WHW 3D Renderings

The use of 3-Dimensional modelling programs has enabled WHW to analyze new designs during conception and lifelike models of buildings and their interiors can be presented to clients.

New designs are explored for 3-Dimensional form, interior space, volume, light, texture and colour. It becomes possible to examine an unlimited number of views within the proposed structure and these ideas can be conveyed to the client early in the design process to establish design direction and options for the building and siting. This technique results in a more precise, streamlined process allowing the client to evaluate the project in the formulation stage. Once the concept is finalized, the rendering becomes a point of reference for all parties involved in the project.

3D computer massing and detailed interior and exterior model studies are integral to our design process.  By superimposing a model onto actual site photos, the entire roject team is able to visualize and review the effects and appropriateness of alternate design solutions early in the process.  As a value-added component, 3D images can be useful marketing tools for fundraising campaigns and community awareness.

Open publication - Free publishing - More 3d

WHW voted one of the Top Places to Work!

WHW Architects was voted one of the top places to work in Atlantic Canada.
We are thrilled to have made the list on our first try! The award was announced at Pier 21, in Halifax, on May 17 and attended by 10 of our employees, partners and associates.

Congratulations to all of our valued people...you make this a great place to work!! 

Such an accomplishment called for a celebration!

Revit Training at WHW

WHW Architects is the leading design firm in Atlantic Canada, and we employ the latest tools and technology to help us stay there!  Have a look inside a recent Revit Training workshop held here at WHW Architects, lead by our own Mike Pfammatter.  Revit is an advanced software program that we use in our design work, which supports parametric and building information modeling. It helps to keep us at the leading edge of architecture, and to develop the best design solutions possible for our clients.

 Mike is our Revit Training & Applications Manager, a key member of our team who helps to ensure that we stay on the leading edge of design and client service.

Scott Cunning Earns CCCA Credentials

We're very proud that WHW Architects is Atlantic Canada's leading design firm, and know that we stay on the leading edge of our industry through the dedication and professionalism of everyone here.  We're pleased to recognize the tremendous achievement of our own Scott Cunning, who has successfully become a Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and who is only the second person to earn this distinction in Atlantic Canada!

Scott earned his CCCA credential after successfully completing coursework through Construction Specification Canada, and after completing over 9,500 hours of mandatory, supervised experience (which for Scott included work on over 35 major construction projects that he worked on over his past 6 years at WHW Architects).  Scott is a key member of our Construction Contract Administration department at WHW Architects, which works with our clients, the design team, and contractors to ensure that our building projects are successfully completed.  He is also our company Safety Officer, serves on the board of directors of the Atlantic Canada chapter of Construction Specification Canada, and is widely known and respected in the industry for his dedication and hard work.

Congratulations, Scott! 

Scott Cunning (CCCA), on the left, is congratulated on his achievement by Peter Emmett (CCCA), Manager of Construction Contract Administration.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-dimensional, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the building information model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. WHW Architects is a regional leader in the development of BIM and is currently using Revit, a BIM software tool, on several projects including Confederation Court Complex Revitalization Project (model below), Queens Place Recreational Centre, Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, and Bluenose Academy. Using Revit software, we are able to see and correct possible design conflicts ahead of time, reducing the potential for Change Orders. Also, when a change has been made to the Revit model it automatically updates all associated drawings and schedules, reducing errors and omissions. The recently awarded Yarmouth High School is a great example of this. There were NO QUESTIONS during the tender period related to referencing on the drawings! Removing the tedious task of referencing from the plate of our team members allows them to focus on more important tasks. Training is in-house and ongoing (image below) and we are working with our engineering colleagues to adopt this technology.

WHW at BuildGreen Atlantic 2011

WHW Architects was pleased to be a Gold Sponsor again this year of the annual BuildGreen Atlantic Conference May 4th and 5th.  The conference was a success, and we had a great time!  Check out the slideshow of our innovative display - which was a challenge to the conference delegates to investigate and explore new approaches to green building design in Atlantic Canada.  The display featured a special project in our office, for a solar-powered, electric-vehicle recharging station that will be built in Halifax.

WHW Participates in Annual BuildGreen Atlantic Conference

WHW is a Gold Sponsor again this year at the annual BuildGreen Atlantic Conference May 4th and 5th and is also participating in two of the education sessions. WHW chairman John Crace will be co-presenting “Atlantic Buildings 2030 – Roadmap for a Zero Carbon Future” with Alex Pavlovski of Green Power Labs and Aaron Caldwell of Enermodal. Stacey Hughes and Jane Abbott are co-presenting “High Performance Schools in Nova Scotia – A work in Progress”. WHW invites all its friends to join us at BGA. It all kicks off with a presentation by Sadhu Johnston at the McCain building, Dalhousie, on Wednesday evening. Reception 6:30, keynote address 7:30. Sadhu is helping the City of Vancouver reach its goal of “Greenest City in the World” by 2020.

WHW Photo Club!

WHW has formed a photography club! The idea is to share ideas, ask questions, practice new techniques and significantly accelerate the learning curve toward higher artistic and technical levels.

The club meets on the first Friday of each month to learn about cameras, composition, and the craft of photography – and to share the results of their fun “photo-assignment” (an informal contest of lenses), that provides focus for the club’s activities and discussions. The club’s April meeting featured a presentation by our own Robert Turner, who showed the large-format camera he built, explained it’s workings, and demonstrated it’s amazing features.

March’s photo assignment was to take photos around the office. View some of the images below. The assignment for April is to find those elusive signs of Spring – this time outside the office. Keep an eye out for those friendly WHW photographers who are out to capture the perfect image of the new season!