Rambling with… ft3

St. Vital

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/09/2023 (961 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I came across ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design nearly four years ago, when I was writing a column about Chicken Chef.

They were doing some work at the newest Chicken Chef location on Island Shore Boulevard. I thought the company would make for a potential column but, as I’ve shared before, life and near-death interrupted me.

But now the time has come to complete an article and bend to heed my instincts. So, I contacted ft3 marketing co-ordinator Rebecca Henderson and away we went. Here’s our email conversation:

The ft3 name is catchy and unique and I have to know about the deeper thoughts that went into such an interesting brand:

We’ve gone through a few iterations since our inception in 1975. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when the firm officially adopted landscape architecture as one of its three disciplines, that we formally became ft3. The name draws inspiration from our founders: Rudy Friesen and Brian Tokar, and our three disciplines: architecture, landscape architecture and interior design. Having three disciplines under one roof is a strategic advantage, and we have successfully completed many projects throughout Western Canada as a multi-disciplinary team. It made sense that our name reflected that essential aspect of the company.

Obviously, Waterfront Drive doesn’t afford you much more than head office space:

We’re a consulting firm consisting of designers, architects, and technologists, so an office with a computer that can run building information software is really all we need. In all seriousness, depending on the project’s scope of work, our staff will perform site investigations, research, public engagement, material sourcing, client relations, construction warranty and reviews — in addition to assisting the client with realizing their vision through design and architecture.

We also employ several support staff. We’re a very collaborative bunch, and we enjoy working together and discovering how our unique strengths and experiences can benefit the projects or initiatives we undertake.

How many people are employed by ft3?

Around 45 employees, including five principals. We have a very diverse staff, especially in a male-dominated industry. Our firm currently employs more women than men, and we consciously look for BIPOC in our hiring practices. It’s essential for us to be leaders in our field, and we accomplish that by diversifying the experiences, cultures, and beliefs within the firm.

How much work do you do in rural Manitoba or other provinces or states?

Our practice areas are health and wellness, corporate office, and multi-family housing. We work throughout western and northern Canada, but most of our work is in Manitoba. We really enjoy designing and planning within Winnipeg because this is where many of us live, work and play. A few of our project highlights in the city include Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest, the new Ronald McDonald House Charity, and the redevelopment of St. Boniface’s emergency department. Regarding our work in rural Manitoba, we mainly operate within the health and wellness industry, specifically hospitals and long-term, personal care homes. Our firm is very passionate about designing these facilities and making the campus or space more responsive to its users. With long-term and personal care homes, we focus on deinstitutionalizing the space to become more home-like, helping seniors maintain vital community connections while aging in place. From Chez Nous to Small House, these concepts guide our planning and design process.

You can find ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design online at www.ft3.ca. Its head office is located at 200-300 Waterfront Dr. in Winnipeg.