Featured Member: SHIFT Accessibility

Founded in 2019 by residential general contractors Josh Peill and Griffin Simony, SHIFT Accessibility is entirely dedicated to barrier-free residential solutions, allowing aging seniors or people with special physical needs to function with style and comfort in their homes.

“I think our concept of accessible home renovation really makes us unique in the industry,” says Griffin, a former Maritimer who moved to Calgary seeking work opportunities. “As far as I know, at least in Calgary, we're the only initiative that fully specializes in accessibility within the home.”

Compassion begets a company

Griffin credits Josh as the brainchild behind SHIFT Accessibility. The duo shared the experience of watching loved ones move into expensive but inadequate assisted-living residences.

“We were working for a large general contractor in Calgary at the time, but Josh felt we could draw more meaning from our work if we combined our skills towards improving quality of life for a largely overlooked but growing clientele,” says Griffin.

Supported by their families, they put their ideas into action, which includes—to this day—their volunteer work for a local Calgary charitable organization that specializes in free accessible home renovations for children with disabilities.

The sky's the limit

Whether it’s a full bathroom or kitchen overhaul or a new elevator, Griffin and Josh work with the latest technology, top industry suppliers and tradespeople to transform a house with challenges into a dream home.

“In the bathroom, for example, we implement stunning zero-threshold showers, wheel-under cabinets, bidets and a lot more,” he says. “We give clients back their independence in one of the most utilized and private rooms of the home."

"We work with clients to give them what they want. We're really focused on creating spaces to inspire and energize people.”

Industry trailblazers

Josh and Griffin aspire to redefine the client experience.

“It means the world to us, knowing we’ve been able to build something meaningful, beautiful and correctly for a client and that they don’t have to leave the home they love,” says Griffin. “It means we’ve done our job right.”

Understanding their clients’ needs and wishes is key. “We really try to empower clients to make tough decisions and to have tough conversations, because communication is a huge part of contracting,” he says. “If something isn’t working out, we encourage discussion to find solutions together. It’s the same for our team. We strive to foster a great team environment among our employees, trade partners and suppliers.”

Future goals

One immediate goal for the company is to continue growing their reputation for the specialized work they do and, eventually, to have an in-house designer for a more full-package service.

“Right now, we're renovating homes that aren't accessible to people, but our long-range vision is to develop and build spaces from the ground up that have accessible home features already built in,” says Griffin. “Our population is aging. We see ourselves providing more accessible housing at mass. Probably our biggest goal is looking at the development of accessible properties. We see that as a really cool opportunity.”

Proud Chamber members

This fresh and inspiring young company is a proud Calgary Chamber member.

“It gives us opportunities to speak to and learn from long-established companies,” he says, “as well as other new entrepreneurs who really bring unique and exciting things to Calgary.”

For more information, visit shiftaccessibility.ca.