Brent
Ellergodt

President and Principal Designer, A.T.

I am the lead designer, and President of Ellergodt Design.   I graduated from the SAIT Architectural Technologies program in 1986, and spent a number of years working my way up the ranks in the field of home design in Calgary and Vancouver.

In 2003 with a young family to support, I left the security of my 9-5 job (and a dental plan) and Ellergodt Design was born.  Making the decision to venture out on my own was definitely one of those “jump before you’re ready” experiences, but one that both my wife Carol and I felt was necessary.

I have worked almost exclusively with a residential focus for the past 34 years, designing single-family and semi-detached homes, high-end renovations and a variety of multi-family projects.  I am fueled by a passion for creative, innovative, client-focused, and when possible, sustainable design.  My objective is to genuinely help you  ‘find your way home’  through a personalized and collaborative custom design process, ensuring that the design we create truly meets your unique lifestyle needs.

I have established myself as one of Calgary’s premiere home designers, and have spent my career making connections and building relationships with an array of both homeowners and industry professionals.  I have a keen interest in pursuing and implementing sustainable practices and am a LEED Accredited Professional, as well as a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.

I believe that no matter the scope of your next building project, it all begins with excellent and personalized design.  As stressful as it can be, designing a new home (of any size) really can be a fun and exciting experience, and I always aim to find that sweet spot where fun and expertise meet.

Education

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology – Architectural Technology, 1986

Sustainable Building Advisor

LEED AP for Homes

Professional Site Manager

Why Ellergodt Design?

It’s one of the few companies that would keep me around!  I also love the freedom to do business in a way that truly fits my personality, from how I engage with clients to creating flexibility for my staff.  It is a continual privilege to be invited into people’s lives, developing relationships and designing homes that are truly tailored to their individual needs.

Preferred style of architecture?

Personally, mid-century modern.  Professionally, whatever inspires my clients.

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

The Central Library, third floor east windows seating area, near the magazines.

I’m inspired by…..

Things, objects, machines…products that are beautifully as well as functionally designed.

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me….

Tinkering on some project around the house…and living in a 1950’s era home that was previously owned by a ‘handyman’ those projects are plentiful!

Favourite object

Anything I can sketch with.

Favourite room in your house…

I love hanging out in our family room with a crackling roaring fire on a wintery Sunday morning

Favourite Canadian city in terms of design…

Calgary…because I feel I can be a positive contributor to the future of our city.

I love working with our clients because…

Every person we work with (and every project) is unique!  I am continually challenged to improve, to tap in to what people are telling me and to design specifically for their needs. Our clients put their trust in us and I feel a great sense of responsibility towards them and their project.

Jessica
Willsie

Managing Director and Sr. Designer, A.T.

I have been with Ellergodt Design since 2018 where I enjoy working on a wide variety of projects, from small scale renovations to luxury estate homes. As a client driven design company, I find that the range and variance keeps everything fresh and interesting, and challenges us all to keep on top of our game. I am also an implementer and a problem solver with an interest in helping to develop our processes to make your design experience flow.
I contribute to your projects from conceptual design through to the completion of construction drawings, and enjoy being very hands on throughout the design stage of your home. Above all, I work to ensure that you are happy, and that your project stays on track.

Education

Alberta College of Art & Design, General Arts

Fanshaw College, Architectural Technology

Why Ellergodt Design?

Ellergodt Design has such a genuine approach to their clients. Immediately I could tell that Brent’s motivation is what was best for the client, not necessarily the bottom line. There are no aggressive sales tactics, just good conversations and building relationships.

Preferred style of architecture?

I’ve always jumped between styles but prairie or mid-century modern are my personal go to choices

I love working with our clients because…..

Every client is different and their needs so varied that the work never gets boring. The endless variety of challenges, and being able to create beautiful spaces they never could have imagined alone is the best feeling you can hope for.

Favourite Canadian city in terms of design…

Downtown Victoria, BC

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me….

Watching Netflix or out for a walk with Darwin (my corgi.)

Favourite vacation...

Travelling Thailand

At happy hour, I’ll order a…

Craft cocktail, something with ginger or rum in it!

