Shim-Sutcliffe Architects facts for kids

Shim-Sutcliffe Architects is a Canadian company that designs buildings and interiors. It is based in Toronto, Ontario. The company was started in 1994 by Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe. Brigitte Shim is also a professor at the University of Toronto.

How the Architects Started

Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe first met at the University of Waterloo. They both studied environmental topics and architecture there. They earned their degrees in 1981 and 1983.

Even though their company officially began in 1994, Brigitte and Howard worked together much earlier. They started collaborating in the early 1980s. At first, they designed smaller things like special furniture. Their first big building project was the Laneway House in 1993.

Since then, their company has grown. They now have a team of 8 people. They have won many awards for their designs, both in Canada and around the world. Their projects include homes, places of worship, and business buildings. They work on projects in Canada and in other countries too.

Amazing Awards and Recognitions

Shim-Sutcliffe Architects has won many important design awards in Canada. They have received 14 Governor General's Awards. These awards are a very high honor for architecture in Canada.

Here are some of the awards they have won:

• 1992 Governor General Award for Architecture: For the Garden Pavilion and Reflecting Pool in Toronto.
• 1994 Governor General Award for Architecture: For the House on Horse Lake in Ontario.
• 1994 Governor General Award for Architecture: For the Laneway House in Toronto.
• 1996 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence: For Ledbury Park in Toronto.
• 2004 Governor General Award for Architecture: For the Muskoka Boathouse in Ontario.
• 2012 Governor General Award for Architecture: For the Integral House in Toronto.
• 2021 "RAIC Gold Medal Award": This is a very special award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

Cool Projects They Designed

Shim-Sutcliffe Architects have designed many interesting buildings. Their projects include different types of spaces.

Some of their notable projects are:

• 1988: Garden Pavilion and Reflecting Pool
• 1989: House on Horse Lake
• 1994: Laneway House
• 1995: Craven Road House
• 1999: Muskoka Boathouse
• 2000: Moorelands Camp Dining Hall
• 2001: Weathering Steel House
• 2004: Ravine Guest House and Reflecting Pool
• 2004: Corkin Gallery
• 2006: Craven Road Studio
• 2009: Integral House
• 2013: Residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph Toronto
• 2015: Wong Dai Sin Temple
• TBD: Ace Hotel Toronto

Special Furniture and Lighting

Besides buildings, Shim-Sutcliffe Architects also create unique furniture and lighting. They design these items for their clients. One of their most famous designs is the HAB Collection. This collection is now made and sold by a company called Nienkämper.

Another popular design from them is the Firefly lamp. This lamp is made to look like fireflies glowing inside a glass jar. It even glows a little after you turn it off!