Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc.

I, among a few others, was involved with a civic project to secure a municipally owned neighbourhood park in an old established neighbourhood, by encouraging the City of St. Catharines to interface with the local School Board, who were liquidating a decommisioned school property, to secure a portion of the overall property for a neighbourhood park. In the absence of such an effort, the neighbourhood of 600 +/- homes would not have a park of any kind,, moving forward, and the entire parcel would have been a residential infill project. MZE (Greg Redden) graciously, and expeditiously, agreed to design a pergola feature, pro bono, I might add, that is the de facto entrance feature to said park. Props to them for leaning in and doing a civic duty.

As industry experts, MZE is an important source for sustainability design knowledge. I am appreciative of the firms willingness to share their knowledge with Niagara College faculty and students as part of the on-going transformative and collaborative efforts needed to move to a more sustainable future for all. Greg, your community outreach is appreciated, and the students always look forward to your simple yet impactful explanation of how you incorporate green technology and innovation into your designs, your life, and hat collection. The project at Woodend is a great design example and also how we bring experimental learning into the curriculum.

Greg and his team are exceptional professionals whom I would highly recommend. His team got started on the project right away, without delay. Greg is able to explain in a way that’s easily understood by the average person. I was always kept in the loop about every detail of the project as it progressed. He was very helpful and available in answering questions and addressing concerns. Looking forward to working on more projects together.

Fantastic work, professional, and staff who are friendly and easy to work with. 5+ stars!

In the early 2000s, I worked with MZE on a project to develop a multi-use public building. My organization wanted a structure that could serve several uses, primarily of which was to provide an entry point for the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System.The team at MZE led our staff through exercises to identify the best location that would have the least impact on natural features. They worked with us to design a structure that conformed to the existing landscape, minimizing the need for large excavations.We presented the team with an additional challenge….to follow the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) green building criteria, which was a relatively new certification at the time. MZE embraced the concept and brought forward recommendations for construction materials, building systems and structural designs that were unlike anything in Niagara at the time.The final product is a beautiful, award-winning facility, that helps visitors learn more about the Niagara Escarpment and accommodates programs to educate the public about sustainable development.

MZE created a beautiful, structurally unique home for us on the shores of Lake Erie. Our experience has been an extremely positive one and we would strongly recommend their architectural/design services.

Their design of 527 Carlton St. is an eyesore.

We engaged MZE to design a rear mudroom/washroom addition and dormer to accommodate access to the attic, now a loft space, to our 90-year old home. Rather than two individual additions, they proposed a design that incorporated both elements into one design solution. The design process incorporated our requirements and resulted in an addition that compliments our house but has a distinct contemporary appearance.