The construction of a new state-of-the-art Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent is shifting into a higher gear now that a lead architect has come on board.

Toronto-based Montgomery Sisam Architects has been selected as the lead architect for the centre’s ambitious redevelopment project.

“Montgomery Sisam Architects has a robust portfolio of experience in designing child- and youth-focused facilities that will ensure the successful design of our project,” children’s centre executive director Donna Litwin-Makey said. “They understand the need to design a developmentally appropriate space that is accessible and safe for children of different ages, sizes and abilities.”

Montgomery Sisam Architects design project leader and director Santiago Kunzle said the company was “delighted” to have been hired for what he described as “an exciting project for Chatham-Kent.”

“This is work that, in its essence, is about equity, inclusion, and resilience – about removing barriers to create spaces and places for therapeutic services, friendship and belonging,” Kunzle said.

In February, London-based Colliers Project Leaders took on the project management lead for the new 5,110-square-metre (55,000-square-foot) building.

“It’s really been fast and furious,” Litwin-Makey said of the project.

The architects, she added, are working on finalizing the concept for the overall size and shape of the building.

“Then they move quickly from there to actually do the more detailed drawings,” Litwin-Makey said.

She said visioning sessions have already taken place with the community and staff to get ideas on how the new centre will look, feel and flow.

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