Andrew Slade, Principal Architect, OAA, MRAIC, M.Arch, B.Arch.Studies

Throughout Andrew’s career, he has proven himself to be a hardworking and organized individual with sharp sense of design excellence and technical expertise.  He is fluent with numerous computer programs which not only provides his clients with a high level of clarity throughout the ‘design process’, but also helps walk them through the more complicated aspects of architecture and construction as well.  Site analysis and sustainable design, building science review and assessment, construction and permit drawing preparation, regulations and approvals, and ultimately the construction process itself are enhanced by means of detailed 3D modelled renderings, walk-throughs and other visualizations focused on communicating these processes clearly to all parties. Those who have worked with Andrew can attest, that his most important attribute perhaps, is simply that he truly ‘cares’ about his clients, their homes, and ultimately the practice of architecture and good design.

Andrew grew up spending his childhood exploring the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, rural landscapes, and characteristic towns unique to the Georgian Triangle area (Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe County).  From snowboarding and skiing at Blue Mountain to kiteboarding on Georgian Bay, Andrew has taken just about every opportunity available to enjoy the countless amenities exclusive of this area.

Moving from the small town of Thornbury to the ‘small town’ of big cities, Andrew spent his university years in Ottawa where he completed his undergraduate and Master of Architecture at Carleton University: Azreili School of Architecture and received the Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement and RAIC Honour Roll Certificate.  In 2013, Andrew went on to pursue his goal of working at one of the top design firms in downtown Toronto, Baird Sampson Neuert architects [BSN].  It is here that he gained a significant amount of experience in both the educational and the residential sector; ranging from high-profile university facilities and graduate residence towers to school additions, and detailed development of high-efficiency passive-solar, sustainable homes.

After spending two and a half valuable years in Toronto – and with his first born daughter on the way – Andrew decided to return to his roots in Collingwood and began a new position at Ted Handy and Associates Inc., Architect [THA] Barrie, ON in 2015.   Andrew spent the next six years here as a licensed Architect, and as of 2020, Senior Architect, designing a number of custom homes and other public, institutional, and commercial projects.  During this time, he excelled in client liaison, project and team management, sustainable site review and analysis, advanced 3D modelling, rendering and virtual reality development, working drawing production, detailed material specification, contract administration, and various other comprehensive skills from start-to-finish.

In the Spring of 2021, Andrew founded A. Slade Architects Inc., to focus on his desire to provide architectural services to clients that value “concept-inspired” design and how it improves our quality of life; at home, at work, and recreation.  Although Andrew’s specialization centers on the custom home market, he is equipped to handle a diverse range of other building typologies that provide him with a continuous education and thirst for best practices across the industry.  There are many evolving principles, techniques, and technologies that he extends from this experience in the residential sector;  however, it is equally important to note that Andrew also carries over many elements of hospitality, comfort, and even customer service practices unique to the custom home experience to all other types of his work; large or small, public or private.