Why Boldera
We design with purpose, guided by values, and grounded in care.
At Boldera, we bring global experience and deep local insight to every project — with the boldness to reimagine, and the heart to listen.
Why Boldera
We design with purpose, guided by values, and grounded in care.
At Boldera, we bring global experience and deep local insight to every project — with the boldness to reimagine, and the heart to listen.
Mission
We bring buildings back to life — with respect for the past and vision for what’s next. Through bold design and ethical reuse, we protect the soul of our cities and the stories they carry.
Boldera has successfully delivered award-winning buildings that exceed performance standards and unlock lasting value for our clients. Our collaborative, hands-on approach has earned the trust of developers, institutions, and homeowners alike. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team brings deep expertise across a wide range of project types, scales, and complexities. Along the way, our work has been recognized with national and international awards for design excellence and innovation.
At Boldera, we blend the technical depth of a global firm with the personal dedication of a boutique studio — because exceptional architecture is both a craft and a commitment.
We bring buildings back to life — with respect for the past and vision for what’s next. Through bold design and ethical reuse, we protect the soul of our cities and the stories they carry.
Our Values
Bold Integrity
We don’t just preserve façades — we do the full story.
At Boldera, integrity means doing what’s right, even when it’s harder. We preserve what matters, elevate what’s hidden, and create lasting value through honesty, skill, and purpose. Our buildings are designed to endure — in meaning, not just materials.
Reuse, Don’t Replace
Every building holds untapped potential — and we’re here to uncover it. Our work begins with what’s already there: the craft, the character, the context. By building on what came before, we create architecture that’s deeply rooted and refreshingly bold.
Design That Endures
We believe timeless architecture is born from care, not trends. That means energy-conscious upgrades, adaptive materials, and spaces that feel intuitive, flexible, and alive. We create buildings people love today — and trust for tomorrow.
Leadership
Eric Rodrigues
OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP BD+C, CAHP
Owner, principal architect
Eric Rodrigues is the founding principal and creative director of Boldera Architects. Under Eric’s leadership, Boldera is redefining modern architecture by transforming historic structures into innovative, sustainable spaces that preserve their cultural essence while meeting contemporary needs.
Born in Toronto, Eric grew up between Canada and Portugal, where he completed his Master of Architecture at the Lusíada University in Porto in 2010. Since returning to Canada, Eric has played a pivotal role in transformative projects across North America. His expertise spans iconic buildings such as:
- The Trades, Technology and Innovation Building in Lethbridge, Alberta, a mass timber project that set new standards for sustainable design.
- The rejuvenation of Canada’s National Arts Centre in Ottawa, balancing heritage conservation with contemporary functionality.
- The design of the Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College, emphasizing cultural connection and architectural storytelling.
"Architects, planners, developers, and builders have a responsibility to lead the sustainability conversation—creating a world where innovation, preservation, and resilience come together to inspire future generations."
ERIC RODRIGUES
Eric’s international experience includes leading the technical architecture team for the rejuvenation of the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, one of the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in North America, valued at $1.5 billion USD.
His work on the Franklin Building in Brooklyn further exemplifies his ability to harmonize heritage preservation with cutting-edge design, transforming the historical structure into a boutique hotel and membership club celebrated as a benchmark for heritage reuse.
At Boldera, Eric collaborates with property owners, developers, and municipalities to deliver environmentally and economically sustainable solutions that maximize the potential of heritage properties. He champions adaptive reuse as a powerful tool for fostering community identity, reducing environmental impact, and unlocking the latent value in historic buildings.
Eric is a published thought leader in the field of heritage architecture, with articles in The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail, where he has shared his insights on the economic, social, and environmental value of heritage conservation. He is frequently sought after to speak on the power of revitalizing historic spaces and their impact on community regeneration and sustainability.
Eric is a LEED-accredited professional, a member of the Canadian and U.S. Green Building Councils, and a certified member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals with a specialization in heritage buildings.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eric is passionate about making heritage conservation accessible, inspiring others to see the potential in their existing structures.
Key People
Donald J. Loucks
Architect OAA, CAHP
Heritage Planner, Senior Advisor
With over 40 years of consulting experience, Don’s commitment to good design, cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, and liveable communities has contributed to a diverse portfolio of projects across Canada. He has had a key role in many successful and award-winning initiatives such as the John Street Roundhouse, the preliminary redevelopment concepts for Gooderham and Worts Historical District, and as the program management design leader for GO Transit’s Union Station Train Shed redevelopment.
Don has been a contributor and speaker at several conferences and symposia such as the 2009 Canadian Brownfield’s Conference, the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada 2012 Symposium and is frequently an adjunct instructor in “Heritage Conservation and Regulatory Framework” at Toronto Metropolitan University.
He has sat on the board of both Heritage Toronto and the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.
