Patrick Simmons
One of Patrick’s passions is introducing clients to the art and science of design through the design journey. This philosophy drives Martin Simmons Sweers' commitment to, not just exceptional design, but a unique and meaningful customer experience. “Rather than just hand a client a finished design, we like to really take our clients along with us on the design journey. We explain every step of the decision-making process, because we want them to understand what we’re trying to accomplish and why we make certain design decisions. They often tell us that they just don’t get this design experience and level of excitement from other architects they’ve worked with. Then when we can show them an amazing result at the end that they’re really proud of, it is all worth it." And Patrick hopes Martin Simmons Sweers’ designs don’t just impress clients, but the building users as well.
“When someone walks in a building, it should be very clear how they’re supposed to live, work, or visit within it. That comes from working through the details over and over again and revealing those details honestly, so people can understand how the building is constructed and how it works. That’s how you create a sense of transparency and authenticity that reveals the essence of the architecture.”
This commitment to producing exceptional designs comes naturally to Patrick. His father was an engineer, trained in the Royal Navy, who worked for Atomic Energy of Canada. His mother was a great appreciator of design beauty - from art to architecture - and in addition was a community organizer in Hamilton, working to preserve the city’s historic gems. Patrick’s childhood was filled with trips to art galleries and he attended a magnet high school specializing in visual arts. Although he didn’t know it at the time, Patrick’s days spent honing his drawing skills would eventually propel him into architecture school. While playing water polo for the Canadian national team, Patrick ended up in Ottawa where he took an evening course in architecture. That experience led him to become a full time architecture student at Carleton University then to Harvard University to receive his Masters of Architecture.
“The process of design really intrigued me. You start with a sketch, then you revise it, talk to people, and work until it makes sense and works well. Thinking that you can draw things that will actually get built was very exciting.”
Today, Patrick maintains his sense of enthusiasm for the design process, no matter the size or type of project. These include major ‘campus’ projects, such as the Breithaupt Block or Gaslight District Redevelopments, as well as high-tech offices at 560 Westmount/Quantum Valley Investments or the Cambridge Mill Hotel and Residences. With 30 years of experience in the community, Patrick brings a steady hand to guide his clients and projects. “When you’re a younger architect, you can get caught up in new trends and attitudes towards the design process that can sometimes not work out. When you’ve earned more experience, you can temper that enthusiasm with pragmatism and real understanding of strong project management. You gain an intuition of what will work for the client’s needs and budget without having to spend a long time in the design process testing it out. I think that’s what I bring to the team now is that ability to sift the chaff from the wheat and move a project forward efficiently.
“There’s a reason I have maintained a 25 year relationship with Patrick and his team. Whether it's redeveloping historic properties, residential development, or office campuses, MartinSimmons can meet aggressive deadlines, oversee the contractor and subconsultants, and provide a product we’re proud of.”
Notable Projects
“Since this [560 Westmount] project was a speculative space without a tenant, we were almost given carte blanche to imagine how the project could look and function. That was freeing in some ways, but with no specific program (other than this was to be a high tech office to showcase an organization’s and the region’s technological prowess), we had to make the building fit a variety of functions. We came up with a very sculptural design that could accommodate a variety of functions and fit the challenging site, which was long and very narrow. We used great materials and form to create the impression that this is a building and organization of international importance. Inside, the overall concept was an Italian piazza. We wanted the central atrium to really be a hub for people to stop and chat and interact. As you’re sitting in the atrium cafe, you can catch glimpses of the conservation area out one side of the building, the city on the other, and meeting rooms, labs, or offices around you the way you would in an old Italian town.”
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