About Us
Project23 Architecture Inc. (P23) is a contemporary architecture design firm founded in 2023 by Richard Baronins and Marty Kuilman. In 2025, Angelo De Francesco joined as a principal following Marty’s retirement. Collectively, the firm’s leadership brings decades of experience across a broad range of project types including K–12 and post-secondary education, cultural, sport, recreation, and industrial developments. These projects have varied in scope—from building condition assessments (BCAs) to comprehensive new construction.
As senior leaders in their previous firms, the founders held key roles in design, project documentation, construction administration, client liaison, and overall firm leadership. Their deep knowledge of architecture, planning, and construction shapes the foundation of P23.
We Believe
As a newly established practice, P23 is committed to a hands-on approach. The firm’s leadership is directly involved in all aspects of each project—focusing on thoughtful problem-solving and meaningful solution-building. The goal is to foster innovation and explore diverse possibilities to arrive at the most effective outcomes for clients.
At P23, we believe that every design challenge has multiple solutions. By identifying and comparing these possibilities, we help clients discover the most optimal path forward. This approach requires active collaboration between owners, architects, and all stakeholders—ensuring broader perspectives and more informed decisions. Over the years, Angelo and Richard's successful partnerships have been rooted in such collaboration, always prioritizing open dialogue and critical exploration.
Bold. Optimistic. Collaborative.
Vision
Project23 Architecture Inc. was founded on the belief that open collaboration and deep exploration lead to the best architectural solutions. Our vision is to build a practice that encourages curiosity, embraces innovation, and delivers thoughtful, client-centered design.
Innovation & Simplicity
At P23, we understand that every client is different. Some seek practical, cost-effective solutions focused on function, while others aim to innovate and redefine their operations through design. We thrive at both ends of the spectrum. For us, innovation is always possible—whether through materials, spatial organization, form, sustainability, or budget-conscious thinking. Even the simplest project presents an opportunity for smart, creative solutions.
Leadership
Angelo De Francesco
An architect with over 20 years of experience in both private practice and the public sector, Angelo has served as an advocate architect for the Province of Manitoba, Public Schools Finance Board, and the University of Manitoba. His broad expertise brings strong insight and leadership to every project.
Richard Baronins
With nearly 30 years of experience spanning all phases of architectural practice and all building sectors, Richard is a design leader who brings clients into the heart of the process. His passion for collaboration and his background as a university educator make him an effective communicator, ensuring clarity and engagement throughout the design journey.
Key Team
Angelo DeFrancesco
Angelo brings over 20 years of industry experience with private and public organizations in Manitoba developing a unique perspective of both consultant and owner roles during construction projects. He has a broad range of experience including facility planning & design, project management, construction management and capital planning.
He has also worked with a variety of construction delivery models including Design-Build, Construction Management and business case for Public Private Partnerships (P3).
Angelo has extensive experience in building envelope and accessibility design striving to make great spaces that are functional, comfortable, durable and accessible for all.
Project Experience
1 – Denotes experience with Synyshyn Architecture Interior Design
2 - SC - Denotes experience as Angelo DeFrancesco Architect
a-Study, b-Design, c-Construction Documents, d-Contract Administration, e-Total project
Residential Projects
- Icelandic River Lodge Ph 1, Riverton, MB-1e
- COF Haven, Winnipeg, MB-1c,d,e
- 565 Prince St Development, Truro, NS-2a
- 74 Lorne St Development, Truro, NS-2a
Commercial
- Maritime Bus Station Renovation, Truro, NS-2b
- Red Bomb Fireworks, Winnipeg, MB-1e
Sport and Community
- Pan Am Pool, Interior Renovation, Winnipeg, MB-1e
- Bonivital Pool Addition, Winnipeg, MB 1a
- Margaret Grant Pool Renovation, Winnipeg, MB 1a,c,d
Academic Projects
- Ecole Viscount Alexander Building Envelope Ph 1 & 2, Winnipeg, MB.1e
- Shaftesbury High School Addition, Winnipeg, MB1e
- Dalhousie School Building Envelope, Winnipeg, MB1e
- Oak Park High School Addition, Winnipeg, MB.1b
- Bairdmore School Building Envelope Ph. 1 & 2, Winnipeg, MB1e
- Beaumont School Building Envelope Ph. 1, Winnipeg, MB.1e
- Ecole R.W. Bobby Bend Building Envelope, Stonewall, MB.2e
Education & Associations
Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA)
Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA)
Saskatchewan Association of Architects (SAA)
Member, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
Skills
Project Management and Coordination
Accessibility
Building Envelope Design
Capital Planning
Richard Baronins
Richard brings over 28 years of architectural experience across Canada and the United States, having worked with prominent design firms in Chicago, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Throughout his career, he has designed and managed projects across all major sectors, gaining expertise in a range of project delivery methods including design-build and construction management.
A former professor of architecture at Oklahoma State University, Richard has mentored numerous students who have gone on to win both regional and national design awards. His academic background reflects a deep commitment to design education and collaborative learning.
Richard’s professional focus lies in project design and innovation, but he also brings strong capabilities in construction documentation and contract administration. Technically skilled, he is proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Central to Richard’s design philosophy is an iterative and collaborative approach, where client and user engagement plays a key role. He believes that the creative process begins with curiosity and exploration, ultimately leading to discovery and innovation. For Richard, every project—regardless of size or scope—deserves to be finely crafted through an integrated team effort between consultants, stakeholders, and the design team.
Project Experience
1 – Denotes experience with VRA Verne Reimer Architecture,
2 - SC - Denotes experience with Smith Carter Architects/Architecture 49
3 - ESA – Denotes experience with Eckenhoff Saunders Architects,
Sport and Community
- St. Vital YMCA, Winnipeg, MB -2
- Elmwood YMCA, Winnipeg, Mb. -2
- West Portage YMCA, Winnipeg, Mb.2
- Downtown YMCA Renovation, Winnipeg, MB-2
- Steinbach Event Centre, Steinbach, Mb. -1
Cultural Projects
- Ka Ni Kanichihk Expansion, Winnipeg, Mb.-1
- Albright Church Master Plan and Expansion, Winnipeg, Mb.-1
- Michif Manor, Manitoba Metis Federation, Winnipeg, MB-1
Academic Projects
- Ecole Sir William Osler, Winnipeg, Mb.-1
- Balmoral Hall School Addition, Winnipeg, MB-1
- Green Valley School Addition, Grunthal, Mb-1
- Manto Sipi K-8 School, God’s River, MB-2
- St. Francis Xavier School, Chicago, Il-3
Religious Projects
- Calgary Alberta Temple, Calgary, AB.-1e
- Regina Saskatchewan Temple, Regina, SK.
- Montreal Quebec Temple, Montreal, QC-1
- Vancouver British Columbia Temple-1
- Edmonton Alberta Temple, Edmonton AB-1
- Halifax Nova Scotia Temple, Halifax, NS-1
Commercial
- 784 Corydon Re-development
- Mid Canada Bearing Redevelopment
- 78 Innovation Drive Tenant Improvements
- Steinbach Event Centre, Steinbach, Mb. -1
Education & Associations
Bachelors of Environmental Studies
University of Manitoba, 1989
Bachelor of Architecture
Oklahoma State University, 1994
Master of Architecture
Oklahoma State University, 1996
Member - Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
Skills
Design
Project Management
Design Visualization
Construction Documentation
Construction Support