared passion for design inspires Rick MacEwen and Allan Teramura to operate a firm devoted to excellence and collaboration. WMTA’s ongoing success is the result of the partners’ collaboration on individual projects, along with the firm’s regular collaboration with architects across Canada. Many of our projects involve participatory design and extensive approval processes. To ensure successful outcomes, WMTA partners devote their personal attention and professional expertise to every project we undertake.

Rick MacEwen

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Rick MacEwen OAA NSAA AANB FRAIC LEED AP BD+C
Partner

Rick is a registered architect licensed in 1986 who specializes in programmatically and technically complex projects. His studies at Carleton University’s School of Architecture earned him both a BArch and an Alpha Rho Chi Medal. Rick also studied science at Carleton, along with fine arts at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

Rick is actively involved in the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects and served for many years on the Downtown Urban Design Review Committee. He became a WMTA partner in 2000.
Allan Teramura

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Allan Teramura OAA NSAA AANB FRAIC LEED AP BD+C
Partner

Allan is a registered architect licensed in 2001 who specializes in public buildings and heritage-conservation projects. Upon graduation, Allan was employed at two award-winning Vancouver firms: Patkau Architects and Henriquez Partners. A past President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, he also served on the Ottawa Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. Allan became a WMTA partner in 2009.
Lesley Watson

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Lesley Watson OAA NSAA AANB FRAIC LEED AP BD+C
Partner Emeritus

Lesley is a registered architect licensed in 1989 who specializes in the development of research-and-development facilities, particularly for institutional clients. Her studies at Carleton University’s School of Architecture earned her a BArch.

Lesley is WMTA’s founder and is currently a Partner Emeritus. She grew her business, L. D. Watson Architect Inc. to a partnership of corporations, initially as Watson MacEwen Architects (2000) and as WMTA in 2009. She is a Past President of the Ontario Association of Architects.
Michael Watson

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Michael Watson Dip Tech LEED AP BD+C
Associate

Michael is a senior architectural technologist in practice since 1997; he joined WMTA in 1998 and became an Associate in 2016. Michael is experienced in the preparation of construction documents and the administration of construction contracts. He is familiar with current project-delivery models and participates in all phases of project development. Michael is fully conversant with current CAD software, including building information modelling (BIM) as well as spreadsheet and scheduling applications.
Emily Webster Mason

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Emily is a senior architect with expertise in interior design as well as heritage conservation. She joined WMTA in 2009, and became an Associate in 2019. Her experience includes delivery of complex projects and leading large interdisciplinary teams, drawing upon her skills in design, construction documents, and construction administration.

Architects

Projects

Albion-Heatherington Community Centre

Cartier Square Drill Hall Envelope Repairs

Long Term Vision and Plan

Postal Station B Ground Floor Redevelopment

Supreme Court of Canada Elevator Rehabilitation

Parliament Hill Visitor Welcome Centre Feasibility Study

Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Centre

Maple View Lodge Long Term Care Centre

Science Research Building

Woodward Environmental Laboratories

Atlantic Veterinary College Expansion

Large Animal Isolation Hospital

Desmarais Hall

Fauteux Hall

East Block Interim Senate Chamber Study

Communications Security Establishment Headquarters

Life Sciences Research Institute

BG Distribution

Laboratory for Photonics Components and Systems Research

Confederation Building Envelope Screening

National War Memorial Conservation

Cobourg Search and Rescue Station

Halifax Armouries

Institute for Nutrisciences and Health

Centre Block Ventilation Towers Conservation

Centennial Flame Reconstruction

Carleton Martello Tower Rehabilitation

Knox Church Condition Assessment

County of Carleton Law Association

Amherst Armoury Stabilization

Supreme Court of Canada Modernizations

Ian G. Scott Courtroom

Hunt Club-Riverside Community Centre

Almonte Heritage Conservation District

Confederation Building Window Rehabilitation Phase 2

Migration Monitoring Station

Carleton Food Services

Tropical Greenhouse Restoration

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