About us

hcma designs buildings, brands, and shared experiences that connect people.

Because with collective strength, communities can work together to make a difference to the issues that matter.

Collective strength empowers our practice too. Driven by relentless curiosity, we work as one to solve complex problems from every angle. Advocating for inclusive, accessible design that embraces everyone and minimizes environmental impact.

We’re multi-skilled, but driven by a shared purpose: to maximize positive impact. We achieve it by learning from others. By challenging ourselves. And by applying relentless curiosity to create the lasting change we all want to see in the world.

B Corp Certified

hcma is proud to be a Certified B Corporation—a global movement for an inclusive, regenerative economy. 

B Corp harnesses the power of business as a force for good. Its purpose is to shift our economic system from profiting only the few to benefitting all. Equity and interdependence over concentrated wealth. 

Through ongoing assessments and public transparency, hcma is held accountable for meeting high standards of social and environmental performance in all projects and business operations. 

B Corp is a commitment to long-term impact. No short-termism. No greenwashing. No tick box exercises. Check out our B Corp page to see how we’re doing. 

Perspectives

Take a closer look inside hcma through the eyes of the people who work here.

Meet the team

Principals

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Founding Partner

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Associate Principals

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Senior Directors

  • Adam Fawkes

    Adam Fawkes

    Senior Director of Project Delivery

  • Craig Lane

    Craig Lane

    Senior Director of Project Delivery

  • Daniel Philippot

    Daniel Philippot

    Senior Director, Learning Environments

  • Ian McLean

    Ian McLean

    Senior Director of Project Delivery

  • Jay Lin

    Jay Lin

    Senior Technical Director, Resource Management

  • Marni Robinson

    Marni Robinson

    Senior Director, Social Impact

  • Rebecca Holt

    Rebecca Holt

    Senior Director, Sustainability

  • Susan Ockwell

    Susan Ockwell

    Senior Director, Learning Environments

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Architectural Directors

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Directors

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Design Staff

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Studio Team

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Meet the team

Dorian Resener

Architect AIBC, CPHD

  • Role

    Director of Architectural Services
  • Year Joined

    2020

Each decision we make during the design process is a vote for the people we want to be, the type of lives we want to live, and the legacy that we want to leave for future generations

Dorian has worked in the architectural field for the last 14 years, and for him, it’s about creating places for people. To deliver impactful projects, he begins by understanding the needs of the client and the community, and the unique spirit of place and context. Driven to build relationships and work collaboratively, Dorian believes his role is as much about orchestration, synthesis, and facilitation, as it is about creation.

Energized by interesting problems that require novel solutions, Dorian brings technical acumen, design innovation, and a passion for leveraging Building Information Modeling to drive project success. As a Project Architect, Dorian has worked on projects from pre-design through construction administration. His keen understanding of technical building requirements, combined with project management and people skills has enabled him to see projects through to successful completion.

Key Projects

Genevieve Simms

MArch, BDes

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

Being challenged with new things to think about every day and the opportunity to use my education and talents to make a positive contribution to our environment and community.

Jasmine Lam

Intern Architect AIBC

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2020

I am motivated by design that expresses thoughtfulness and generosity to others.

Jivan Khera

Intern Architect AIBC, MArch, BArch Sci

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2020

The opportunity to see projects come to life that have been designed thoughtfully in a collaborative environment with the intent to provide positive impact is what motivates me.

Kotayba Qadour

Architect AIBC, MArch, BArch

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I am motivated by complex problems that need simple and creative solutions.

Franz Greenwood

Architect AIBC, M.Arch

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

Shaping positive solutions to the challenges and demands of this future we are collectively building.

Michael Rivest

Architect AAA, MRAIC, LEED AP, CPHD

  • Role

    Director, Edmonton Office Lead
  • Year Joined

    2019

As light a touch as possible.

Michael’s career has focused on designing projects with an overarching goal to strengthen communities through a built environment that improves people’s lives and the public realm.

Since 2019, he has been leading our Edmonton office and is thrilled with the positive impact it is having on his home city.

Michael’s project success is a combination of his strong communication skills, passion for people, and a commitment to design excellence.

He is a co-founder of the High Level Line Society, a not-for-profit initiative that aims to re-purpose 4.3 km of under-utilized infrastructure in the heart of Edmonton as a linear park and multimodal network.

Read Michael's perspective on life at HCMA

Key Projects

Nabeela Ladha

Dip Tech, BA

  • Role

    Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2020

I love how our projects impact the communities we serve; seeing someone walk into a space and feel that we’ve cared for the little things, never gets old! I’m always inspired by how the my peers strive for excellence in environmental sustainability and accessibility.

Nathan Keebler

Intern Architect AIBC, MArch, BEnvD, CPHD

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2020

Rooting design in experience builds agency. Exploring the diverse ways people might interact with our work is at the foundation of my process – to cultivate a more sensible, holistic approach.

Aiden Callison

Architect AIBC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Associate Principal
  • Year Joined

    2009

Architecture is the combination of art and social justice. Every decision we make is an opportunity to remove barriers, foster diversity in our communities, and positively contribute joy to the world.

Aiden enjoys bringing clients and communities together to develop an integrated vision that excites and encourages conversation. His focus has been designing community, recreation, and education facilities, including the award-winning Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre in Surrey, BC and the Clayton Community Hub project with #ConnectingClayton engagement strategy.

Aiden received training under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification and has recently led numerous inclusivity-focused projects including hcma’s white paper Designing for Inclusivity, the City of Vancouver Universal and Inclusive Design Feasibility Study, and a cost comparison study for the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Aiden brings his lived experience as an Indigenous architect and member of the Hwlitsum Nation, the people of Canoe Pass. The impact of colonialism has meant his family experienced generations of removal from their cultural heritage, which drives him to continue to ask what role architecture can play in decolonization and fostering better relationships with First Peoples.

Key Projects

Simona Doncila

Advanced Professional Accounting Diploma, BComm

  • Role

    Intermediate Accountant
  • Year Joined

    2019

Working with diverse and passionate professionals to achieve common goals is where I draw my motivation from. I love challenges that push my limits and humble me to realize, there is always more to learn and I can be better in all ways than I was yesterday and I am today

Steve Tucsok

CPA, CGA

  • Role

    Director of Finance
  • Year Joined

    2021

I have always been motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with others in finding solutions to challenges and providing support in achieving our goals.

Sydney Schwartz

Architect AIBC, AAA, MRAIC, CPHD

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

The idea of leaving a positive mark on the world brought me to architecture, but what motivates me is sharing ideas and knowledge, and the alchemy that arises from working on a team.

Tyler Jones

Architect AIBC, MArch, BEnvD

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I want to contribute to built environments that enhance communities and help with the betterment of society. That can be through a physical building, but there are further shareable positives though ideas and stewardship.

Rebekah Funk

  • Role

    Strategic Communication Coordinator
  • Year Joined

    2019

Many brands tell great stories to promote products and services, yet they fall short when it comes to meaningful engagement and tangible impact. I love that hcma is full of 'story-doers' — people who genuinely reflect our team’s values of community building, universal access, and sustainability.

Key Projects

Will Vachon

MArch

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2020

I am always excited by a building’s ability to make a community feel more vital, present and whole.

Yoshie Moriuchi

  • Role

    Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2019

I am motivated by being part of a team with passionate people, learning something new every day and contributing to community improvement though our projects.

Nicolas Dagenais-Lussier

Architect AIBC, MArch

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2018
The ability to learn about the world and be part of the thoughtful, respectful process that shapes it.

Natalia Mulekova

Architect AIBC, CPHD

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2017

I am motivated by our ability to solve problems through critical thinking and collaboration.

Rebecca Holt

MUrb, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP ND, EcoDistricts AP

  • Role

    Senior Director, Sustainability
  • Year Joined

    2019

I like that sustainable design necessitates rethinking systems, breaking rules, and generating knowledge. I love that it requires inviting new voices to the design process where you can test, refine, and elevate new concepts – doing so builds capacity in others and myself.

Rebecca is as a sustainable development professional and city builder. She’s a subject matter expert in performance and assessment, and leads a team of specialists responsible for advancing our commitment to sustainability. Rebecca believes strongly that the design process must prioritize the health of the environment as the first principle of protecting human health.

