The Construction Source

Altius Architecture | 15 encompassing everything from architecture and building to contracting and interior de- sign. Since 2007, principals of Altius have been the force behind another enterprise known as Sustain Design Studio, creating a line of sustainable, prefabricated homes (known as the “miniHome”) which has grown in popularity in California markets. Meanwhile, Altius has garnered cer- tain professional popularity. The firm has been honored by the Ontario Association of Architects with the “Best Emerging Prac- tice” Award, and the American Institute of Architects has ranked them among the top young firms “to watch”. For his part, Smith says his business is not only about design and building, but serving customers who sometimes may not fully understand the depth of service they’re receiving. “There was a time, many years ago, when one could walk into a GM showroom and choose among a number of options that they might want in a car. A week later, work- ers on an assembly would custom build the car so that it exactly corresponded with the needs and wants of that customer. Today, there is no one, no business, who does that any more except for architects,” says Smith. “We may be the last profession that allows clients to dictate every aspect of what is wanted in a project… the last vestiges of what is true customer service.” o