Architecture Foundation of British Columbia

Architecture Foundation of British Columbia The Architecture Foundation of BC (AFBC) creates programs and funds initiatives to connect BC communities with all things design.

In 1999, a group of senior BC architects gathered at the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) to explore ways to recognize and encourage excellence in architecture. Through their efforts, the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia was established to support the pursuit of these goals. The Architecture Foundation of BC (AFBC) was incorporated under the BC Society Act in January o

f 2001, and formally registered as a public foundation on March 1, 2001. Donations so far have been very generous, but in order to build a strong and ongoing funding capacity, we need your continued support. The AFBC offers a number of events for industry members to interact and learn, while supporting excellence in architecture. Funds raised from AFBC events, in addition to generous sponsorships and endowments, provide ongoing support for programs and grants that promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of architecture in British Columbia.

Thank you Livingspace for being a sponsor and helping us support all things architecture and design in British Columbia!...
10/27/2025

Thank you Livingspace for being a sponsor and helping us support all things architecture and design in British Columbia!

Livingspace stands as Vancouver’s premier provider of modern luxury living solutions. As the pinnacle destination in Western Canada for designer Italian furniture, kitchens, closets, baths, and lighting, they proudly offer an extensive selection of top European designer brands unparalleled in the region. With exclusivity to many of these brands for over 34 years, they have established ourselves as the foremost authority in delivering exceptional quality and style to our discerning clientele.

Join us tonight for the 2025 Architectural Awards Ceremony. Tickets linked in bio!

One of the winning projects from our 2023 Awards of Excellence, Stanley Park Polar Bear Sauna.This self-initiated propos...
10/26/2025

One of the winning projects from our 2023 Awards of Excellence, Stanley Park Polar Bear Sauna.

This self-initiated proposal reimagines the long-abandoned Stanley Park Zoo Polar Bear Enclosure as a public wellness space, complete with saunas, pools, and sun decks. The project challenges how we occupy public land, transforming a site once tied to captivity into one of renewal and reflection.

Blending preservation with imagination, the design honors the site’s history while introducing new architectural forms that encourage dialogue about our shared relationship with nature, memory, and public space.

Join us tomorrow night for our 2025 Awards of Excellence Ceremony! Tickets linked in bio.

One of the winning projects from the AFBC 2023 Awards of Excellence: Camera House. Designed as a rural retreat in Pember...
10/25/2025

One of the winning projects from the AFBC 2023 Awards of Excellence: Camera House.

Designed as a rural retreat in Pemberton Valley, Camera House acts as a lens for the experience of the site. The home captures shifting light and views of the surrounding mountains, guiding its inhabitants to live in close connection with nature.

Built with sustainability and minimal impact in mind, the design integrates the home seamlessly into the forested landscape. Passive heating and cooling strategies, photovoltaic panels, and a sensitive use of local materials all contribute to its thoughtful relationship with the environment.

An architectural reflection on perception, light, and place, Camera House celebrates how design can heighten awareness of the world around us.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Contemporary Craft Exhibition: it was such a special evening celebrating cre...
10/24/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Contemporary Craft Exhibition: it was such a special evening celebrating creativity, conversation, and collaboration.

The exhibition explored where traditional craft meets today’s digital industry, featuring works from 12 architecture practices and 16 local artists.

We’re so grateful to all who participated and supported this event, especially , , and for helping bring it to life!

We’re so looking forward to this year’s Architectural Awards of Excellence, happening Monday, October 27th at 5:30PM. It...
10/23/2025

We’re so looking forward to this year’s Architectural Awards of Excellence, happening Monday, October 27th at 5:30PM.

It’s always such a special evening celebrating the best of architecture and design in British Columbia!

Tickets linked in bio.

The AIBC’s Fall Professional Development Series is back! Beginning on October 22, 2025, the online series will explore a...
10/21/2025

The AIBC’s Fall Professional Development Series is back! Beginning on October 22, 2025, the online series will explore a variety of architectural topics, including standardized designs and components, the shade impacts of architectural projects (shadow studies), and the role of Indigenous values in design process.