Rittieli Bressan
ARCHITECT
Architectural Designer, Project Manager
Rittieli is an architect with a deep-rooted belief that good design should serve people—quietly improving daily life, connecting us to place, and reinforcing community. Her work bridges technical excellence with human-centered thinking, reflecting Boldera’s values of thoughtful, enduring architecture.
With experience across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, Rittieli brings a nuanced understanding of context, function, and materiality to every phase of design. She has led multidisciplinary teams through concept design, interior and landscape integration, and detailed construction documentation—always with a clear eye on quality and coordination.
A graduate of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rittieli has also completed an MBA in Architecture and Interior Design Office Management.
Her leadership style is collaborative, precise, and grounded in BIM workflows, making her an essential voice in both design development and project execution.
Cristine Alencar
ARCHITECT
Architectural Designer, Project Manager
Cristine Alencar is an architect and landscape designer passionate about creating spaces that harmonize people, nature, and context.
With a background spanning public, residential, and mixed-use projects, she brings a holistic approach that integrates architecture, landscape, and urban planning. Her work emphasizes sustainability, adaptive reuse, and innovative construction systems, resulting in thoughtful and enduring design solutions.
Cristine has collaborated on LEED-certified projects and completed advanced studies in Landscape Design Execution, equipping her with the technical rigor to balance innovation with environmental responsibility.
Skilled in Building Information Modeling (BIM), project management, and design innovation, she delivers collaborative and precise outcomes for projects with both local and international perspectives.
Our certifications
Why Boldera
At Boldera, architecture is more than delivering a service — it’s about forging lasting impact. We partner with clients who want to build boldly, blending deep collaboration, technical precision, and creative courage. Our integrated approach ensures that every voice is heard, every detail is considered, and every decision moves your project closer to something timeless, meaningful, and enduring.
Advantage #1
Integrity You Can See
We don’t cut corners — we cut through the noise.
At Boldera, integrity means doing what’s right for the building, the client, and the community — even when it’s harder.
We reject facadism and token preservation, respecting the full story of every structure we touch. Our clients trust us because our values show up not just in our promises, but in our process, our partnerships, and our results.
Advantage #2
Vision That Moves You Forward
Ideas are easy. Execution is rare.
At Boldera, design isn’t just about beautiful drawings — it’s about building momentum.
We align creative ambition with real-world strategy early on, helping you navigate complexity, secure approvals, and move from concept to construction without costly detours.
When we design, we design to move you forward — with clarity, courage, and impact.
Advantage #3
Partnership, Not Just Service
We don’t vanish after design meetings or hide behind emails.
We show up, stay engaged, and take real ownership from start to finish. Every project is a true collaboration — your vision, our expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence.
We lead with listening, act with purpose, and build trust that lasts long after the final drawings are delivered.
Advantage #4
Building with Meaning
Architecture should be more than new walls — it should stand for something.
At Boldera, every project is a chance to strengthen community, honour culture, and design for a future worth living in.
We believe sustainability isn’t a checkbox; it’s a responsibility. We reuse, restore, and reimagine because buildings are not disposable — they’re a legacy.
Our capabilities
We leverage the latest design technology to offer a dynamic and fully integrated project experience.
We thrive by finding creative, integrated solutions to address different building types. Our integrated design approach allows us to leverage everyone’s experience to utilize cost-effective building systems and explore ambitious, sometimes unprecedented design solutions.
Building Information Modelling
Accurate Building Documentation
We integrate Building Information Model technology in all our projects. This allows us to extract accurate data and information from our 3D models, such as areas, quantities, and material takeoffs.
Using BIM gives us the ability to collaborate with builders and estimators to provide real-time cost estimates from the initial stages of design. Our Revit files are shared with the entire design team via Autodesk BIM 360.(BIM Collaborate Pro).
In-house 3D Visualization
See your project, Virtually
Our design process allows our clients to be exposed to a variety of design options. This design development process allows projects to evolve naturally as a product of craft and experimentation. Using advanced modelling and rendering software we can produce photo-realistic visualizations, and virtual reality walkthrough simulations in-house. Our office uses Lumion Pro, integrated with Revit to produce accurate and realistic virtual simulations.
Energy Efficient Design
Know your Energy Footprint
Using energy modelling software we can predict the energy performance of our buildings in the preliminary phases of the design process. This strategy allows us to make the right design decisions to maximize the overall building performance and energy efficiency.
Homeowners
Looking to renovate or reinvent your home?
We help you transform character homes into modern, efficient spaces — while preserving their story. Whether it’s a thoughtful retrofit, a full renovation, or a sensitive addition, we guide the process with care, clarity, and design expertise.
Developers & property owners
Working on a site with history or hidden potential?
We partner with developers to reimagine underused buildings — blending adaptive reuse, sustainability, and zoning insight to maximize value and impact. From feasibility to approvals, we help you build boldly and responsibly.
Are you a homeowner who wants to work with us?
From energy-efficient homes to precise construction techniques, we make it easy to build your dream home with confidence.
Are you a developer who wants to work with us?
Unleash your developer potential through innovative solutions and comprehensive support.