Rebecca is skilled at communicating the value of sustainable design, and charting paths for projects to meaningfully respond to global imperatives and commitments to climate action. Her approach seeks co-benefits and embraces local, contextual conditions. A strategist, collaborator, and steward of process, she is known for her rigour and willingness to question business as usual. Rebecca has led many successful projects both large and small, pursuing aggressive sustainable design goals.

In service of accelerating the practice of sustainability, Rebecca is also an advocate for research-in-practice. She establishes partnerships between academics and designers to inform practical application with evidence, and offers project-based research opportunities to the academic community. In the past, she has led designed experiments, research fellowships, grant funded research projects, and supervised students within large research cluster projects. She is currently leading hcma's collaboration with Dr. Lindsay McCunn, Environmental Psychologist, to evaluate design conditions in schools, and their impact on occupant experience.

Read Rebecca's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Farin Manji

  • Role

    Marketing Proposal Manager
  • Year Joined

    2022

Being empowered to bring forward new ideas and making positive changes that contribute to the greater good inspires me.

Farin loves leading pursuits. For her, the role allows her to combine the skills she's honed through her formal education and past work experience: writing, designing, and project management.

Having been immersed in the business of architecture for over nine years, she speaks the language fluently. She's had the good fortune of being able to learn and absorb an incredible amount of knowledge from colleagues and peers across the industry, shaping her understanding of the built environment and design excellence. She now harnesses this acumen to enhance hcma's marketing efforts, developing pursuit strategies, coaching team members, and developing internal processes to ensure consistent, high-quality submissions.

Joshua Potvin

Architect AIBC, MASc, BASc, EIT

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2018

I am motivated knowing that laughs, friendships, and memories are created around the architecture we create.

Derek Harris

  • Role

    Technical Director, BIM
  • Year Joined

    2018

Being part of a team that continually strives to improve the places around them, and is committed to the idea that “getting it right” is just a starting point… that’s pretty good motivation for me.

Dania Atassi

Architect AAA, LEED Green Associate, MSc, BSc

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2022

I am motivated by working in a collaborative environment on design solutions and seeing them come to life in built projects. The process of creating a built space from a drawing on a piece of paper inspires and fascinates me every single time.

Jenaya Schroh

BComm

  • Role

    Marketing Coordinator
  • Year Joined

    2022

I'm motivated by the big, open-ended questions waiting to be explored, and all of the possibilities found within them.

Kai Chung Ng

Licensed Architect in Washington DC, NCARB, LEED AP (BD+C)

  • Role

    Designer
  • Year Joined

    2021

I want to work on great projects, surrounded by good people! That's what motivates me at work.

Ruth Cheung

  • Role

    Studio Manager
  • Year Joined

    2017

I am fascinated with how a space can facilitate community. I come alive in an environment where authenticity transcends from worker to actual work produced and purposeful collaboration is encouraged.

Kaitlyn Gillis

BEng (Bldg), MSc (Arch), MSc (Env Psyc), LEED AP , WELL AP, WELL Faculty, Fitwel Ambassador

  • Role

    Senior Advisor, Sustainability + Social Impact
  • Year Joined

    2022

I believe in the creative power of design to work with the natural world to create healthy environments for people that are climate positive and nature regenerative.

In the world of environmental performance, Kaitlyn is a tactical visionary.

As Senior Advisor, Sustainability + Social Impact, she translates research into reality. Her evidence-based approach takes literature often left shelved away and applies it to build rigorous business cases for clients. She utilizes her expertise to help clients identify opportunities to create spaces for people and the natural world to thrive.

Kaitlyn’s unique background in both technical engineering and social sciences empowers her to consider not only how to incorporate sophisticated health, sustainability, and climate resilience strategies into projects, but also how these strategies can transcend environmental performance to fit within a vision where people will flourish. Her focus on the end-user considers a legacy beyond the site alone, ultimately emphasizing the intricate nature of health and wellbeing through a lens of justice and equity.

When exploring what’s possible, Kaitlyn infuses positivity into her work with clients. She balances seemingly conflicting interests with ease, keeping one hand on the pulse of a conversation and responding adaptively as varying needs arise

Cayley Muir

  • Role

    Director of Operations
  • Year Joined

    2022

I'm motivated by helping people achieve their version of excellence and having a positive impact.

Cayley is skilled at building environments that enable people and organizations to do their best work. A cultivator of people focused culture, she believes that optimism, courage, and creativity are the three key ingredients to success and brings this approach to her work at hcma each day.

As our Director of Operations, Cayley plays a key role in leading our firm operations, enhancing our project delivery processes, and turning ideas into action. Cayley joins us with over 17 years of experience in operations, service delivery and business development for the likes of Ledcor and Shaw Communications, along with her own consulting practice where she helped organizations large and small turn strategies into results.

A nature and animal lover, when she’s not at the office, Cayley can be found outside, exploring a new forest trail, paddleboarding along her favourite beach, riding her horses or seeing what new things she can sustainably grow on her small farm. 

Angela Gowe

  • Role

    Studio Coordinator
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm motivated by working with people, for the people, and being able to advocate on behalf of an individual or group for their needs or hopes when building a community.

Andrea Lee

MM, BA

  • Role

    Operations Coordinator
  • Year Joined

    2021

I find inspiration in working within an interdisciplinary environment with thoughtful, impact-driven, and passionate individuals who strive to create with curious intent.

Christine Woolley

MDes Inclusive Design, BA, CDP™

  • Role

    Senior Inclusive Design Advisor
  • Year Joined

    2022

Designing futures that support the full range of human diversity while working to shift mindsets and motivations towards greater inclusion. That's what excites me.

Fiona Jones

BA&Sc, MArch, RHFAC Professional

  • Role

    Knowledge Manager, Inclusive Design
  • Year Joined

    2017

I am motivated by the challenge of better understanding, measuring, and amplifying the links between the tangible and the intangible, the physical and the social.

Fiona comes from an architecture and advocacy background. She's fascinated by the relationships between physical and social infrastructure, and how our built environments can amplify equity and community capacity.

Fiona has played a pivotal role in creating Advisory Services to build clients’ understanding of, and action on, accessibility and inclusivity. She co-developed hcma’s white paper titled Designing for Inclusivity: Strategies for Universal Washrooms and Change Rooms, which has been referenced by governments, educational institutions, and designers across Canada. Fiona shares learnings and best practices across teams and works with them to embed inclusive design strategies throughout project phases. She is a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional and a member of the program’s Technical Subcommittee.

Key Projects

Dolly Sehr

MArch, BArch

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

What motivates me at work? A strong cup of coffee...and creating beautiful spaces!

Natalie McNeill

  • Role

    Project Manager, Communication Design
  • Year Joined

    2021

I am energized by working with people’s many different creative strengths to bring the best version of each project to life.

Rodrigo Cepeda

Architect AIBC, CPHD, LEED AP

  • Role

    Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2021

What motivates me is the discovery of the architectural outcome after the unfolding of the creative process.

With a background in sustainability, contemporary fabrication technologies and mass-customization processes, Rodrigo's research and practice focuses on social development in urban contexts, spatial innovation, and energy efficiency.

Over the last 12 years, Rodrigo has been the project manager and team leader of several mixed-used residential buildings in British Columbia including market housing, student housing, rental housing, and social housing developments. The accumulated years of architecture practice, teaching, and research related to sustainability has motivated Rodrigo to create the Cascadia Architecture Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that works as a platform for the integration and discussion of architecture and urban planning in the region of Cascadia.

Laura Potter

  • Role

    Client Director, Communication Design
  • Year Joined

    2020

“I love to solve problems, connect clients and creatives, and dig into creative strategy."

Laura is a brand strategist and client partner. Native to Vancouver, she joined hcma in 2020 as Client Lead for Communication Design after 13 years in London working across publishing, art, design, and brand.

As former Client Director for the brand writing agency Reed Words, Laura led projects across every sector, including for McKinsey, Formula 1, Disney, Sesame Street, and BBC Studios. She also partnered with renowned design studios, including Mucho, Superunion, and Studio.Build, to develop and deliver large-scale rebrands.

Prior to her move into branding, Laura commissioned and edited art and design books, first at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and then the independent publisher, Thames & Hudson.

