As the AEC industry undergoes rapid transformation, the need for innovative approaches has never been greater. In Toronto, WZMH Architects is at the forefront, leveraging decades of architectural legacy and hands-on experience to turn bold ideas into practical solutions.

I recently sat down with WZMH Principal Zenon Radewych to discuss the firm’s innovation journey—from rapid prototyping and navigating long development cycles to securing funding and stakeholder commitment.

Known for his boundless energy, Zenon established himself at WZMH leading large-scale, complex high-tech, data centre and mission-critical facility projects, but he is now focused on driving innovation withing WZMH, and in the AEC industry as a whole. A co-founder of WZMH’s R&D lab Sparkbird and Giraffe Labs, its newly launched software startup, he is devoted to advancing smart building technologies. Join me as we explore how one firm is redefining what’s possible in today’s evolving landscape.

WZMH’S INNOVATION JOURNEY

Oomph: The AEC industry is facing major disruption, and doing business as usual just isn’t enough. While many firms are starting research and innovation programs, few have embraced this approach as fully as WZMH, whose broad and effective strategy truly sets the firm apart. How did this shift happen? Was it a deliberate strategy, or did it evolve organically through experimentation?

Zenon: It happened organically. In 2017, we launched Sparkbird as a direct response to the inefficiencies we saw in construction. Frustrated by how buildings were assembled, we seized the opportunity to create something better—starting with our first product, the intelligent structural panel, a “10-in-1” solution that consolidated multiple components into one panel.

Since then, every product we develop has sparked additional innovations. Each breakthrough has led to new solutions—some integral to the original concept, others evolving independently. It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into an entire ecosystem. That’s how Sparkbird took shape and made it clear that R&D isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

Focus on solving real-world problems and developing time-tested practical products and applications

Oomph: How do you choose what type of projects to work on?

Zenon: In today's AI-driven world, you'll hear plenty of AI-generated ideas. We, however, take pride in delivering tangible solutions. At Sparkbird, we build real mock-ups and develop software you can download and test. You can even visit our office, kick the tires, and see it for yourself. For example, our green concrete solution—developed with TMU University—has been in testing for a year. It’s not just a concept; it’s proven and ready for use.

We focus on solving everyday problems. Our innovations aren’t gimmicks or side projects; they’re practical solutions designed to tackle real inefficiencies and make a genuine impact.

Oomph: Can you give us an example of a real-world, project application of your R&D work?

Zenon: Sure! Think about Toronto's aging, single-story libraries from the '70s and '80s. These buildings sit on prime city land near transit but remain underused. Our idea was simple: replace them with four- or five-story residential buildings that feature a brand-new, energy-efficient library on the ground floor. This not only modernizes library spaces but also addresses the housing shortage. We then took the concept a step further by adding small AI server rooms in each library, transforming the system into a high-tech network to generate revenue through leasing.

This example shows how our collaborative process turns a single idea into a multipurpose solution that modernizes, enhances efficiency, and integrates technology—all while keeping the process dynamic and fun.

Focus on creativity, on craft, and on the joy of designing

Oomph: What other parameters and objectives influence your choice of projects?

Zenon: Our priority is to explore ideas that make sense. If an idea works, we build it and test it. We worry about monetization later. What drives us is passion and belief—not just immediate revenue. We enjoy the process and learn through building. When we dive into promising projects, new opportunities emerge and that's where the true value lies. It's like mining for gold: you start with a few flakes, but if you keep digging, you might uncover something extraordinary. At Sparkbird, we focus on building, testing, and exploring possibilities—because that's where true innovation happens. In fact, we're publishing a new design within the next 24 hours!

PROCESS, DURATION AND MINDSET

Oomph: How long has this all taken? Can you talk about the timing?

Zenon: When it comes to the design and innovation work itself—whether it’s our mass timber wall cladding systems or cutting-edge materials—we move fast. We don’t just ideate; we bring ideas to life quickly, often building prototypes within a month. Being a smaller, privately owned firm gives us the agility to avoid the bureaucratic delays larger companies face.

Overall, success takes time—it requires persistence and a deep belief in the journey. We started in 2017, but it wasn’t until around 2022 that we began to see real progress, like attracting more clients. For instance, a long-term client who typically hires us for design work only agreed to use our software after nearly three years of refining, testing, and proving its value.

Achievements like these demand patience and the courage to stick with your vision. We’ve experienced ups and downs and have sometimes needed to pivot when things didn’t work out. While there have been moments of excitement and doubt, our tight-knit team of 10 supports one another. Our diverse perspectives foster a synergy in decision-making that keeps us moving forward. Even when we question our path—whether to focus solely on WZMH and Sparkbird or to branch out into software—our collective dedication drives us onward.

