Mavericks VFX Studio

Mavericks VFX has a strong mission: to create a work environment and culture that is joyful, respectful to the artist, and one that fosters a sense of cooperation and excellence. This culture requires an environment that enables production, as well as relaxed and collaborative interaction.

The office space needed to inspire an open and collaborative environment as well as enable focused production all within an enjoyable, uplifting atmosphere. Conversely, the desirable conditions of the workspace were low lighting, quiet spaces and very controlled access and tight security to some areas. Rather than structuring the design around housing the specific functions, the design addressed the desired behaviours: development, collaboration, discussion, focus, presentation etc.

The client shared our appreciation for the existing industrial space – untreated concrete floors, exposed steel joists and structure. This allowed the budget conscious fit-out to focus the detail where it could provide the greatest impact for the various users and activities – shaping the design strategy to identify key areas to develop and leave the remaining areas raw. The strategy was deliberately authentic to the level of construction and tightly focused on the direct experience of each user. A restrained palette of modest, unpretentious, everyday materials was maintained however, careful attention to the importance of the details was used to elevate the refinement of the space.

The deliberately uncomplicated floor plan structured the program with a central dividing spine. To one side: a sinewy entrance, to manage physical and visual access as well as providing alternate routes for visitors and artists/collaborators. To the other, through a controlled opening: more public areas – a screening room, break area and meeting space which visitors could access with the artists’ privacy maintained. These more public spaces were defined with both fixed panels and over-sized sliding doors that could secure the space or open them us, as required.

Areas with restricted access, are contained in two framed ‘boxes’ which can be closed off for more focused conversation. The framed boxes face onto two open ‘bullpens’: an open producers area and an open artists area. Between each of the areas, wide circulation spaces were doubled up for collaborative ‘pauses’, allowing for impromptu meet-ups and conversations between artists and production staff alike. The result is a simple yet sophisticated collaborative space focused on the direct experience, deeply considerate of those who visit and use the space.

Barbora is a registered architect (OAA 2013) and principal of Barbora Vokac Taylor Architect Inc. (BVTA)—a professional architecture and interior design practice serving clients on human-centred projects focused on quality, wellbeing, and sustainability.


With works in residential, educational, commercial, new build, renovations, and interiors, the practice recognizes the importance of the sensual aspect of the human condition, and is driven by an experience-first design process rooted in integrity and intention—providing elegant and successful solutions.

Barbora's approach to architecture is a balance of contrasts: striving for tactility, beauty and atmosphere—in complement to rigorous technical resolution, longevity and usefulness. Her commitment to social responsibility, and her awareness of the impact of design on the community, drives the practice’s focus on common-sense sustainability and well being for all.

Prior to founding her practice, Barbora worked with acclaimed architects in Toronto, London UK and Montreal, developing professional expertise on award-winning institutional, commercial and residential projects. Barbora holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture as well as a Master of Architecture (MArch 2005), both from McGill University and was awarded the Ray Affleck Prize in Design, the American Institute of Architects Henry Adams Certificate of Merit and a place on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Honour Roll.

Within the community, Barbora fosters critical discussion and advocacy through her work as an Executive Member of the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) and the Director on the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC). In addition to serving on the Program Advisory Committee at George Brown College and teaching part-time, Barbora has also served as guest critic at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University), the University of Toronto, OCADU and the Institute Without Boundaries at George Brown College.

The practice’s work has been published in the Globe & Mail, and featured on Dwell.com, DesignLines and recognized on the Dezeen 2018 Interiors Awards longlist. BVTA’s Hibou House was also included in the 2020 hardcover publication “Building Character: Transforming Old Homes for Modern Living”.

Mavericks VFX Studio is an award-winning visual effects studio designed to enable collaboration, artistry, and excellence

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