Taro Hall, Goodman School of Business, Brock University
This project involves the renovation and expansion of Taro Hall at Brock University, enhancing the facilities for the Goodman School of Business.
The design introduces new three-storey additions at both the east and west ends of the existing building, linked by a reconfigured ground-floor circulation spine that improves connectivity and wayfinding throughout the complex.
The west addition is defined by a two-storey atrium that establishes a strong presence along the Brock Mall while creating a welcoming front door for the School of Business. This space supports both informal student use and larger events, addressing the need for flexible gathering and study areas. The existing Taro Hall is fully renovated as part of the project, with upgrades to classrooms including new lighting, finishes, and sprinkler systems.
The work was carefully phased to maintain building operations during construction. Early completion of the new additions provided swing space for faculty offices and teaching functions, enabling staged renovation of the existing facilities. Additional upgrades include new security infrastructure aligned with university standards, incorporating CCTV, Code Blue stations, and controlled access systems.
LOCATION
St. Catharines, Ontario
COMPLETED
December 2018
SIZE
74,000 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
PRESS
+VG Architects Renovates Brock University’s Goodman School of Business
Canadian Architect
Goodman School of Business Expansion – Brock University
AWARD Magazine
New-look business schools designed for learning
Globe and Mail
Goodes Hall, Smith School of Business, Queen's University
+VG Architects was retained as Prime Consultant to lead the adaptive reuse and expansion of Victoria School, a historically significant Richardsonian Romanesque building dating to the late 19th century.
The project established a new home for the Smith School of Business, combining a 4,000 m² heritage structure with a 6,500 m² contemporary addition.
A defining feature of Phase I is a skylit atrium along the east façade, which preserves and reveals the historic exterior wall within a new interior public space. The project introduced entirely new mechanical systems, including integration with campus infrastructure to improve efficiency. The renewed facility accommodates a range of academic and administrative functions, including tiered lecture halls, classrooms, breakout spaces, faculty offices, and specialized teaching environments.
Phase II completes the vision with a west addition that forms a new forecourt, strengthening the School’s connection to the broader university campus. A glazed gathering space, known as the Commons, overlooks this public realm and supports both daily use and special events. Additional teaching spaces, offices, and underground parking are integrated into this phase.
The project was delivered on time and on budget, achieving LEED Gold certification and receiving multiple awards for design and heritage conservation excellence.
LOCATION
Kingston, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014 (Phase II); 2002 (Phase I)
SIZE
100,000 ft² (PII); 110,000 ft² (PI)
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
AWARDS
2008 Liveable City Award
City of Kingston
2003 Architectural Excellence Award (Honourable Mention)
Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
2002 Award of Excellence
Frontenac County Heritage Foundation
PRESS
Changing campus: Goodes Hall expansion news
Queen’s Alumni Review
School of Business renamed following $50 million donation
Queen’s Journal
Conestoga College Milton Campus Renovation
+VG Architects served as Prime Consultant for the transformation of a two-storey commercial office building into Conestoga College’s Milton Campus.
The project revitalized a 21,642 ft² facility on a 4.02-acre site, incorporating site improvements such as expanded parking, upgraded lighting, and the addition of a temporary Portapak classroom building to support immediate program needs.
The design was shaped through stakeholder engagement, with a focus on creating a balanced and adaptable post-secondary environment. Interior spaces were reconfigured to support a range of learning styles, including technologically enhanced classrooms, quiet study areas, and flexible collaborative zones.
At the centre of the main floor is a bright, multi-purpose student lounge that serves as a hub for study, social interaction, and campus events. Supporting amenities include food service kiosks, retail space, student association offices, IT support areas, and fully accessible washroom facilities.
The second floor expands academic and student-focused programming with additional classrooms, a library resource area, wellness and prayer rooms, and dedicated staff spaces. Together, these interventions establish a modern, inclusive campus environment that strengthens both academic experience and student life.
LOCATION
Milton, Ontario
COMPLETED
2024
SIZE
22,841 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation
Smith School of Business Executive Education Suite, Queen's University
This project involves the interior conversion of former office space on the 30th floor of a downtown Toronto high-rise into a satellite campus for the Queen’s University Smith School of Business.
Overlooking Lake Ontario, the design leverages expansive views while establishing a refined, corporate environment aligned with the School’s brand.
Delivered on a highly compressed schedule, the project utilized a Construction Manager and sequential tendering to enable early construction start prior to full design completion. The fit-out was executed in three phases, allowing for incremental expansion while maintaining operational flexibility.
Phase I introduced approximately 7,000 ft² of program space, including an 80-seat tiered classroom equipped with advanced audio-visual systems and designed to convert into an event venue. Supporting spaces included video conferencing suites, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and reception areas.
Phase II expanded the facility with additional teaching, meeting, and student study spaces, along with enhanced event support. The final phase completed the full 25,000 ft² floor plate, adding a second tiered lecture hall, expanded office areas, collaborative spaces, and a dedicated HVAC system. The result is a flexible, high-performance academic environment tailored to executive education and urban engagement.
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
25,000 ft²
SERVICES
Tenant Fit-Up/Interior Renovation
Doherty-Fitzpatrick Early-ON Child & Family Centre Adaptive Re-Use
The Doherty–Fitzpatrick Heritage House, constructed between 1851 and 1861, is a refined example of a Neo-Classical farmhouse distinguished by its symmetrical façade, Flemish bond brickwork, and finely crafted decorative elements.
Character-defining features include a central entrance with transom and sidelights, a formal centre hall plan, and detailed frieze and gable trim.
+VG Architects was retained by the City of Brampton to assess the property’s potential for adaptive reuse and to deliver a feasibility study, cost estimate, and full architectural services through construction. The project transforms the long-vacant building—unused for over a decade—into an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, introducing a new community-focused use while preserving its heritage character.
A modest 500 ft² rear addition is designed to remain visually distinct and subordinate to the original structure. Interior interventions include structural upgrades and comprehensive improvements to accessibility, as well as new mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems to support the change in occupancy from residential to assembly use.
The project demonstrates a careful balance between conservation and renewal, reactivating a historic asset while meeting contemporary program and safety requirements—all achieved within the established project budget.
LOCATION
Brampton, Ontario
COMPLETED
2021
SIZE
14,980 ft² (including 500 ft² new addition)
SERVICES
Feasibility Study
Adaptive Re-Use
Accessibility Improvements
St. Lawrence College Library
+VG was retained to complete a design and contract administration for design services for renovations and upgrades to the St. Lawrence College Brockville Campus Library.
Improvements included interior design, ceiling and lighting replacement and energy efficiency upgrades. The space was expanded and the layout reconfigured to a more efficient use of the library. The high ceiling space allowed for the creation of new clerestory windows which provide natural light.
The new design of the library divides spaces into quiet and collaborative group spaces, improves barrier free accessibility and front desk reception space. The modernized library creates an improved experience for the students of the college.
LOCATION
Brockville, Ontario
COMPLETED
2018
SIZE
4,426 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation
School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto
The School of Graduate Studies Administrative Offices are located in two century houses: 63 St. George and 65 St. George Street, built in 1872 and 1891.
Both buildings are listed on the City of Toronto’s heritage registry and required a sensitive approach to renovation that would provide modern office amenity while maintaining the distinctive heritage character of the two buildings.
The School of Graduate Studies defines and administers University-wide regulations for graduate education and represents the cause of graduate education at the University of Toronto.
The primary project goal was to create better space for graduate students to interface with the administration, with student common space, counselling and consultation space, and oral defense rooms that provided a more welcoming and dignified atmosphere.
The project commenced with an evaluation of the School’s Functional Program and space planning template to test options for improved organization and workspace efficiency. The building had been extensively modified over time and many of the rooms were awkwardly planned with poor circulation and ad-hoc provisions that severely compromised the quality of space. In particular, the HVAC and lighting systems were in need of improvement to meet a modern day Administration Office standard. The renovation scope of work included:
- Rework of partitions and layout to support the program and respect original building layout
- Provided new centralized HVAC system through entire building
- New limited ceiling installations as required to support HVAC work while preserving plaster heritage cornices
- Revised Building Exiting to allow for the removal of one existing fire escape stair
- AODA compliant Accessibility measures throughout the first floor of the building.
- New Interior Finishes including preservation of significant historic finishes
- Heritage window replacement
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
DESIGNATED
City of Toronto Listed Heritage Site
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
10,000 ft² (63 St. George Street)
6,500 ft² (65 St. George Street)
SERVICES
Renovation & Restoration
Jean Royce Hall Servery, Queen's University
The project entails renovations to the existing student servery (585 m²) within the occupied Jean Royce Hall student residence at the west campus of Queen’s University.
The new servery provides students with a “market-style” food services environment that provides various self-serve and full-service stations. The new servery offers a contemporary dining experience and was “open for business” in September 2013.
The University’s hospitality staff needed to have input on the colours and finishes in the new servery space. While sample boards were assembled showing optional finishing schemes, it was difficult for staff to make decisions without 3D views of the space. +VG developed a variety of 3D computer model views showing the various finishing schemes to assist the hospitality group in making final decisions regarding flooring, millwork, and paint colours.
Due to the age of the existing underground services in the area of the renovations, it was understood that there was likely a need to replace portions of the existing sewer piping. In order to manage the additional costs involved in this work, +VG recommended that the University allow for monies in their budget for this work and unit prices be requested in the tender documents for pipe replacement. Upon award of the work to a general contractor, the slab was cut and the pipe could be fully assessed and the scope of replacement work was defined. The additional costs associated with pipe replacement were easily determined and work could progress quickly.
LOCATION
Kingston, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014
SIZE
6,300 ft²
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Bell
