TBA

architecture and design

T B A is a small but growing multidisciplinary studio focusing on architecture and design. The award-winning practice, established by Tom Balaban in 2009, is currently involved in residential, commercial, and small-scale institutional projects that focus on making cultural contributions, while also providing meaningful social and physical experiences.

Committed to the principle that good architecture does not emerge from marking off items on a check list, the studio approaches architecture as a dynamic system of interrelated hard and soft issues. Each project is a direct result of its own specific evolution and process, achieved by the means and methods best suited to the desired outcome.

We are continuously engaged in research and speculative work and actively participate in the academic environment. We seek out every opportunity to challenge standard conditions, expand current conventions, and create better environments. Our work is memorable, engaging, and responsive to contemporary culture.

We are actively seeking to expand and develop larger institutional and cultural projects in Montreal, and abroad.
 

T B A possède une approche multidisciplinaire axe sur l’architecture, le design, l’art et la recherche. Fondé par Tom Balaban en 2009 à Montréal l’agence travaille principalement dans les domaines de l’architecture résidentielle et commerciale. La firme est également impliquée dans la conception dans des domaines très variés allant des équipements culturels aux bâtiments résidentiels, commerciaux et des bureaux. L’architecture de l’agence propose des réponses inattendues, en utilisant les méthodes les plus contemporaines.

Travaillant autant dans la rénovation que dans la construction, leurs projets examinent les possibilités de réconciliation entre les valeurs modernistes et les conditions urbaines actuelles, renonçant à des solutions faciles pour engager une discussion ouverte entre le passé, présent et futur. Sensible à la culture contemporaine, les réalisations de cette agence Montréalaise, cherchent à contester les standards qui conditionnent la pratique et à développer de nouvelles conventions et de meilleurs environnements.

Nous cherchons activement à élargir et développer de plus grands projets institutionnels et culturels à Montréal, et à l’étranger.
 

Tom Balaban, OAQ AAPPQ MRAIC received his professional architecture degree from McGill University. He has worked for Frank O. Gehry & Associates/Gehry Partners for several years in Los Angeles as well as for Saucier+Perrotte in Montreal. In 2012 he was appointed professor in practice at the School of Architecture at Université de Montréal. He was previously an adjunct professor at McGill University’s School of Architecture, teaching design studio from 2006 to 2012. Tom Balaban is originally from Bucharest.

 

Jennifer Thorogood, OAA MRAIC received her professional M. Arch degree from McGill University in 2009. Prior to her education in architecture, she studied fine arts at the University of Western Ontario in London. Her current practice focuses on three avenues of production; architectural work, installation, and material and product research. Jennifer currently teaches design studio at McGill University’s School of Architecture.

 

Past and present designers and collaborators:
Nicolas Abou-Kasm, Rami Abou-Khalil, Hamza Alhbian, Sihem Attari, Matthew Belaen, Justin Boulanger, Nick Cabelli, Andrew Chau, Justine Chibuk, Cameron Cummings, Romy Desgroseilliers, Michael Fohring, Mikaèle Fol, Naomi Frangos, Luke Havekes, Pascale Julien, Louis-Charles Lasnier, Maxime Lefebvre, Julia Manaças, François-Matthieu Mariaud de Serre, Lucas Ouellet, Benjamin Rankin, Jean-Marc Renaud, Tara Selvaraj, Elliott Sturtevant, Roland Ulfig

 
Image credits:
Unless indicated otherwise all images by TBA. Portrait of Philip Johnson by David Bailey, background 21 photos by Anna & Bernhard Blume @ Hamburger Bahnhof, Raymond-Lévesque Library photo by Marc Cramer.