Favourite room in your house…

The backyard with our hammock in the summer, but once we get a reno going, the kitchen is going to take over!

Ryan
Cairns

Residential Designer, A.T.

I joined the Ellergodt Design team in 2021 as a designer and technologist. I enjoy working with clients from A to Z, bringing their ideas, concepts, and dreams into a home design that suits their individual lifestyle. I take pride in my attention to detail and am always striving to find the best solution to blend architectural style with structural components, bylaw and code restrictions, and any individual needs a homeowner has.

Education

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Architectural Technology

I’m drawn to design because…

Home design is a perfect mix between form and function. I love the challenge of creating spaces that flow well with everyday life while also looking beautiful on the inside and out

Preferred style of architecture?

I’m a sucker for West-Coast Modernism.

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

I’m a downtown kind of guy. The core and the surrounding inner-city neighbourhoods have everything a person needs and there’s always something happening.

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me….

Climbing Western Canada’s amazing Rocky Mountains.

Favourite Vacation…

An architectural tour through Italy.

Favourite vacation...

Travelling Thailand

On a hot summer day, I’ll have an…

Ice Cold 7-11 Slurpee

Nicole
Hemphill

Residential Designer, A.T.

I have been with Ellergodt Design since June 2021! I love meeting new people and working with them to achieve a space that they will absolutely love. I feel I have a great attention to detail and always strive to show this in every design, no matter how large or small. I think the team at Ellergodt Design is incredibly client focused, and always willing to step out of the proverbial “comfort zone” to achieve amazing designs our clients will love. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the amazing design team at Ellergodt Design.

Education

University of Saskatchewan: Art History & Studio Art

SAIT: Architectural Technologies

Mount Royal University: Interior Design

I’m drawn to design because…

 I have always loved seeing how things come together. I remember building “houses” with legos as a kid and seeing what I could come up with. Design can look so simple but be so complex in how the process came together or vice versa, I love that!

Preferred style of architecture?

I’m always drawn to mid century modern. Architects such as Joseph Eichler, John Lautner, Richard Neutra (just to name a few) really captured what I think of about MCM

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

Central Library, Studio Bell, Telus Sky, Rocky Ridge YMCA

I love working with our clients because…

I really enjoy meeting new people and working with them to achieve the home that they are going to love. No two clients are ever the same, so it’s great always to be trying different things with different people

Favourite Vacation…

Travelling through Germany for Lollapalooza and Oktoberfest

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me…

Hanging out with my husband, kids and dog. Camping in the summer and cozied up in the winter with a good book or a fabulous show to binge

At happy hour, I’ll order a…

Mojito or a glass of wine

Sara
Petrenko

Residential Designer, M. Arch

I joined Ellergodt Design in early 2022, for the fabulous team! After working in residential architecture firms, a structural engineering firm, a commercial architecture firm, for an urban planner, and a home developer, this team feels like coming home. While we each ‘lead’ our own projects, we frequently ask each other for over-the-shoulder crits and suggestions to better our designs. I love working on residential design from small renovations to new homes, townhouses and mixed use projects. I love chatting with our clients about how they use their space and how they would like to use their space, and then I sculpt the building to turn dreams into reality.

Education

University of British Columbia, Master of Architecture

Washington University in St Louis, Bachelor of Art in Architecture

I’m drawn to design because…

 It’s a fantastic puzzle to tease out design constraints – client wishes, site, cost, city requirements, material, scale and light – and make something beautiful and useful. I love everything about neighbourhood design. I think understanding how to make walkable neighbourhood hubs with transit is so important for resiliency.

Preferred style of architecture?

Everything from Mid Century Modern to Usonian to Pueblo to Cape Cod. They all have their place, and when done well, each is beautiful and timeless. It’s a joy to find homes that fit well within the tapestry of a neighbourhood, and neighbourhoods that are walkable and interesting make it even better.

