Are you passionate about working with the community? We have an immediate opening for a Senior Architectural Technologist with minimum 10 years of relevant experience in family residential designs, wood frame buildings, and envelope detailing with an Architectural practice.
Read MoreIn Memory Of Sarah Michelle Neault
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Sarah Neault. She touched our lives in many ways and made an indelible mark on our UAA family.
Sarah was a dedicated, positive, and inspiring individual who contributed significantly to our team's success. Her work was a constant advocate for peace for the homeless, her community, and all those facing injustice. Her legacy will continue to motivate us to excel in all that we do.
For more information about the memorial service, sharing your memories, and making a donation to support Sarah’s son, her family has put together a website with details. Please read here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/vancouver-bc/sarah-neault-11520388
Our thoughts are with Sarah’s family during this difficult time.
Sarah, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit lives on in our hearts!
UAA welcomes a new principal!
We are delighted to announce the expansion of our leadership team to include Meghan Froehlich as a principal of UAA!
Meghan is a firm believer in the power of the built environment to strengthen community and enhance the lives of those who use it and experience it. She is passionate about working closely with users and translating their vision and values into meaningful spaces. She brings empathy, understanding and a proclivity for finding joy into her design approach. Her ability to establish authentic connections based on sincerity, trust, and light-heartedness makes her an invaluable asset in user engagement, collaboration with consultants, and in providing mentorship to our team.
Since joining the team in 2017, Meghan has brought her expertise to a diverse array of project types and scales, with a focus on community and advanced education spaces. Current work includes the First People’s Gathering House at Simon Fraser University, the expansion of UBC’s Physio and Occupational Therapy programs into Surrey, and a supportive housing project in Mission with BC Housing and SARA.
UAA welcomes a new associate!
Introducing Vince Castañón-Rumebe, our exceptional new associate at UAA!
Vince has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our projects and clients while also mentoring junior staff over the years. We are excited to expand our leadership team to include him to contribute to our commitment to building resilient, meaningful spaces for all! His recent work includes the Tla’amin Accessible Housing, Simon Fraser University First Peoples’ Gathering House, and T’sou-ke Community Hall + Health Centre!
Vince’s bio:
Vince is a registered Architect AIBC and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Carleton University, Ontario. He has been Project Architect for residential, commercial and community projects throughout BC.
Vince has a keen interest in participatory design and the community engagement process that is interwoven with architectural projects. He combines his multidisciplinary design skills with practical experience to architecture and believes that design should be empathetic, relevant, and user centered at all scales. Prior to architecture, Vince worked in product design where he learned to appreciate the importance of the human experience with objects in the world around us.
He was born in Mexico, grew up in Ontario and now practices on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Some of Vince’s projects:
PROJECT UPDATE & OPENING CEREMONY: TLA’AMIN ACCESSIBLE HOUSING
We are excited to share the completed ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye (Elders House) project for the Tla’amin Nation. This project has been highly anticipated, and provides 24 safe, affordable, and accessible housing units for Tla’amin Elders and people with greater accessibility needs. With its contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Coast Salish longhouses, ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye stands as a testament to cultural preservation and community celebration.
This project came together beautifully thanks to the collaboration of a fantastic team and unwavering community support. It was amazing to see the community come together at the official opening ceremony with the involvement of both the ƛaχƛaχay (Elders) and the čičuy (Children) in the blessing of the pole.
Funding for this project was provided by the Federal Government Rapid Housing Initiative (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and the Tla’amin Nation. The project construction was completed in 11 months thanks to efficient planning, project management and execution.
Related Links:
For more information about ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye, visit here!
To see how Tla’amin celebrates 24 new units of accessible housing for Elders and citizens with unique needs, visit here!
Partners:
Job Opening: SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT
SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT (10-15 years of experience)
Are you passionate about working with the community?
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is an award-winning Vancouver based architecture firm specializing in community and cultural projects. UAA strives to create resilient, meaningful, and sustainable spaces for all, honouring and respecting unique values and voices.
Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture reflects the vision of its users. We work closely with our clients to realize their vision, creating sustainable facilities that ensure positive community growth.
We have an immediate opening for a Senior Project Architect to join a dynamic team working on a meaningful mixed-use project. The successful candidate will have a minimum 10-15 years of relevant experience in construction documentation.
At UAA, we embrace diversity in our work and voices. Our team values active listening, open sharing, and continuous learning. We create a collaborative, supportive, and equitable environment where mentoring and growth are priorities. Join us to be part of a culture that celebrates individual perspectives and encourages creativity through diverse talents and experiences.
