Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB)
Dufferin-Peel Region
INSTITUTIONAL // PLAY AND PARK DESIGN // KINDERGARTEN PLAYGROUND
Landscape Ontario | Award of Excellence (Phase 1)
Landscape Ontario | Award of Excellence (Phase 2)
Landscape Ontario | Award of Excellence (Phase 3)
SDG was retained by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to design and oversee construction administration for over 100 schools that were selected to have their early learning outdoor childcare spaces renovated. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse districts in Ontario, operating 149 Elementary and Secondary Catholic schools throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.
City of Hamilton Award of Merit | Small Project: Renovation Institutional Category | 2016
In 2014, Seferian Design Group was retained by the City of Hamilton to provide landscape architectural design services for the new skating loop in Waterdown Memorial Park. Our team worked collaboratively with the City and the consulting team to develop a landscape design that: implemented a consistent municipal design and technical standard; encouraged a high standard of landscape design; ensured safe and efficient pedestrian access, connections, and circulation; and created appropriate relationships and transitions between built form and public space.
Architectural photos credited to Toms + McNally Architects
SDG is proud to announce that our senior landscape architect, Brad Smith has been promoted to Partner within the organization. Brad’s creative vision and innovative approaches have consistently pushed the boundaries of design excellence, making a profound impact on our projects, team development, and our firm’s success. His dedication and leadership have been instrumental in fostering our growth, mentoring young landscape architects, and enriching our company culture.
“I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Brad as our new partner at SDG. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey, and I am delighted to have him on board. Brad’s expertise, creativity, and passion for landscape architecture are truly inspiring. I am confident that his unique perspective and skills will greatly contribute to our mission of creating beautiful, sustainable, and innovative landscapes. Together, we will continue to transform spaces, making a lasting impact on the environment and the communities we serve.
At SDG, we believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of a unified team. We are eager to work alongside Brad, learn from his experiences, and achieve new heights together. Brad’s vision and dedication align perfectly with our values, and we are excited about the incredible projects and achievements that lie ahead.
Once again, welcome to the SDG family. Here’s to a prosperous and inspiring partnership!”
– Haig Seferian
As an award-winning landscape architect, Brad’s collaborative approach to projects focuses on creating performance-based landscapes that strengthen the role of landscape architecture and bring together creative and strategic thinking. In addition to Brad’s extensive professional experience, Brad is currently a sessional instructor at University of Guelph’s Landscape Architecture Program, providing exercises in urban design and master planning to help students understand the integrative design process that considers ecological, technological, socio-economic, human, and aesthetic factors in land development. Projects focus on land planning, community design, urban design, and public engagement.
Brad was honoured as the 2023 University of Guelph Alumni Volunteer Award of Excellence recipient. Brad is also an invited studio design critic at the University of Guelph and has enjoyed the opportunity to engage students in dialogue about design. He mentors several landscape architects as an OALA Advisor, assisting them in becoming full members and fully certified professionals.
Please join us in welcoming Brad to SDG, where he will undoubtedly lead the firm to new heights!
The Township of Wilmot approved the Wilmot Trails Master Plan (WTMP) on November 18, 2013. The Master Plan is intended to guide trail development in the Township as well as municipal projects having trail implications. SDG was retained to prepare an Implementation Plan for WTMP. The Implementation Plan included:
Detailed design and construction standards for trail types discussed in the WTMP
Estimated unit costs for these construction standards including surface types and trail structures (ie. boardwalks and bridges), rural and urban road cross-sections, and signage
AODA requirements for trail development and maintenance as applicable
An analysis of staff recourses and budget requirements to implement the plan
An analysis of the mission and key participants of a Wilmot Trails Advisory Committee and recommendations with respect to its establishment
The implementation of recommendations in the WTMP over the next 10+ years will see the Township of Wilmot begin to keep pace with growing public demand for high quality, connected trail systems that connect neighbourhoods with places of recreation, shopping and employment. The Implementation Plan builds upon past and current trail development efforts, and is intended as a blueprint to guide the development, operation, and maintenance of trails throughout the Township of Wilmot in the short, medium, and long term.
SDG was retained to prepare a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) for a subdivision development (dubbed ‘The Home Farm Development’). Located in The Blue Mountains, the property is situated east of Grey County Road 19, south of Highway 26, and directly east of the Craigleith Ski Club.
The VIA objectives were to simulate, from selected visual receptors/ viewpoint areas, the visual change to the Escarpment landscape and character, based on the proposed development. Several objectives included:
Develop a clear understanding of the site and its setting in respect of landscape character and visual amenity;
Develop an understanding of the proposed development in terms of how this would relate to landscape character and visual amenity;
Identify all potential direct and indirect effects of the proposed development upon the open landscape character, visual quality, and the Escarpment feature;
Carry out an evaluation of any additional impact management actions that may be necessary to prevent, change or mitigate any negative environmental effects; and
Prepare proposed mitigation recommendations for the proposed development based on the net environmental effects.
Using a combination of ArcGIS with Spatial Analyst, AutoCAD, and SketchUp Pro, our team created a digital terrain model of the subdivision as well as a viewshed map. The purpose of viewshed mapping is to objectively and accurately identify where proposed structures or built forms would be visible from existing and proposed roads and public lands. The final VIA report will include very specific NEC recommendation requests that The Blue Mountains will include in the final draft plan, zoning by-law, and servicing or subdivision agreements.
The practice of rebranding is the ideal way to process self-assessment and re-adjustment, so you can recalibrate and reenergize your brand. Grey County undertook a rebranding within their corporation and as such retained the landscape architectural design services of SDG to redesign four gateway signage features throughout the County, including one prominent sign at the County Administration Building in Owen Sound.
Our approach to the signage design was to create a modern, yet timeless design that incorporates several aspects of Grey County that make it unique. Our design for the walls included local, quarried stone as the focal point for each sign with the new Grey County logo fabricated from corten steel to create a timeless feel. The design also included local, quarried boulders to represent the Niagara Escarpment. In addition to the sign itself, our design incorporated mass plantings, river stone, and transplanted trees to maximize the presence of the signs while balancing/reducing overall construction costs. Our design for the signage was simple, bold, and clean, which created a memorable space and landmark within the community and the County.
Our team worked closely with a local landscape construction company, masons, Owen Sound quarries, a blacksmith, electrical engineers, and an irrigation designer to construct the signage features to represent the community of Grey County locally, regionally, and globally. After approval from Council, the project was completed in November 2013.
Located at 1 Redfern Avenue, on the highly sought-after Hamilton west mountain brow. Scenic Trails Condominiums is a uniquely designed building for those looking for luxury living with a suburban feel. The mid-rise condo building features 4 stories and 144 units and will be the final touch to this beautiful community.
Our team created a unique and inviting courtyard spaces complete with raised planters, seating, shade structures, entertaining areas, water features, and fire tables. Photos courtesy of Starward Homes.
CONDOMINIUM // RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT // COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
148-unit life lease apartment building in the heart of mature South Burlington.
SDG developed landscape plans for this landmark site.
Maranatha Gardens, in south Burlington, offers 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom plus den and 2-bedroom life-lease suites. Spacious universal designs with ample living space, wide doorways and hallways and barrier free bathrooms ensure your ability to remain independent, as you transition between the stages of your senior years.
SDG was retained by the City of Hamilton to design a new viewing platform along Scenic Drive. The platform, which cantilevers over the Escarpment features a large sitting area constructed of stamped concrete, bench for seating, trash receptacles, armour stone, and a decorative steel handrail. The project also included improvements to the adjacent multi-use asphalt trail.
