Harry Christakis

Principal, HCA Architecture

CAREER

Mr. Christakis received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo Ontario in 1986. He is a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, a Member of the Ontario Association of Architects and a Member of the Toronto Society of Architects. In 2009 Mr. Christakis was awarded the prestigious Pinnacle Award by the hospitality industry for the years of quality design service to the industry.

Mr. Christakis’ ability in working closely with clients and authorities having jurisdiction is a proven asset on public and privately funded developments. His versatility in resolving complex issues in an effective and sensitive manner has been demonstrated on various projects of varying size and scope. The firm is comprised of individuals with a wide variety of professional skills and talent. These infused skills have allowed the firm to both develop and evolve. The team works in an open office arrangement encouraging communication and positive interaction to resolve the complex issues and problems of our clientele. Together the team is able to work closely with clients to meet their schedules and budgets, in addition to the procurement of intriguing and effective concepts.

PROJECTS

Hotels & Resorts:

Sheraton Hotel, Ottawa Ontario – Renovation and expansion of Executive lounge in compliance with the PIP. Custom millwork, comfortable seating, and a contemporary fireplace was implemented to create a pleasant, yet functional space for business use
Sheraton Parkway Hotel, Richmond Hill Ontario – Renovation of lobby & restaurant including the addition of a bar and Starbucks. Following the renovation, the lobby became a hot spot and gathering space for not only hotel guests, but those passing by as well
Park Hyatt Hotel, Toronto – Located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood, the new Park Hyatt involved the complete renovation of all interior and exterior spaces of the pre-existing Park Plaza Hotel. A new 12,000 square foot Stillwater Spa was incorporated on the lower level.
Stillwater Spa, Park Hyatt Hotel, Toronto, Ontario – Interior design of a 12,000 sq.ft. luxury health spa including salon, massage rooms, facial and therapy pools as well as fitness centre. The Stillwater Spa was awarded Silver at the National Post Design Exchange Awards
Courtyard by Marriott downtown Toronto, Toronto, Ontario – Design of the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott. The pre-existing two tower and ground floor podium structure was completely gutted to make way for an entirely new hotel edifice
Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel, Toronto Airport – A complete refurbishment of the former Delta Hotel at the Toronto Airport, including an expansion to the east side of the Guest Room Tower
Holiday Inn Toronto Airport, Toronto Ontario – A complete overhaul of the existing lobby. This design won an award for the Best Hotel Lobby Renovation of 2012.
The Westin Prince Hotel, Toronto Ontario – Interior renovation of the public spaces, guestrooms, exterior entrance/porte cochere, and spa
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver British Columbia – Makeover of the Pan Pacific’s five diamond guest rooms
Maid of the Mist Hotel, Niagra Falls USA – Renovation and conversion of existing Comfort Inn hotel to Boutique hotel. A custom brand for the historical Maid of the Mist boating company was created and in keeping with this, the model room was designed
Le Royal Meridien King Edward, Toronto Ontario – Historical building upgrades and renovations including public spaces, banquet facility and guest rooms
Royal York Hotel, Toronto Ontario – Refurbishment to the Queen’s Suite in time for the arrival of a special spiritual leader

Condominiums/Residential:

The East Yorker Condominium, Toronto, Ontario – Project architect on 134 suite “affordable” Condominium project. Part of and incorporating space for the Woodgreen Community Campus. The 11 storey design incorporates multiple stepped green roof amenity space. The building located on a corner site in East York, was stepped to respond to adjacent context on Donlands and Cosburn.
Norton Lake Residence, Brampton, Ontario – Project architect on new affordable housing project on ravine lot. This Building for the Region of Peel housing authority is 25 storeys and 200 units on 2 levels of underground park A mix of Seniors 1 bedrooms and 2-3 bedroom family units with a 4000 sq.ft. Children’s Hub on the ground floor. Building to target LEED Silver rating.
Snelgrove Seniors Residence, Brampton, Ontario – Project architect on 95 Unit, 3 Storey Seniors Residential building on Hurontario Street. Initial designs incorporated existing heritage church in the design. Building to target LEED Silver rating. Universal Design principles incorporated in all parts of the building.
Palm Residence Condominium, Toronto, Ontario – Project architect on 216 suite Condominium building close to subway on north Yonge street. Designed to reflect the architectural exuberance of the Emirates, the building curvilinear form weaves together an efficient building plan into unique urban expression. Building received unanimous approval at Toronto’s new Design Review Panel. Building incorporate Toronto new Green Bldg policy.
Tuscany Gate Condominium, Mississauga, Ontario – Project architect on 236 suite 20 storey Condominium building with two underground parking levels. Ground level entrance with piazza and two storey Townhouse suites helped blend the tower into the local context.
Chapelview Residence, Brampton, Ontario – Concept design and design development on a 200 unit Non-profit housing building with a six storey municipal garage below grade. The 15 storey building is designed to fit into the historic centre of old Brampton and the project is targeting a LEED Platinum accreditation.
Bellair Gardens Condominium, Toronto, Ontario – Concept design and design development on a 100 unit condominium building. Located adjacent to the D.V.P.on a steeply sloping hillside , the site offered dramatic views to the downtown. In consultation with the local rate payers and the Planning Dept., the final design was closely integrated into the site with much of the building buried into the side of the hill, while maintaining the views from a majority of the suites.

Other:

Hazelton Manor Banquet Hall, Concord Ontario – Interior design of a banquet hall inside an English-inspired Manor. Features of the design included custom carpet patterns, detailed wood paneling and an elegant lighting package
Pillar and Post Spa, Niagra on the Lake, Ontario – Renovation and expansion to create an additional five treatment rooms, spacious women’s change room, functional tea room and secluded manicure/pedicure area.
Stillwater Spa at Park Hyatt, Toronto Ontario – Refurbishment of change room and tea area in the highly popular spa
Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton, Ontario – Design of 56,000 sq.ft. convention and banquet facility
Joseph’s Health Centre Parkade, Toronto Ontario – Renovation to an existing 1970’s pre-cast parking garage integrating the utilitarian architecture of a parkade with the existing historical architecture of an inner-city hospital
Nicholas Daycare, Toronto Ontario – Design of a fun yet functional children’s daycare. This project involved extensive design detailing and utilized vibrant colours and shapes to create a kid-friendly environment
Hellenic Community Centre, Scarborough Ontario – Design of a 3 storey Community building to accommodate many separate Greek societies under one roof. Organized around a large agora space, the building included a gymnasium/theatre space, a school, community office space and a banquet hall
Epic Restaurant (The Fairmont Royal York Hotel), Toronto Ontario – A renovation to the old Acadian Room located on the ground floor of the Royal York Hotel. HCA worked alongside Forrest Perkins on the interior renovations for this project