David Ellis Architect inc.

03/12/2026

01/23/2026

12/01/2025

The new Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a nine-storey, 154,780-square-foot redevelopment featuring 108 modern residential units! Centrally located, it places residents close to health care, shopping, schools, restaurants, and public transit, creating a convenient and welcoming community environment.

Designed to enhance resident lifestyle, the building includes a Legion bar and restaurant, a spacious gathering hall, meeting rooms, museum areas, party rooms, a computer-equipped library, sauna facilities, and a rooftop patio with a walking track and outdoor kitchens. Resident gardens sit atop the ICF parking structure, which features 10-foot walls; ceilings measure 12 feet on the ground floor and 9 feet on the upper levels, adding to the building’s modern, open feel.

Residents can choose from 13 unique suite layouts, each offering full kitchens, in-suite laundry, vinyl plank flooring, modern finishes, and private balconies for comfortable independent living!

The $32.7-million project revitalizes the aging Legion facility while supporting the growing housing needs of veterans and the broader community. Built on the historic former site of the Wawanosh Residential School for Girls, the development preserves local heritage while providing a modern place to call home. 🏠

This project has proudly been named the Winner of the 2025 MultiFamily ICF Builders Award, recognizing its innovation, impact, and excellence in design and construction! 🦺 👩🏼‍💻 We are honoured to be a part of this project!
https://icfmag.com/2025/01/royal-canadian-legion-branch-25/

10/13/2025

Happy thanksgiving everyone! 🦃🍂🍁

10/06/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to be back as judges for the Canstruction Design & Build Competition at the Station Mall! 🏗️
It’s inspiring to see such creativity and teamwork come together for a great cause.
Best of luck to all the amazing participants! 👏🥫

10/06/2025

Honoring the creativity, collaboration, and purpose behind every design. Happy World Architecture Day! At David Ellis Architect, we’re grateful for the opportunity to help shape the places where people live, learn, and gather. We look forward to being part of many more thoughtful and enduring designs for years to come! 🏛️✍️🧑🏼‍💻📐🌱

09/24/2025

Natasha Plaunt, MAATO, OCAD, B.A.
Registered Building Technologist | Member of AATO

Natasha Plaunt has been a team member with David Ellis Architect Inc. since 2019. She is a Registered Building Technologist with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) and is currently preparing for her Architectural Technologist exam. Natasha specializes in developing working drawings, code reviews, and project administration, and is proficient in AutoCAD and other drafting software. She produces detailed plans, elevations, sections, reflective ceiling plans, and door and window schedules, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all projects.

Natasha has contributed to projects including One Ten Pim, Social Services, Korah Collegiate, and Entomica at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, bringing technical expertise and precision to every project!

09/24/2025

Jules Robert, M.Arch, BAS, OAA
Intern Architect

Jules Robert is an Intern Architect with david ELLIS Architect Inc., holding a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the McEwen School of Architecture. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, she focuses on human-centered, sustainable design that enhances community and well-being. Her project experience includes residential developments from single-family homes to mixed-use apartments, including the Sunny Side Residence and West Village.

Skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, 3D modeling, drafting, rendering, and Adobe software, Jules supports the firm in creating accurate visuals and material selections for clients. She also assists in practice management through the preparation of proposals and portfolios, contributing to the growth and representation of the firm!

09/24/2025

Cristy Sosa, OAA Intern Architect
Architectural Designer | Project Administrator

Cristy Sosa is an Intern Architect with David Ellis Architect Inc., where she has worked since 2017. With a background in architecture and design from Mexico, where she is a licensed Architect and holds her professional seal, she brings an international perspective to her work. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she has contributed to major educational projects including the Sault College Waterfront Recreation Centre, Boréal French Immersion School, Korah Collegiate renovations, and École Notre-Dame-du-Sault, as well as a variety of large-scale and residential projects.

Cristy combines strong design sensitivity with technical expertise, contract coordination, and interior design, ensuring projects are delivered with precision and quality. She is also skilled in AutoCAD and Excel, supporting both the creative and technical aspects of the design process!

09/24/2025

Sophie MacKey, M.Arch, BAS, OAA
Associate | Architect

Sophie MacKey is an Associate and registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects, bringing over ten years of experience at david ELLIS Architect Inc. A recipient of the OAA SHIFT Design Award and the 2021 Algoma Visionary Award for Business & Professional Development, she has presented her work at national conferences and served as the youngest member of an OAA Design Competition Jury.

Sophie was the lead designer for the nine-storey Legion building the first project she completed independently and has also led or contributed to major developments such as the Cara Homes community, three residential towers in Sudbury, a 232-unit apartment on MacDonald Avenue, Korah Collegiate, and Tarentorus School. She has worked extensively with Algoma University on projects including the computer labs, cafeteria, auditorium, Student Union, recruitment offices, and the Nest, as well as with Sault College and the Algoma District School Board. A graduate with honours from the McEwen School of Architecture and fluent in both French and English, Sophie brings a strong Northern Ontario perspective to her work, combining design sensitivity with technical expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, and InDesign!

09/24/2025

Meet our team! David Ellis, OAA, RAIC, ARIDO, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal Architect & Founder

David Ellis is the Principal Architect and Founder of david ELLIS Architect Inc., bringing over 47 years of experience designing award-winning, technically advanced buildings across healthcare, science, education, residential, and community sectors.

His notable projects include the Great Lakes Forest Research Centre, Malaysia Health Development Project, Algoma University’s Bioscience Centre, Sault Area Hospital, and long-term care facilities for the Missanabie Cree First Nation. He has also designed high-rise condominiums, mixed-use developments, non-profit housing, and educational residences across Northern Ontario.

David’s work has received national and international recognition, including the R&D Laboratory of the Year Award (the only Canadian recipient), awards from the Canadian Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Institute, ARIDO, the American Architectural Woodwork Institute, and multiple ICF North America Awards. The firm has also been named Best Educational Architect in Canada and Best Science Design Firm by BUILD Magazine.

Internationally, David’s work in Southeast Asia, the U.S., and Australia has been honoured with two Ontario Global Traders Awards. His designs have been published widely, including in 100+25: The History of the Ontario Association of Architects.
Deeply committed to his community, David has supported initiatives like the Sault Community Theatre, Art Gallery of Algoma (where he served as President), and co-founded the Sault Ste. Marie Green Initiatives Committee. He has chaired the Algoma Society of Architects for over 20 years and served on local Accessibility and Heritage Committees.

A lifelong athlete and cycling advocate, David is a past President of the Ontario Cycling Association and has contributed to international cycling competitions as a coach, designer, and official.

At david ELLIS Architect Inc., David leads a collaborative and creative team environment, blending mentorship with innovation and a passion for design excellence!