B+H Architects

At B+H, we believe design thinking, innovation, and human ingenuity are the keys to unlocking a better future. That's why we're thrilled to share our recent 2nd place win in the Buildner ‘Under the Bridge’ international design competition.

This award is a testament to the power of multidisciplinary l teams. Our SJ Architecture & Design Council brought together a powerhouse team of urban planners, architects, engineers, sustainability experts, and interior designers from across SJ's member companies (Atelier Ten, B+H, CHIL Interior Design, Robert Bird Group, and SAA Architects Pte Ltd).

This amazing group transformed a challenge into a human-centred solution: The HiveWay! This innovative design utilizes biomimicry with modular hexagon-shaped housing units, creating a sustainable and innovative housing solution right in the heart of Toronto.

Hear from the B+H design team as they share their experience designing for this competition!

Under The Bridge - The HiveWay Design Team This is "Under The Bridge - The HiveWay Design Team" by B+H on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

🏆 We're thrilled to announce that our CABN Vision Plan has been named a finalist in the prestigious World Architecture Festival's Future Masterplanning category and recognized as a winner of the hashtag Values and Ethics Award! 🏆

Led by Jamie Miller and B+H Biomimicry, we worked with CABN to integrate their sustainable technology with sustainable planning methodologies. The CABN Vision Plan is rooted in our "Living Story" approach, which fosters a deep connection to the land. By understanding the land's needs and characteristics, we're designing a development that harmonizes with nature while addressing the region's growing housing demand.

The CABN Vision Plan is built on two core principles. First, it demonstrates how to create sustainable and affordable housing by integrating with the natural landscape. Second, it showcases the power of innovative design and technology to build resilient communities. We envision the CABN Vision Plan as a blueprint for redefining urban development, where sustainability is at the heart of the design process.

Read more about it: https://buff.ly/3zUOcJT

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Want to learn about the latest in innovative mixed-use developments?

Check out the Real Estate News Exchange (RENX) feature on the ULI Toronto webinar!

This insightful piece dives into the collaborative process behind these projects, featuring a panel discussion moderated by Gail Shillingford, Principal of Planning and Landscape at B+H.

The discussion explores how these developments redefine mixed-use spaces, leverage public-private partnerships, and benefit communities and businesses.

Read more about it:

Public-private ventures on rise to create mixed-use urban spaces A variety of partnerships combining historic public agency land use demands with private sector development projects to create new mixed-use developments are underway or planned in Toronto.

For the past three decades, Redmond has been home to this Tech Company’s corporate office, and the company remains dedicated to investing in the local Puget Sound community as it builds for the future.

In line with the Tech Company’s ongoing commitment to its employees and community, significant efforts were made to modernize the Redmond Headquarters Campus, involving the expansion of four buildings on the campus and a total of 639,150 square feet of interior space.

B+H and LMN Architects collaborated to design the interiors of four office buildings as part of the Tech Company’s Campus Modernization Project in Redmond, WA. The campus interior design was intricately curated to harmoniously combine all design features.

Elements such as materiality, texture, and building form across different scales seamlessly integrate people, nature, and space, creating immersive experiences. The design approach fosters a meaningful connection between the tenants and the surrounding environment, intertwining technology with the human experience.

Photography by Tim Griffith.

Huge thanks to Architizer for naming us one of the "25 Best Architecture Firms in Toronto"! This award goes to our entire team & the incredible clients who inspire us.

Over the past 70+ years, B+H has grown into a leading global design and consulting firm with studios worldwide. We’re so proud to have worked alongside international designers to shape Toronto’s iconic skyline.

Here’s a look back at our history: https://buff.ly/4c4JcjY

See the article "25 Best Architecture Firms in Toronto": https://buff.ly/3Kxe4hf

Helping Shape Toronto's Skyline - B+H Architects As our 70th year winds down and we’re celebrating across our studios, we’re looking back at how we’ve contributed to helping to shape Toronto’s iconic skyline.

We’re thrilled to announce that SickKids Patient Support Centre has won Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)’s Award of Excellence!

SickKids' new Patient Support Centre (PSC) in Toronto is more than just a building - it's a symbol of the hospital's commitment to its staff and community. Designed by B+H, the PSC goes beyond traditional towers by integrating innovative architecture, inspirational workspaces, and sustainable elements. This dynamic environment empowers staff, strengthens the connection between SickKids and its downtown campus, and embodies the hospital's desired culture to its staff and community.

