A SERENDIPITOUS JOURNEY
In the Spring of 2020, amid the uncertainty of a global pandemic, Brad Smith faced an unexpected shift. After being laid off from an architectural firm as a border-crossing Canadian working in Michigan, he chose not to wait for stability to return—but to create it. What could have been a setback became the foundation for something new.
Felix Culpa Architecture was born from that moment—named after the Latin phrase meaning “happy accident” or “blessed fall.” It reflects a belief that still guides us today: that adversity sharpens perspective, and that the most meaningful outcomes are often shaped through challenge.
Felix Culpa is a growing practice grounded in an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to doing things differently. We don’t shy away from complexity—we bring clarity to it. We lead projects with intention, make confident decisions, and guide our clients through every stage with a steady, experienced hand.
Because behind every project is more than a design—it’s an investment, a vision, and a future taking shape.
Our role extends beyond architecture. We lead our clients through the process with clarity, honesty, and purpose—creating spaces that are not only functional and enduring, but deeply considered.
Spaces that support how people live, work, and grow.
At Felix Culpa, we believe architecture carries a responsibility—to leave a timeless, positive impact on the people who experience it and the communities it becomes part of. That impact is built through trust, collaboration, and leadership—bringing projects forward with confidence from first idea to final realization.
Felix Culpa Architecture is built on collaboration—working closely with clients to create spaces that reflect individuality, family life, and company culture. Each project is approached with a clear understanding of how it will be used, lived in, and experienced over time.
Our work is shaped by a balance of restraint and expression, drawing from the raw, industrial character of Detroit and refined through clean, modern detailing. We prioritize clarity, material honesty, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces—creating environments that feel cohesive, intentional, and grounded in their context.
We continue to evolve through thoughtful exploration, embracing new technologies and design approaches where they add real value. At its core, our work is driven by a belief that architecture should do more than function—it should enhance everyday life and leave a lasting, positive impact for the people who experience it and the communities it becomes part of.
“Our projects not only enhance the spaces they occupy, they enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.”
“At Felix Culpa, we believe that the foundation of every successful project is built on trust and collaboration.”
Based in Windsor, Ontario, our work extends across Southwestern Ontario—including London and Toronto—as well as across the border into Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
Felix Culpa serves business owners, infrastructure leaders, property developers, and high-end investors who seek exceptional design and a partner to bring their vision to life. The firm has quickly become a hub of creativity and collaboration, hosting community events and mixers. Felix Culpa celebrates the beauty of unexpected opportunities and the transformative power of great design.
Let Felix Culpa guide you in building dreams and creating spaces that shape and are shaped by those who inhabit them.
Meet
BRAD
Brad is the Founder and Principal Architect at Felix Culpa Architecture.
Brad, a licensed architect since 2017, holds licenses in Ontario and Michigan. He has a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, and a Diploma in Architectural Technology from St. Clair College.
Brad serves on the boards of the Windsor Construction Association, the Windsor-Essex Home Builders Association, and the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce.
Transitioning from a toolmaker to an architect early on, Brad brings a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of design, construction, and the realities of building high-quality residential and commercial projects.
Meet
KYLENE
Kylene is a registered Intern Architect at Felix Culpa Architecture. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Windsor.
With several years of hands-on experience in the construction trades, Kylene brings a practical understanding of building systems, materials, and assembly. Her background provides valuable insight into how projects are not only designed, but built.
Prior to joining Felix Culpa Architecture, Kylene worked with architectural firms in Detroit, Michigan and Victoria, British Columbia, contributing to a wide range of project types including high-rise and mixed-use residential, single-family homes, affordable housing, master planning, commercial, and institutional design.
Kylene’s approach balances thoughtful design with a grounded understanding of how spaces come together in the real world.
Meet
JILL
Jill is the Office Manager at Felix Culpa Architecture, bringing over a decade of experience in Human Resources with two Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on labour relations and workplace safety. Her background provides a strong foundation in organization, communication, and people-focused operations.
Beyond her corporate experience, Jill is also a creative entrepreneur, bringing a thoughtful and intuitive approach to the day-to-day management of the firm. She plays a key role in maintaining structure, supporting the team, and ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and collaborators.
Jill’s ability to balance professionalism with a warm, approachable nature helps foster the strong relationships that define Felix Culpa Architecture.