We would love to hear from you, if you possess the following knowledge and experience:
• Must be registered with the AIBC or eligible to register with the AIBC;
• A Master’s degree in Architecture;
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;
• Experience and proficiency in preparing construction contract documents;
• Construction Administration experience;
• Understanding of building systems and technologies;
• Team leadership and collaboration with clients, community members and consultants;
• Working knowledge of the National Building Code, BC Building Code and VBBL - Part 3;
• A passion for design, community well-being, and great work;
• Excellent communication skills.
UAA offers a fulfilling work environment that supports professional development and a holistic life/work balance. UAA offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package, fitness center access, mentorship and support for ongoing professional learning and growth. Our studio has adapted to the pandemic and follows all health and safety guidelines, including social distancing. We support staff in the studio and working hybrid both in the studio and remotely.
Please send your resume, professional references, and samples of your work to careers@urban-arts.ca. We request PDF’s or a web link, files to be less than 15MB file size and 25 pages or less.
We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Opening: Intern Architect
INTERN ARCHITECT (3-5 years of experience)
Are you passionate about working with the community?
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is an award-winning Vancouver based architecture firm specializing in community and cultural projects. UAA strives to create resilient, meaningful, and sustainable spaces for all, honouring and respecting unique values and voices.
Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture reflects the vision of its users. We work closely with our clients to realize their vision, creating sustainable facilities that ensure positive community growth.
We have an immediate opening for an Intern Architect to join a dynamic team working on a meaningful mixed-use project. The successful candidate will have a minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in construction documentation.
At UAA, we embrace diversity in our work and voices. Our team values active listening, open sharing, and continuous learning. We create a collaborative, supportive, and equitable environment where mentoring and growth are priorities. Join us to be part of a culture that celebrates individual perspectives and encourages creativity through diverse talents and experiences.
We would love to hear from you, if you possess the following knowledge and experience:
• Must be registered with the AIBC or eligible to register with the AIBC;
• A Master’s degree in Architecture;
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;
• Experience and proficiency in preparing construction contract documents;
• Understanding of building systems and technologies;
• Working knowledge of the National Building Code, BC Building Code and VBBL - Part 3;
• Excellent graphic and visualization skills;
• A passion for design, community well-being, and great work;
• Excellent communication skills.
UAA offers a fulfilling work environment that supports professional development and a holistic life/work balance. UAA offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package, fitness center access, mentorship and support for ongoing professional learning and growth.
Please send your resume, professional references, and samples of your work to careers@urban-arts.ca. We request PDF’s or a web link, files to be less than 15MB file size and 25 pages or less.
We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Project Update & Groundbreaking Ceremony: Xwemelch’stn multi-generational housing project!
UAA is excited to be a part of the Xwemelch’stn multi-generational housing project!
Located at 300 Khatsilano Rd., Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5, this project features 95 units of residential space, ranging from studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units in the four storey apartment building and 3-5 bedroom towhouses suited for families and multigenerational living. The ambition of this project is to improve the availability of affordable housing on Squamish Nation reserve lands and aims to foster intergenerational relationships and presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the traditional Squamish longhouse living practice of shared accommodation and seeks to create a grounded living context of mutual support and learning opportunities.
Related Links:
To learn more about the project and our design, visit here.
Squamish Nation Members to Get 95 New Affordable Homes | Government of British Columbia
Partners:
UAA IS MOVING!
UAA is moving to a new office location as of April 3, 2023! Our team has grown from strength to strength in recent years and are now 27 passionate architects, designers and communicators who need more space to support our studio culture.
Our new address is 401-128 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A7. We look forward to working together in our new studio.
Painting by Vicente Castañón Martínez.
Happy International Women's Day
Happy International Women’s Day to all our amazing, talented female employees! UAA fully supports and highly values gender equality. Our team is 65% women, and we work every day to mentor and learn from each other in a collaborative, equitable and supportive environment. We strive to honour all the fabulous, strong women on our team and in our lives today and everyday, who work to make our world a better place as architects, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
Women in Architecture: Architects Trained Abroad
There are many challenges faced by architects trained abroad to get their careers started and established in Canada, particularly landing the first job in order to gain local experience. This week, the Women in Architecture is featuring several women who have successfully navigated through these challenges and offer some tips to those currently facing this situation.
UAA Intern Architect + Project Manager Karolline Turcato will be sharing her journey with us at the event. Originally from Brazil and graduated in February 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and urbanism, Karolline has worked at several local firms over the last 8 years.
When: Wednesday 18th 2023, 6:00pm-7:30pm (PST)
Where: Zoom webinar, link sent through Eventbrite
Admission fee: $5.00
Approved for 1.5 CORE Learning Units with the AIBC
WE ARE HIRING AN INTERN ARCHITECT!
Are you passionate about working with the community? We have an immediate opening for an Intern Architect with minimum 3 years of relevant experience in construction documentation and contract administration with an Architectural practice.
Read MoreWE ARE HIRING a Receptionist and Communications Coordinator!
