This webpage is a work-in-progress and new information will be added as original research is done. We are assisted in our efforts by the Carleton University History and Theory of Architecture Department. Resources
The Firm of Pye & Richards - Temprano & Young Architects Inc. (PR-TY) is proud of having distinguished itself by continuing the legacy of providing quality architecture to Ottawa since its early beginnings with W.E. Noffke in 1901. It is Ottawa’s oldest continuously practicing Architectural firm. The firm has made significant contributions to the built environment of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario and will continue to serve its clients for many years to come.
What follows is a brief summary of the Firms History:
The architectural firm of Werner E. Noffke was established in Ottawa in 1901 when W.E. Noffke opened his first establishment, which produced some of the most well known commercial and residential buildings in the Ottawa area in the first half of the 20th century. Many of his buildings have stood the test of time and have been recognized as heritage at the municipal level by the City of Ottawa and at the national level by the Federal Government.
Werner Ernst Noffke (1878–1964) was born in 1878 in the German region of Stolp, what is now considered Poland. In 1883, after immigrating to Ottawa with his family, he studied architecture at the Ottawa School of Art. Alongside his education Noffke took up an apprenticeship with a local Ottawa architect, Adam Harvey, but chose to never take part in academic architectural training. In 1896, Noffke began working in the office of Moses Chamberlain Edey as a draftsman, whom introduced him to many of his future clients.
Registry Office, 1964
(Daly Avenue Courthouse Addition)
Earle Ingram (born in 1929) graduated with a degree in architecture at McGill School of Architecture in 1952. Prior to his graduation, in 1945, Ingram worked as a draughtsman in the office of arch-revivalist Werner Edgar Noffke. Ingram officially partnered with Noffke in 1954, to form the Firm of Noffke & Ingram, during this term they collaborated on many famous projects, this partnership would continue until 1961 when Noffke retired from practice. Earle Ingram continued the practice under the name of Earle Ingram and Associates.
Brian E. Pye (1929-2018) was born in Old Ottawa East. He attended Carleton College (now Carleton University), then McGill University, graduating with a professional degree in architecture in 1953. After graduation he returned to Ottawa and joined a large architectural firm. He became a designer for many buildings, predominantly elementary and secondary schools for the Ottawa Board of Education. In 1964, Pye joined Earle Ingram to form Ingram and Pye Architects, a firm that designed churches, various office buildings, and schools. They worked together until the retirement of Ingram in 1973. Pye continued the Practice alone until 1977, when Idwal Richards joined to create Pye and Richards Architects. ldwal was born and educated in South Wales, U.K., and first came to Canada in 1960. ldwal's experience, included all aspects of managing an Architectural practice. Pye continued to practice with his new partnership until 1994 when both he and Idwal Richards chose to retire. After 1994 until 2019 the firm was led by David N. Mungall and Gordon K. Krieg.
Renfrew Presbyterian Church, 1965
Marshes Golf Clubhouse, 2006
The firm of Pye and Richards (1977-2019) has designed an assortment of buildings throughout the Greater Ottawa Area. The firm provides a comprehensive range of architectural services including pre-design programming, space planning, project feasibly studies, building design, project management, interior design, fit-up and technical audits. Pye and Richards have as clients federal, provincial, and municipal governments, public and private spaces and institutions.
Temprano & Young Architects was founded by Eliseo Temprano in 1984. Temprano is of Spanish heritage and has lived most of his life in Ottawa. He attended Carleton University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975 and studied at the University of Manitoba graduating with a Masters of Architecture in 1979. Mr. Temprano has been very active in the profession of architecture, having acted as president of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Temprano & Young Architects Inc. has been involved in a wide variety of building types and has worked for numerous clients in the Ottawa area.
On July 1st 2019 Pye & Richards and Temprano & Young Architects became legally joined and on November 1st 2019 both firms amalgamated to form Pye & Richards - Temprano & Young Architects Inc. (PR-TY). This was a strategic merger with each firm complementing the other and resulting a new firm with considerable experience and expertise. Eliseo Temprano took over as firm principal and all professional and technical staff have remained with the amalgamated firm.
It is not possible to do justice in this short summary of the Firm’s History to the wide repertoire of buildings and the significant impact that predecessor firms and the successor firm Pye & Richards - Temprano & Young Architects Inc. has had and continues to have in the Ottawa area. For more detailed information on the predecessor firms practice’s work please refer to our history timeline above and for more information on the former and current Principals of the Firm please refer to our websites ‘Our Team’ section.
