Pow Architecture

Architecture, planning, and design solutions that create inspiring, functional, and sustainable spaces where people live, learn, work, and gather.

From the earliest concepts through construction administration, POW Architecture works alongside clients to transform ideas into buildings that strengthen communities and stand the test of time.

Discuss your project

People Centered

Thoughtful Design

Sustainable Future

Collaborative Process

What we Do

Architectural Design

Innovative architectural solutions balancing creativity, functionality, and technical excellence.

  • New Buildings
  • Additions
  • Renovations
  • Interior Design
  • Building Design

Planning and Feasibility

Helping clients make informed decisions before design begins.

  • Functional Programming
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Master Planning
  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning

Sustainable Design

Designing healthier, more efficient buildings that perform today and into the future.

  • Sustainable Design
  • Energy Conscious Planning
  • Material Selection
  • Long-Term Building Performance

Adaptive Reuse

Breathing new life into existing buildings while preserving their character and history.

  • Heritage Buildings
  • Adaptive Reuse
  • Building Modernization
  • Renovation Planning

Interior Design

Designing environments that enhance how people work, learn, gather, and interact.

  • Interior Planning
  • Finish Selection
  • Furniture Coordination
  • Space Optimization

Our Capabilities

Architectural Design

Planning & Feasibility

Functional Programming

Building Information Modeling

Construction Documentation

Contract Administration

Visualization

Owner Representation

Project Administration

Why Pow Architecture

THOUGHTFUL ARCHITECTURE. LASTING IMPACT

POW Architecture specializes in the planning, design, and delivery of educational, institutional, commercial, community, and heritage projects. We believe successful architecture begins with understanding people, organizations, and communities, creating buildings that balance functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and long-term value.

OUR ROOTS IN COMMUNITY

For decades, our work has focused on projects that strengthen communities and improve the way people learn, work, gather, and live. Through collaboration and thoughtful design, we create spaces that continue to serve future generations.

PLANNING, DESIGN & PROJECT DELIVERY

Every successful project begins with careful planning. Through functional programming, master planning, architectural design, BIM coordination, construction documentation, and contract administration, we guide projects from initial concepts through successful completion.

DESIGNING AROUND PEOPLE

Architecture is about more than buildings—it is about the people who experience them every day. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, operational needs, and long-term goals, developing environments that are inspiring, practical, and responsive to their communities.

COLLABORATIVE DESIGN PROCESS

We believe the best projects result from collaboration. Our architects work closely with owners, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders throughout every stage of design and construction, ensuring each project reflects the needs of the people it serves.

TRUSTED BY COMMUNITIES

Our portfolio includes educational facilities, heritage buildings, commercial developments, places of worship, municipal facilities, and community spaces throughout Ontario. Through long-standing relationships and repeat clients, we continue to help shape the communities where people live, learn, work, and gather.

Industries

Institutional

Planning, design, and engineering solutions for public and institutional facilities.

  • Architecture
  • Building Engineering
  • Facility Assessments
  • Building Remediation
  • Contract Administration

Heritage

Preserving historic buildings while integrating modern performance and functionality.

  • Heritage Architecture
  • Building Assessments
  • Restoration Design
  • Conservation Planning
  • Contract Administration

Places of Worship

Thoughtful architectural solutions that respect tradition while supporting future growth.

  • Architecture
  • Renovations & Additions
  • Accessibility Upgrades
  • Building Assessments
  • Contract Administration

Commercial Buildings

Practical building solutions that balance functionality, efficiency, and long-term value.

  • Architecture
  • Building Engineering
  • Renovations
  • Facility Assessments
  • Project Management

GOvernment Buildings

Reliable public-sector design focused on durability, compliance, and operational efficiency.

  • Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Facility Assessments
  • Building Rehabilitation
  • Contract Administration

Industrial Buildings

Industrial facilities designed around manufacturing operations and future expansion.