I love working with our clients because…

I think of residential design as a form of family therapy. We talk with our clients about how we want to live, where we want to spend our time, where we want to watch the sun rise, where we want to spend the afternoon. Places where we want to be alone, and places where we invite our friends and family to party. We talk about who likes to cook, who likes to work out, who likes to paint, who likes to play video games. Our homes are the built signature of our daily lives.

I love working with our clients because…

I really enjoy meeting new people and working with them to achieve the home that they are going to love. No two clients are ever the same, so it’s great always to be trying different things with different people

Favourite Canadian city in terms of design…

Quebec City or Victoria, BC. Small cities with concentrated downtowns, developed incrementally over the years through the people who live there.

I’m inspired by…

A cozy window nook, front steps made for ice cream licking, the curve of a handrail. Hearing peoples’ stories.

Favourite object…

A gardening trowel.

Favourite room in your house…

In the backyard, playing in the sprinklers with my kids.

Favourite Morning Drink…

 A cappuccino.

Scott
Littke

Architectural Technologist

I am a man of few words and don’t really like to talk about myself….but when pressed I would describe myself (in order of importance) as a father, a husband, and a student

Education

SAIT AT Program Class of 2016

I’m drawn to design because…

Design is everywhere we look, and good design is far too often underappreciated.

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

Olympic Plaza and the Central Library

Favourite Canadian city in terms of design…

Calgary because we are moving in the right direction.

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me…

On the golf course or the ski hill.

Favourite object...

My ES-330 Guitar a beautiful object and wonderful instrument (in the right hands…. not mine.)

RJ
Zenuik

Architectural Technologist

I have been with Ellergodt Design since 2015 in the role of principal draftsman.   I take Brent’s design sketches and implement them into our 3D drafting program to create detailed construction drawings, renderings, videos and walk-throughs.  We are very proud to create 3D visualization in-house, allowing you to see your project take shape in a very tangible way. 

I enjoy working in a very dynamic workplace that challenges me to always stay on top of my game, and that allows me an opportunity to explore ways to improve what we offer to you.

Education

University of Calgary, BA in History

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Architectural Technology

Preferred style of architecture

Is small a style?

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

I love the old/original neighbourhoods in Calgary and the blend of original architecture with the new.

Favourite Canadian city in terms of design…

There is something charming about the simplicity of those small East Coast towns/villages

When I’m not at Ellergodt Design you may find me…

Participating in sports (badminton, golf, hockey or Jiu Jitsu)or walking the dog around the neighborhood

Go to morning drink...

Cup of coffee

Favourite vacation..

River cruise through Cambodia

Laurie Ann
Brat

Interior Designer, BID

I believe in the philosophy that successful design is created through experience, open communication and close attention to detail.

Years of experience in the field from kitchen design to commercial design has allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge in all aspects of the design process, ranging from initial client meetings and design development to construction documentation and observation. The success of each project requires close communication and collaboration among all of the project team members, including engineers, architects/residential designers, project managers and contractors.

I have a love for unique spaces and possess a design perspective that allows me to blend old and new as well as traditional and modern to create cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environments on any budget. Most importantly, I work tirelessly for our clients to ensure their desires are met and the space they imagined comes to life.

Education

Graduated from The Academy of Design in Toronto,

Member of CIDA and currently working towards my LEED GA and NCIDQ licensing.

I’m drawn to design because

I discovered that I truly loved and had a passion for taking raw spaces and creating a beautiful room. I loved how all the architectural details, finishes, and fixtures within a room could give the room a true character and feeling. To this day, it is one of my guiding principles: to make a room beautiful, even before you put the first piece of furniture in it

I love working with our clients because…

Our environments have a major influence on how we experience the world and move through it. Making an amazing environment and my love of doing things for others brings joy to everyone and in the end creates delight for everyone. Every interior designer knows that rush and thrill when a client finally sees their finished room for the first time. That sheer pleasure on their face and the knowledge that you did something great for them, that will influence them and make them happy for years to come, is an incredible feeling.

Favourite space in Calgary…

 I love the new central library. Who knew a library could be so stylish, the design and the atmosphere it creates?

At happy hour, I’ll order a…

Salted rim lime margarita

Chris
Hill

Residential Designer, A.T.

Coming soon…