gh3 works in the increasingly complex realm where architecture, urbanism and landscape overlap. Informed by the past and speaking to the future, we design with a modernist’s eye to order, beauty and social possibility, and an environmentalist’s awareness about sustainability and long–term planning.
We apply global learning to local problems through a staff that brings specialized expertise in architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. Our thinking is grounded in knowledge, and our design in creative excellence. We bring learning from two decades of collaboration to projects that blur the edge between buildings and the out–of–doors.
Our work is visually engaging, with the underlying philosophy that the best way of encouraging sustainable thinking is to bond people to their environments through deep understanding, and by making good design an indispensable part of everyday life. To create instructive, engaging, environments, we approach every design with a site and context-specific approach. The result is inspiring and useful spaces that are fundamentally modern in outlook.gh3 works closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the values and aspirations of every project are reflected in the design. We bring our cross–disciplinary insights into the cultural, social and physical context of each design. At heart, we are very practical designers, combining our professional training and life experiences to our work. We design with the intention that our projects will last for centuries, and the pragmatic awareness of the importance of ease of maintenance, durable details, and good value for investment.
Pat Hanson and Diana Gerrard, each with over 30 years of experience in their respective careers, own the Toronto-based practice. Individually, they have designed and run major projects throughout North America. Together, in 2005, they founded gh3 and have quickly established themselves as a major design practice. Working globally, in both the public and private sectors, and in all fields – educational, institutional, commercial and leisure – gh3 has completed award-winning projects at many different scales that have been extensively published internationally.
gh3’s work is realized by a studio that also includes architects, landscape architects, intern architects and support staff. The firm has steadily grown in capacity since its inception, winning multiple awards from their peers. The ability of the 2 senior partners to mentor and direct the work of a young, enthusiastic and deeply talented staff has been key to our accomplishments and success in international competitions, including the most recent winning for June Callwood Park and the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture 2010 for A Photographer’s Studio Over A Boathouse.