At hcma, Laura collaborates with clients and creatives to shape strategy and design, and leads on business development and client service. As an expert in in naming, messaging and tone of voice, she ensures the verbal identity of every brand is as considered as its visual identity.

Laura holds a certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business, an MA in English and Print Culture from the University of Toronto, and a BA Hons in English from the University of British Columbia.

The perfect day for Laura involves a long hike, good food, and a great book. She co-hosts The Book Club Review, a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to the books that get people talking.

Ilya Nepogodin

Architect AIBC, MArch, CPHD

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2018

I am motivated by the fact that I can work to contribute positively to our society and have fun doing it with fantastic people alongside me.

Sarah Delaney

BID, BA, Intern Interior Designer IDIBC

  • Role

    Inclusive Design Advisor
  • Year Joined

    2022

I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact and the goal to build and support healthy and inclusive communities through design and collaboration.

Vijitha Mammen

MSc, BArch, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C

  • Role

    Building Performance Advisor
  • Year Joined

    2021

I love solving problems, and helping develop integrated design solutions.

Vincent Min

Intern Architect AIBC, MArch

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

Architects have the responsibility and capacity to facilitate a design process that aims to maximizes equitable change and co-design spaces with members of the community. That's what motivates me at work.

Marni Robinson

MSc Public Health

  • Role

    Senior Director, Social Impact
  • Year Joined

    2018

I love working on difficult problems — so much of what we value in the world comes from people working together to solve tough challenges.

Marni believes in creating spaces for people to have their voices heard about what matters to them — in their communities and in their lives. As co-lead of hcma's Impact Team, she and her team focus on inclusive design, social impact research, and community engagement.

She believes a more equitable future is possible and is committed to continued learning on how to do things in a good way.

Prior to joining hcma, Marni was a Director at Context Research where she developed and led engagement and communications strategies for municipal community infrastructure projects. She has been a champion for the creation of healthy, sustainable communities including projects that increase mobility, create connections between people and places, and provide essential public services.

Marni was previously Chair of the Advisory Planning Commission at the City of North Vancouver and a Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society of British Columbia.

Key Projects

James Kokotilo

Architect AAA, MArch

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm motivated by the potential to help facilitate a more equitable and sustainable world through conscious design.

Kerri McCullagh

CPHR Candidate

  • Role

    Human Resources Manager
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm passionate about all things people! Developing meaningful relationships, recognizing what motivates and inspires individuals and supporting the team to do their best at work drives me each and every day.

Maeve Counihan

Architectural Graduate in Ireland, BScArch, MArch

  • Role

    Designer
  • Year Joined

    2019
I am motivated by being faced with challenges and working to find the most efficient and innovative solutions.

Judy Bau

BA

  • Role

    Services Lead, Communication Design
  • Year Joined

    2018

There is nothing quite like being surrounded by positive creative energy to inspire you to do better every day.

Corey Grobe

Architectural Technologist AIBC

  • Role

    Director, Victoria Office Lead
  • Year Joined

    2017

I am motivated by finding elegant solutions to complex problems.

Continuously fascinated by how a built environment can be the catalyst for positive change and inclusivity, Corey is passionate about exploring the many ways in which public spaces can enrich our communities.

Corey offers more than 10 years of experience in a wide range of public and private sector projects. His primary design values focus around finding cost-appropriate solutions that maximize the environmental, physical, and social impact of buildings. At the forefront of his project management approach is comprehensive and balanced collaboration.

Outside of the office, Corey loves exploring local mountain bike trails with his wife and their four-legged friend. Given his adage for pushing the limits, do not be surprised if you see him with a plaster-clad appendage.

Key Projects

Mackenzie Sinclair

Architect AIBC

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2017

Architecture has the ability to facilitate change. Change is good.

Adam Hatch

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, CAHP, MArch, BEnvD

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

One of my favourite parts about the practice of architecture is engaging in a millennia-long conversation in stone (and steel, and wood...)

Darren Johnson

BA, Cert Arch Tech

  • Role

    Senior Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2023

Getting out and seeing past projects I’ve worked on, built and in use, motivates me.

Alberto Buldon

Registered Architect in Spain, MArch, CPHD

  • Role

    Designer
  • Year Joined

    2019

I'm motivated knowing that I am solving part of people's life problems by designing the best solutions we can provide them with.

Darin Harding

Architect AIBC

  • Role

    Associate Principal
  • Year Joined

    2017

I’m excited by architecture’s role in creating environments that facilitate important events in people’s lives. We have the unique opportunity to make meaningful impact with a humble and motivated design process.

By curating expectations, welcoming people to gather, building excitement, sparking curiosity, or inviting reflection, architecture can positively shape our encounters. Darin believes this contributes to the culture of our communities, and has the potential to enrich our lives.

He is passionate about working closely with clients, user groups, and design teams to discover new ways architecture can improve our experiences. As an Associate, Darin leads diverse teams on public space design and recreation projects in Vancouver and Edmonton, combining his love of sports and architecture.

Darin still diligently logs hours at his local skatepark and occasionally 'breaks ankles' on the basketball court. He is happiest with his wife and three young children, and loves to see them experience new adventures.

Key Projects

Agnes de Jesus

BA, Dip Arch Tech, LEED AP BD+C

  • Role

    Technical Director
  • Year Joined

    2021

Knowing that I bring value to the team is a strong motivating factor.

With over 23 years experience as an architectural technologist, the driving force behind Agnes’s expertise is that she believes in the social value of creating community spaces for public use. If you ask her, she will tell you it is about the people these spaces serve and maximizing a project’s public offerings. For her this means getting into the details to find opportunities to reduce building inefficiencies.

Agnes has experience translating design ideas into buildable construction documents in everything from affordable housing and seniors centres, to civic administration buildings, community and recreation facilities and even commercial retail renovations. It is this typology exposure that makes her an excellent collaborator and strong project lead. Agnes is a leader with a naturally friendly disposition and one-on-one you’ll feel like you have her undivided attention.

As an Edmontonian transplant, Agnes loves that being in Victoria means being close to the ocean. Outside work you can find her kickboxing, walking with her dogs ocean-side, exploring festivals and restaurants or watching dog rescue stories.

Alex Robinson

Intern Architect AIBC, MArch

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm motivated by better understanding what holds value when we design. Whether it be ecological, social or contextual all have a part to play in the narrative of great buildings.

Maianne Capellan

Dip Arch Tech

  • Role

    Wayfinding + Signage Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2020

Helping people is what I do, and I am motivated by the knowledge that I have made someone's day a little bit better.

Alice Rooney

BA Communication Design, Dip in Art and Design

  • Role

    Environmental Graphic Designer
  • Year Joined

    2021

I am motivated by solving problems. I like to challenge myself to think originally and to utilize historic visual references whenever appropriate. I truly believe the most fulfilling work is to pursue goals that meet the needs of the community.

Amy Stapleton

Architect AIBC, MArch, BEng

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm motivated by the interdisciplinary nature of design, I’m passionate about engaging with people and processes to develop efficient, innovative, and inspiring solutions.

Dominic Yu

Architect AIBC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2016

I'm motivated by the exploration of architecture and the opportunity to design places that inspire engaging experiences.

Jennifer Sparks

Dip Arch Tech, CPHC

  • Role

    Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2019

I am inspired by the talented team around me and love contributing to projects that improve our communities.

Callum McClure

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

  • Role

    Architect AIBC
  • Year Joined

    2019

Making the built environment a better place to live, that's what motivates me.

Anna Chen

Intern Architect OAA, MArch, BEnvD Honors

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

I'm motivated knowing that the architecture we create shape/change people's lives and cities, and I want to be part of it.

Anthony Schmidt

AAA, MArch, BA

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

The pursuit of considered, holistic design solutions, motivates me.

BoHua Zhang

Architect AIBC, NSAA, MRAIC, CPHD

  • Role

    Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2019

I’m excited to provide innovative design solutions to transform each site to become a place for experience. Within the natural and cultural context, I enjoy creating spaces that nourish a symbiotic relationship between people and built environment

BoHua has 12 years of experience working on recreation, education, mixed-use, private, and institutional projects across Canada. He is interested in using design as a catalyst for positive change in the community, and recognizes that all projects, regardless of scale, benefit from an integrated and cross-disciplinary design approach.

