Celebrating our Founding Principal, Shelley Craig

With deep gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary career of our Founding Principal, Shelley Craig. More than an incredible architect, Shelley is a mentor, a leader, and a profoundly valued presence whose vision has shaped our firm, our culture, and the communities we serve.

When Shelley founded Urban Arts Architecture in 2006, she set out to create a studio grounded in collaboration, creativity, and strong female leadership—a place where women could grow, lead, and support one another. She recognized early on the need for greater representation of women in our industry and the importance of raising them up! That vision has been at the heart of UAA from day one, and throughout her career, Shelley has empowered countless women, mentored new architects, and fostered a culture where every voice is valued. It’s a legacy we’re proud of and one we’ll continue to carry forward!

Over the years, Shelley has led dozens of projects from vision to reality. Her dedication to both excellence and equity have helped shape not only our portfolio but also our culture. Whether she’s creating libraries and learning spaces for kiddos and students, or cultural and community spaces that foster connection, her work reminds us that every project is a chance to build something meaningful!

Some of her notable contributions include the Radium Hot Springs Community Centre and Library, one of the first DLT buildings in Canada, which received a SAB Green Building Award. Other award-winning work includes the Summerland Branch Library and the Engineering Student Centre at UBC.

Beyond buildings, Shelley’s legacy is reflected in the relationships built, the knowledge shared, and the inspiration sparked across our team and industry. She is well known for her commitment to “built in BC” design and research. She has received a BC WoodWorks 2019 Wood Champion Award, the Wood First Premier’s Award, the AIBC Innovation Award, and the 2009 WoodWorks Architect Award.

While we will deeply miss her presence in the studio, we’re excited for her as she begins this well-deserved next chapter!

Join us in congratulating Shelley on an outstanding career and wishing her all the best in retirement!

UAA Welcomes a New Principal!

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our leadership team to include Armen Mamourian as a principal of UAA!

Amen is passionate about investigating and understanding the requirements of a project and of working closely with users and translating their ambitions and values into a product that everyone can be proud of. He is a problem solver by nature and detail oriented. He works diligently with client groups, consultants, contractors, and construction managers to help bring the design to reality while striving to stay true to the design intent.

Since joining the team, Armen has brought his expertise to a diverse array of project types and scales, with a focus on community and housing projects. Current work includes the Aborignal Land Trust Housing/Ch’ich’iyuy Elxwikn, UBC Forest Science Centre, and UBC Hennings.

Xwemelch’stn Multi-Generational Housing

 
 
 

We’re excited to share photos of the newly completed Xwemelch’stn Multi-Generational Housing Project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing! Named Chenkw Em̓út, which means “I am home”, the project will improve the availability of accessible and affordable housing on Squamish Nation reserve lands in North Vancouver. The project includes 95 residential units, ranging from 1-bedroom units to 5-bedroom townhouses, catering to a variety of typologies and needs including multigenerational housing, allowing family support for those wanting to age in place. 

Squamish art and cultural motifs are woven throughout the project, including on the balcony guardrails, building façade, and in the landscape. We collaborated closely with Sky Spirit Studio, who led community engagement and brought ideas together for the design of the façade and paver patterning, as well as Lyle Williams, who created the artwork for the guardrails. 

Look for the project next time you are crossing Lions Gate Bridge!

 

Congratulations Abigail Tosto

Architect AIBC, Certified Passive House Designer, BFA, M.Arch

Congratulations to Abigail Tosto, who is now an AIBC Registered Architect!

Abi played a key role in the success of the newly completed Xwemelch’stn Multi-Generational Housing Project, the design and development of multiple women-focused projects in the office, including work with Atira Women’s Resource Society and SARA for Women, and the ongoing construction of the ALT Columbia project.

In addition to her design contributions, Abi brings humour, positivity and a wealth of knowledge to our office and project teams.

#AIBC #RegisteredArchitect

BCIT - Marine and Mass Timber Pavilion

 
 
 

Marine and Mass Timber Pavilion
The new outdoor sheltered learning environment will support teaching and research in the Marine, Steel and Mass Timber trades. Located near the campus entry on Carey Avenue and adjacent to the existing NE12 Steel Trades building, the Pavilion will be a hybrid steel and mass timber structure, illustrating sustainable construction methodologies and showcasing the pedagogy of the Institute.

 

BCIT - Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion: Celebrating and Supporting Local Construction Industry

 
 
 

Celebrating and supporting local construction industry: 

We are working with BCIT to expand the campus with two new facilities in the Trades precinct that support experiential learning in wood innovation.

Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion
Located in the heart of the campus, the new building reflects a deep commitment to sustainable and renewable building practices in British Columbia, particularly the use of Mass Timber. As a demonstration facility, the project is pursuing CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Design Certification, LEED Gold Certification, Passive House Certification, and Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. BCIT is uniquely positioned to become a major centre for research and training for mass timber technologies – and the Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion will become a hub for wood innovation on campus, launching the next generation of wood leaders and transforming industry.

 

Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT) Development

We’re excited to share the construction progress on the Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT) development! This project is an Indigenous-led mixed-use development - including a healing centre and family housing - serving the needs of Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous community in the Downtown Eastside. Designed utilizing Indigenous protocols and guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the project will offer a welcoming and supportive environment where the community can live, heal and thrive.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) culture is honoured through the concept of a Blanket wrapping a Longhouse. Blankets are used in ceremony to wrap people - showing respect, honouring life stages, and demonstrating care. Blankets tell stories, often describing place through abstract forms. The building’s ‘blanket’ facades are made using glazed coloured brick, woven in a Coast Salish design, created by renowned xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) weaver Debra Sparrow.

We are very excited to see these designs progressing so beautifully along East Hastings! More to come soon!

 

WE ARE HIRING AN INTERN ARCHITECT

 
 
 

INTERN ARCHITECT (min. 2 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 delivers exceptional projects through our commitment to develop innovative strategies for optimizing building performance, community development, and operational 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 have an immediate opening for an Intern Architect with minimum 2 years of relevant experience in construction documentation.

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 2 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;

•   Experience or interest in working with Indigenous communities, and Northern work experience an asset;

•   Interest in working on housing projects;

•   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;

•   Must have a current work permit.

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 follows all health and safety guidelines, including social distancing. We now support 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 on or before January 31, 2025. 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.

 

 

Congratulations to Hugo Ramirez Lagos!

Congratulations to Hugo Ramirez Lagos, who is now an AIBC Registered Architect!

Over the past four years at UAA, Hugo has brought his initiative for sustainable and equitable design choices to residential and public projects alike. Not afraid to be playful at times, he welcomes challenges that push the architecture industry forward through iterative studies and alternative approaches to problem solving.

Hugo has played a key role in the development of the CH’ICH’IYÚY ELXWÍKN housing project and the Coquitlam Innovation Centre renovation –now Town Centre Park Community Centre. Throughout the community centre, he implemented sleek and colourful features that remind visitors of the lake nearby. 

#AIBC #RegisteredArchitect

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 or interest in working with Indigenous communities, and Northern work experience an asset;

•   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;

•   Must have a current work permit.

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 on or before November 1, 2024.

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 AN 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 opening for an Intern Architect to join a dynamic team working on a variety of community focused projects. The successful candidate will have a minimum 3-5 years experience working in architectural practice. Prior experience in and a passion for community engagement, pre-design, functional programming and mastering planning will be an asset in this role.

At UAA, we embrace diversity in our work and voices. Our team values active listening, open sharing, and continuous learning. We create a collaborative and supportive 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 or interest in working with Indigenous communities, with a deep understanding of reconciliation, and Northern work experience as an asset;

•   Community engagement is an asset;

•   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 projct management and communication skills;

•   Must have a current work permit.

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 on or before April 24, 2024. 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 AN INTERN ARCHITECT / ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

INTERN ARCHITECT / ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST (0-3 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 opening for a Junior Intern Architect / Architectural Technologist to join a dynamic team working on meaningful projects. The successful candidate will have 0-3 years of relevant experience preparing design drawings, including diagrams, plans and rendering experience.

At UAA, we embrace diversity in our work and voices. Our team values active listening, open sharing, and continuous learning. We create a collaborative and supportive 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 Degree in Architecture or completion of a Building Technology program from an accredited institution;

•   0-3 years of relevant experience with an Architectural practice;

•   Rendering proficiency;

•   Experience and proficiency in preparing design drawings and diagrams;

•   Basic understanding of building systems and technologies;

•   Working knowledge of the National Building Code and BC Building Code Part 3;

•   Excellent communication skills;

•   Must have a current work permit.

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, 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 on or before April 24, 2024. 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.

 

Principal Ouri Scott has been named a Fellow of the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)

We are thrilled to announce that UAA Principal Ouri Scott has been named a Fellow of the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

A Fellow of the RAIC College is a member of the RAIC who has achieved professional eminence or has rendered distinctive service to the profession or to the community at large. Fellowship is bestowed upon individuals through a nomination process and recognizes members for their contribution to research, scholarship, public service, or professional standing to the good of architecture in Canada, or elsewhere.

Ouri was nominated in the categories of: Distinguished contribution through excellence in architectural design, design management or innovation as supported by peer recognition or design awards, and Distinguished service to the architectural profession or the community at large, as supported by voluntary contributions related to Architecture.

Congratulations to all 41 new RAIC Fellows!

https://raic.org/news/raic-college-welcomes-41-new-fellows

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: