Weiss Architecture & Urbanism
Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited is committed to providing creative design solutions for clients who value the spaces where they live, work, play and learn. Listening carefully and working in a collaborative manner with clients, consultants, stakeholders and authorities, the firm’s design process breaks established patterns to examine the art and technology of building in new and inventive ways.
Spinning off from his previous partnership, Larkin Architect Limited, architect and urban designer, Kevin Weiss established his new firm in August 2012 to concentrate on and better serve the areas of expertise that he has developed through his over 20 years of work in the profession. These areas include educational and civic facilities, as well as custom residential projects. With an education and second professional degree in urban design, Kevin has the unique ability to thoughtfully consider all his projects in the greater context of the city, its neighbourhood and its physical setting.
Kevin Weiss
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Kevin studied architecture at the University of Manitoba and University of Toronto. Graduating in 1989, Kevin had the opportunity to work closely with some of Canada’s preeminent architects, including Diamond Schmitt Architects where for several years he was the Project Architect for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
In 1999, Kevin returned to the University of Toronto’s for its inaugural year of the Master of Urban Design program. Subsequently, Kevin has taught architecture and urban design, lectured and guest reviewed at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, Ryerson University, the University of Guelph and University of Illinois, Chicago. He is currently teaching a Master’s studio at University of Toronto entitled ”Urban Particularities”.
In 2000, Kevin established his first design practice weissbau incorporated. Along with a series of residential projects, Kevin’s firm was short-listed with Gustafson Guthrie Nichol as team urban design consultant in the International Harbourfront Parks and Open Space Competition. Kevin also began a long relationship with Larkin Architect Limited as the design consultant for St Gabriel’s Parish, the first LEED Gold project completed in the City of Toronto. Later, as a firm Principal, Kevin established a new and exciting design direction for Larkin Architect Limited. His noted projects include Regis College at the University of Toronto, Kingsway College School, Stan Wadlow Public Outdoor Pool, Temple Kol Ami, Grace Church Scarborough and the Belanger / Simpson House.
Andrew Ard
Andrew Ard graduated with honors from Ryerson University where he took a special interest in urbanism and digital technology. After graduating Andrew worked for Page & Steele now IBI, where he worked on large complex housing projects and retirement homes. Following 2 years with IBI Andrew left to pursue a Master of Architecture degree at U of T. While there, Andrew led a team of Canadian and Brazilian students to hold an exhibition at Studio X in Rio de Janeiro. Since march of 2017, Andrew has been a valuable employee of Weiss Architecture and Urbanism where he has developed skills in housing and school design. As part of his responsibilities at Weiss, Andrew has participated in all design phases of a project from schematic to contract administration on a range of restoration, renovation, and new build projects. Among these projects have been façade, canopy and stair restorations, window replacements, barrier free washroom renovations and daycare additions to name a few. Over this time Andrew has formed strong working relationships with contractors, consultants and clients to deliver many successful projects.
Minette Murphy
Minette is the newest addition to Weiss A+U. Prior to joining the firm, they had the privilege of contributing to a diverse range of workplaces which provided them with insight into several areas of specialization. Notably, Minette brings with them a knowledge of architectural lighting, heritage restoration, and hands-on construction. While at Concept Lighting Lab, Minette learned to animate architecture through light, collaborating on projects with high-profile firms such as Rick Joy, Lake Flato, and Faulkner. Creating atmospheric spaces expanded their keen eye for detail. As an advocate for the preservation of the built-environment, Minette later joined the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia. Developing adaptive-reuse schemes to prolong the lifecycle of existing building stock sharpened their ability to problem-solve. Prior to returning to their studies, Minette worked at Stone Angels Masonry as a stone mason. Working in construction left them with a deeper understanding of how components come together and a greater confidence in turning ideas into reality. After receiving their Master of Architecture degree from Carleton University in 2022, Minette joined the Weiss A+U team where they participate in every stage of the project design process.