See more: https://buff.ly/3V8X2Mt

Exciting News! Our 70 Years of Design campaign has been honoured with an Award of Merit by the RGD In-House Awards! This year's competition was fierce, with over 250 entries from talented in-house designers around the world. We're thrilled to be recognized among such outstanding work.

Our campaign wasn't just about celebrating our 70th birthday. It was a chance to reflect on B+H's incredible journey as a global design and consulting firm. We showcased our extensive portfolio of iconic projects as a reminder of the impact our work has worldwide.

The campaign highlighted not only our standout projects but also the exceptional talent within our global team. As we strive for continuous growth, innovation, and design excellence, the campaign resonated with audiences across all our studios.

This award wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our amazing team. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making the 70 Years of Design campaign a success!

Global Director of Communications & Branding: Matthew Ventura
Director of Marketing & Communications: Corinne Korytkowski
Marketing & Communications Manager: Valerie Wang
Creative Graphic Design Manager: Ashani Jayasinghe
Creative + Graphic Design Lead, Asia: Karen Lam
Graphic Designers: Daniel D’Souza, Will Xie
And everyone who attended our 70 Years celebration!

Read more about it: https://buff.ly/3K47gHB

See our campaign: https://buff.ly/43DzvnT

The United Bldg on University Avenue in downtown Toronto is undergoing a major transformation! This project marks North America's largest heritage retrofit, revitalizing a historic landmark while creating modern office, retail, and residential spaces. ️

Check out the latest construction progress: https://buff.ly/4dyDw3a

The United Bldg: North America’s largest heritage retrofit - Equipment Journal The United Bldg preserves the 1 heritage facade that pays tribute to this building’s past as the home of the Maclean Publishing Company.

402 Dunsmuir, located in downtown Vancouver, has been highlighted in DailyHive!

This office space embodies the latest workspace design standards, featuring open areas, hot desks, meeting rooms, a variety of breakout spaces, as well as cozy lounge and kitchen areas. The artwork also reflects the unique flair of the local community.

Check out the full article to see how we're shaping the future of office design!
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Inside one of Amazon's new Vancouver office buildings, under new ownership | Urbanized Inside the office complex of 401 Dunsmuir Street and 402 West Georgia Street, including one of Amazon's largest offices in downtown Vancouver.

Central Washington University's new Health Sciences building aimed to create a welcoming and informative environment for students, faculty, and the community. To achieve this, they partnered with B+H's EXD team. Our mission was to craft a program of engaging graphics that would serve a dual purpose: showcasing the six health science programs and emphasizing their collaborative approach to serving the greater community's health needs.

Before the construction of the new Health Sciences building, the six health science programs were spread out across various buildings on campus. Designed specifically for these programs, the building needed the EXD program to have consistent messaging for its user groups.

Public spaces throughout the building were transformed with multi-layered wall installations highlighting CWU’s health science programs. Program-inspired graphics adorn key walls in corridors, labs, and office spaces, aligning visually with their respective functions. The main lab corridors are infused with school spirit through exposed columns painted in an ombre pattern that mirrors CWU's signature colours.

Finally, the building's LEED Gold status takes center stage. A signage program scattered throughout public areas creates a self-guided tour, highlighting the building's sustainable features and solidifying CWU's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Photography Credit:

The Joyce Centre at Mohawk College isn't just achieving net-zero, it's pioneering the future of sustainable buildings. Recognized for its cutting-edge features, The Joyce Centre is celebrating a major milestone by achieving zero-carbon operations for 5 consecutive years.

This accomplishment is recognized through certification by the CAGBC | Canada Green Building Council under the Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard™ (ZCB-Performance), which confirms zero-carbon operations over a 12-month period.

This prestigious certification underscores the Centre's exceptional design and commitment to sustainability. Notably, The Joyce Centre was the first institutional building in Canada to achieve Zero Carbon Building - Design certification in 2017.

Located at Mohawk's Fennell Campus, the 96,000-square-foot facility boasts a large solar PV canopy and utilizes a geothermal energy system for heating and cooling. This innovative design, a collaboration between B+H and mcCallumSather, serves as a model for sustainable building practices.

