Drones for Architects
BUREAU OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & URBANISM
Our Services
Custom Home
Homes tailored to each clients individual needs and budget.
Multi-Unit Residential
Secondary suites, townhomes, stacked and residential community design
Mixed-Use
Commercial & Residential Mix. Industrial and Commercial Mix. Office complex, Office Fit-ups & Restaurants
Adaptive Re-Use
Redevelopment and expansion of existing building stock
Culture
Museum exhibit design, art installations, and unique cultural centres
Our Team
Clayton Payer
Architect, Principal
M.Arch, B.Arch.Sci, OAA
Clayton, an accomplished architect, brings global experience and a diverse portfolio to BAD. With an MArch from Toronto Metropolitan University, he interned with renowned architect Arata Isozaki in Tokyo. Clayton's 15 years of expertise span private residences, multi-storey condos, institutions, commercial projects, and adaptive reuse. His deep understanding of adaptive reuse and preservation enhances his value. Clayton's contributions extend beyond BAD as he serves on the Ontario Association of Architects Council, acts as a visiting critic at architecture schools, and participates in thesis projects as a second reader. His multifaceted skills make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Heather George
Cultural Advisor- Curator
M.A, B.A Hons, OCGC, PhD ABD
Heather George, renowned for her curatorial expertise, embraces a transformative approach rooted in self-decolonization and nurturing reciprocal relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. With a profound focus on land, she believes in the healing power of art and culture, as well as the vital role of reimagining spaces to envision new futures for Indigenous peoples and their allies. Heather's visionary perspective enriches both private and public projects, merging heritage, culture, and contemporary art with a critical and creative lens. Alongside her advisor role at BAD, she serves as the Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre and holds the esteemed position of President of the Canadian Museum Association (CMA).
About
The Bureau of Architectural Design & Urbanism Inc., or just BAD for short, is a multi-disciplinary architectural practice providing design solutions for residential, commercial and cultural projects.
STUDIO:
BAD represents a studio-driven practice that harmoniously unites clients and design professionals, embarking on a transformative journey from preliminary concepts to on-site construction. Our relentless pursuit of innovation compels us to integrate academia and interns into the design process, fostering an environment that remains attuned to cutting-edge design methodologies.
Embracing the studio model, we cultivate an open and collaborative atmosphere, providing an avenue for all design partners to manifest their ideas and address concerns. This symphony of minds ensures that our projects are enriched with the appropriate knowledge and expertise, transcending the boundaries of conventional design.
At BAD, we perceive design as an unwavering commitment, an unwavering passion. It is this profound dedication that enables us to surpass mere satisfaction and venture into the realm of extraordinary. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, our interdisciplinary team merges artistic flair with technical acumen.
DISRUPTOR
BAD is driven by a disruptive spirit, challenging the long-standing perception of architects as solitary thinkers draped in black. In today's architectural landscape, the exchange of information and the pragmatic considerations of construction shape the very essence of our practice. Recognizing that no single individual possesses all the answers, we embrace the collective wisdom of our diverse team members.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, BAD propels the design process forward, enabling us to achieve remarkable results with unmatched speed and efficiency. This marriage of advanced tools and the collaborative expertise of our team allows us to create designs that not only fulfill functional requirements but also transcend into realms of astonishing beauty.
We believe that true innovation arises from harnessing the collective intelligence of our architects, engineers, and other specialists. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures that every facet of a project is thoroughly examined, with each team member contributing their unique perspectives and insights. It is through this collaborative symphony that we achieve architectural excellence that goes beyond what any individual could accomplish alone.
At BAD, disruption is not merely a buzzword—it is a mindset that drives us to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow. By challenging conventions and embracing the power of collective knowledge, we redefine the boundaries of architecture, pushing the boundaries of what is conceivable and elevating the art of design to unprecedented heights.
PROJECT SPECIALTIES
BAD is a visionary powerhouse, specializing in site-sensitive residential developments that range from single-family homes to multi-tenant communities. Our relentless pursuit of excellence extends to commercial projects, where we redefine the concept of work environments through collaborative and hybrid designs. Additionally, we transcend conventional boundaries with our cultural projects, which elevate and enhance the tenant and user experiences within community spaces, museums, exhibit installations, and research centers.
RESIDENTIAL
In the realm of residential design, we grasp the intimate relationship between architecture and its surroundings, crafting dwellings that seamlessly blend with the natural environment. Each home becomes a harmonious sanctuary that harmonizes with its context while nurturing the needs and desires of its occupants.
COMMERCIAL
When it comes to commercial endeavors, we recognize the transformative power of the workplace. Our designs transcend mere functionality, creating collaborative environments that inspire innovation and foster a sense of community. Hybrid workspaces become vibrant hubs where creativity flourishes, driving productivity and wellbeing.
CULTURAL
Cultural projects hold a special place in our portfolio, as we believe that architecture has the ability to shape experiences and forge connections. Whether it's the design of community spaces, museums, or research centers, we strive to create environments that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. These spaces become catalysts for knowledge sharing, cultural appreciation, and artistic expression.
At BAD, we blend our passion for design with a deep understanding of the human experience. Our creations go beyond mere structures; they are living, breathing spaces that embody the essence of place and purpose. Through our innovative approach and unwavering commitment, we are dedicated to shaping the built environment in ways that inspire, uplift, and endure.
SETTLER-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS
We adopt the UNDRIP framework, applying its principles to our corporate policies and activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands. This includes seeking prior consent, providing mentoring support for Indigenous interns, educating non-indigenous clients, partnering with Indigenous communities, artists, and content creators, and supporting Indigenous architects through scholarships and mentorship programs. Our goal is to establish meaningful relationships and create designs that honor the cultural and spiritual significance of the land.
Our Ethos
DECOLONIZATION IS NOT A METAPHOR
Tuck & Yang’s Decolonization is not a metaphor forms our approach to decolonization in architecture where decolonization cannot be used to position settler architecture in a concept of decolonization that allows settler architects to fetishize or co-op decolonization as a tool to continue colonial actions. It is far too easy to adopt, reposition pre-existing social justice tropes and leverage the language of decolonization as a means to capitalize on social movements. We have centred our practice on the pragmatic realities of reconciliation with the understanding that at its core, decolonization is based in restitution of access to and control over traditional territories.
Tuck, Eve, and K. Wayne Yang. “Decolonization Is Not a Metaphor.” Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 2012, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–40.
As Hon. Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. stated “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”
Are you ready to climb with us?
How can you support reconciliation and decolonization right now? Help re-build Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre Longhouse GANǪSA’Ǫ:WEH. BAD Urbanism will donate 3% of it’s annual profits this year – join is in supporting this important community led project!