How long have you been in business for?  

I began the formal part of my career in architecture at one of Canada’s larger firms, Chandler Kennedy Architectural Group, as Design Architect in 1977 and progressed to become Associate Partner in 1981 with responsibility for all project coordination within the Calgary office. The initial experience included roles as Project Architect for a variety of office complexes and community centre projects including the Lindsay Park Aquatic Centre; the Six Communities Leisure Centre; Round-Up Convention Centre for the Calgary Stampede Board; and Public Works Canada office building which consolidated offices for the Federal Government in Alberta.

 I began my business because…

 Upon returning to the Ontario after experiencing the oil boom in Calgary and Regina, I established a firm in Toronto to take advantage of the large project expertise that I had developed. It quickly became apparent that an opportunity existed for a successful business to coexist with a rewarding family life by settling in the Barrie area. The relationship with the lake and the vitality of the community was an irresistible draw. In 1987 Harry Nesbitt, the principal of an established firm since 1958 and I merged our practices to form Nesbit Handy Architects. In 1990 Harry retired and the firm was incorporated as Ted Handy and Associates. The practice has since evolved to include ten creative and committed individuals. The firm has created many unique buildings that are responsive to both context and program. This involvement in all aspects of design, construction and development has been enhanced by exposure to a wide and exciting variety of clients and projects.

 I decided on this specific type of business because…

 My entire adult life has been focussed around a love for the environment, creative problem solving, how people live and react to the their environment, a fascination of how things get built, and the beauty of a well crafted product. This naturally led to a love for the construction industry which is a natural outworking of these passions. It seemed to make perfect sense to develop the firm out of the relationship with Harry Nesbitt given his experience along with this passion for architecture and a desire to serve the community where I had grown up.

 Before beginning this business, I did the following..

 See above for answer…

 What is the biggest challenge facing your business today?

 The economy at hand has created many challenges when it comes to remaining competitive while bidding on projects. All too often tenders are awarded to the lowest bidder without the client fully realizing and weighing in on the quality of service and expertise a firm has to offer. Ted Handy has built a strong, solid reputation across Central Ontario. It is unfortunate that the industry has become numbers driven rather than quality driven with an emphasis on the long term, which forces firms of all sizes to respond with competitive budgets and minimize services, thereby, resulting in a standard of product and buildings that does not have a vision for the future and do not function to their potential or last.  

 We see the challenge of our industry and our firm to demonstrate the vital importance of securing a trustworthy and reliable relationship that is critical between the architect and a client and the construction team. The objective is to provide a service that produces a completed project that exceeds expectations and becomes a source of pride for all involved.

 Where do you turn when you have issues or problems with your business?

 I have been blessed with support, talent and creativity among family and staff. My wife, Lorraine and I have developed many supportive relationships among colleagues and friends spanning many disciplines and many parts of the globe. Above all it is my faith that has been the primary source of working through the tough issues that do arise. With these support structures we are able to meet the challenges we faces head on.

 What are economic developers or local elected officials doing to help make your business successful?

 We have been honoured to partner with many of the local municipalities and community groups on a variety of projects that have earned the firm much praise and acknowledgement. All of this work has demonstrated the great importance of commitment to local organizations using local businesses. Current projects the firm is working on include the Simcoe County Administration Centre Addition and Alterations, Georgian College Health and Wellness Centre, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Expansion, Munro Concrete Office and Plant Additions, Emmanuel Baptist Church Addition, Clearview Public Library, Minesing United Church, and more.

 Would you encourage your children to become entrepreneurs?

I have heard it said that – “an entrepreneur is formed from half baked clay” which suggests that we are formed for a purpose but still malleable enough to change. I believe that we have not only encouraged but helped to develop our three children to pursue their dreams and define their own objectives – professional and otherwise – within the context of the basic values which we hope we have instilled in them. As examples, we have one son Craig who is likewise an architect, a world traveller and a studied theologian; our son Mark has become a successful entrepreneur and can be met with at the Barrie Farmer’s Market each Saturday extolling his values of healthy living and selling his nutrition related goods; and our daughter Kristen and family have committed their lives to serving in Africa.

 Do you feel that your community values and supports entrepreneurs like you?

 We have continually been resourced and partnered with as a local Architects and community partners. We have a commitment to helping move Barrie and the local area forward in terms of reinforcing the urban fabric through the incorporation of arts and culture, sustainable development and preserving local heritage whenever possible. Considering the repeat work and opportunities to serve locally that we continue to receive, we are appreciative and confident in the support the community has shown us. It is our intention and great desire to continue to partner with clients of all sizes in order to advance these objectives and instil pride in the design solution the firm develops. 

You can view some of Ted’s work here.