Artboard 1 copy 5.png
 

ASK* came into existence to connect the knowledge of the experts in the room – designers and builders – and to align their work with the values/vision articulated by the client – from start to finish.

We provide trust-based project facilitation, visioning and leadership to move architecture and design to higher aspirations, including carbon neutral, net zero or net positive energy, and regenerative buildings.

We create a better world through our lean and collaborative culture that delivers exactly what our clients need through design thinking, pull-planning and asking the right questions. 

 

ASK was founded by seasoned Architect and passionate citizen Shafraaz Kaba.

ASK was founded by seasoned Architect and passionate citizen Shafraaz Kaba.

ABOUT Shafraaz

Shafraaz Kaba is an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) expert and architect who thrives on facilitating problem solving of any kind that is ecologically aware. He is previously known for his work at Manasc Isaac Architects, where he focused on net-zero energy and carbon-emission reducing goals for buildings. Shafraaz now facilitates the creation of regenerative, net zero energy, and carbon neutral projects using Lean culture and design thinking. He brings together architects, engineers, trades, contracts and clients to enable high performance results.

Shafraaz began his Lean journey on the priMED Mosaic Centre, where he learned valuable tools in pull-planning, target value design and how to look for the 8 wastes of Lean. He continues to learn and share ideas that will make design and construction more productive.

Over the last 20 years, he has made significant contributions to the design and cultural landscape of Edmonton, mainly through founding Media Architecture Design Edmonton (MADE). Shafraaz has also been involved with the Canadian Green Building Council Alberta Leadership Board and currently holds a director position on the Energy Efficiency Alberta board.

In his spare time, he likes to fly small airplanes (his carbon guilt) and rides bicycles (a zero carbon joy!) and other two-wheeled modes of transportation.


services


icons for project types-05.png

Integrated Project Delivery [ipd] CONSULTING

We are industry experts in Integrated Project Delivery, whether you want help getting set up, or you’d like a facilitator for the entire building process. We are passionate about figuring out how teams and processes that create the built environment can work more efficiently and effectively together.

Wikipedia definition of Integrated project delivery (IPD)


icons for project types-03.png

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

These building projects are based on the foundational value of creating resiliency within a community, and ensuring community spaces are truly for the community. Community resilience can be taking care of those who need help, ensuring local businesses have support by design, finding new ways of re-using community resource, or retrofitting community hubs to be a meeting space equipped for everything from social events to climate emergencies.


icons for project types-07.png

NET ZERO energy

Creating buildings that give at least as much as they take is a core interest of ASK*. We want to achieve this not only in the energy a building uses, but with intentional decisions for every aspect in a project from passive design principals to the carbon footprint of materials used. The world needs more net zero buildings!


icons for project types-01.png

INNOVATION

Finding new, more effective, and more sustainable ways of doing things to replace the status quo gets us really excited!

These are projects where we had the opportunity to dream up a prototype of something brand new.


icons for project types-02.png

building RETROFITS

Most buildings that exist right now were not built for the needs and use of 2020 and beyond. But we don’t need any more demolished buildings in the landfill than necessary, so we love improving what is already standing. There are few things in life that are more satisfying than taking a regular building, and transforming it into something exceptionally beautiful, functional, and energy efficient.


icons for project types-06.png

lean team development

We work with RED 5 to help teams learn to work together more effectively, and to streamline work flow processes.



If you have a question, just ASK*!