Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Public Space Architecture Firm
Public City Architecture is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture and landscape architecture, dedicated to enhancing public life through innovative design. Founded in 2008, we collaborate with public and private leaders to develop the public realm, focusing on inclusive, forward-looking solutions that prioritize social infrastructure and sustainability. Our expertise spans cultural, educational, and recreational projects, with a commitment to integrating complex energy, environmental, and envelope systems for sustainable public buildings. With studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton, we combine local knowledge with national experience to deliver impactful designs. Our team of award-winning professionals brings deep technical and creative expertise, emphasizing community engagement and equity in every project.We have earned recognition for groundbreaking work on projects like the Cornish Library and Thunderhead LGBTQ+ National Monument. Our approach merges technical precision with a passion for creating spaces that foster connections between people, land, and water. Through teaching, mentorship, and advocacy, we contribute to advancing design quality and equity in the profession. Our portfolio demonstrates a consistent ability to transform challenging sites into vibrant, functional public assets. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, we ensure every project aligns with client goals while serving broader community needs.
Services
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Sustainable Design
Public Realm Development
Cultural Infrastructure
Recreational Facilities
Urban Planning
Community Engagement
Heritage Conservation
Climate-Resilient Design
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in public realm architecture since 2008
- Our team includes award-winning architects and landscape architects
- We maintain studios in three major Canadian cities for localized expertise
- Our work integrates sustainable design with social infrastructure needs
- We have completed nationally recognized projects like Thunderhead LGBTQ+ Monument
What people say
Award-winning designs
Community-focused approach
Sustainable expertise
Technical precision
Innovative solutions
Services
Architecture
We create innovative architectural solutions for public and cultural institutions. Our work combines technical excellence with community-focused design, delivering spaces that enhance civic life. Projects include libraries, community centers, and institutional buildings that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and long-term value.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice designs vibrant public realms that connect communities with their environment. We specialize in parks, plazas, and urban trails that balance ecological sustainability with social infrastructure needs. Our approach integrates local history and community stories into functional outdoor spaces.
Sustainable Design
We integrate advanced environmental systems into all our projects, focusing on energy efficiency and climate resilience. Our sustainable design approach addresses building envelopes, renewable energy, and water management systems tailored to Canada's diverse climates while maintaining aesthetic excellence.
Public Realm Development
We specialize in transforming urban environments through inclusive public space design. Our projects create gathering places that foster social interaction while addressing accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability for municipalities and public institutions.
Cultural Infrastructure
We design and renovate spaces that celebrate cultural identity and community heritage. Our expertise includes adaptive reuse of historic buildings and creating new cultural facilities that serve as civic landmarks while preserving local narratives.
People
Peter Sampson
Principal Architect
Co-founder with 15+ years experience, Peter leads architectural design and education initiatives. He teaches at Canadian universities and has received multiple awards for public infrastructure projects across Canada.
Liz Wreford
Principal Landscape Architect
Co-founder specializing in community-driven landscape projects. Liz advocates for design equity and has shaped Winnipeg's urban spaces through innovative winter programming and public art integration.
Andrew Lewthwaite
Senior Associate Architect
Project leader with expertise in technical documentation and building codes. He manages complex public projects from concept to completion while teaching technical design at the University of Manitoba.
Taylor LaRocque
Indigenous Design Lead
Mtis landscape architect integrating Indigenous perspectives into design. Taylor serves on Winnipeg design boards and specializes in creating culturally meaningful spaces that reflect local history and traditions.
Samantha Scroggie
Senior Architect
Toronto studio leader managing institutional and residential projects. She focuses on technical coordination and client communication, ensuring projects meet both functional requirements and design excellence standards.
Questions
What types of projects does Public City Architecture Architecture specialize in?
We focus on public realm projects including libraries, parks, cultural facilities, and community spaces that prioritize sustainability and social infrastructure.
Do you work outside Manitoba?
Yes, we have completed projects across Canada from our studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We integrate energy-efficient systems, climate-resilient materials, and environmental management strategies tailored to each project's specific context and climate challenges.
Can I visit your offices for a consultation?
We welcome consultations at our Winnipeg, Toronto, or Edmonton studios by appointment. Contact us to schedule a meeting with our design team.
What awards has the firm received?
Our work has been recognized with Governor General's Medals, Canadian Architect Awards, and Prairie Design Awards for innovative public space solutions.
How do you engage communities in design processes?
We use workshops, public consultations, and collaborative design sessions to ensure community needs shape our projects from initial concept stages.
