Zeidler Acquires Queen’s Quay Architects

May 21, 2020
Photo of Zeidler Acquires Queen’s Quay Architects

Zeidler has acquired Queen’s Quay Architects International Inc. (Q2), a Toronto-based firm with a wealth of experience in complex retail, mixed-use, transportation and hospitality projects.

Zeidler and Q2 have had a long-standing partnering relationship dating back to the Yonge and Dundas Entrance and Media Tower at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre (2004), as well as the Ted Rogers School of Management (2006), a joint development for Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and Cadillac Fairview (CF).

“Both of our firms have well-established relationships with similar client groups. For over 40 years we have been collaborating with Cadillac Fairview on multiple transformative projects. With Q2 also bringing over 20 years of experience at the Eaton Centre, it made sense to join forces and merge our collective efforts,” said Vaidila Banelis, Zeidler Senior Partner.

Q2’s extensive work at the Eaton Centre includes overall mall renovations, multiple retail and restaurant fit-outs, including Roots, H&M, Joeys, the Urban Eatery in collaboration with GH+A, the Nordstrom redevelopment and the ongoing BMO Campus workplace above it.

Founded in 1997, Q2 have a significant body of national and international work in the hospitality and transportation sectors, including the award-winning luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel in Doha, Qatar and the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, West Indies. “Q2 have a strong reputation as excellent technical designers, and we are thrilled to have their team joining us in Toronto,” said Vaidila.

Maris Luksis, one of the two founding partners at Q2, is known within the Toronto development community for his exceptional portfolio of complex mixed-use projects. Four Q2 senior staff are joining Zeidler as Associates. Bob Mindara has been with Q2 since it began and has delivered the firm’s aviation and transportation portfolio. Ian Izukawa has been with Q2 for over 10 years, previously working at HOK and KPMB, and has a strong project management background. Rod Santos has also been with Q2 since the beginning and brings a strong technical background overseeing a wide range of project types. He has recently been involved in several of the large-scale interior and exterior renovations at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

“Queen’s Quay Architects is extremely excited about joining forces with Zeidler,” says Maris, now a Zeidler Principal. “We feel the merger strengthens our position in the design and construction community and is expected to result in greater efficiencies for both firms. We are working closely with our clients and employees to ensure the integration process runs as smooth as possible.”

The acquisition strengthens our leadership team and boosts our technical and contract administration expertise. We believe both cultures will integrate well and continue to provide strong services and projects, serving as a reinforcement of our commitment to our clients across Canada.

Photo of Zeidler expanding services with new Vancouver office

Zeidler expanding services with new Vancouver office

Photo of CF Toronto Eaton Centre

CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Photo of Toronto office moves after 60 years downtown

Toronto office moves after 60 years downtown

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