For this year, we are celebrating The Joyce Centre as a testament to the power of innovation in achieving net-zero goals and inspiring a more sustainable future for academic facilities around the world. 👏🌎

Read more about it: https://buff.ly/3W7q3c9

The Shenzhen Children’s Hospital's Science & Education Building stands as a cutting-edge pediatric facility and emergency center, leading various scientific initiatives nationwide. Connected to the existing hospital, it expands clinical services and integrates new research facilities seamlessly. Emphasizing a "micro-landscape" approach, it blends with the hospital campus, prioritizing safe, nature-connected play areas crucial for children’s well-being and confidence.

With expansive views of Lianhuashan Park and distant mountains, the hospital embraces the concept of "Bringing the Park to the Hospital," inspiring its landscape design. This comprehensive approach seamlessly merges site master planning, architecture, medical planning, and interiors, with landscape integration at its core.

Inspired by the nearby LianHua mountains, the hospital adopts a cascading structure, creating multiple sky gardens and employing geometric cladding resembling foliage. Furthermore, the team took the idea of bringing the park to the hospital to the next level by considering how the landscape design framework could be influenced by the structure of a tree for different zones.

This results in enchanting spaces like park-side performance areas, secret garden nooks, and a whimsical rooftop owl sanctuary. The landscape invites children and families to explore, promoting healing and discovery in safe, natural environments. This philosophy underscores nature’s pivotal role in fostering well-being and healing, reflecting a unique and positive approach to healthcare design.

🏆 The Landscape and Planning Design at Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Science & Education Building, has recently won the Gold Award at the fourth annual Asia Habitat Landscape Award! This award celebrates projects in Asia with outstanding design practices, development initiatives, design institutions, and designers.

Take a sneak peek into the interior design of Lucie, a trendy French fine-dining destination in downtown Toronto. Featured in Design Insider, uncover insights from Bridget Bedard, Design Director at CHIL Interior Design in Toronto.

“Not only did the music of the era connect us to Lucie and Yannick’s memories of her, but it offered us a framework for how the restaurant should feel. Lucie is intimate and moody, while also functioning as a natural extension of its incredible cooking and celebration of contemporary French cuisine.” - Bridget Bedard

Read more about it!

CHIL unveils Lucie: Toronto fine-dining inspired by restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan’s grandmother | Design Insider Lucie, a new fine-dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Toronto, invites visitors to indulge in a world of moody sophistication and modern French cuisine. Designed by interior design studio CHIL, the 70-seat restaurant is an homage to owner and seasoned restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan’s grandm...

🏆 The Landscape and Planning at 11Skies has been recognized for the Merit Award at the fourth annual Asia Habitat Landscape Award! This award celebrates projects in Asia with outstanding design practices, development initiatives, design institutions, and designers.

Situated in Hong Kong, 11Skies sits at the heart of one of the world's busiest travel hubs, attracting millions of visitors each year from both international destinations and the Greater Bay Area. This development is expected to house more than 800 shops, with 120 of them dedicated to dining experiences.

The vision aligns with the overarching project goals in crafting the landscape design for the 5th floor of 11Skies. It provides an immersive oasis where visitors can explore various outdoor areas and amenities, fostering interaction and socialization. From a lookout point offering sweeping views of the airport and bay to a raised garden space and vibrant gathering spots with open plazas, each element contributes to a lively and engaging atmosphere.

The layout plan delineates three interconnected zones, each offering a distinct experience. Designed to promote a sense of community and vitality, these zones serve as focal points where visitors can come together, connect, and immerse themselves in the dynamic environment. From the civic zone as a vibrant gathering place with open plazas and tranquil garden space, each element contributes to a lively and engaging atmosphere.

We’re excited to share two of our projects in Greater China has won awards in the fourth annual Asia Habitat Landscape Award!

This award celebrates excellence in design practices, development enterprises, design institutions, and designers within the realm of Asian Habitat Landscape.

🏆 Gold Winner for Scheme Planning
The Shenzhen Children’s Hospital Science & Education Building

Connected to the existing Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, the Science & Education Building extends clinical services and introduces new research facilities. Its design is centered around creating a "micro-landscape" that seamlessly integrates with the hospital campus.

This building represents a cutting-edge, comprehensive children's hospital and pediatric emergency center, seamlessly integrating medical treatment, healthcare, scientific research, and education. Beyond addressing the medical needs of children in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas, the hospital also serves as a primary training facility for graduate students from several medical universities across China, leading various scientific research initiatives.

🏆 Merit Award for Project Design
11 Skies

11 Skies serves as Hong Kong's largest hub for Retail, Dining and Entertainment, and a gateway to the Greater Bay Area next to airport and HZMB. This development is expected to house more than 800 shops, with 120 of them dedicated to dining experiences.

