James Bailey Architect

HANDS-ON • APPROACHABLE • RESPONSIVE • COST-EFFECTIVE

Following a solid internship with some of Canada's leading architectural firms: Arcop Associates of Montreal, the LM Group of Winnipeg (operating as Briskie Kasian Architects in Edmonton), and Douglas J. Cardinal Architect Ltd. of Edmonton (and subsequently in Ottawa and Newmarket), James Bailey directed architectural practices in Toronto for two other Canadian firms (Lambur Scott Architects Inc. and C.A. Ventin Architect Ltd.) before establishing James Bailey Architect in 1992.

Functional Design Solutions...

James Bailey Architect has focused on projects which have been responsive to the specific requirements of the client and have demonstrated an understanding of the construction process and functional design solutions. Much of the firm’s work has been related to the programming, design and construction of public buildings including museums, schools, city halls, churches, community centers, theatres, and auditoria. Through our institutional clientele we moved into residential architectural design projects as well.

Audits - Planning - Studies

As a result of our particular interest in buildings of historic significance, and our general promotion of the reuse of older buildings, the firm has undertaken a significant number of facility audits, feasibility studies, heritage impact studies and conservation reports, as well as the restoration and renovation of existing buildings for such clients as the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, the Toronto Public Library Board, and Exhibition Place.

Guiding Philosophy...

The guiding philosophy of the office has been to provide a maximum level of service and quality design to its clients in a cost-effective manner. To this end, fully computerized office procedures for communications, data storage, project management and tender documentation have been adopted by the firm. We believe that the high incidence of "repeat clients" attests to the firm's success in delivering a consistently good product.

Awards...

Recent awards include the Award of Distinction for design (Building of the Year) by the Ontario Building Envelop Council and the Heritage Toronto Award of Merit for the restoration of the Automotive Building of Exhibition Place in the creation of the Allstream Centre. Earlier this year James Bailey was presented with a Special Recognition Award by Heritage Mississauga for his contribution to the work of Heritage Mississauga.

Products & Services...

The firm has focused much of its work on the programming, design and construction of public buildings including museums, schools, city halls, churches, community centres, theatres, and auditoria. As a result of his particular interest in buildings of historic significance, and James Bailey’s general promotion of the reuse of older buildings, his firm has undertaken a significant number of facility audits, feasibility studies, and conservation reports, as well as the restoration and renovation of existing buildings. James is a member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and is the recipient of a number of awards related to the preservation of local architectural heritage.

Into The Future...

Referrals from appreciative clients have been the mainstay of our business in the last ten years. Our clientele has extended beyond the GTA eastwards to Picton (2.5 hours' drive); northwards to Peterborough (1.5 hour's drive); and westwards to Burlington/Cambridge (1 hour's drive). Our portfolio is expanding in scope. We welcome new projects in the direction of educational facilities and seniors residences.