In his spare time, BoHua explores the role and value artificial intelligence has in the design process. When he isn’t on the basketball or badminton court, he is creating a graphic novel using AI automation.

Key Projects

Additional Projects

John Buttery

Architect AIBC, MArch

  • Role

    Architect
  • Year Joined

    2019

Creating lasting positive impacts in people's lives through design.

Carter Gallant

BArch Tech

  • Role

    Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2021

I am motivated by the power of collaboration - to be a part of a culture that can get people talking together, facilitates learning, turning passive behaviour into more active behaviour - allowing to advance ones knowledge of innovation solutions to contemporary challenges.

Chuan Tong

MArch, BEng

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

The moment when the community takes a smiling selfie with the projects, that motivates me.

Dalvir Nanara

Intern Architect AIBC, MArch, ARSC, ABT

  • Role

    Intern Architect
  • Year Joined

    2021

My motivation stems from the ability to collaborate alongside a talented and diverse team, with a common goal to create a positive impact through design

Kim Winston

ARB UK, MArch

  • Role

    Director, Community Projects
  • Year Joined

    2016

Why do I do what I do? People. To help create beautiful buildings for people that inspire, engage and adapt to meet the varied needs and desires of communities, both now and in the future.

Kim is interested in creating architecture that helps people imagine and then realize new possibilities for their communities. She enjoys working with clients and communities to understand their various needs and establish a shared vision for a project.

Kim brings over 10 years of experience working on community, educational, residential and commercial and master planning projects. Her work focuses on finding cost-efficient design solutions that inspire and engage the community. Kim was integral to the Granville Island 2040 Land Use Vision & Strategy project as well as a number of feasibility and schematic design studies for community and recreational facilities.

Kim loves being an architect because she can work in a team that continually questions and finds solutions to make better buildings and cities.

Key Projects

Adam Fawkes

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Senior Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2007

Collaborating with thoughtful people to find the right questions and working with them towards the best answer – that’s what motivates me.

Adam’s calm, professional demeanour is key to creating architecturally expressive, cost-effective, and constructible design solutions. His cooperative team approach and past experience in the construction industry have earned him the respect and trust of clients, consultants, and the wider industry.

Adam offers our clients 25 years of experience working on recreation, education, mixed-use residential, and affordable housing projects. He's developed expertise in sustainable architecture, having been a leading member of the design team for several LEED® Platinum buildings, and as project architect for multiple Passive House buildings. He is equally interested in projects of all scales, from updating planning documents to align with high performance building requirements, Net Zero Energy housing and firehalls, to complex mixed-use buildings that contain fire, ambulance, and affordable housing.

When not at work, Adam enjoys spending time with family, and any outdoor sport that involve getting from point A to point B and give him time to think. Over the years he’s taken up rowing, alpine and Nordic ski racing, marathon running, triathlon and, most recently, cyclocross. The most challenging event he’s ever completed was the Knee Knacker ultramarathon trail run from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove via the North Shore mountains.

Key Projects

Alexandra Kenyon

Architect AIBC, MArch, BDes

  • Role

    Associate Principal
  • Year Joined

    2012

I'm curious about the constant change in our cities and communities. I'm motivated to explore their nooks and crannies to understand what drives their transformation and anticipate where they are headed.

Alexandra is interested in the relationship between buildings, their cultural context, and the spaces that surround them. As such, her projects are anchored in engagement with the community, and include significant outdoor spaces, in connection with interior spaces. She is committed to providing design solutions where activities and ideas mix to catalyze community change, now and in the future.

Alexandra brings experience leading teams and developing designs for public spaces, aquatic & recreation centres, schools, outdoor pools, and development master plans. She enjoys working directly with stakeholders, policy makers, builders, and the local community to arrive at new solutions. Her interdisciplinary background, first in industrial design then architecture, influences the success she has had across project scales – Alley Oop and Ackery’s Alley are a couple of her non-traditional projects that reshape the city’s urban landscape, while the New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre brings a new top-of-class civic amenity to a challenging site.

She also played a key role in the development of hcma’s books, POOLS: Aquatic Architecture and PLACES: Public Architecture, and our collaboration with Aeriosa Dance Company. Alexandra is a Steering Committee member for the Downtown Eastside organization Binners’ Project and a member of Surrey Advisory Design Panel.

A resident of Vancouver’s West End, Alexandra values and is inspired by the diversity of dense urban living. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, her ideal Saturday night would have ended with karaoke; however, she has more recently developed a ravenous appetite for books.

Key Projects

Carl-Jan Rupp

Architect AIBC, SAA, OAA, MRAIC, Dipl-Ing, LEED AP

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    2000

I look for innovative and creative solutions to the design challenges we face because I want to leave the world a better place for my children.

Carl-Jan's passion for understanding human behaviour and interaction motivates him to find creative, cost-effective ways to integrate social gathering and casual learning spaces into projects.

Since 2005, he's been managing our growing Victoria office, and has expertise in recreation, community, aquatic, institutional and educational design. His close attention to detail and conscientious approach to project and team management ensures the success of complex projects. His extensive experience includes master plans and renovations to aquatic and sports facilities in excess of $70m.

Carl-Jan is a former member of the Esquimalt Design Panel, and was previously Vice-Chair of the Saanich Advisory Design Panel. He holds a Masters degree in Architecture and Urban Planning with a specialization in green technology.

Key Projects

Craig Lane

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

  • Role

    Senior Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2005

I love making cities better places to live. By helping to build social networks, my architectural work satisfies a big part of this passion.

Craig thrives on teams that share the common goal of creating strong public buildings that are truly civic-minded amenities.

As a Senior Director of Project Delivery, Craig’s mandate is to provide high quality design and the consistent, thorough construction documentation needed to support it. He oversees the quality control and technical review processes across our practice with a detail-oriented and rigorous approach.

Craig is a member of the AIBC Envelope Committee and an intern mentor for the AIBC. He has previously served as a Program Officer for Construction Specifications Canada, and a sessional instructor and studio critic of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada's Syllabus Program.

With more than 25 years of experience, he is a creative and versatile architect, proficient in all phases of design spanning project types from educational (including post-secondary) to recreational facilities.

Craig’s curiosity has taken him exploring across the globe. He also makes fantastic cakes and Halloween costumes.

Key Projects

Federica Piccone

Architect AIBC, LEED AP, CPHD

  • Role

    Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2014

I’m inspired by the collective strength of design thinking to find creative solutions to complex problems that result in an overall positive impact on our communities and environment.

Federica is committed to uncovering thoughtful design solutions that enhance the vitality of our communities and environment. She brings a calm expertise to the practice, and she consistently strives for innovation and design solutions that maximize positive impact.

Federica brings experience on various community and institutional projects from schematics through to completion. With a tenacious and can-do attitude, she embraces complex design challenges and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration. Relaxed in manner, but with a rigorous attention to detail and coordination, she has managed highly ambitious and technically demanding projects including Vancouver Fire Hall No. 17, currently under construction, which is targeting Passive House, LEED Gold, Net Zero Carbon (CaGBC) and Net Zero Energy (as defined by FCM).

Outside of work, Federica enjoys spending time with family, exploring her neighbourhood and local ravines. She also loves adventures and travel that take her to the mountains and the coast.

Daniel Philippot

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Senior Director, Learning Environments
  • Year Joined

    2005

I'm at my creative best when I'm engaged in helping people solve problems.

Daniel enjoys the delight in people's eyes when they experience things he’s helped create. He thrives when teams pull together to realize a collective vision and is driven by a perpetual desire to find a better way for communities to grow.

Daniel has expertise in recreation, civic and institutional projects, with a focus on post-secondary education and student residences. He loves how the simplicity and tactile expression of a building’s form, material, and interplay of light, helping to bring joy and meaningful experience to our everyday.

With a background in journalism, Daniel has always been curious in the stories of how people live, work and play. He possesses strong communication skills that are invaluable on projects with complex stakeholder groups. His study of architecture has taken him across the globe, including studios in Chile and Korea, and earned him a travel scholarship to research sustainable practices in northern Europe.

Key Projects

Eli Harris

  • Role

    Head of Strategy
  • Year Joined

    2015

I like to think expansively about the future, and believe pretty much anything is possible when you design the right journey to get there.