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. is currently seeking a Receptionist and Communications Coordinator to join our practice in Vancouver.
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is a full-service architectural firm that takes a creative, collaborative, team-based approach to our projects. Our work is defined by our commitment to equity and community-building. We achieve this by:
• deep listening and responsive consultation
• a design-driven process founded in learning, sharing and research
• innovative and sustainable architecture rooted in the land
UAA specializes in community, cultural projects and Indigenous projects. Our projects bring our clients’ vision to life, honouring and respecting their unique values and voices. We are a progressive company that provides a supportive, team-focused work environment. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive package of benefits. We are a Living Wage certified employer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:
Front Desk duties and administrative support (answer/coordinate phone calls, deliveries, organize couriers, office supplies, incoming/outgoing mail, etc.)
Office maintenance (liase with property management, printers, office order, etc.)
Organize UAA team events and catering
Assist design team through ordering samples and running samples area.
Coordinate office equipment leases (Apple, finance company, returns)
Support Marketing and Communications Manager’s work (website, proposals, social media, presentations, award submissions, etc.);
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:
Technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop);
Experience with MS Word, and Excel;
Strong visual, verbal and written communication skills;
Self-motivation, confidence, strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills;
2+ years at a similar role and experience in architectural, engineering, or similar consulting firm considered an asset but not required.
How to apply:
If this position is of interest, please send us a PDF version of your resume and portfolio to careers@urban-arts.ca, Attn: Ouri Scott, Principal, on or before August 2, 2022. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those invited for interviews may be contacted.
Ideal start date: August 9, 2022.
WE ARE HIRING AN INTERN ARCHTECT!
INTERN ARCHITECT (recent graduate or 1-2 years experience)
Are you passionate about working with the community?
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is a full-service architectural firm that takes a creative, collaborative, team-based approach to our projects. Our work is defined by our compassion and our commitment to equity and community-building. We achieve this by:
• deep listening and responsive consultation;
• a design-driven process founded in learning, sharing and research; and
• innovative and sustainable architecture rooted in the land.
Our projects bring our clients’ vision to life, honouring and respecting their unique values and voices.
We have an immediate opening for an Intern Architect who recently graduated or with 1 to 2 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice.
We would love to hear from you, if you possess the following knowledge and experience:
• Registered or eligibility for registration with the AIBC;
• A Degree in Architecture or completion of a Building Technology program from an accredited institution;
• Recent graduate or 1 to 2 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;
• Experience and proficiency in preparing construction contract documents;
• Understanding of building systems and technologies;
• Working knowledge of the National Building Code, BC Building Code and VBBL - Part 3;
• Excellent graphic and visualization skills;
• A passion for design, community well-being, and great work;
• Excellent communication skills.
UAA offers a fulfilling work environment that supports professional development and a holistic life/work balance. We normally work in an open studio environment to encourage dialogue and learning. Our studio has adapted to the pandemic and we are constantly adjusting to current health and safety guidelines. We now support a flexible work arrangement with a limited number of staff in the studio and the remainder of the team works collaboratively from home.
UAA offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package, mentorship and support for ongoing professional learning and growth.
Please send your resume, professional references, and samples of your work to careers@urban-arts.ca, Attn: Ouri Scott, Principal, on or before June 22, 2022.
We request PDF’s or a web link, files to be less than 15MB file size and 25 pages or less. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
WE ARE HIRING a Marketing and Communications Coordinator
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR (1+ year Maternity/Parental Leave Fill)
Are you passionate about working with the community?
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is a full-service architectural firm that takes a creative, collaborative, team-based approach to our projects. Our work is defined by our compassion and our commitment to equity and community-building. We achieve this by:
• deep listening and responsive consultation;
• a design-driven process founded in learning, sharing and research; and
• innovative and sustainable architecture rooted in the land.
UAA are specializing in community and cultural projects across BC and Canada’s north and for many First Nations communities. Our projects bring our clients’ vision to life, honouring and respecting their unique values and voices.
We strive for local, practical, and cost-effective design and construction solutions that stand the test of time. We are committed to developing strategies that increase building performance and optimize social, operational, environmental and sustainability. Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture reflects the vision of its users. We work closely with our clients to realize their vision, creating sustainable facilities that ensure positive community growth.
We are a progressive company that provides a supportive, team-focused work environment. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive package of benefits. We are Living Wage certified employer.
