Designing for Today's Housing Reality: Ikar Architects

Communities across Canada are searching for faster, smarter housing solutions. Here in the Saint John Region, Ikar Architects is already building them.

This Saint John-based firm is drawing attention for its modular homes built from sea containers, a concept designed to address housing demand with greater speed, efficiency, and flexibility. While many have talked about modular construction, Ikar Architects has taken an innovative approach to the idea and made it a reality.

Officially launched in 2025 by founders Kamran Mohammed and Winston Mendez, alongside lead architect Bobby Ilg, Ikar Architects has quickly established itself as a growing presence in the Saint John Region development community. Though the company itself is new, the team brings together decades of combined experience in corporate development, construction management, and professional architectural design. From commercial projects to residential developments to renovations and affordable housing work, the firm has already built a portfolio that continues to expand across the region.

Its flagship projects to date, 99 King Street and Barrack Green Residences, reflect the design philosophy the team is becoming known for – blending modern aesthetics with Saint John’s historic character.

“By blending program, client design objectives, and the existing urban milieu, all while respecting the project budget, it helps us create successful projects that push the typical architectural boundaries,” said Bobby.

And that willingness to push boundaries is intentional. “We’re not afraid to take a risk. We have worked extra hard with value engineering, design adjustments, and various construction components to provide this successful project model. From precast prefabrication to design choices, everything must work together to respect the overall timelines and project budget.”

But design is only part of the equation.

"Having our structural, M&E, and plumbing teams under one roof eliminates the need for external consultants," said Kamran. "Designing and engineering in the same space creates a seamless workflow, cuts out communication friction, and allows us to deliver projects much faster."

The company’s modular sea-container homes were born from a simple question: how can housing be delivered faster without sacrificing quality or design?

“We know there’s a huge demand for housing right now,” said Kamran. “People need homes today.”

Using repurposed sea containers as the foundation, the modular units are designed to reduce construction timelines while maintaining durability, functionality, and modern aesthetics. Depending on the layout, homes can potentially be completed in as little as two to three months. The approach also helps address some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including labour shortages, supply chain delays, and rising construction costs.

The team also makes deliberate design choices to improve efficiency. Rather than relying heavily on drywall, for example, the interiors incorporate birch plywood finishes, reducing labour requirements while also minimizing the risk of cracking or damage during transportation and installation.

“It still feels like a proper living space,” said Bobby. “The design element was really important to us, to maintain the livability of the space.”

For Kamran, choosing to start this business in Saint John is one of the reasons the business has grown so quickly. Moving to the region in 2016 after living in Ontario, he says the city quickly became home.

“Saint John grows on you,” he said. “You can say all you want about Saint John, but it has so much charm and character.” And that charm, he says, starts with the people. “The welcoming nature of the people here is beautiful. I mean, why not Saint John?”

Today, he sees a region gaining confidence and building momentum – from waterfront development and infrastructure investment to the growth of Port Saint John, tourism offerings, and new business activity.

“There’s more development happening everywhere, every day. We’re excited to be part of that growth.”

That sense of opportunity is helping fuel the firm’s long-term vision.

Looking ahead, Ikar Architects hopes to continue expanding its impact through sustainable design, environmentally conscious materials, high-rise developments, and projects that contribute meaningfully to the community.

“We want to continue being part of projects that make an impact,” said Kamran.

And for a company built on innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas, Saint John feels like the right place to keep building.

“It’s the right time to be here, and we’re excited for what’s next.”

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If you’re interested in learning more about Ikar Architects, please visit https://ikararchitects.ca

Have a development idea for the Saint John Region, but don’t know where to start? Get in touch with our team: https://www.envisionsaintjohn.com/real-estate-development