As Head of Strategy, Eli plans our road ahead. She helps make our big dreams for positive impact a reality, with a keen eye on future trends in design, social behaviour, business, and technology. She ensures hcma is relevant, responsive, and constantly evolving to understand, and solve, the most pressing issues of our time.

Eli brings years of experience in design across multiple disciplines. She studied Fashion Design in the UK, where she honed her skills in forecasting trends for large international retailers, premium brands and start-up studios. In 2015, she joined hcma with a fresh perspective and a mandate to streamline our studio processes.

A proper Londoner at heart, Eli enjoys a pint and a bustling city. Equally at home in Vancouver, she is always on the lookout for whales and can be found skiing down mountains, combing beaches, and exploring remote locations around the globe.

Read Eli's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Elise Woestyn

Architect AIBC, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C, U.S. Green Building Council (UsGBC)

  • Role

    Director, Building Performance
  • Year Joined

    2012

I love solving problems, seeing the client happy, and seeing the designs come to life.

Elise is a senior advisor, architect, and building scientist with 12 years of experience, specializing in low energy and low carbon, sustainable design. Her creative vision and rigorous approach guides design decision-making to establish healthy, comfortable, and climate-resilient outcomes.

As Director, Building Performance, Elise is responsible for overseeing building performance across the firm's portfolio. She helps establish early-stage goals and targets, sets building and project performance strategies, and analyzes the impact of design decisions on these outcomes. She works to effectively navigate the complex landscape of energy codes, regulations, policy, and funding opportunities on behalf of clients for exceptional project outcomes. Elise also leads the firm's in-house Passive House consulting services, utilizing her hands-on experience with multiple Passive House certified projects.

Key Projects

Ian McLean

Architect AIBC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Senior Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2007

I appreciate how hcma values each of our contributions to a greater goal and gives us freedom to contribute in our own way.

Ian is recognized for his deep understanding of the intricacies of project delivery. Prior to joining hcma, Ian was the Principal of his own design-build contracting business, giving him invaluable, hands-on construction experience and knowledge of the issues that can often arise on-site. Ian weaves this unique expertise into his leadership during contract administration, proactively working with contractors and trades to meet deadlines and avoid costly delays.

Though Ian has worked on projects across a range of typologies, he is especially well-suited to complex renovations and expansion work that require careful consideration of existing site conditions, access, and scheduling.

Key Projects

Jay Lin

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

  • Role

    Senior Technical Director, Resource Management
  • Year Joined

    2005

I love that the work we do engages people in so many different and profound ways — physically, spatially, socially and spiritually.

Detail-oriented and precise, Jay is a conscientious project manager, who has delivered facilities with some of the most strict technical and operational requirements. A creative and versatile architect, his designs strike the balance for public spaces that perform and delight.

Jay is experienced in all phases of design and construction for institutional, residential and commercial projects; and has extensive experience managing and advising on fire hall designs. He was Project Architect for the Steveston Fire Hall, recognized with a Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award of Excellence in 2015, as well as the UniverCity Childcare Centre, which obtained Living Building Challenge petals and referred to as ‘possibly the greenest childcare centre on the planet’.

Other notable projects includes Whistler Public Library, Hillcrest Centre and Vancouver Fire Hall No. 17, currently under construction, which is targeting Passive House, LEED Gold, Net Zero Carbon (CaGBC) and Net Zero Energy (as defined by FCM)

 

Key Projects

Jessika MacDonald

Architect AIBC, MArch

  • Role

    Architectural Director, Inclusive Design
  • Year Joined

    2014

Living in Vancouver provides incredible opportunities for my two greatest passions: running and drawing. In my spare time I can be found on the seawall, either in my runners or with a set of paints, experiencing the city, its people, and the outdoors.

Jessika has been interested in architecture for most of her life, and was drawn to hcma's focus on creating spaces that enhance community and provide a sense of place. Her projects focus on community-based facilities, where social spaces and opportunities for connection provide comfort and ownership for guests.

Jessika loves projects that engage with end users to understand their needs and find ways to exceed our clients’ social and design goals.

When not designing architecture, Jessika is typically travelling the globe or running around her local neighbourhood.

Key Projects

Juenessa Collins

Architectural Technologist AIBC, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD

  • Role

    Technical Director
  • Year Joined

    2015

I love the "aha” moment after finding the impossible answer to a difficult problem. My motivation is at its best when I'm heading to a new challenge and working with a team and client who are passionate about the design of the project.

With over 18 years of experience working as an architectural technologist, Juenessa commands a high level of understanding and expertise in architectural building envelope designs and detailing across sectors. In particular, she has developed in-depth knowledge of energy efficient buildings and Passive House envelope requirements, through her involvement on Clayton Community Centre - North America’s largest Passive-House certified non-residential building - and Vancouver Fire Hall No. 17.

Key Projects

Melissa Higgs

Architect AIBC, FRAIC

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    2005

Spaces that foster social interactions can improve the world in small but profound ways.

Melissa is passionate about creating innovative public buildings where communities come together and is a believer in the power of architecture and design as a catalyst for positive change in the world.

Her focus has been designing recreation facilities and arts and culture projects, including the award-winning West Vancouver Community Centre, Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre in Surrey, BC, and the Clayton Community Centre — the first Passive House community centre in North America. She is also experienced with long-range vision plans that help shape our cities, including Granville Island 2040, OnWater, Vancouver’s non-motorized boating strategy, and VanSplash, the City’s aquatic strategy.

Melissa also plays a key role developing our Communication Design and Interior Design services. She believes true cross-disciplinary design has the power to improve creative outcomes — the influence of this can be seen in her Clayton Community Centre project, which includes the #ConnectingClayton engagement strategy and a customized wayfinding and signage system.

In 2014, Melissa co-taught the Social Sustainability in Practice course, as well as three architectural design studios, at the University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). She is a past member of AIBC’s Diverse Membership Group and the City of Surrey’s Advisory Design Panel, and currently sits as the Chair of the University of British Columbia Advisory Urban Design Panel and Vice-Chair of Board of Directors for the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA).

Melissa loves being an architect because of the opportunities it provides to innovate, be curious, and give back to her community.

Read Melissa's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Michael Henderson

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, AAA

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    2000

I smile at work because I get to create engaging and relevant buildings with inspired colleagues and clients. I get to learn from others and share what I’ve learned — it’s the best combo going.

For Michael, it’s all about creating an engaged and empowered team where personal strengths can grow and flourish. Driven by connections with ambitious and engaged people, Michael promotes community building in both the facilities we design as well as in our office environment. He has acted as Project Architect for some of our largest aquatic and recreation projects, both in BC and across Canada.

A skilled leader, Michael oversaw the design and construction of the award-winning Hillcrest Centre, which was voted Best Community Centre by locals in the Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver for three consecutive years (2012-2015). He also led the Complexe Aquatique de Laval, a design competition won by hcma and NFOE in joint venture. Most recently, Michael has led the team for the City of Richmond’s Minoru Centre for Active living – a new wellness-focused community and aquatic centre that represents our most current thinking on aquatic accessibility.

Beyond sports and recreation, he is leading our effort on the development of a high rise office and entertainment complex in downtown Vancouver. Michael has also served on the City of Vancouver's City Planning Commission and is currently the Chair of the Vancouver Urban Design Panel. Both are advisory bodies to the City of Vancouver Mayor and Council.

Outside our studio, Michael finds inspiration trading time between the city and wilderness. He can often be found on the soccer sidelines, browsing vintage furniture stores, or planning his next trip.

Read Mike's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Paul Fast

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    2009

Architecture is inherently philosophical and yet relentlessly pragmatic. Somewhere in the middle, it defines how we work, play, and find delight in this world. That’s the good stuff.

Paul is interested in creating architecture that helps to define a strong regional identity. His work is focused on reconnecting people to their environments through the considered use of material, form, space, and light.

As a Principal, Paul enjoys the initial stages of concept design when site, user, and program are defined. His careful consideration of these critical decisions helps shape the outcome of the design and building process. Paul believes transformative change can happen at any scale, and has led projects ranging from a children’s playhouse to a complex, $160 M community recreation centre. Paul finds particular delight in discovering and working in new communities throughout the province (big and small).

He has led several of our TILT Curiosity Labs initiatives including the 2015 IDSwest stage design, Coal Harbour Deck concept and the #MoreAwesomeNow Laneway Activation.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Masters of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and gained experience abroad in Switzerland and Russia, where he designed an orphanage for a non-profit group. When not architecting, he can be found exploring the remotest regions of British Columbia, or hanging out at the cabin with his wife and three boys.

Read Paul's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Rachel Wilson

BTech (Arch Sci)

  • Role

    Technologist
  • Year Joined

    2010

I love the great projects at hcma, my teammates, and the extracurricular activities like our softball team.

Rance Mok

Architect AIBC, CPHD

  • Role

    Director, Learning Environments
  • Year Joined

    2011

In a time of complex social and ecological problems requiring urgent action, every person must reflect on the role they play, and the impact they have in their communities.

With 10 years of experience at hcma, Rance enjoys collaborating with people who are looking to improve their built environments and bring their visions to life. She values long-term relationships, and ensuring that her work is respectful and reciprocal. She also frames her practice through a lens of barrier reduction, both physically and socially, moving towards more inclusive and accessible spaces.

Rance’s key skill is her rigorous project management, which favours open communication and trust between clients, design teams, and construction teams. She has experience in a range of sectors in public buildings (including recreational and municipal projects), but is currently focused on the K-12 education sector. She has worked on Oak Bay High School, Royal Bay Secondary Expansion, Royal Roads University’s Sherman Jen Building, and the PEXSISEN Elementary and CENTRE MOUNTAIN LELLUM Middle Schools.

In her spare time, Rance likes to cook, but more importantly, she likes to eat. She believes the humble pickle is the cornerstone of every great cuisine.

Read Rance's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Rob Wilson

Dip Arch Tech, BSc

  • Role

    Technical Director
  • Year Joined

    2014

The veil of architecture that is perceived by the end user is built on a complex, integrated technical framework. I enjoy resolving that framework so the building becomes a distilled essence of the intended concept.

Rob spent six years working on low rise and high-rise residential architecture before joining hcma in 2014. Since then, he's taken the technical lead on large institutional projects including secondary schools, ice arenas, and aquatic facilities.

Working closely with all team members including architects, clients, contractors, and consultants, Rob looks to find integrated solutions and deliver documents that meet all functional requirements, as well as the architectural aspirations of the project.

Having grown up in the greater Vancouver area, Rob has enjoyed the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the city’s built environment; he loves seeing projects come to life and change communities.

Rob loves nothing more than spending time with his three daughters and wife Rachel, who also works at hcma. In his limited spare time, Rob enjoys golf, cooking, making music, swimming, and running.

Key Projects

Karen Marler

Architect AIBC, SAA, OAA, FRAIC, LEED® AP

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    1984

To quote one of my former professors of architectural theory, ‘Design is a wicked problem – there is no right or wrong answer, but there is a best solution.'

Karen’s work strives to enhance quality of life, strengthen community, and minimize environmental impact. She predominantly leads the design of learning environments, and for the past 30 years’ has been motivated by the artful and appropriate integration of context, form, and function.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada appointed Karen as a Fellow in 2010 and the Cascadia Green Building Council honoured her with a Fellowship in 2014. She is a frequent guest critic and thesis advisor for the UBC School of Architecture and has presented hcma’s work to numerous educational institutions and associations.

Adept at understanding each project’s unique issues, her attention to detail and rigorous management of the design and construction process creates true value within schedule and budget constraints.

Key Projects

Darryl Condon

Architect AIBC, AAA, SAA, OAA, FRAIC, LEED® AP

  • Role

    Managing Principal
  • Year Joined

    1994

Our team at hcma has a tremendously powerful alignment of intention and purpose — this creates magic.

Darryl is interested in design that acts as a catalyst for positive social change. As Managing Principal, his leadership has led to highly-innovative community centres, pools, recreation facilities, fire halls and libraries across Canada.

After 30 years of creating engaging and effective public spaces, Darryl's biggest design project is now transforming hcma to help solve the complex and interdependent challenges facing our communities.

Darryl is a registered Architect and a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. He is a Past-President of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, a frequent speaker internationally and has been an adjunct professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

Read Darryl's perspective on life at hcma.

Key Projects

Roger Hughes

Architect AIBC, FRAIC, LEED® AP

  • Role

    Founding Partner
  • Year Joined

    1975

I love the excitement of solving problems with design. Creating architecture that resonates beyond its boundaries gives greater meaning to our lives.

As a leader practicing in the field of public and institutional work, Roger has focused his 45-year career on leveraging the power of design to contribute to a strong, healthy and socially diverse society.

In 1976, he formed Roger Hughes Architects, a firm that has evolved over four decades to become hcma. As founding partner of our predecessor firms and former Principal, he has continued involvement in projects and contributes to design leadership and staff mentorship.

Roger was a past member and chair of the Vancouver Urban Design Panel on three separate tenures, and a past member of the Shaughnessy Design Panel. He has also served as a Guest Critic at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. In 1995, Roger was made a fellow of the RAIC for his contribution to design excellence; he was recognized with an AIBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

During his career, Roger has led post-secondary, residential, civic, public, recreation, commercial and urban design projects. His work has adapted to changing contexts and needs while consistently being recognized for its design excellence receiving several CHDC and RAIC Governor General’s Medals in Architecture.

Key Projects

Steve DiPasquale

Architect AIBC

  • Role

    Director of Design
  • Year Joined

    2010

I love the field of design because it offers both an immense latitude of application and a focused sense of purpose—it allows me to leverage my social, intellectual, and aesthetic interests to shape cultural change. It gives me the opportunity to not only theorize the anatomy of better public institutions, but to help realize them as built realities.

Steve’s route to the design profession was an indirect one: he first attained a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and then went to art school for two years, before realizing architecture might be the perfect union of visual imagination and an agenda for social change.

He thus brings to the discipline of design a broad scope of concern—he has found as much inspiration in his work on large-scale architecture projects (Jasper Place Library, Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre), and small-scale urban interventions (More Awesome Now Laneway Activations, JAX in the AIR program), as he has working with artists, scholars, and activists to help hcma convene dialogue and host community events.

As Design Lead on architectural projects, Steve exhibits a keen vision for a complementary, integrated relationship between landscape and architecture, and has most recently brought this sensitivity to the design of the Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation building at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

A creative omnivore by nature, Steve enjoys spending his off-hours on the fringes of design culture—writing critical accounts of the built environment, making public art, and playing and performing music. He will also talk about food for as many hours as you like.

Read Steve's perspective on life at hcma.

Stuart Rothnie

Architect AIBC, SAA, OAA, FRAIC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Principal
  • Year Joined

    2000

As the complexity of issues facing us feels overwhelming, it’s time to break the silos and blur the borders. It’s time for openness and inclusivity. This broader horizon drives how we should work and engage with those around us.

One of Stuart’s most striking skills is his approachable and receptive nature, which puts clients and user groups at ease even in the most complex circumstances. A tremendous listener and respected facilitator, he can quickly summarize and present a vision that encourages dialogue and ignites potential.

Practicing for more than 30 years, Stuart has gained a diverse range of experience in the community recreation, institutional, healthcare, and commercial sectors. He has been a Chair of the West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel, North Vancouver Public Art Advisory Committee, and is currently serving as President of the Architectural Institute of BC.

His leadership skills have contributed to large-scale design-build, P3 projects and master plans, complex institutional projects, and numerous renovations within operational facilities. In addition to his vast design experience, Stuart offers significant expertise in the management of large consultant teams and facilitating high value outcomes for his clients.

Key Projects

Susan Ockwell

Architect AIBC, LEED AP

  • Role

    Senior Director, Learning Environments
  • Year Joined

    2015

Working collaboratively with the goal of creating dynamic places that connect and inspire people is what I enjoy most about our profession. It’s hugely motivating to explore and push the boundaries of what socially sustainable learning institutions can be and can give to the broader community.

Practicing for more than 20 years, Susan has extensive experience designing educational facilities at all levels from elementary to post-secondary, and has recently served on the City of Vancouver Urban Design Panel.

Susan enjoys working collaboratively with clients to realize their vision. She takes inspiration from the details and diversities in our landscape, cities, systems, and people to contribute to innovative sustainable solutions.

Proudly British Columbian, Susan is curious by nature and will never quite finish exploring our region and beyond – preferably on two wheels.

