Meet the Team at Ellergodt Design

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 37 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 leading 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

Lead 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!

Elicia

Cantafio

Lead Designer, A.T.

I have been designing and drafting in the new home industry in Calgary since 2005, from production builder to custom inner-city design.

I love being a Residential Designer and Architectural Technologist because it allows me to get creative with the design work, then let my organizational skills shine while completing the construction plans. Working on both the creative and practical parts helps keep the big picture in mind.

I started at Ellergodt Design in 2021. The thing that stands out the most for me is the collaborative atmosphere, and the wide variety of projects keeps things interesting! My priority is designing practical, inviting, and beautiful spaces that will be enjoyed for decades.

Education

SAIT: Architectural Technologies

I’m drawn to design because…

I enjoy the problem solving that is required when designing a new home or renovation and finding solutions that fit multiple considerations. There are so many variables to consider when designing a home – community and bylaw requirements, and the needs of the family must be respected, while at the same time creating a functional home that balances cost, and aesthetics.

It is satisfying to help create something beautiful, and functional.

Favourite space(s) in Calgary…

My own beautiful, creaky, drafty old house in Sunnyside, built in 1911, and designated as a municipal historic resource in 2016.

I love working with our clients because...

Each project brings a new challenge, no two projects are the same. Our clients are amazing people who are fun to work with, which helps make each project feel special.

I'm inspired by...

Calgary’s heritage homes (yes, there are still some around!). I hope each project we work on will still be around in 100 years. Imagine all the stories they will see in their lifetime.

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

Visiting with friends, sitting around a firepit in the back yard, walking my dog, spending time with my family, or planning my next vacation.

Favourite room in your house...

My freshly renovated bathroom!

Chris
Hill

Lead Designer, A.T.

I have been a Residential Designer & Technologist on projects all over southern Alberta since 2005, and with the Ellergodt Design team since May of 2022. 

I enjoy being a part of projects from start to finish. From the initial discovery meetings to final plan handovers, I enjoy exploring the challenges & opportunities during the collaborative design process. 

I am excited to be a part of the Ellergodt Design team.

Education

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Architectural Technology

Preferred style of architecture?

I’m drawn to many different styles, but my current favourites are Mid-Century Modern, Farmhouse & Craftsman.

Favourite spaces in Calgary…

Calgary Central Library, Historic City Hall, cSPACE King Edward & Former CBE Headquarters

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

I love spending time with my family, camping, hiking, cycling, golf & hockey.

Favourite room in your house…

Kitchen. I love cooking for family & friends.

At happy hour, I’ll order a….

Local Craft Beer

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.)