VERT design is a a collective studio of multidisciplinary professionals. We offer a knowledge base and skill set that is rooted in the allied environmental design disciplines. Our associates have a unique collection of expertise in the fields of environmental planning & design, architecture, parks & protected areas, agriculture, experiential education and capacity building.
Christopher Straka BA . HBOR . BEd . MEDes . MCIP
Principal
chris@vertdesign.ca
Chris is dedicated to community building. His work transforms spaces into places that help people better understand themselves and the world around them. Equally comfortable in a design workshop, a Mexican market, a council chamber, or the stern of a canoe; Chris lives a dynamic lifestyle.
Pre-VERT, Chris' life path lead to FoTenn Consultants in Ottawa, Calthorpe Associates in Berkely, the Town of Banff, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, and the Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre. Chris holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Design, which complements his degrees in Geography, Education, and Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism.
(more...)
Patric Langevin BA . HBOR . MArch . MRAIC
Senior Associate . Architecture
patric@vertdesign.ca
Patric is enthusiastic about helping people realize their visions. Inspired by current social, cultural, and environmental issues, Patric uses his “own voice” as a designer to create compelling architectural expressions. His sensitive contributions balance technical, aesthetic, and functional elements in a unified form.
Patric’s work draws from professional experiences in Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa. Prior to forming VERTdesign he worked with renowned architect Douglas Cardinal. Patric received his Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Environmental Design.
Jason Bellaire BAA
Associate . Interior Design
green@vertdesign.ca
Jason Bellaire is a graduate of the respected Bachelor of Applied Arts Interior Design Degree program at Algonquin College. Jason's skills as an innovative designer coupled with his strong values system inform the successful outcome of each commission he takes on. Jason contracts his services to Vert Design because he shares a common vision of sustainability and best practices with principal Christopher Straka.
Xx Xx x . x . x
Associate . Architectural Technology
green@vertdesign.ca
(bio)
Frances Gertsch BA . HBOR . MES
Associate . Parks & Protected Places
green@vertdesign.ca
Frances has dedicated her career to helping people create experiences that result in meaningful connections to the natural world. Whether through outdoor education, conservation volunteer programs, recreation planning or park management, Frances’s work reflects her dedication to the protection of unique and important natural places and to facilitating experiences that allow people to discover these places in their own way.
Frances's expertise ranges from leading public consultation to developing government policy, from writing promotional copy to presenting to academic audiences, and from designing recreational facilities and programs to managing park operations.
Frances holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies in Planning from the University of Waterloo, which complements her undergraduate degrees in Geography and in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. Her academic training is supplemented by two decades of practical experience in Alberta, Ontario, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island with municipal government, federal government and a variety of non-profit organizations, including work with the Quetico Foundation, Ontario Nature and Parks Canada.
Carmen Bohn BA . MEDes
Associate . Municipal Sustainability
green@vertdesign.ca
Carmen's experience in sustainable development coupled with her knowledge of community planning and municipal government allows her to focus a balanced perspective on development issues at both a local and global scale. Her curiosity for the world around her has prompted her to share bread with baboons on safari, hike ranges down under, and stomp in puddles throughout Europe.
For much of her professional career, Carmen has dedicated herself to making change at the local government level. Most recently, she has led a team of dedicated professionals in the development and implementation of national programs to promote municipal sustainability including conferences, awards, study tours, workshops, and online training. She is currently focused on sharing her Canadian municipal expertise internationally in her work as the Knowledge Development Manager for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities International Department.
Carmen holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary and an undergraduate degree in Regional and Urban Development from the University of Saskatchewan. Previously she has held positions in the public, private, and non-profit sectors working on projects ranging from neighbourhood planning in western Canada to evaluating community-based credit programs in Africa.
Ryan Hayhurst BA . MEDes
Associate . Organic Agriculture & Local Food Systems
green@vertdesign.ca
Ryan has spent the last 15 years contemplating the intersection of the social, economic and environmental planes, coming to be an influential actor in affecting sustainability and equality on our planet. His most recent incarnation as an organic farmer began with an apprenticeship at Everdale Environmental Learning Centre near Guelph before starting Niagara Escarpment Organics in 2005 in The Blue Mountains of southern Georgian Bay. Now, as a designer, farmer, educator and father Ryan’s work revolves around the notion of permaculture and creating resilient, abundant environments in which people can live, work, and play. Prospering harmoniously and sustainably alongside nature and neighbours while confronting major global challenges with local action continues to drive Ryan towards reducing ecological footprints, re-localizing economies and strengthening community.
Ryan holds a Masters degree in Environmental Design from the University of Calgary and an Honours BA from Queen’s University in Geography and Economics. In addition, Ryan’s diverse past professional, volunteer and educational experiences in Canada, Western & Eastern Europe, Southern Africa, India, Nepal and Vietnam have combined to imbue a holistic essence into his life and work, balancing Eastern spirituality with Western rationality.
Tim Straka BA . BEd . MSc . OCT
Associate . Experiential Education
green@vertdesign.ca
Tim co-creates transformative learning experiences with students of all ages. Committed to environmental and civic education, he has taught at elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels across North America, in Central Europe, in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Tim’s interests range widely from philosophy, to ecopsychology, to bioregionalism, and youth empowerment. He has worked with Outward Bound Canada, Students on Ice Expeditions, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre, Ontario’s Ministry of Education and several Canadian Parliamentarians. Tim is a member of the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication, the Ontario College of Teachers and the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.
Tim lives an active lifestyle. He enjoys skiing, paddling, swimming, biking, hucking frisbees and back-country travel. He earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Lesley University, and undergraduate degrees in Outdoor and Experiential Education (Queen’s University) and Politics (Bishop’s University).
VERT design is a member of the
Canada Green Building Council and the
Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association
Employment Opportunity...
VERT design is interested in expanding its team of professional associates and its network of community allies. You are welcome to introduce yourself by telephone, email or snail-mail. Meetings are available by appointment only.
VERT design is currently seeking Junior Design Associates. Our new team member must possess:
. a high level of proficiency with design software (our tool of choice is ArchiCAD)
. acute attention to detail
. a broad perspective commensurate with diverse life experiences
. a demonstrable commitment to a greener way of living
Download a job posting