Adjeleian Allen Rubeli Limited

1950s
After earning his structural engineering degree at McGill University in 1952 and postgraduate studies at MIT in 1954, John Adjeleian established Ottawa’s first structural engineering firm under his name in 1955. John began collaborating with mechanical and electrical professionals, forming a multi-disciplinary firm in 1956, Adjeleian Goodkey Weedmark. Around this time, the firm began its enduring relationship with Carleton University, contributing to projects across its campus.

1960s
In the early 1960s, John Adjeleian refocused the firm on exclusively structural engineering, establishing Adjeleian and Associates. During this time, Graham Rubeli joined the team as the structural engineer for two landmark projects—the Fathers of Confederation Centre in P.E.I. and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa—working alongside the same architect on both. The firm expanded its services to special projects, focusing on investigations, repairs, and renovations, while Michael Allen joined the team in 1965 as the structural engineer for the first phase of Place de Ville, Ottawa (two office towers and a hotel), and collaborated in a joint venture on the original north stands of Lansdowne Park Stadium.

1970s
During this decade, the firm contributed to major office, hotel, school, and residential developments. Key projects included the second phase of Place de Ville, the initial version of the Ottawa Convention Centre, the new Ottawa Police Headquarters building, and Les Terrasses de la Chaudière-a mixed-use development with office buildings and a hotel in Gatineau. The firm also played a role in the Westin Toronto Harbourfront Hotel and the development of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), one of the region’s first major Design-Build hospital projects. This period also marked the firm’s expansion into heritage conservation and redevelopment.

1980s
In the early 1980s, the team expanded its presence by opening a Toronto office. During this time, the firm took on significant projects, including the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh, Nepean City Hall (now Ben Franklin Place), and the Canada Aviation Museum’s main exhibition hangar. The company played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking design of the Rogers Centre’s (Toronto Skydome) the world’s first fully retractable stadium roof, earning multiple international awards. During this time, the firm also led significant heritage restoration projects, further cementing its reputation for innovation. As the decade ended, Adjeleian, Allen, Rubeli Limited (AAR) was officially established, formalizing the leadership of John, Michael, and Graham.

1990s
AAR contributed to key projects, including Green Island’s heritage restoration, the expansion of the Celtic Manor Resort in the UK, the Turning Stone Casino hotel in upper state New York, and the Hibernia platform located at the Hibernia oil field, 315 km from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout this decade, AAR further expanded its role in healthcare infrastructure, contributing to major hospital projects in Ottawa. These efforts included facility expansions and structural upgrades aimed at improving patient care and accommodating growing healthcare demands. At the end of the decade, AAR also played a pivotal role in the Petronas Twin Towers, an interlinked pair of 88-storey supertall skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, serving as the Peer Review for the double-decker skybridge connecting the two towers at levels 41 and 42.

2000s
The firm continued its legacy through high-profile projects such as the Canadian War Museum, the restoration of the Library of Parliament, and international collaborations. Expanding its global presence, it took on projects in China and other international markets. During this time, the firm also developed significant expertise in northern construction, completing several iconic projects in Iqaluit, including the Qikiqtani General Hospital, the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre, and the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Facility. Additionally, the annual John Adjeleian Lecture at Carleton University was established to honor his legacy and inspire the next generation of engineers.

2010s
AAR played a pivotal role in the Lansdowne Park redevelopment, Kingston General Hospital renovations, vertical additions, and seismic upgrades at the Bank of Canada headquarters. The firm also earned accolades such as the Willis Chipman Award for the additions, alterations, and renovation of the Ottawa Convention Centre, now known as the Rogers Centre Ottawa. AAR also contributed to the very large Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) headquarters project in Ottawa. The firm played a key role in The Shangri-La Toronto, a 65-storey development featuring the second-deepest excavation for a building in Canada’s history to accommodate an 8-level below-grade parking garage. AAR also provided services for the Pan Am Athletes’ Village Residences in Toronto. Originally built to house athletes during the 2015 Pan American Games, the complex was later converted into a range of housing options for the community.

2020s
AAR enhanced its service offerings by establishing a dedicated Building Envelope team, specializing in the design, assessment, and restoration of building exteriors with a focus on energy efficiency, waterproofing, moisture control, and structural integrity. The firm remains actively involved in significant projects such as the West Memorial Building Rehabilitation and the Ottawa Police Services South Facility.

In its’ seventieth year, AAR remains committed to shaping the future while honouring its rich history.