Our work strives to enhance our sense of surroundings, identity and relationship to others and the physical spaces we inhabit, whether feral or human-made.
Selected Awards
2004 — Aga Khan Award for Architecture
2009 — Mies van der Rohe Award
2013 — AIA/ALA Library Building Award
2015 — Best Interior, Designers Saturday
2016 — AIA New York Honor Award
architecture
calgary alberta canada
unique
innovative
sustainable
:
made for people
architecture
calgary alberta canada
unique
innovative
sustainable
:
made for people
Fringe Architecture Studio strives to create architecture that is both playful and contextually meaningful and thus grounded on the relationship between the built condition, the human experience, and the surrounding environment.
fringe (n.): an outer edge; periphery
Our design approach desires to live on the periphery of that which is imaginable and possible.
studio + culture
We are Fringe Architecture Studio.
We are an architectural design firm founded on guiding principles of playfulness, curiosity, inclusiveness, community, and responsiveness with respect to the built condition, the human experience, and the surrounding environment. We are acutely aware that each project is unique and, therefore, we believe that it is important to integrate architecture with its immediate surroundings, from the community through to individual material selection.
We are a firm with purpose using design as our medium.
We strive to deliver projects that enhance communities using thoughtful architectural and urban design principles. When possible we seek to better the environment by making healthier and sustainable places to live, work, and play.
It starts with a concept but begins with collaboration.
Our workplace culture evolves around a design approach and project execution hinged on participation. We encourage all team members, from clients to consultants or community members, to provide insight throughout the design process. To facilitate this approach we continually strive to utilize relevant means and methods of digital communication and visualization. Maintaining this culture not only seeks to extrapolate high quality design but also strives to meet the conceptual, functional, performance, and technical needs of a project.
our services
Generally, our studio focuses on architecture, design, and visualization within Calgary, Alberta and its surrounding areas including Canmore, Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere, and beyond. We are experienced, but not necessarily limited to prime consulting, working with building codes and land use bylaws, assisting with development and building permits, performing site analyses, technical detailing, construction administration, interior design, and graphical rendering. In addition, we are currently expanding our expertise on passive buildings (including the Passive House standard).
Considering a passive building? We have a Certified Passive House Designer on our team.
Our primary focus is on single- and multi-residential, small to medium sized commercial (office, retail + health/wellness), interior design, urban infrastructure, and recreational projects for both public and private clients. We are currently expanding our knowldge and expertise by exploring passive building for both residential, multi-family, and commercial building typologies.
Let’s make meaningful contributions to our communities! Every project deserves a purpose beyond its immediate self.
We’re always looking to collaborate on creative and exciting new projects that seek to set a new standard for future success. Should you have a fun, unique, or challenging project we’d be thrilled to hear about it!
Lee Halwa is a registered architect in the province of Alberta, a Certified Passive House Designer (Passive House Institute), and the founding Principal of Fringe Architecture Studio Ltd. Lee has worked for both small and medium sizes architectural firms whereby gaining project experience ranging from commercial new buildings and renovations, tenant improvements, transportation infrastructure, and single- and multi-family residential.
Lee is currently expanding his knowledge in human health and well-being in the built environment, passive buildings (Passive House), as well as virtualization within the design process as a means of both communication and design. He believes that quality architecture stems from both technical competence as well as as a symbiotic relationship with the built environment. Not only has Lee studied architecture but he was also educated in the fields of urban studies and professional communication. Throughout his architectural education he was recognized for multiple scholarships and awards, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) School Medal and Certificate of Merit.