Session 2 | A Camel is a Horse Designed by a Committee: The Case for Open Source Architecture
What is meant by the phrase “a camel is a horse designed by a committee”? Is this true? Or is a camel really just a creature of an entirely other nature – an expression of function over form that evolved from a different set of circumstances?
This session will present a rationale for open source architecture; explore notions of a democratic design process; review examples of participatory design in architecture; and the manner in which standardization for off-site manufacturing can inform architectural design. Lastly, the session will illustrate the application of these ideas/principles through a review of the Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue published by the British Columbia Ministry of Housing in fall 2024, and discuss whether the project has had any identifiable impact on the housing crisis in British Columbia over the past year.
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 5 from 12–1 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $50 (Architect AIBC & Architectural Technologist AIBC); $40 (Intern Architect AIBC & Retired Architect AIBC)
Learning Units (LUs): 1 Core
Registration: Register by 12 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025
Presenters: Michael Leckie Architect AIBC

AFBC Exhibition Contemporary CraftWe are excited to welcome a sold out crowd to the launch of the Contemporary Craft Exh...
10/17/2025

AFBC Exhibition Contemporary Craft

We are excited to welcome a sold out crowd to the launch of the Contemporary Craft Exhibition tonight from 7pm-11pm in collaboration with

The entrance to the event is now from the large wooden doors facing west 1st ave.

Coat check will be provided at the entrance following ticket check in.

Welcome drinks will be sponsored by and wine throughout the night sponsored by

1706 W 1st Ave - Ground Floor, Vancouver, BC V6J 0E4

We can’t wait to celebrate the launch of this new event with you!

MEET THE JURYToon Dreessen Architect, OAA, NLAA, AANB, FRAIC, RIBA, AIA, LEED AP Principal, Architects DCAToon Dreessen ...
10/16/2025

MEET THE JURY

Toon Dreessen Architect, OAA, NLAA, AANB, FRAIC, RIBA, AIA, LEED AP Principal, Architects DCA

Toon Dreessen is a graduate of Carleton University, served as President of the OAA (2015 and 2016) and was inducted into the RAIC College of Fellows and the Order of DaVinci.

He leads Architects DCA and is responsible for award winning and high-profile projects.

DCA is a company with roots dating back more than 40 years and is ISO 9001:2015 Certified. He leads the company’s activism and the role of architects in a strategic, visionary, and thoughtful planning. He founded, and is Chair, of the Ottawa Architecture Foundation.

To see what projects were selected for the 2025 Architectural Award of Excellence, join us at our Awards Night. Tickets in bio.

Excited to share that attendees of this year’s Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) Vancouver will have a chance t...
10/16/2025

Excited to share that attendees of this year’s Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) Vancouver will have a chance to win a set of three issues of The Local Project Magazine, including Issue 16, featuring the 2023 AFBC Award-winning Shor House (the Corten Lake House) on its cover.

Each festival ticket automatically enters you into the draw, so don’t miss your chance to take home this beautiful collection celebrating design, craft, and place.

Special thanks to for donating these stunning copies.

We’re excited to have capturing our exhibition opening night next week at Janaki’s studio. Join us to meet the particip...
10/10/2025

We’re excited to have capturing our exhibition opening night next week at Janaki’s studio.

Join us to meet the participating artists and enjoy a glass (or two) of delicious natural wine, generously sponsored by !

ADFF Vancouver 2025 Your attendance at our Awards Ceremony on October 27th enters you for a chance to win free tickets t...
10/08/2025

ADFF Vancouver 2025

Your attendance at our Awards Ceremony on October 27th enters you for a chance to win free tickets to the Architecture & Design Film Festival, returning to Vancouver this year to celebrate the creative spirit that drives architecture and design.

With a curated selection of films, events, and panel discussions, ADFF invites audiences to reflect, connect, and explore the evolving intersection of design, craft, and culture.

November 5–9th, 2025
For tickets to our Awards Night, see the link in our bio.
Details via

Jury deliberation begins tomorrow! All submissions will be reviewed, and participants will be notified by Monday.We’re a...
10/02/2025

Jury deliberation begins tomorrow!

All submissions will be reviewed, and participants will be notified by Monday.

We’re also excited to invite you to our model exhibition opening on October 17th at Janaki Larsen’s studio—a space transformed into a hub for creativity, collaboration, and collective discovery.

Address

208-440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B1B8

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Architecture Foundation of British Columbia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Architecture Foundation of British Columbia:

Shortcuts

Share

Category