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Lessons from the LeBreton Flats Redevelopment: Why Early Decisions Matter
The Illumination LeBreton project, a high-profile redevelopment in Ottawa, offers a clear example of how even the most ambitious plans can unravel when early decisions and partner alignment go awry. The project, led by the RendezVous LeBreton group and featuring the Ottawa Senators, ultimately collapsed in 2019, despite being initially selected as the preferred option. My Role on the Project As Senior Architect, I was involved from the earliest stages of the project — helping
Christopher Hoyt
2 min read


Strategies for Historic Home Renovations with your Architect
Renovating a Historic Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Balancing Charm and Modern Living Renovating a historic home is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. At CH Architect, our clients often want to preserve the charm and character of the past while making the space functional and comfortable for modern living. We've worked on numerous homes built in the last century and even a couple from the one before that. To achieve this balance, you need a clear plan and a deep understan
Christopher Hoyt
4 min read


The Essential Stages of Architectural Projects
When you embark on an architectural project, understanding the process from start to finish is crucial. Whether you are planning a small residential renovation or a large commercial development, knowing the architecture project steps will help you manage expectations, timelines, and budgets effectively. Of course we're here to help, but this guide breaks down the essential stages you will encounter, providing practical advice and clear examples to help you navigate your proj
Christopher Hoyt
4 min read


Keeping an Eye on Housing Trends
We generally appreciate design awards programs, and the Residential Architect winners are always a great example of why that is. The jury...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


Our Favorite Architecture Blogs
We're always reading and staying current on what we do, because working on drawings isn't the only thing architecture is about(!). Here...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


Reconstucting Residential Buildings
Often the short cut toward the house of your dreams might include tearing down an old house, but often there's a way to re-build,...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


Beautiful, Simple Wimbledon House was Meant to Solve Modular Housing
At ch architects we have a soft spot for houses designed in the 60's, for modernism, and modular housing. Richard Rogers died this month...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


What’s In A Kitchen?
Hiding items like range hoods and microwaves has always been part of our design ethos …
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


How Will We Improve Cities Now?
Our cities have been shaped by many factors including the need to improve access light, air, and green space in the wake of previous...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


I want to do a Net Zero home renovation, how do I start?
A client recently came to ch architects with this question. They had talked to contractors, window suppliers, solar energy people and...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


Three things to think about when you're considering a kitchen renovation
1. Make it work for you! How do you use your kitchen today and how could it work for you better? Talk to your architect about what your...
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read


Sometimes less is more
One of my mentors ascribed to this philosopy. He always told the designers working for him (including me) to take one key element away....
Christopher Hoyt
1 min read
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