BRANCHING OUT INTO SOFTWARE AND THE LAUNCH OF GIRAFFE

Oomph: Continuing on your journey, you’ve now moved from products to software. How did that transition happen? Was it the next logical step?

Zenon: When we launched Sparkbird, we recognized that making buildings greener, safer, and smarter meant exploring low-voltage DC power. Even though we weren't electrical engineers, we learned enough to see its potential for simplifying building systems. That curiosity led us to consider software solutions in late 2021 and early 2022.

Then, during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, some Ukrainian software developers reached out on LinkedIn. Worried about their job security, they were looking for work and offered their help. It was an unexpected opportunity—talented, affordable, and eager to contribute. After a few meetings where we shared our vision, they said, "We can do this." And that's how it all started.

Oomph: You now have a separate entity called Giraffe that lists eight software applications on its website. How is this venture connected to WZMH and Sparkbird?

Zenon: We created Giraffe as a separate software company from WZMH, though it’s owned by WZMH shareholders. All our software solutions live under the Giraffe umbrella. Right now, we're focused on raising funds, talking to VCs, and finding a potential CEO.

FUNDING THE INNOVATION JOURNEY

Oomph: You've mentioned that change takes time—often years—and that products have long development cycles before they're ready for use. As the leader of a busy architecture firm, how do you balance long-term innovation with day-to-day operations? As well, how did you fund your innovation enterprise and secure stakeholder buy-in, especially during those early growing pains before revenue kicked in? I imagine this put a lot of pressure on your studio at times.

Zenon: We're a privately owned firm of about 150 people—big enough to generate solid revenue, yet agile enough to move quickly. To keep costs down, we've leveraged affordable R&D by hiring students and tapping into government programs that subsidize their wages. Even before Sparkbird, we had a marketing team, but we realized we could reallocate part of that budget to Sparkbird, since it effectively serves as a marketing tool.

Ultimately, it's less about funding and more about commitment. After a 12-hour day, are you willing to put in another five or six hours on evenings and weekends? Many of us, including the partners, work those extra hours because we're passionate about what we do. There's a lot of sweat equity involved. When you truly believe in something, you invest your time to make it happen—without adding financial strain. That dedication is what accelerates progress. It’s all about having partners and shareholders who share a long-term vision. When everyone is on board, ideas move quickly from concept to reality—and that extra push really makes a difference.

Sourcing venture capital

Oomph: you mentioned earlier you are now beginning to look for venture capital.

Zenon:
We started seeking venture capital around July or August of last year and have since met with about 20 investors. Overall, the feedback has been positive—American investors, in particular, have shown more enthusiasm than their more conservative Canadian counterparts. Many are excited about our products, although some see us as competitors to their current portfolio or want to see more revenue growth before committing.

Right now, we're focusing on two key areas: raising additional capital by early summer 2025 and finding someone to step into the CEO role at Giraffe. We're looking for a young, energetic individual ready to join a startup in a co-founder-style position. If you know someone who fits, please let us know!

Oomph: What sets your products apart is that they're rooted in WZMH's deep experience. As I prepared for the interview, looking at your products, I kept thinking, "by architects, for architects." That’s your key differentiator. What you create is built on a 60-year legacy in design and construction—as opposed to a Silicon Valley team spotting a market gap and coding a software program. That’s a fundamental difference – and a powerful advantage.

Zenon: Exactly, and that's what we emphasize to VCs. Our software solutions address real, everyday pain points because they come from our firsthand industry experience. Investors find that refreshing compared to entrants who lack AEC insight. Over the past two years, a dozen startups—often led by young founders with no AEC background—have approached us for insights into the industry's challenges. Many are great programmers and entrepreneurs, but they need our deep knowledge. Some even try to leverage our expertise to build their own solutions, which has, at times, turned Giraffe into an unintended consulting resource for AEC software startups.

BENEFITS AND OVERALL IMPACT ON WZMH

Innovation as powerful marketing, business development and talent recruitment tool

Oomph: Beyond the enjoyment in the work and the satisfaction of creating innovative products that are starting to make an impact in the marketplace, looking back over the past seven years, how have the initiatives around Sparkbird and Giraffe affected WZMH as a whole?

Zenon:
Sparkbird has evolved into much more than an R&D hub—it’s become a powerful business development and marketing tool. We feature our Sparkbird work in about 95% of our client proposals, showcasing WZMH’s innovative edge; we’re demonstrating that, beyond the products we create, our innovative mindset will influence every project we touch. Clients tell us that this fresh, outside-the-box thinking sets us apart and has been a key differentiator in winning projects. It is also gaining us global recognition and opening doors to opportunities like the government of Saudi Arabia inviting us to launch a Spark Lab in Saudi Arabia – something we’re just starting to work on.

Beyond fueling business growth, Sparkbird has energized our team, making work more exciting, and is attracting top talent. It's one of the reasons our staff look forward to coming to work every day, excited about working here, and why we have a steady stream of people eager to join our firm because of Sparkbird.

PERSPECTIVE AND LESSONS LEARNED

Oomph: Now that you're on the cusp of another phase, what has surprised you the most over the past 7–8 years? In retrospect, what have been the biggest challenges or obstacles?

Zenon: The biggest challenge has been taking on too many ideas. We’ve heard from VCs that while they love our creativity, they prefer to fund one idea at a time because each one demands significant effort. Looking back, we realize we spread ourselves a bit too thin—if we had focused on a few projects, perhaps those with strong commercialization potential, things might have been more streamlined.

That said, we have no regrets. Our goal was always the R&D: experimenting, staying creative, and inspiring clients with exciting concepts. Since 2017, we’ve presented around 50 projects, and the feedback has been amazing. Still, the key takeaway is to focus. Particularly if commercialization is your goal.

Oomph: So it’s really a balancing act—fostering creativity without going in 50 different directions.

Zenon: Exactly—maybe just 15 would have been ideal!

Zenon: One more thing I'd like to mention—especially for inventors— is that things take time, especially in the construction industry. For instance, the panel we developed back in 2017-2018 is only now being installed in a building at a university in Toronto. This process doesn’t happen overnight. It can take years to to go from an idea to mock-ups to actually installing the product. By the time that building is completed in 2025 or 2026, it will have been nearly a decade from concept to reality.

Oomph: You've shared some lessons from your journey that are helpful for other architecture firms exploring new approaches. Is there anything else you'd like to add that might help fellow firm leaders looking to explore new directions or services?

Zenon: I’d say start by treating R&D as a fun and creative venture, not just a profit-making exercise. It's about unlocking ideas you've always wanted to explore but couldn’t—whether due to cost, time, or resources. Today, technologies like 3D printing and AI have made experimentation more accessible and affordable. For example, a prototype that once cost $1,500 can now be done for just $15. If you've dreamed up something new—say, a novel window mullion—now's the time to test it.

The key is to focus on solving real problems and enjoying the process, rather than stressing over a business plan from the get-go. When you're having fun, fresh ideas emerge naturally, and some of them may even turn into profitable solutions. That's exactly what happened with us—working seven days a week in our lab wasn't stressful because we loved it. Our team's passion and energy translated into meaningful results. So, my advice is: if you've been dreaming, go play. Have fun and let the business solutions follow.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE AEC INDUSTRY?

Oomph: I’d like to end on a big-picture note. Where do you see the biggest industry disruptions coming in over the next two to three years? From my perspective, change has been accelerating—especially since 2022-2023. What do you see evolving the most?

Zenon: I’d start by highlighting a significant challenge: the loss of intelligence in our industry. While design graduates excel with software, many lack a deep understanding of building science and design. Similarly, on the construction side, experienced skilled labor is retiring while fewer young people are entering the field. This creates teams that can generate documents but may not fully grasp the complexities behind them.

Oomph: The growing scarcity of skilled labour is a huge issue. How can we deal with this?

Zenon: I believe AI is the key to solving this. We need to capture and transfer the valuable knowledge we’ve accumulated over the past 20-25 years—whether from drawings, documents or from the minds of experienced professionals—and use it to empower today’s designers and builders by embedding that knowledge into AI models. A small startup once approached us with a similar idea, recognizing that our deep industry experience is something they lack. Their engine was impressive, but its output didn’t match real-world needs. That’s where we see our value: helping build solutions that are both innovative and practical.

I’m also excited about the future of mass customization through 3D printing. Imagine light switch plates or fixtures being printed locally at the same cost as importing them from China. This technology would allow architects to customize designs affordably while reducing shipping times and carbon footprints. I’ve even proposed to the Saudi government that they invest in large-scale 3D printing facilities to produce locally. While these changes won’t happen overnight, they’re realistic possibilities that could transform the industry.

Beyond Blueprints: Zenon Radewych explains how WZMH Architects is redesigning its future