Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Design Solutions
SONGER Architecture Inc. is a dedicated architecture and interior design studio committed to creating spaces that foster human connection and community engagement. Founded in 2011 by Principal Architect Elizabeth Songer, our firm specializes in designing cultural and community spaces across Southern Alberta, with a focus on functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic impact. Our collaborative approach prioritizes client needs, ensuring every project reflects its unique identity while adhering to budgetary and practical constraints. With expertise in LEED-certified design, passive solar strategies, and environmental stewardship, we minimize waste and support local businesses. Our team brings decades of combined experience in theaters, community centers, and heritage revitalization, backed by professional accreditations including AAA, AIBC, AIA, and FRAIC.We actively contribute to the community through pro bono work, event sponsorships, and board memberships, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility. Our interior design lead, Vicki Pietras, integrates client-driven aesthetics with sustainable practices, while architect Mina Ebrahim specializes in healthcare facilities and BIM technology. Linnea Kahlkes focus on health-centric design and Rachel Robinsons administrative expertise ensure seamless project execution. Dennis Shigematsu, our CFO, provides strategic financial oversight, ensuring long-term stability. We approach every project with creativity and care, believing architecture should enhance human experience, express identity, and catalyze vibrant, livable communities.
Services
Cultural Spaces Design
Community Center Planning
Sustainable Architecture
Heritage Revitalization
Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We specialize in culturally significant community spaces with 13+ years of local expertise
- Our LEED-certified team integrates sustainable practices into every project
- We maintain full project continuity from concept to completion
- Our principal architect holds Fellow status with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
- We actively support community development through pro bono work and sponsorships
Associations and certifications
- LEED
Services
Cultural Spaces Design
We create culturally significant spaces that foster community engagement and social connection. Our designs integrate client identity with functional requirements, ensuring lasting impact through sustainable materials and innovative spatial planning. Projects include theaters, memorials, and multi-purpose cultural centers.
Heritage Revitalization
Specializing in heritage site restoration, we balance historical integrity with modern functionality. Our approach maintains architectural authenticity while implementing contemporary upgrades for accessibility, energy efficiency, and structural longevity across historic buildings and landmarks.
Sustainable Architecture
We implement LEED-certified practices and passive solar strategies to minimize environmental impact. Our sustainable solutions prioritize local materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction throughout the design and construction process for all project types.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating emotionally resonant environments that reflect client identity. We specialize in functional spatial planning, material selection, and acoustic optimization to enhance user experience in both commercial and community settings.
Community Center Planning
We design multi-functional community centers that address diverse needs through adaptable layouts and inclusive design principles. Our process incorporates stakeholder input to create accessible, budget-conscious spaces that serve evolving community requirements.
People
Elizabeth Songer
Principal Architect
Principal Architect Elizabeth Songer founded SONGER Architecture in 2011. With Fellow status from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, she specializes in cultural spaces and historic preservation. Her leadership combines creative vision with technical expertise.
Vicki Pietras
Interior Design Lead
Interior Design Lead Vicki Pietras brings NCIDQ certification and LEED expertise to client-driven projects. Her focus on emotional connection through design creates spaces that reflect organizational identity while prioritizing sustainability and functional aesthetics.
Mina Ebrahim
Architect
Architect Mina Ebrahim specializes in healthcare facilities and BIM technology. With over a decade of experience, she excels at space planning and material selection, maintaining strong relationships with Alberta municipal authorities to ensure regulatory compliance.
Linnea Kahlke
Architectural Designer
Architectural Designer Linnea Kahlke focuses on health-centric design solutions. A WELL Accredited Professional, she transforms conceptual ideas into buildable details through expertise in architectural technology and sectional studies.
Dennis Shigematsu
Chief Financial Officer
CFO Dennis Shigematsu provides strategic financial leadership with his CPA designation and commerce background. He ensures fiscal stability while supporting long-term growth through effective resource management and compliance oversight.
Questions
What types of projects does SONGER Architecture specialize in?
We specialize in cultural and community spaces including theaters, memorials, libraries, and multi-purpose centers. Our expertise extends to heritage revitalization and sustainable commercial architecture.
How does your design process work?
Our collaborative process begins with understanding client needs through programming sessions, followed by conceptual design, development, and construction documentation. We maintain involvement throughout project completion.
Do you incorporate sustainable design practices?
Yes, we approach all projects from a LEED perspective, implementing passive solar strategies, energy-efficient systems, and local material sourcing to minimize environmental impact.
Can you work on historic buildings?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in heritage revitalization, balancing historical preservation with modern functionality through careful material selection and code-compliant upgrades.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Lethbridge, we work across Southern Alberta on projects ranging from urban cultural centers to rural community facilities.
Reviews (1)
Ian Moxon
Sep 27, 2020
Report
We have really enjoyed working with and getting to know the team at Songer Architecture. Elizabeth's stamina and enthusiasm shines thorough every meeting , every sketch, and final drawings. They are a great example to us and clearly set the standard in our community. Their office is a like a well oiled machine and you really see the benefits of their close working relationships. Thank you so much.
Ian Moxon
Ian Moxon Architect Inc.
Ian Moxon
Ian Moxon Architect Inc.