  • Industrial Architecture
  • Structural Engineering
  • Process Integration
  • Facility Expansions
  • Building Assessments

SCSS Addition, Stratford

Bruce Hotel, Stratford

North Perth Westfield, Listowel

SERC Daycare, Stratford

JPW Systems, Komoka

St Mary’s Golf Course

Meet the POW Architecture Team

Sabrina Vastag

Principal Architect

Sabrina joined the team at Pow Architects at the onset of 2021 as Principal Architect. Her past portfolio includes residential, commercial, and institutional facilities. She oversees advanced critical design development and working drawings, designing construction details, coordination with sub-consultants, and project management. Working in a 3D environment through the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling), Sabrina effectively produces drawings and renderings, adeptly communicating building designs. Her aptitude for design, technical resolution, and team leadership has enabled her to manage and deliver projects successfully.

Sabrina directly oversees the team and all projects within with firm, exercising reasonable control over the design processes and decisions of each project. By working collaboratively with clients to thoroughly understand their desires and needs, she establishes and cultivates client-firm relationships.

Her continual motivation and self-determination have enhanced her knowledge and love of architecture.

Professional Designation

2021-Present | RAIC Member | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

2019-Present | OAA Member | Ontario Association of Architects 

Michelle Lester

GM & SR. Project Manager

Michelle is the general manager and a senior project manager with over 25 years of experience with the firm. She is an important part of the design team, leading and managing projects from inception through completion, actively leading, directing, and managing projects with a forward-thinking, solutions-based mindset to ensure customer and project team success.  Michelle’s strong technical background and keen architectural sense have been honed from a diverse array of building designs. 

Her project background includes over 100 education projects for the Avon Maitland District School Board and the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board and her most recent work with the Thames Valley District School Board.  The Avon Theatre renewal, The Bruce Hotel, (a luxury hotel in Stratford), new public library buildings in Milverton and Flesherton, Scotiabank projects throughout south-western Ontario and additions to churches in Stratford and surrounding areas as well as over a dozen childcare projects arounr out Michelle’s experience.

In 2020, Michelle achieved advanced standing with the OAAAS and became a qualified Licensed Technologist OAA in July 2021.

Professional Designation

2021 | Lic. Technologist OAA | Ontario Association of Architects

Megan Schaff

SR. Project Manager

Megan is a seasoned Project Manager with 12+ years of professional experience in building design and construction. Megan is well-versed in the design of various building types, with expertise in Institutional projects, hospitality, and accessibility requirements. Adept at working with clients to fulfil their programming needs, Megan adapts easily to changes and is skilled at providing pragmatic solutions during both the design and construction phases. Megan most recently completed overseeing the construction of a 5,000 sq. ft. daycare facility expansion for the Avon Maitland District School Board.

As Project Manager, Megan is an important part of the design team with design, budget analysis, creation of the tender documents and overseeing tendering and contract administration throughout construction. This past year. In 2021 Megan completed Passive House Canada’s Design and Construction Courses 120A, B and C and looks forward to the opportunity to work on sustainable projects in the future.

Professional Designation

2021 | (Pending Exam Completion) Certified Passive Haus Consultant

2009 | LEED AP

Lynne Taylor

Intermediate Project Manager

Lynne has over 33 years of professional experience in the architectural industry. She has managed corporate restructuring, institutional facility design, barrier-free improvement projects, and municipal landscape design/downtown redevelopment projects.  She currently specializes in school roofing renovations and alterations. She has thoroughly managed projects from initial client needs assessments through conceptual project design, design development, working drawings, specification preparation, contract administration and project documentation. Past experience also includes financial control of projects, contractor draws, and certifications.

In recent years, Lynne attained her Advanced Drone Pilot License granting her permission to pilot a drone in controlled air space with advanced operations.

Professional Designation

2019 | Advanced Drone Pilot License | Transport Canada

2018 | LEED Green Classroom Certificate

Retired Member | Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario

Terry Marklevitz

Founder & Architect

Terry Marklevitz studied at the University of Waterloo, where he received Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Architecture degrees. Terry has developed a specialization and expertise in academic projects during the last 30 years of service. A LEED-Accredited Professional, Terry is an advocate of the creative adaptive reuse of existing buildings and has developed a vast body of knowledge of historical restoration. A community-minded person, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past director of United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Board member and property chair of Gallery Stratford and an ongoing sponsor of local cultural groups. Terry is a recipient of the Canadian Governor General Award 2002, the OAA Good Design is Good Business 2004, and Excellence in Public Education 2013.