Key Projects

Additional Projects

  • Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary School, Vancouver BC
  • David Lloyd George Elementary School and Daycare, Vancouver BC
  • Douglas College Centralized Student Services, New Westminster BC
  • Royal Roads University Sherman Jen Major Expansion + Renovations, Victoria BC
  • University of British Columbia Okanagan ICI Building, Okanagan, BC

Vanessa Konn

Architect AIBC, MArch, BFA

  • Role

    Director, Learning Environments
  • Year Joined

    2015

There is maybe nothing more satisfying than starting to see the bones of a design solution to a difficult ask. The moment when architecture begins to provide an interpretation of how an abstract index of needs fits into the world as physical space is pure delight.

For Vanessa, it's all about the joy of discovery. From quickly iterating ideas while unearthing a solution to visiting a completed project, she seeks the moments of delight along the way.

Her welcoming and curious nature creates fast and trusted connections with both her clients and team members, allowing for a unified path of exploration. Vanessa's care for personal connections rings true in her work and she considers the impact in architecture to live in the spaces where people come together. Her work is focused on welcoming people into a spectrum of introverted to extroverted spaces, reflecting on the widely varying needs of our communities.

Vanessa played a key role in the establishment of hcma's Edmonton office, both in its interior design and working between provinces acting as a cultural bridge across our three locations. As an Associate, Vanessa thrives in the sweet spot of driving an initial concept into a thoughtful and functional design.

With a history deeply embedded in the arts along with her rigor for detail and a full understanding of the task at hand, Vanessa brings a unique skillset of creativity and logic to her work. Her experience ranges in scale from wine bar to community recreation centre, and brings with it a lens of inclusivity and interior design.

Vanessa enjoys a range of outdoor activities, a solid workout, and a good book. She can be found as often as possible in her happy place, her family cabin on Vancouver Island.

Key Projects

Zubin Shroff

Architect AIBC, LEED AP BD+C

  • Role

    Director of Project Delivery
  • Year Joined

    2015

I love producing simple design solutions that address multiple issues.

Zubin has many years of experience working in Canada, the United States and India. Throughout his career, he has focused on civic projects that enhance built communities and the public realm, while simultaneously responding to unique, local climactic and cultural influences. These projects include a range of institutional, public space, residential and student housing projects. Regardless of typology, Zubin is motivated to develop high quality environments that serve the needs of the client and community. Through his work, he is motivated to produce simple design solutions that address multiple issues.

Key Projects

Life at hcma

Life at hcma

What's it like to be part of the team?

Every day, we come together to solve complex problems for our clients, our communities and our world. Some of us create buildings, others design brands. But we all use our individual passions and perspective to create meaningful change.

Curious about life inside our offices? This virtual tour of our Vancouver studio is a great introduction. And check out what happens on hcma day, when our offices come together for an intensive day of work and play.

Feed your curiosity

Curiosity is a big part of our approach, because it helps us create the lasting impact we want to see in the world. TILT by hcma and AIR are just two of the many ways we encourage each other to challenge conventions and explore new thinking.

Are you an intern architect?

Our intern support program removes barriers to registration. Since 2006, approximately 10% of all architects registered through internship in British Columbia have benefitted from our program.

Active in your community?

We support pro bono work and volunteerism. We have a matching donation program, and through our corporate donations and sponsorships we support arts and culture, community service, human rights and civic action groups.

Careers

Careers

Help create better outcomes for our world

If you want to be part of a team that brings their passion and perspective to work every day, take a look at our opportunities below.

We love meeting curious, interesting people who value a collaborative environment and want to help deliver better outcomes for our world.

You'll get the opportunity to work on interesting design projects; join social events outside of the office; and if you're an intern, join an accelerated architectural registration process.

Current opportunities at hcma

Director of Operations

Director of Operations

  • Location
    Vancouver

Do you thrive when enabling people to do their best work?

We are searching for a Director of Operations.

hcma is a collective of passionate people with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and interests. We believe human connections are key to tackling the fundamental problems of our time, and strive to create solutions that ignite conversation and build compassionate communities.

We’re constantly learning, evolving, and approaching the world around us with a curious eye. As a result, we’ve grown into a complex ecosystem with varied and nuanced perspectives – they bring depth and character to our work, but demand strong connections and alignment to work cohesively as a large team.  Having recently gone through a period of rapid growth, we’re looking for a Director of Operations to help shore up our key business systems and processes to help ensure the firm and our people can thrive.

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Who is the Director of Operations?

An executor who’ll work with the Partners, Associate Principals, Head of Strategy, Director of Architectural Service Delivery, and Director of Finance to turn ideas and vision into action. A people person who is excited to solve complex issues in creative and compassionate ways. Someone who thinks a little differently, who sees the big picture and excels at breaking it down into consistent tools, systems, and processes that connect us. Someone who brings a bit of fun to the more mundane sides of administration and enables our wider team to flourish without quashing the richness of individual voices. Someone who's at ease with shifting altitudes, looking at something through a high level, strategic lens at one moment, and then rolling up their sleeves and tackling something tactically the next.

What will you do?

Lead the firm's business operations

  • Play a key role in the leadership of hcma through the effective management of our business operations;
  • Work with our leadership team to actively create, manage, and evolve systems to help meet our performance goals related to people, finances, and business performance;
  • Lead our tech strategy, including the relationship between hcma and our external IT providers.

Enhance operational processes

  • Influence the development of, and support implementation of systems and processes for firm management functions including human resources, finance, and service delivery;
  • Ensure firm wide processes are transparent, understandable, and adaptive to change as needed, with frequent reporting to the Partners;
  • Convene and facilitate cross-functional conversations, creating space for a broad range of perspectives and input, synthesizing feedback and identifying a path to execution;
  • Lead the implementation of interdisciplinary systems and processes, developing solutions that allow our individual service offerings and functions to shine while maintaining a consistent standard;
  • Manage the firm's operating calendar, coordinating, and chairing various leadership meetings and firm wide initiatives and communications.

Be responsible for change management, operationalizing concepts and initiatives

  • Lead change management collaboratively and transparently: behavioural and habit changes are key to the success of change at hcma;
  • Ensure ways of working across different project types and disciplines are compatible and constructive;
  • Ensure new systems and processes gain traction long-term,;
  • Build strong relationships – getting to know people well is an integral part of the job;
  • Track how things are going: ensure data is current and communicate it simply (love a visual dashboard more than a Word document? You have found your people!).

We’re looking for someone who…

  • Is people-focused and open-minded, with a curious attitude;
  • Understands the complexity that comes with being a collaborative and co-creative enterprise with clients, communities, consultants, and constructors;
  • Contributes eagerly, learns continuously, and always looks for improvement;
  • Understands inertia: doesn’t default to reinventing the wheel;
  • Is able to identify and focus on priorities without letting perfection halt progress;
  • Applies strategic thinking to all levels of planning and delivery; while being comfortable handling tactical details of implementation;
  • Is flexible, proactive, patient, persistent and can see when a process needs to change along the way;
  • Holds leadership qualities that bring out the best in people;
  • Is an excellent communicator – spoken and written – with a knack for explaining complex issues in lay terms;
  • Knows when to put pencils down, get out of office, and reflect on work in a different way.

What experience you might have...

  • Handled the delivery of strategic operational change in a previous role;
  • 10+ years’ experience in business operations, firm management, project delivery, or a related field (we’re flexible on the 10 years, as long as you can demonstrate you’re highly skilled in change management, implementation, and the ability to keep things running smoothly over the longer term);
  • Previous experience at a professional services firm, creative firm, or business consultancy is a definite asset;
  • Knowledge of operational concepts, practices, and procedures;
  • Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and creative problem-solving are required;
  • Proven experience identifying and analyzing complex and interlinked business issues;
  • Experience managing teams and juggling different skillsets and personalities;
  • Strong listening skills, with the ability to manage and de-escalate conflict and build consensus.

How to apply

If this opportunity in Vancouver excites you and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca. We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what you are passionate about and why hcma might be right for you.

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Human Resources Coordinator

Human Resources Coordinator

  • Location
    Vancouver

Are you driven by impact? We are hcma, an interdisciplinary design firm driven by the desire to create happier, healthier, more connected communities. We are looking for a bright and service orientated HR Coordinator to join our small, but tight knit team. Working closely with the HR Manager, you will confidently and effectively support a variety of HR responsibilities that helps support our people to achieve their greatest impact.

