A commitment to making the world a better place!

Akiva was founded in 1968 by Rabbi Dr. David Hartman z’l and a group of parents. It is a community school that inspires lifelong learning, religious growth, and a commitment to making the world a better place.  Akiva’s students develop a love for learning and become independent, creative and critical thinkers. Akiva believes that happy students are successful students; investing in our children’s wellbeing is the best way to ensure that they embrace their studies with joy and confidence.

The Challenge

An increasing population in the Jewish community demanded more educational resource. Faced with a lack of classroom space and out-dated equipment, Akiva wanted to upgrade their mid-century building to foster the values the school embodies.

Another challenge was that construction and furnishing work had to be completed during a short window of time during summer vacation.

The Design Concept

Aquest Design set to work to develop a design that achieved the goal of modernizing the existing classroom to accommodate more students in a creative, collaborative learning space. Bringing elements of nature into the hallways and locker rooms, Aquest created a functional, joyful, and dynamic space for students to thrive in.

Services Provided

Aquest provided concept design, construction documents, construction, signage design and installation, millwork and furnishing

The Results

Aquest Design successfully completed the project on time, during the summer vacation. The scope included a new washroom, 126 new custom cubbies, community lobby with a charming outdoor scene, as well as a brand new classroom with custom millwork and furniture, signage and decorative pieces. Aquest worked closely with Akiva to ensure clear communication throughout the process, for a successfully executed, beautiful project.