Business Details
18 Years
experience
Innovative Architecture & Landscape Design for Public Spaces
Public City Architecture is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture and landscape architecture dedicated to enhancing public life. Founded in 2008, we collaborate with public and private leaders to develop the public realm through an optimistic, inclusive, and forward-looking approach. Our expertise lies in small to medium-sized public commissions, including cultural, educational, and recreational facilities, with a focus on creating vibrant spaces that foster community engagement. We prioritize sustainable design, integrating complex energy, environmental, and envelope systems into our projects to ensure long-term ecological and social benefits. With studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton, we combine local knowledge with national experience to deliver innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of each community.Our clients are visionaries who value good design and its transformative impact on public spaces. We are committed to advancing equity, inclusivity, and design excellence through collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy. Our work has been recognized nationally and internationally, reflecting our dedication to creating meaningful, accessible environments that enrich urban and rural landscapes alike. By bridging architecture, landscape design, and community engagement, we strive to build common ground and shape healthier, more resilient cities and communities.
Services
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Public Realm Design
Sustainable Design
Social Infrastructure Projects
Cultural Facilities
Educational Facilities
Recreational Facilities
Energy Systems Integration
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We collaborate with public and private leaders to develop the public realm through an inclusive, forward-looking approach.
- Our expertise spans small to medium-sized public commissions, including cultural, educational, and recreational facilities.
- We integrate sustainable design principles, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in public buildings.
- With studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton, we combine local insights with national experience.
- Our team includes award-winning architects and landscape architects recognized for innovative, community-centered design.
Services
Architecture
Public City Architecture delivers innovative architectural solutions for public and social infrastructure projects. Our designs prioritize functionality, sustainability, and community engagement, creating spaces that adapt to evolving needs. We specialize in cultural, educational, and recreational facilities that reflect local identity and foster public interaction.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice focuses on designing dynamic public spaces that integrate natural and urban environments. We create inclusive, accessible landscapes that enhance ecological resilience and promote social connectivity through thoughtful planning and community collaboration.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate advanced energy and environmental systems into all projects, ensuring long-term sustainability. Our approach reduces ecological footprints while enhancing building performance, aligning with global standards for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Public Realm Development
We specialize in transforming public spaces into vibrant community hubs. Our work addresses complex social infrastructure challenges, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality to create inclusive environments for diverse populations.
Community Engagement
We prioritize collaborative design processes that involve community input, ensuring projects reflect local needs and aspirations. Our methods foster trust and shared ownership, resulting in spaces that truly serve the people who use them.
People
Peter Sampson
Principal Architect
Co-founder and Principal Architect of Public City Architecture, Peter Sampson merges public infrastructure with innovative design. He has taught at leading Canadian universities and led award-winning projects across the country since establishing the firm in 2008.
Liz Wreford
Principal Landscape Architect
Co-founder and Principal Landscape Architect, Liz Wreford integrates urban folklore and community stories into her work. She advocates for design equity and founded the Prairie chapter of Building Equality in Architecture, mentoring future professionals.
Andrew Lewthwaite
Senior Associate Architect
Senior Associate Architect Andrew Lewthwaite oversees project management and construction procurement. With expertise in building codes and budgets, he ensures quality compliance and teaches technical design at the University of Manitoba.
Taylor LaRocque
Indigenous Design Lead
Indigenous Design Lead Taylor LaRocque creates culturally rooted landscapes informed by historical sensitivity. A member of the Manitoba Mtis Federation, they bring technical skill and cultural insight to projects, serving on Winnipeg design boards.
Maggie Bonnetta
Senior Landscape Architect
Senior Landscape Architect Maggie Bonnetta specializes in public and institutional spaces, coordinating technical details and design aesthetics. Her work with the National Capital Commission and Canadian municipalities delivers innovative solutions for complex urban projects.
Questions
What types of projects does Public City Architecture Architecture specialize in?
We focus on public and social infrastructure projects, including cultural, educational, and recreational facilities, as well as sustainable urban landscapes and community-driven design initiatives.
How does Public City Architecture Architecture approach sustainability?
We integrate advanced energy systems, environmental strategies, and climate-resilient materials into all projects, ensuring long-term ecological and social benefits without compromising design quality.
Are your services available outside Canada?
While our primary focus is Canada, we collaborate with international partners and have experience in cross-border projects requiring specialized design expertise.
What makes Public City Architecture Architecture unique?
Our collaborative, community-centered approach combines architectural innovation with landscape design expertise, prioritizing equity, sustainability, and inclusivity in every project we undertake.
Reviews (1)
Andrea Mann
Nov 08, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Public City did a major renovation and addition to our home 7 years ago...it is beautiful and they still stand by their work. Would use them again and again.
Public City did a major renovation and addition to our home 7 years ago...it is beautiful and they still stand by their work. Would use them again and again.