To conclude our celebration of International Women’s Day, we’ve dedicated the entire month of March on our socials to spotlighting the talented women who work within our global studios.

They shared their perspectives on how to mentor the next generation of women entering the industry and reflected on the industry's progress in terms of gender diversity.

💬 What initiatives or support systems do you believe are essential for empowering the next generation of women entering the profession?

Mentorship is the most effective way to support the next generation of leaders. Having a coach who emulates where you want to be in your career and who will help you grow and realize your full potential will be invaluable in setting you on the path to success. Women in leadership should always seek to coach and mentor the next generation, there is nothing more satisfying!

-Franca Rezza, Principal, Interior Design (Toronto)

💬 How has the architecture & design industry evolved in terms of gender diversity since you began your career, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

In the span of my career, I’ve observed a meaningful evolution in the gender landscape of the architecture and design industry. I feel very lucky that., women have been playing diversity roles in the field when I initially started in the U.S.. It was very heartening to see this as a young architect by the time, and the positive trajectory continues toward greater inclusivity and representation over time. One significant change I’ve witnessed is the increased presence of women in leadership positions within firms and institutions, especially here in B+H. This shift has not only inspired aspiring female architects and designers but has also diversified perspectives, leading to more innovative and inclusive design solutions.

-Yi Han, Architect (Shanghai)

💬 What is your favourite part of working at B+H?

I like the opportunities to work on a variety of unique projects with multiple disciplines, whether it’s landscape design or urban design, community consultation or research. There was a time when I was doing research for indigenous projects, every day I was absorbing tons of articles and films illustrating the local indigenous culture and the bond between people to nature, and that process felt like a spiritual retreat, I was so fortunate to be part of it. There are also tons of opportunities to learn from talented colleagues across the studios via work-in-progress sharing sessions, professional development, etc. Oh, and our office culture is also engaging!

-Celine Li, Urban Designer (Toronto)

International Women's Day 2024 B+H In celebration of International Women's Day, we pledge to by connecting with the talented women across our global studios as they share their unique perspectives on how we can empower the next generation of women entering the profession. At B+H, we are committed to recognizing the con...

An incredible feature of Lucie, the new French fine-dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Designed by interior design studio CHIL, the 70-seat restaurant is an homage to owner and seasoned restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan’s grandmother, Lucie, and their shared love of cooking.

Read more about the intricacies of Lucie's interior design process and inspiration on Archello:

Lucie | CHIL Interior Design | Archello Lucie, a new fine-dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Toronto, invites visitors to indulge in a world of moody sophistication and modern French cuisin...

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating the entire month of March on our socials to spotlighting the talented women who work within our global studios.

They shared their perspectives on women in leadership, their approach to design, and advice they would give to the future generation entering the industry.

💬 How would you describe your approach to design?

"Often my approach is based on the situation. I try to be as pragmatic as I can be. For example, user interviews, surveys, competitor analysis, brainstorming sessions, and other methods are all useful for generating a wide range of concepts. Overall, it’s based on Research, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test-fit."

-Chelsea Li, Associate and Design Lead, Interior Design (Shanghai)

💬 From your perspective, how has the idea of leadership transformed, and in what ways do you believe women can play a role in reshaping and redefining leadership within the workplace?

"Leadership to me means leading by empathy, collaboration, and example. In my opinion, women are natural leaders, adept at juggling priorities, empathizing, nurturing talent, and empowering their team members. Strong female leaders in a team help break barriers and serve as mentors and role models for other women within the workplace. I am fortunate to have an amazing women leader in my team, who makes every day inspiring at work."

-Surbhi Kamboj, Associate - Planning and Landscape (Toronto)

💬 What would you say to your younger self when you were an architecture student or earlier in your career?

"To my younger self, I would say take it easy! I think many things seemed dire at the moment, but looking back, nothing was as severe as it seemed. I would tell myself to enjoy the moment – to have fun during the late-night studio sessions because those were the collective memories that bonded us all so close. I would also advise myself to take more risks and be more ambitious with my projects. We don’t realize until after we are out of school that we will never again have such unique programs to design for with so few constraints."

-Annie Wang, Intern Architect (Toronto)

💬 How have you enabled the development of other women you work with?

"I find great satisfaction in seeing some of our women leaders in our Greater China studios whom I have mentored over the years grow in their confidence and step up to be exemplary leaders. I actively participated in and led women empowerment programs. I initiated various International Women’s Day studio events, engaging the younger female generation to share their insights as architects and designers in a male-dominated industry."

