MTBA Associates Inc. Architecture Urbanism Conservation, is extremely happy to announce the appointment of new Partner, Christopher James Warden!
Chris was introduced to Mark Thompson Brandt in 2007, when he was an astute post-grad intern with 2 years’ solid experience and great graphic design and website-building skills, as he was hired part-time to help design the logo and develop the MTBA website. Hired as an Intern Architect at MTBA in 2008, Chris co-led, with Mark, the Sir John A Macdonald Building adaptive reuse and rehabilitation project’s heritage conservation, a seven-year, multiple award-winning project and privileged opportunity to contribute and experience architectural rehabilitation at the highest level with a significant team of experts. Another foundational experience for Chris was the co-authorship, with Mark, of the pan-Canadian guidelines for rehabilitating existing buildings, the companion doc to the Standards and Guidelines, called Building Resilience. Rehabilitating existing buildings and improving their sustainability performance, while recognizing the pre-existing value of these building resources, is a key challenge of our time and a foundational principal of the firm. The ongoing development of Building Resilience continues to inform MTBA’s project work and initiatives. These are just 2 of the extensive list of projects in which Chris has participated, in leadership roles, over his growth at MTBA.
Chris has introduced and leads several studio/practice-focused initiatives, toward improving and innovating how MTBA executes its expertise. The largest recent initiative was the shift to a remote/hybrid office in 2020 in response to the global pandemic. Under Chris’ leadership, MTBA used it as opportunity to develop innovative ways of working, using new tools to support this new work approach. At the core of this evolution was the desire to elevate communication within the MTBA team and provide consistent touch points and enhance clarity. Initially focused internally, it now even better informs how we work with larger teams, improving overall communications and moving beyond a siloed work approach to one that is truly collaborative.
Chris has also participated in a number of aligned professional activities over the years, including leading the development of the reboot of docomomo Canada Ontario, developing the online resource Capital Modern and actively participating in the local and national architecture, conservation and urban design communities.
“Elevating Chris to an ownership Partner of our Studio is an exciting new chapter for us. In many ways, though, it feels more like a natural evolution of a great professional relationship and body of shared experience that has been already growing for well over a decade. Chris has been instrumental in continuing MTBA’s evolution into a well-respected architecture, urbanism and conservation firm. We have cemented our stature in both leading projects and serving larger project teams. I look forward to continuing this relationship with Chris and our excellent staff, and seeing further growth of the office and the larger team, with Chris continuing an increasingly active role in leading the Studio. Already we have great plans for 2022 and 2023 – stay tuned!”
Mark Thompson Brandt, Founding Partner, MTBA Associates Inc
“Echoing Mark, becoming a partner represents a new chapter, but at the same time it feels like a natural progression within the office. I am excited to help build on the existing foundation evolving from our strengths, especially in areas relevant to improving existing buildings.”
Chris Warden, Partner, MTBA Associates Inc.
