about us
harrisonarchitecture is a smaller, client focussed architecture and landscape design studio located in the town of Dundas, near Hamilton Ontario Canada. While not all of our projects include a landscape component, most of our work is intimately connected to the site and grounded in its location; urban, rural or often somewhere in between. It may be an expansive rural setting or a postage stamp sized garden or rooftop, a storefront or a former industrial building; we believe there are opportunities to explore in every situation and set of needs. Our design tools range from basic hand made models to photo realistic 3-D imagery using Revit software. And many, many hand drawn sketches. But surely one of our most effective tools is communication. When coupled with thoughtful, stimulating conversations with our clients about their needs and their vision, drawings and models become very insightful and effective design tools at every stage of the project. With a collective experience of over 50 years, we are skilled, knowledgeable, dedicated and above all passionate about design and the possibilities it offers for your project. We would love to sit down and find out more about your project vision.
who we are
Christopher Harrison_principal
OAA LEED AP
Chris brings over 30 years of design experience and project management to every project he undertakes. After graduating from the University of Victoria in Mathematics and Environmental Studies, Chris went on to study Architecture and Environmental Design at Dalhousie University in Halifax where he graduated in 1986. After working as an architectural intern in Toronto, Vancouver and London, U.K., Chris chose to make Hamilton his home and focus as a Design Architect and Project manager for Trevor Garwood Jones and later Vermeulen Hind Architects, where he became a principal from 1999 to 2012. In 2013, Chris furthered his interest in Urban and Site Design at then Ryerson-now Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating in 2014 from the Landscape Design Program. During all of this time, Chris has pursued his passion for Architecture and Landscape Design. Chris has been a LEED accredited professional since 2004
Shari Roberts
AATO - REVIT and BIM support and training
Shari and Chris have been working together in Hamilton for over 20 years on projects ranging from residential renovations to University and Hospital Facilities. Over the years they have developed a close working relationship where each knows the others strengths and abilities and works to complement those skills.
Shari ‘s expertise includes traditional Autocad 2-D documents as well as 3-D Building Information Modelling – BIM – using Revit software. When we are not collaborating, Shari runs her own business SRoberts Drafting Services a CAD and BIM operated firm that produces construction drawings. On a personal level, Shari is a vegan enthusiast and Foodie, always looking for the next best vegan bistro.
Elizabeth Lawson
MA architecture
Elizabeth combines a thoughtful approach to design with an instinctive understanding of how our surroundings shape us. She studied Architecture and Visual Studies at the University of Toronto and has a talent for envisioning projects with 3D software, making each stage of the design feel tangible. Her strengths lie in capturing and refining the artistic vision of her clients, ensuring that each project not only fulfills its purpose but resonates on a personal level. Elizabeth is passionate about curating spaces that enrich daily life and bring out the best of their environments.
Pooja Patel
BID, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP
Pooja approaches design with a curious, human-centric perspective, focusing on fostering meaningful interactions between people and their surroundings. After having studied Interior Design at the Toronto Metropolitan University, she has pursued careers as both a designer and maker, honing her technical skills and attention to detail on every project. Driven by a passion for sustainability and the relationship between people and interiors, Pooja strives to create healthy, thoughtful spaces that benefit both people and the planet.
where we work (and live)
We understand technology can make ones physical location seem less relevant these days, but we nonetheless take a great deal of inspiration from our studio address in the beautiful town of Dundas Ontario, on the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment where it turns inland from Lake Ontario to form the Dundas Valley. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere, the escarpment is home to an incredible range of Carolinian plant and tree species from which to draw from in creating buildings and landscapes that are climate appropriate, resilient and at home in their environment.