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. is currently seeking a talented and enthusiastic professional to join our practice in Vancouver as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for a temporary 1+ year term contract to maternity/parental leave term placement (term contract period may be extended up to 18 months, with potential for permanent position afterwards).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:
• Manage, coordinate and design high-quality proposal submissions to various clients (RFEOI, RFQ, RFI, RFP, etc.);
• Manage firm’s marketing and communications (website, social media, presentations, award submissions, etc.);
• Manage firm’s brand and promotional messaging. This also includes the creation and maintenance of promotional materials, including firm profiles, resumes, project profiles, presentations, and photographs for print and web;
• Coordinate and prepare award, conference and article submissions;
• Create strategic tools for proposal selection, tracking systems, etc.;
• Liase with copywriting, photography and design consultants as needed;
• Support internal operations and maintenance of Living Wage certification;
• Maintain organizational databases;
• Maintain company website and social media accounts.
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:
• A degree in marketing, business, communications, or similar post-secondary program;
• 2+ years at a similar role and experience in architectural, engineering, or similar consulting firm considered an asset but not required;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to convey complex messages succinctly and with clarity;
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, handle pressure, and prioritize;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, planning, and time management skills;
• Strong graphic design skills including proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office applications, proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
If this position is of interest, please send us a PDF version of your resume and portfolio to careers@urban-arts.ca, Attn: Ouri Scott, Principal, on or before June 20, 2022.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those invited for interviews may be contacted.
Ideal start date: June 15th to enable two-week overlap (June 15th – June 30th) with current Marketing and Communications Manager.
SHXW'OWHAMEL COMMUNITY COMPLEX + HEALTH CENTRE COMPLETE
UAA completed the Shxw'owhamel Community Complex + Health Centre.
This multi-use facility provides the community with much needed recreation, gathering, health, and administration space. The design was developed through extensive community consultation and supports cultural revitalization, ceremony as well as connection to the land through orientation to the cardinal directions and significant mountain views.
The building form evokes the traditional Coast Salish longhouse in massing and detail, and the traditional winter pit dwelling –the Sqemel– in the Elder's Circle. Further details reference the sturgeon, which is the Nation’s emblem.
The building has been built in partnership with the Nation’s construction company, bolstering the local economy and job training opportunities.
UBC Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Office Renovation is complete
UAA worked closely with the Faculty of Medicine to develop the spaces for the UBC Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Office and for a DMCBH MRI Research Group.
Working together we explored the nature of work with the goal of creating a healthy and collaborative work environment.
Designed for long-term flexibility and a range of working modalities.
For more detailed information follow this link to the project page.
MONOVA - Museum of North Vancouver's doors are open to the public!
UAA worked with the Museum of North Vancouver to define the vision, program and design of the new facility.
MONOVA has opened its doors to the public in late 2021 as an accessible gathering place and forum for discussion and connection as well as a place that showcases North Vancouver's historical legacy through exhibits, discourse and events.
Exhibit design credit goes to KEI Space.
For more detailed information follow these links to:
WE ARE HIRING A SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST / JOB CAPTAIN (10+ years of experience)
Are you passionate about working with the community?
Urban Arts Architecture Inc. (UAA) is a full-service architectural firm that takes a creative, collaborative, team-based approach to our projects. Our work is defined by our compassion and our commitment to equity and community-building. We achieve this by:
• deep listening and responsive consultation;
• a design-driven process founded in learning, sharing and research; and
• innovative and sustainable architecture rooted in the land.
Our projects bring our clients’ vision to life, honouring and respecting their unique values and voices.
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST / JOB CAPTAIN (10+ years of experience)
We have an immediate opening for a Senior Architectural Technologist/Job Captain with minimum 10 years of relevant experience in construction documentation and contract administration with an Architectural practice.
We would love to hear from you, if you possess the following knowledge and experience:
• A Degree in Architecture or completion of a Building Technology program from an accredited institution;
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;
• Experience and proficiency in preparing construction contract documents and coordinating with consultants;
• Construction Administration experience;
• Understanding of building systems and technologies;
• Working knowledge of the National Building Code and BC Building Code Part 3;
• Excellent communication skills.
UAA offers a fulfilling work environment that supports professional development and a holistic life/work balance. We normally work in an open studio environment to encourage dialogue and learning. Our studio has adapted to the pandemic and we are constantly adjusting to current health and safety guidelines. We now support a flexible work arrangement with a limited number of staff in the studio and the remainder of the team works collaboratively from home.
UAA offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package, mentorship and support for ongoing professional learning and growth.
Please send your resume, professional references, and samples of your work to careers@urban-arts.ca. We request PDF’s instead of web links, and request files to be less than 15MB file size and 25 pages or less. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Exciting news from our client Tla'amin Nation
The Tla’amin Nation has broken ground for the ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye (Elder’s Place) a 24-units housing development to provide safe, accessible, dignified and affordable housing for elders and community members with unique needs.
The $11 million facility is designed for independent living and will have eight two-bedroom and 16 one-bedroom units and will be built in early 2023.
The project site is located in the Teeshohsum (Sliammon IR #1) community of the Tla’amin Nation, just north of Powell River, BC on the northern Sunshine Coast and the eastern shores of the Salish Sea.