Clarification Note: the HPL states this is work is for the long-term design and viability study. The temporary short-term opening design work was a separate contract.
The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) has confirmed Hamilton architectural practice DPAI is now the architectural and design sub-contractor for the Hamilton West Harbour library branch.
DPAI will continue the work begun by the firm Brook McIlroy, which suddenly ceased operations in early April 2026 and entered into bankruptcy. Brook McIlroy was a sub-contractor to Lord Cultural Resources, which is the consulting firm hired by the HPL to complete public engagement, design, and development for the planned Indigenous-focused library branch in the former Marine Discovery Centre at Pier 8.
In a report to the Library Board’s West Harbour Site Vision Committee, Chief Librarian Paul Takala states that Lord Cultural Resources chose DPAI as the replacement firm due to successful past collaborations, including the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The HPL approved the change.
Takala said there is no increase in costs for the HPL resulting from the change.
DPAI principal David Premi was the architect for the 2009–2010 renovation of Hamilton’s Central Library and the Hamilton-based firm has extensive experience with library and cultural centre projects.
“The onboarding of DPAI is specific to this Study only and will not influence future work planned for the site once this Study concludes,” Takala said.
The HPL does not expect any significant impacts to opening timelines resulting from this change.
The new branch is expected to open in the coming summer months.
Below are some conceptual layouts for the West Harbour branch that was produced by a different firm.
Production Details
v. 1.1.0
Published: May 27, 2026
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
v. 1.1.0 added a clarification statement following the Hamilton Public Library providing additional information.
Clarification, June 9, 2026 14:38: The HPL states this is work is for the long-term design and viability study. The temporary short-term opening design work was a separate contract.
Were other local architectural firms considered? What was the process of who was chosen to design??
I do not know the answer to the question.
The decision was made by Lord Cultural Resources as they have the overall contract. The Library needed to consent.