Rayleen Hill Architecture + Design (RHAD Architects) was founded in 2010 with an initial focus on the design of private homes, residential renovations and commercial interiors. Since its inception, the firm has developed into a multi-disciplinary studio that maintains its residential focus while continuing to pursue new genres, which have included multiple-unit apartment developments, town homes, public buildings, public art installations and urban gardens. RHAD Architects is a two-time winner of the Lieutenant Governor Award for Architecture and was selected as one of Canadian Architect Magazine's “Top Ten Emerging Architecture Firms in Canada” in 2017.
RHAD aims to develop innovative design strategies for engaged clients in a collaborative studio atmosphere. Our office make-up usually consists of a registered architect, several intern and student architects, plus an office manager. We also have a team of professional specialists with whom we have long-standing working relationships which we contract out to for structural design, mechanical and electrical design, cost consulting, specification writing, and technical drafting.
Over the last several years, the studio has been passionate about entering into a new evolution of green building design. We are studying ways to keep the crisp lines and detailing of classic modern architecture while developing new envelope strategies for more robust thermal resistance values. We have a certified Passive House Designer in-house and have several “Passive House-ish” projects, as we lovingly call them, currently underway. These projects use Passive House principles without planning to seek Passive House Certification. Our personal concern for the planet and our environment has lit our path towards sustainable design while also protecting clients against rising energy costs.