About Us

Van Velzen + Radchenko Design Associates Ltd. was originally founded in 1962.

VV+R Design has established itself as one of the leading foodservice consulting offices in Canada. We have designed and developed an extensive, varied and diverse portfolio of successful operations. Projects in Canada, USA, South America, the Caribbean, Far East and Middle East have earned the firm a reputation as an innovative, reputable, and inclusive foodservice consulting organization.

Our objective is to surpass our clients’ needs and goals while maintaining a high standard of practice. Repeat business and endorsements from many top corporate and architectural firms can attest to our leadership role.

It is general policy of the firm, that both principals are involved in the overall design of each facility. It is this “hands-on” style that provides our clients with a unique approach to their specific needs. From initial design to final completion, this strategy has led to true value for our clients.

 

KEY PERSONNEL
john
John Radchenko, FCSI, has been consulting since 1969. His architectural background and marketing experience has influenced the firm’s strategy in design and project implementation. His flexible style and overall expertise provides a comprehensive and diversified approach to foodservice.

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Mr. Radchenko joined Paul Johnston/Van Velzen Associates in the spring of 1992 as a principal of the firm, bringing with him a diverse and varied expertise. In late 1996, he became a partner and is now president. He is responsible for client liaison, concept development and project implementation.
He graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in 1968 with a Diploma in Architectural Technology, and has continuing education Certificates in Business Administration and Marketing. He is President and Principal responsible for:

  • Client liaison and concept development
  • Project implementation
  • Project coordination and supervision

Mr. Radchenko has held a number of senior positions in the foodservice industry.

  • Principal and Partner, Nelson Hofer Associates;
  • Contract Manager, Cassidy’s Limited;
  • Assistant Director of Food Services, Ontario Story Fixtures;
  • Project Manager, Hospital & Kitchen Equipment;
  • Consultant, Harley Little Associates.

He is a professional member of “Foodservice Consultants Society International” (F.C.S.I.), and has been a Sessional Lecturer at George Brown College in Toronto. He has lectured on foodservices at Ryerson, Humber College and Industry conferences. His range of experience spans 40 years of food facilities design and planning, and includes hotel, hospital, healthcare, corporate, institutional and retail installations. Major projects worked on are the Four Seasons Opera House, William Osler Health Centre, Leonard Hall – Queen’s University, C.N. tower, Montreal Olympics and George Brown College – Hospitality Bldg.
Credentials:

  • Arch. Tech. Diploma – Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (1968)
  • Certificates – Business Administration and marketing – Ryerson Polytechnic institute
  • Member – Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)
  • Past Chaiman – FCSI Canadian Chapter
  • Past Chair – FCSI North American Division
  • Immediate Past President – Worldwide Board of FCSI
  • Past Director – Canadian Hospitality Foundation

 

tony
Tony Resendes is a graduate of George Brown College in Construction Engineering & Architectural technology. He has over 25 years of work experience with VV+R Design and is the principal and partner responsible for project liaison and drawing development, as well as AutoCAD quality and performance.


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Tony Resendes has been a partner of VV+R Design since 2002 and has been a member of the original firm since 1986. He is responsible for overall project development, performance and quality in all aspects of food facilities design. He is also responsible for contract document development, performance and quality in all aspects of documentation & project implementation.
In his capacity as partner and principal, he has designed and implemented the firm’s drawing systems and initiated a wide variety of design and construction ideals on projects.  His pragmatic approach has created a reliable and accurate technical platform for the firm and its clients. He is Partner responsible for:

  • Client liaison and project development
  • Auto Cad quality and performance
  • Project implementation, coordination and supervision

Mr. Resendes has dedicated most of his working career to the foodservice design industry. In concurrence with his position at VV+R Design, Tony was the principal designer in his own small architectural design company that focused on residential design for many years. His solid background in Construction Engineering Technology and the Architectural Technician diploma programs was formed in 1984 as a graduate of George Brown College.  His work experience as a project supervisor has further created a strong foundation in construction and the all technical aspects that this involves.
Credentials:

  • Architectural Technician Diploma ‑ George Brown College (1985)
  • Construction Technologist Diploma ‑ George Brown College (1983)
  • Business Communications Certificate – Ryerson University (2005)

 

nickNicholas Van Velzen has been in the consulting business since 1967. His invaluable experience in fabrication, co-ordination and installation as well as his thorough knowledge of foodservice equipment provides our group with a stable and solid source of expertise. Nick is a Founding partner, now retired and acting as a Support Consultant to the firm.

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Mr. Van Velzen is a senior consultant of Van Velzen + Radchenko Design Associates Ltd. and has been a partner in the former firm of Paul Johnston/Van Velzen Associates Ltd. since 1971. As Senior Consultant, he is responsible for overall project development, performance and quality in all aspects of food facilities design.In his tenure as partner, he has designed, specified and implemented a wide variety of challenging and diverse projects.  His “hands‑on” approach has created a stable and reliable environment for the firm and its clients.He has demonstrated his capabilities for developing efficient and effective foodservice designs for a broad range of clients. His 37 years of experience in this specialized indus­try has established the credibility and expertise necessary to meet our clients’ goals and objectives.  As an integral part of a joint venture, he was responsible for design and supervision of one of the world’s largest single flight kitchens in the Far East, an opera­tion capable of producing 46,000 airline meals per day.Mr. Van Velzen has dedicated his working career to the foodservice design industry.  His solid background as a graduate of a carpentry apprenticeship and building theory course  (4 years) at Vancouver Vocational Institute, an honors graduate from George Brown College in engineering technology in 1962 and 5 years with a major stainless steel fabri­cating firm has created a firm foundation for the technical aspects of a challenging vocation.
Credentials:

  • Honors graduate ‑ George Brown College (1962)
  • Past Chairman ‑ (F.C.S.I.) Canadian Chapter.
  • Member ‑ Food Service Consultants Society International (F.C.S.I.)

 

Roberto Dela Paz joined Van Velzen + Radchenko Design Associates in 2007 as a CADD designer, bringing the technical expertise necessary for creating and managing working drawings. He is responsible for technical liaison, design review, detailed drawing development and document supervision.

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Mr. Roberto Dela Paz is conversant with the foodservice code requirements and knowledgeable on technical issues and architectural concerns. His work in the manufacturing field has led to an appreciation and understanding of good fabrication practices and practical solutions towards design requirements. His range of experience spans over 20 years in the CADD field as well as in food facilities design and documentation.

  • Designer, (Food Services) Trimen Foodservices (2005-2007)
  • Designer, (Food Services) The Middleby Corporation (1992-1999)

Credentials:

  • Diploma ‑ Technological University of the Philippines – Architectural Technology (1987-1989)
  • Northtown Technical, Toronto – Autocad 2D & 3D (2005)

 

Peter Barnes is a recent honors graduate of Architectural Technology program at Humber College. He joined VV+R in the spring of 2012 for a work placement and returned as a full time Associate upon graduation in 2013. His knowledge of building code and CADD/BIM software (REVIT) have proven beneficial, as well as his utilization of modern technology.

Under John, Tony, and Nick’s leadership the firm has evolved into an innovative company with a unique approach for developing creative yet practical solutions for our clients. It is this creative yet practical influence that has set the future course for our company and our clients.