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
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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
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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!
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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.
A new chapter begins...
ADFF: Earth to Sky Screening
Indigenous Architects on the checked carpet at the Vancouver Architecture and Design Film Festival showing of Earth to Sky on November 11, 2021.
Ouri and our former UAA colleague Jake Chakasim led a meaningful discussion after the screening of Earth to Sky with panelist Daniel Glenn, Alfred Waugh and Patrick Stewart regarding the future of Indigenous design and architectural education.
For everyone who missed the screening this past week, it is available for public access here:
WE ARE HIRING! THREE NEW CAREER OPENINGS:
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.
ARCHITECT (Min. 7+ years of experience)
We have an immediate opening for an Architect with minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in construction documentation and contract administration.
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;
• 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.
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST / JOB CAPTAIN (10+ years of experience)
We have an immediate opening for a Senior Architectural Technologist 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:
• Registered or eligibility for registration with the AIBC;
• 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.
INTERN ARCHITECT (3 to 5 years of experience)
We have an immediate opening for an Intermediate Intern Architect, Architect or Architectural Technologist with minimum 3 to 5 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:
• Registered or eligibility for registration with the AIBC;
• A Degree in Architecture or completion of a Building Technology program from an accredited institution;
• Minimum 3 to 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. 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.
UAA WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE
UAA WORKING ON WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY MASTER PLAN
We are excited to be working on the West Vancouver Memorial Library Master Plan to maximize the use of the existing footprint for the benefit of the community.
This is an opportunity to honour the memorial legacy of the library while upgrading the facility to provide spaces that are free, inclusive and accessible to all people.
Reimagining the space needs will greatly enhance the Library for patrons and staff by increasing accessibility, improving navigation, enhancing security, and continuing West Vancouver Memorial Library's goals of providing a variety of spaces to fulfill their mission.
First Peoples' Gathering House renderings showcased at Open House
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UAA is honoured to be part of the important reconciliation work being done at SFU working on the First Peoples’ Gathering House. The First Peoples’ Gathering House will be a place with culturally appropriate ceremony hall and gathering space for the Indigenous students, faculty and broader community to gather, celebrate, and connect to land and culture.
New architectural renderings have recently been showcased to the SFU community.
For more detailed information follow these links to:
- the UAA First Peoples’ Gathering House project page;
- the SFU First Peoples’ Gathering House Open House event page; and
UAA WELCOMES TWO NEW ASSOCIATES
Women and Commercial Real Estate
To mark International Women’s Day this coming Monday, March 8, Principal Ouri Scott is featured in The Globe and Mail alongside four other women with industry related roles, addressing gender imbalance in the sector, challenges, successes and dreams for the future.
The Radium Hot Springs Community Hall + Library
UAA made the news again with the Radium Hot Springs Community Hall + Library via this article in Construction Canada which is based on the case study by Wood WORKS! BC and the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) on civic buildings.
Examining the Village of Radium Hot Springs, a wealth of local wood products, manufacturing capabilities, and craft skills combined in a community hall and library that can truly be called a ‘100-mile building’. It also looks at how the Fire Hall No. 5 in Vancouver maximizes utilization of city-owned land by including four storeys of social housing above the state-of-the-art fire station.