Architecture Competition Yoga House in the Bog Client Favorite Award winners - UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Client Favorite winners of our "Yoga House in the Bog" competition – Avery Thorne and Matthew Beecroft from Canada!

Client Favorite Award winners from Canada

We are aspiring architects currently pursuing our studies as second-year students at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Our shared backgrounds in visual arts and social justice have guided us toward the field of architecture as a means to foster positive change. Our design motivation stems from environmental and social sustainability, driving us to constantly seek innovative solutions to problems on a global scale. Having both served as architecture interns in reputable offices, we have had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. These internships have further fueled our enthusiasm and anticipation in design. We eagerly look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, where we can contribute our skills, creativity, and passion to shape the built environment.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, and any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved?

While early in our careers as architects, our main goal is to learn and grow. We have completed a diverse range of projects both academically and professionally, which largely focus on community development, sustainable design, and social impact. From masterplans to industrial design, our primary objective is to acquire knowledge and experience that will serve us in our futures. We strive to immerse ourselves in various aspects of the architectural process by exploring and engaging in diverse projects. We aim to expand our skills, broaden our perspectives, and develop a comprehensive foundation that will support us as architects in the years to come.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

 To us, architecture is the designing and shaping of human experiences. Architecture plays the fundamental role of forming experiences within a space and significantly influences the way people live their lives. Architects have the unique ability to evoke emotion, create change and inspire multiple aspects of life. The role of an architect is not only to shape experiences, but also adopt responsibility and create change. The field is constantly evolving, therefore architects must continuously challenge themselves to better society. The role of an architect is to serve people, the environment and improve the overall ecological and social landscape.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

 Competitions are extremely beneficial in testing and challenging an architect’s perspective and abilities. For architecture students, competitions offer a valuable opportunity to design beyond the constraints of academic curriculum or professional restrictions. Participating in competitions enables us to explore our skills unrestricted by mentors or advisors; allowing for complete creative expression and imaginative freedom. Competition work effectively showcases your passion for architecture, your willingness to actively explore challenges outside of academic or professional obligations and provides you with unique projects and networking opportunities. Competitions encourage us to challenge ourselves and explore opportunities in new environments. These experiences empower our futures and make a meaningful impact in the field of architecture.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

We are strong advocates and enthusiastic promoters of design competitions, for the aforementioned reasons and beyond. Although they are daunting and require significant dedication, committing to the work involved in design competitions will only benefit your future. The time, effort, and energy invested into competitions serve as invaluable investments and learning opportunities for your personal and professional development. They also provide a fun and engaging exercise that allows you to explore your creative capabilities. Our advice to anyone looking to participate in a competition is to be passionate about the prompt, research thoroughly and allow yourself the time to accurately reflect your work.