Creating innovative spaces with enduring values
Scott Shields Architects (SSA) is a boutique award-winning planning, architecture and design firm, headquartered in Toronto. Initially founded in Canada 40 years ago, SSA is a client service based practice with projects across North America. Design and technical innovation, particular to the context of each project site and clients needs, is a key operating principle for the firm. The diversity within our studio office combines synergies, cross-pollination, expertise and resources to allow for custom boutique design sensitivity to all client project needs, with comprehensive big office capabilities and efficiencies.
Formerly, Lambur Scott Architects, then Scott Morris Architects, the firm’s original focus was in the highly technical fields of health care, laboratory and educational design; as well as significant urban design projects like Ceremonial Routes for the National Capital Commission in Ottawa and the study for Mississauga Civic Centre Precinct.
Over the years the firm expanded to add specialties in commercial office/retail environments, mixed use and custom residential design. Since becoming Scott Shields Architects, the firm has expanded further in high density mixed use and urban design projects.
Deborah B. Scott
B. Arch., OAA, AAA, MAIBC, MRAIC, NCARB, AIA, RA (CA, IL, DC, MA), LEED AP
Founding Principal
Joseph Aston
B.Arch, MUP, OAA
Managing Principal
Andrew Shields
B. Eng., M. Arch., OAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED Green Associate
Principal
Yolita Dambrauskiene
CPA, CGA
Controller
Charlie Tonin
B. Tech., A. Sc., C. Tech.
Consultant
Kent Butkovich
Dip. Arch. Tech., B. A.
Architectural Technologist
Elnaz Akbari
M.Arch., B.Arch.
Architectural Technologist
Anulekha Chakraborty
B.Arch
Intern Architect
Deborah B. Scott
B. Arch., OAA, AAA, MAIBC, MRAIC, NCARB, AIA, RA (CA, IL, DC, MA), LEED AP
Founding Principal
Deborah Scott is a Founding Principal of Scott Shields Architects and its successor firms: Lambur Scott Architects (LSA), Scott Morris Architects (SMA), and Electric Bowery. Based out of Toronto, Deborah has led the firm through its 40 year history with growth across Canada and into the US. In 2013, she founded the LA office, which has experienced extensive growth.
Projects vary in scale and scope, and have received numerous prestigious awards. A graduate of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Architecture program in 1976, she received the University Medal in Architecture for her graduating class.
Deborah worked to ensure that the firm was equally well-respected for its creative design, as it is for its highly technical and functional design work. Deborah established the firm’s policy of follow-through on all project design aspects, from site planning and urban design, to completed architecture and interior design. She is responsible for the firm’s 40 year commitment to sustainable development as a way of life. Deborah’s interests span to include front end planning and feasibility analysis related to real estate development, contributing to the well-rounded success of the firm’s LA and Toronto offices.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
- Ontario Association of Architects
- Architectural Institute of British Columbia
- NCARB
- American Institute of Architects
- California Architects Board – Licensed Architect
- Illinois – Licensed Architect
- District of Columbia – Licensed Architect
- Massachusetts – Licensed Architect
Joseph Aston
B.Arch, MUP, OAA
Managing Principal
Joseph is Managing Principal of Scott Shields Architects, bringing an international perspective and experience across residential and mixed-use developments. His work spans master planning, feasibility studies, concept design, planning approvals and construction documentation, with a focus on translating complex project requirements into thoughtful, practical design solutions.
He holds a Master of Science in Urban Planning from Politecnico of Milano and a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering. His professional background includes architectural and urban design work in Canada and internationally, as well as founding Bonarch Design, a Toronto-based architectural documentation.
Joseph takes a collaborative approach to project delivery, working closely with clients, consultants and planning authorities. He is a strong advocate for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to strengthen quality control, improve efficiency and create cost savings for clients. His understanding of design, development approvals and technical coordination supports a clear, considered approach from early planning through detailed execution.
Andrew Shields
B. Eng., M. Arch., OAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED Green Associate
Principal
Yolita Dambrauskiene
CPA, CGA
Controller
Charlie Tonin
B. Tech., A. Sc., C. Tech.
Consultant
Kent Butkovich
Dip. Arch. Tech., B. A.
Architectural Technologist
Elnaz Akbari
M.Arch., B.Arch.
Architectural Technologist
Anulekha Chakraborty
B.Arch
Intern Architect
PROCESS
SSA advocates a “contextual” approach to design that seeks to establish the best possible fit between significant existing site / built form influences, regulatory requirements and the project goals and objectives. The end design solution is a programmatic and architectural response that significantly enhances its community. Client resources are always most effectively utilized. A small team of SSA individuals is assigned to each project. Continuity of the SSA team is maintained through project execution to ensure accurate project realization, to exceed client expectations. SSA creates innovative spaces with ensuring values.
BALANCE
SSA believes that good design should always be inherently efficient, from both a sustainable and a financial point of view. Design solutions are successful only insofar as they improve the client / user’s quality of life, and meet the project goals with resourceful strategies, for on time and on budget project delivery. With 40 years of extensive experience on a wide range of projects, the firm has the ability to apply strategic thinking to solve design problems at all scales of development.
SERVICES
- Feasibility Studies
- Programming
- Redevelopment Studies
- Development Regulations Analysis
- Conceptual Designs
- Rezoning / Committee of Adjustment
- Applications Implementation Strategies
- Image Visioning
- Public Consultative Processes
- Site Evaluation
- Master Planning
- Redevelopment Concept Design and Imaging
- Built Form Studies
- Development Guidelines
- Streetscape Design
- Site and Building Physical Evaluations
- Programme Evaluations
- Block Schematics
- Rezoning
- Committee of Adjustment
- Site Plan Approval
- Design Development
- Coordination of Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Construction Documents
- Building Permits and Approvals
- Construction Administration Services
- Construction Review
- Project Close-Out Documents
- Project Warrantee Review
- Design Guidelines and Space Standards
- Facility Programming
- Space Planning
- Design Development
- Coordination of Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Building Permits
- Casework and Millwork Design
- Furniture Selection
- Material Finish Specifications
- Move Management
- Signage and Way-Finding Programs
- Colour Studies
- Artwork Selection and Installation
- Construction Review
- Construction Documents
- 3D Imaging
- Consultant Team Selection
- Construction Manager / Contractor Selection
- Cost Estimating / Cost Control
- Construction Management
- Environmental Assessments
- Energy Use Analysis
- Energy Conserving Design
- Cost Benefit Studies
- Environmentally Based Planning Principles
- Ecologically Conscious Design Approach
- Energy Efficiency Strategies
- Cost Benefit Studies
- Environmentally Based Planning Principles
- Ecologically Conscious Design Approach
- Energy Efficiency Strategies