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What you will do:

  • Full-cycle recruitment support, including preparing job postings, candidate search, phone interviews, coordinating interviews and reference checks
  • Coordinating the hcma student internship/co-op program with educational institutions and individuals, domestically and internationally
  • Maintain a HRIS system by tracking and reporting on employee data to ensure accurate, timely information
  • Managing employee on/off boarding and employment change processes; ensuring the accuracy of all employee documentation
  • Benefits administration for employees, including employee education, enrollment and answering inquiries on an ongoing basis
  • Responding to general HR inquiries; drafting employee communications; developing forms and templates to support processes and maintain job descriptions
  • Working collaboratively with Administration on occupational health and safety initiatives
  • Participating in special projects and initiatives
  • Supporting hcma culture through participation in firm, social, and community initiatives and events
  • Working in collaboration with Finance to support payroll processing and administration
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest HR trends in best practices

What you will bring:

  • 1-2 years' experience in a HR administrative support role
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resources or Business Administration (is preferred)
  • Technical savvy with intermediate proficiency in MS Office suite and HRIS systems (experience with Ceridian Dayforce is an asset)
  • Recruiting experience is an asset
  • Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational skills
  • Outstanding service orientation is a must
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written
  • Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Good judgement and professional demeanor
  • Working knowledge of BC/AB employment standards will be considered an asset

If this opportunity excites you and you would like to learn more, please reach out to careers@hcma.ca We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what are you passionate about and why hcma might be right for you.

We appreciate your interest and thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. We will be in touch with individuals selected for an interview.

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Intermediate/Senior Architect

Intermediate/Senior Architect

  • Location
    Edmonton, Vancouver or Victoria

Are you curious about the city you live in? If we asked you “What’s possible?” would you look for an answer?

At hcma, we are serious about improving our world through architecture that puts people and the planet first, while being engaging in the civic issues that affect our communities. We bring together passionate, intelligent, and engaged individuals who want to make a significant impact. We are looking to add Architects to our team in all locations at this time. If you enjoy weaving curiosity and social impact into the future of architectural thinking, we want to hear from you.

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You’re well-suited for this Architect position if you:

  • Are passionate about architecture and design’s role in solving complex societal challenges
  • Have a minimum of four years of experience as a registered Architect (AIBC, AAA, OAA, etc.), in designing public buildings and community spaces, as well as experience in planning or designing urban space
  • Have a progressive understanding of architecture, the design of public spaces, and future technology trends
  • Appreciate high-quality architectural design and the ability to apply rigor and design intent to all levels of detailing
  • Are experienced in developing projects from start to finish with minimum supervision, including conceptualizing, designing, construction, contract documents, and liaising with contractors, specialist sub-consultants, and clients
  • Are proficient in SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe InDesign Suite
  • Have strong technical, graphic, organizational, and communication skills
  • Are committed to professionalism and can either self-direct your work or collaborate as a team
  • Direct site supervision and construction administration experience an asset

We are looking for people who:

  • Believe in design excellence and have a strong portfolio to back it up
  • Are committed to developing their technical abilities and understanding of how buildings are realized
  • Have strong communication skills (written and verbal/interpersonal) and a positive attitude

If this new opportunity excites you and you want to express your interest, please prepare a submission to us: include your resume, portfolio and most importantly we want to know what you are passionate about and why hcma is right for you. Send this along to careers@hcma.ca. You must be legally eligible to work in Canada and provide supporting evidence prior to any potential offer of employment. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

 

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Intern Architect

Intern Architect

  • Location
    Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton

Are you driven by impact? We are hcma, an interdisciplinary design firm driven by the desire to create happier, healthier, more connected communities. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Intern Architect to join our team. We are interested in individuals who are excited by the future of architectural thinking, who are committed to community and city building. 

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Our Intern Architects can expect to:

  • Participate in all aspects of office life
  • Be exposed to and engage in critical design thinking
  • Participate as team members in real architectural projects of various scales and complexity, including conceptualizing, designing, construction and contract documents
  • Research products, sites, and construction methods as part of a project team
  • Develop their design skills through application to real architecture and design projects
  • Produce strong graphics to support presentations, proposals, reports, engagement, and project presentations
  • Work independently and through collaboration and co-creation
  • Bring their own particular interests to us and enhance our office culture

We are looking for people who:

  • Work with their hands and their minds 
  • Bring a positive attitude to a wide variety of tasks 
  • Contribute eagerly and learn from others 
  • Believe in design excellence and have a strong portfolio to back it up 
  • Apply rigour and design intent to all aspects of their work 
  • Are committed to developing their technical abilities and understanding of how buildings are realized 
  • Have strong graphic, organizational and communication skills 
  • Have the ability to work independently and through collaboration and co-creation 
  • Minimum of three years post-graduation relevant work experience 
  • Have strong working knowledge of Revit, Rhino/SketchUp, and Adobe InDesign Suite 
  • Are committed to the profession and are actively pursuing professional registration 

If this opportunity excites you and you want to express your interest, please prepare a submission to us: include your resume, portfolio and most importantly we want to know what you are passionate about and why hcma is right for you.  Send this along to careers@hcma.ca and please note “Intern Architect Opportunity” in the subject line. 

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General Applications

Interested in connecting with us, but don’t see an opening that suits your career goals? Send your submission for a future opportunity and include your area or position of interest, and which of our offices (Vancouver, Victoria or Edmonton) you're interested in to careers@hcma.ca. Get creative and show us why you are right for our team; why we'd be foolish not to hire you.

Publications

Publications

  • PROCESS: How to Create Community Buildings with Impact

    Book

  • PLACES: Public Architecture

    Book

  • POOLS: Aquatic Architecture

    Book

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Book

PROCESS: How to Create Community Buildings with Impact

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For over 40 years, hcma has helped local governments across Canada deliver extraordinary public buildings. Buildings that put people and the planet first.

In our latest book, we guide you through the whole process, from your initial vision, to measuring success when your project is complete.

Underpinning each step are the principles we believe will maximize your project's impact, and dotted throughout are lessons we’ve learned along the way—things we wish we’d known then, but definitely know now. Most of all, we hope to encourage you to ask 'what's possible?' when creating a place for people to come together to socialize, relax, play, learn, and share.

  • Publication Date

    Jan 2021
  • Page Count

    208
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Book

PLACES: Public Architecture

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  • Edited By

    Alexandra Kenyon
  • Foreword By

    Christopher Macdonald
  • Request a Copy

PLACES: Public Architecture explores our approach to community building through public architecture. Featured key projects typologies, many of which have been challenged by contemporary advancements in technology, include schools, libraries, fire halls, childcare centres, and more. Through the practice of architecture, hcma asks “what is the future of the library, of education, and of public space in an increasingly online age?"

PLACES showcases six of hcma designed civic facilities which seek to strengthen and enrich the communities, businesses and people they serve. The book features critical text by accomplished writer, Jim Taggart, professional photography, lucid architectural drawings and details, as well as a look at the firm’s design process of iterative modelling/diagramming and research on contemporary topics. It also features a window into our office culture and community building initiatives including hcma Days, the Canfor Playhouse Challenge and a course taught by the firm on Social Sustainability at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA).

  • Publication Date

    Fall 2015
  • Page Count

    144
  • ISBN

    978-1-941806-44-9
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Book

POOLS: Aquatic Architecture

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POOLS: Aquatic Architecture is the definitive book on the design of public swimming pools. Ranging from small neighbourhood facilities to destination multi-sports complexes for the Olympic Games, the nine aquatic buildings shown within document the evolution of contemporary design thinking for this building type.

Illustrated with 268 photographs, drawings, diagrams and construction details, the 180-page book is an unrivaled source for information on pool design, from their social ambitions to their construction features. Each example of aquatic architecture is explained in non-technical language, and with its inspiring photography and lucid drawings. The book will be of interest to casual swimmers, as well as recreation officials, parks managers, architects, engineers and fans of leading edge design. Read our POOLS Manifesto, just one of the essays in this publication.

  • Publication Date

    Fall 2013
  • Page Count

    180
  • ISBN

    978-1-935935-95-7