THE FIRM

The story of our firm dates back to 1983.  Michele and Steve first met at Carleton University in the first year of their Bachelor of Architecture degrees.  Friends and colleagues for many years, they both worked together at Otto + Erskine Architects in 1996.  Steve left in 1997 to spend 15 years with HOK, an international architectural practice, while Michele continued to develop her professional career and became a partner in 2004.  Steve returned in 2013 to work directly with Michele to strengthen the firm’s leadership and marketing.  The practice was re-named DREDGE LEAHY Architects Inc. in December 2016 and continues to operate out of the same location in Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood, where we have been located for over 20 years.  Our valued associates, Michelle Lenson and Dave Olivieri, are both long-term employees who provide experience and stability to all our work.  We are an architectural practice that brings over 50 combined years of experience to our projects throughout the Eastern Ontario region.

DESIGNAPPROACH

WE LISTEN

We believe clear communication and understanding is the key to the success of any project. Clients decide what is important to them.  Adaptability, Expandability, Sustainability – these are but a few of the fundamental drivers that are identified and prioritized resulting in architecture specifically tailored to a clients’ unique objectives.

WE DESIGN CREATIVELY

Our strategy is simple: address clients’ needs creatively with practical and cost-effective solutions. As partners in the design process, we collaborate closely with clients, consultants, authorities and builders, refining options to balance available resources and operational objectives, blending aesthetic excellence with practical functionality.

WE MANAGE SMARTLY

Delivering projects requires a level of skill and experience that recognizes the goal is not just designing a building – it is providing the leadership to an integrated team in the realization of our clients’ vision. Development of strategies for the successful resolution of challenges and implementation of the objectives is the hallmark of our firm.

PARTNERS & ASSOCIATES

Michele Dredge

Michele is passionate.  She excels as an experienced project manager and is recognized as a leader in health care design.  Michele brings energy to all her projects, from a large scale development to a small, carefully detailed interior fit-up.  As partner, Michele continues to refine and share her talents and knowledge gained from all levels of an architectural practice.  Michele inspires good work and follows through on her commitments.

Michele is a Registered Architect in Ontario (1995).

Steve Leahy

Steve is a leader.  He enjoys being involved in all aspects of a project from the initial marketing contact through to construction completion.  Steve has worked on projects of all sizes and types but has established a particular emphasis on complex fit-ups.  As partner, Steve continues to build on long-term relationships with clients, consultants and other stakeholders in the construction industry.  Steve brings an open dialogue and collaborative design approach to each project.

Steve is a Registered Architect in Ontario (1996) and a LEED Accredited Professional (2008).

Dave Olivieri

Dave understands construction.  He has been the lead technologist and construction contract administrator for the firm’s complex, multi-phased healthcare projects including The Critical Care Addition at The Ottawa Hospital and the Redevelopment of the Smiths Falls Hospital.  He is currently administering the Infrastructure Ontario Build/Finance contract for the Redevelopment of the Hawkesbury Hospital.  He is firm but always fair in his contract administration role.

Dave joined the firm in 1999 and has been an associate since 2007.

Michelle Lenson

Michelle is a problem solver.  She enjoys the uniqueness of all projects and excels at complex planning in both design and construction. Pharmacies, MRI and CT suites, surgical suites, medical processing departments are just some examples of the projects that she leads – from initial master plan through to design and construction.  She always brings a positive attitude and is a key driving force in establishing and maintaining office practice standards.

Michelle joined the firm in 2000 and has been an associate since 2007.

“RK Porter General Contracting has had the good fortune of collaborating with DREDGE LEAHY Architects Inc. for many years. Michele Dredge is our “go-to” when it comes to architectural services across Ontario. Any time we reach out to Michele we know that she will be professional, responsive and forward thinking. She is willing to dig right in and get her hands dirty to ensure the deadlines are met. We hope to continue the professional relationship with DREDGE LEAHY for years to come.”

Randy Porter, R.K. Porter General Contracting Inc.

“Dredge Leahy Architects is my “go to” firm. They have recently completed a large renovation project at 36-38 Antares where two older type commercial office buildings was completely renovated. Exterior finishes were revamped with new cladding, new main entrances, and architectural detail that make this building “pop” on this street. A once tired building with high vacancies has been transformed into a vibrant office building with almost full capacity of tenants. Working with Steve Leahy was very easy as he is a top professional. There were stressful moments during the project, but Steve’s calm demeanor always led the way to finding solutions and success. ”

Oryst Deneka, General Manager Real Estate Management Services, Colliers International