Turn compact urban lots into high-yield, livable communities through smart spatial planning, zoning strategies, and functional multi-family architecture.
Small multi-unit residential projects occupy an increasingly important role in Ontario housing delivery, supporting missing-middle housing, intensification strategies, adaptive reuse projects, and gentle density initiatives. While these projects may fall within the scope of small building provisions under the Ontario Building Code, their design often presents practical challenges involving life safety, fire separation, exiting, accessibility, existing building constraints, and coordination with municipal approval requirements.
This session examines the design of small multi-unit residential buildings containing three or more dwelling units within Ontario practice. The course explores both existing residential buildings undergoing conversion or renovation and new construction projects designed under small building provisions. Participants will gain practical insight into how code requirements, existing conditions, and design objectives interact across different project scenarios, and how architects can navigate common technical and regulatory challenges.
Key Topics Discussed:
President and Lead Designer | House of Three
Lisa Henderson is the President and Lead Designer at House of Three, where she leads the team with a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative vision. A licensed Architectural Technologist with a Project Management Certificate, BCIN qualifications, and a Property Management Certificate, Lisa brings both depth and versatility to her role. She is a proud member of both the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) and the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO). As the team lead, Lisa oversees every aspect of the design process—from building code analysis to final drawing approvals—ensuring every project meets the highest standards. She is passionate about designing functional, thoughtful housing that serves the needs of both homeowners and investors. Originally from Roslin, Lisa now calls Kingston home, where she has strong family roots. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, paper crafting, and listening to murder mystery audiobooks—especially those with a great narrator.
