Canada is entering a significant period of investment in defence infrastructure. With renewed attention on military readiness and the development and renewal of facilities, there is growing recognition of the role the built environment plays in supporting Canada’s defence capabilities.

For the architecture and construction industry, this raises an important question. How do we translate today’s investment priorities into infrastructure that will continue to serve Canadians for decades to come?

Ahead of Building Defence 2026, hosted by the Department of National Defence (DND) and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) in Ottawa, we spoke with Edward Chan, Partner and Defence Sector Lead at Zeidler, and Natasha Basacchi, Director of Business Development, about the changing defence landscape, the role of architecture and the importance of industry collaboration in delivering the infrastructure ahead.

Natasha: Canada is making significant commitments to defence infrastructure. When you look at the scale of investment and the work ahead, what stands out to you?

Edward: The scale of investment is significant, but what interests me most is how we approach that work. The federal government’s investment strategy has focused on the concept of dual-use facilities that will support defence and civilian.

We’re talking about infrastructure that must support very specific operational needs, often for decades. Some facilities will need to be modernized, while others will be developed to accommodate new requirements. In either case, the decisions made early in planning will have a lasting impact on how well these facilities perform.

For our industry, there’s an opportunity to bring a longer-term perspective to those decisions. It’s about understanding what these buildings need to accomplish today, while considering how those needs might evolve. The concept of dual use aligns well with Zeidler’s portfolio experience across many different facility asset classes.

Edward: Natasha, you’ve been closely involved in our conversations with industry partners. What are you seeing as the market evolves?

Natasha: One of the strongest themes we’re seeing is the emphasis on early collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The scale and complexity of the work ahead means firms are looking more closely at how they can bring complementary expertise together. There’s an understanding that successful delivery depends on having the right team in place, with people who share a common approach to the project.

Technical experience is important, but relationships matter just as much. You need to know you can rely on the people you’re working with, particularly when projects involve multiple disciplines and complex delivery requirements.

At Zeidler, we’ve always placed a lot of value on those relationships. We’re focused on understanding where our experience can contribute and building partnerships that support successful project outcomes.

Natasha: Zeidler has experience across a broad range of complex public-sector projects. What capabilities do you see translating particularly well to defence?

Edward: A significant part of our work has involved secure federal and institutional environments, where operational requirements have a direct influence on design.

These are complex facilities that, although programmatically straightforward, are often layered with strict security protocols and multiple stakeholder groups. Understanding how the building needs to function is fundamental, and that experience has given our teams a strong foundation for approaching similarly demanding environments.

There’s also considerable breadth to our practice. Defence infrastructure encompasses more than specialized operational facilities. Housing, healthcare and industrial buildings all play a role in supporting military readiness, and these are sectors where Zeidler has established experience.

Our national presence is another advantage. With teams across Canada, we’re able to bring regional knowledge to projects and provide responsive support to contractors working in different locations. We also have an established, security-cleared workforce through our ongoing federal work, giving us an existing foundation to mobilize quickly.

Natasha: When we talk about defence infrastructure, architecture may not be the first discipline people think of. Where do you see design making the greatest contribution?

Edward: Architecture plays an important role in translating complex requirements into facilities that work. As well, not losing focus on creating spaces that enhance members of the Canadian Armed Forces’ working and living experience.

In a defence environment, the design process begins with understanding how the facility supports CAF operations. Who will use it? How do people move through the building? Which activities need to be separated or controlled? How are training, logistics, and operational activities accommodated? These considerations influence everything from the overall planning to how individual spaces function.

Our role is to bring those requirements together into a practical and buildable solution.

The DCC project delivery model truly supports a close working relationship with the broader project team. Security specialists, engineers and contractors each bring important expertise, and early coordination allows us to work through challenges while there’s still flexibility to influence the design.

When that collaboration happens from the outset, it can make a meaningful difference to how efficiently a project moves forward and to risk management.

Edward: That brings us to the delivery side. Natasha, from the conversations you’ve been having, what are defence clients and contractors looking for in their design partners?

Natasha: Both are looking for dependable partners.

For defence clients, there’s a need for teams who understand their operational requirements and can work within established security protocols and procurement processes. They want design partners who can interpret those requirements and develop facilities that respond to how they need to operate.

Contractors are looking for teams that embrace collaboration early and understand how design decisions affect construction. They’re managing delivery risks, budgets and schedules, so having an architectural partner who can work through those considerations with them is important.

But beyond technical expertise, I think it really comes down to people. You need individuals who bring a combination of experience, mindset and the ability to work collaboratively in complex environments. People who are adaptable, solutions-oriented and comfortable navigating challenges, while building trust with everyone around the table.

There’s real value in bringing that expertise together early. It allows teams to identify challenges before they become more difficult to address and make informed decisions as the project develops.

That’s where Zeidler’s collaborative delivery experience is particularly relevant. We understand the importance of working alongside our partners and taking a coordinated approach to complex projects.

Edward: As we prepare for Building Defence 2026, what conversations are you most looking forward to?

Natasha: I’m looking forward to hearing directly from DND and DCC about their priorities and how they see the next phase of infrastructure development taking shape.

There’s a significant amount of work ahead, and opportunities like this allow us to better understand where the industry is heading and what clients need from their partners.

I’m also looking forward to connecting with colleagues across the sector. Building strong working relationships takes time, and these conversations are an important part of that process.

Edward: I agree. I’m particularly interested in how the industry can bring experience from other complex infrastructure sectors into defence. There is a great deal of knowledge across the architecture and construction community, and I think there’s value in sharing those perspectives. This event is going to be an amazing demonstration of the entire industry across Canada coming together to meet the Federal government’s defence mandate.

Ultimately, we want to contribute to infrastructure that supports the people who serve Canada and remains effective as their needs evolve.

Continuing the Conversation

Edward Chan and Natasha Basacchi will represent Zeidler at Building Defence 2026, taking place November 9–10 in Ottawa.

With a national practice and experience spanning secure federal facilities and complex public infrastructure, Zeidler brings established expertise to Canada’s evolving defence sector. We look forward to connecting with industry partners and exploring opportunities to contribute to the infrastructure projects ahead.