-Susanna Swee, Managing Principal, Greater China | Executive Vice President, Asia

International Women's Day 2024 B+H In celebration of International Women's Day, we pledge to by connecting with the talented women across our global studios as they share their unique perspectives on how we can empower the next generation of women entering the profession. At B+H, we are committed to recognizing the con...

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating the entire month of March on our socials to spotlighting the talented women who work within our global studios.

Here’s what they had to say:

💬 From your perspective, how has the idea of leadership transformed, and in what ways do you believe women can play a role in reshaping and redefining leadership within the workplace?

“Nowadays, I see more emphasis on leaders who are great at fostering collaboration within their team or who have the mindset of “leading from behind.” It’s possible this cultural shift is happening in part because women are holding more leadership positions in many different industries, and can shape the culture of organizations meaningfully. I think we’re getting better at recognizing the unique value of having different leadership styles and the people-oriented, relationship-building skills that are traditionally seen as feminine. I hope we will continue to see this shift as we build a more balanced society and move towards an equitable future for all.”

-Emmanuelle Sainté, Senior Proposal Specialist, Toronto

💬 How has the architecture & design industry evolved in terms of gender diversity since you began your career, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

“I started my design career 17 years ago and admittedly it’s still not a very gender diverse industry. Opposite of other typical industries, It’s still female-dominated. But, I am seeing more progression of males in the industry, which adds new perspective and energy. Another change I see is the younger generation being in more leadership roles rather than leaning toward the more well-seasoned, which allows for more diverse and progressive outlooks.”

-Karen Wong, Director of Practice, CHIL, Vancouver

💬 What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?

In the male-dominated industry, women’s voice often get un-noticed, let along our presence. I’ve always had to get opinions valued more and be louder, especially with various consultants and GC workers. However, once you stick out your neck for yourself, everything flows from there, and respect and appreciation will be earned.

-Ningyuan Cai, Interior Designer, Shanghai

Read more about it:

International Women's Day 2024 B+H In celebration of International Women's Day, we pledge to by connecting with the talented women across our global studios as they share their unique perspectives on how we can empower the next generation of women entering the profession. At B+H, we are committed to recognizing the con...

For International Women’s Month, we chatted with the talented women across our global studios, exploring ways the architectural industry can support and .

Here’s what they had to say:

💬 Could you share one piece of advice for young women who have a passion for the design and architecture industry?

“Don’t get discouraged and overwhelmed by everything there is to learn. The field of architecture might seem daunting at first since there are many different paths you can take and aspects you can focus on. For example, you can focus on design, or you can focus on working drawings. And each of these two paths is like an expansive universe in itself – you will never run out of things to learn. It was liberating for me to eventually accept this fact and choose to look at work through a more curious lens, instead of getting discouraged about what I don’t know.”
- Ema Graci, Architect, Toronto

💬 Who are some women in architecture you admire or are inspired by?

Lin Huiyin(林徽因)is my spiritual mentor. She showed courage and determination in pursuing a career in architecture at a time when it was uncommon for women, to break barriers and make significant contributions to the field. Lin Huiyin demonstrated intellectual curiosity through her diverse interests in architecture, literature, and history, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of the world around her.
- Ruo Chen, Senior Urban Designer/Architect, Shanghai

💬 What is something a well-designed building/space can’t exist without?

People! At the center of a well-designed building is a concept that responds to the ‘human’ factor; who is using this space, how will they be interacting with it, how can we improve their experience, and how do we want to make them feel? As a member of the Healthcare Team, this human factor is a part of our ethos to design spaces that support not just patients, but also families, staff, and visitors. Our mission is to improve the human experience through design and create spaces that can contribute to physical and mental well-being for a wide spectrum of users.
- Katherine Locker, Healthcare Designer, Toronto

💬 How has the architecture & design industry evolved in terms of gender diversity since you began your career, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

“People used to perceive that men dominated the architecture & design industry. However, I think this is a bias on a certain level. The fact is, in the past, women did not have many opportunities to join work fields. The convention ‘needs’ them to stay at home and do all sorts of housework, including cooking, laundry, and parenting. Nowadays, women are fabulous and shine in every field with their talents, capability, inclusiveness, and many more.”
- Coco Lin, Principal and Director of Healthcare, Shanghai

Read more about their perspectives here: https://buff.ly/3uW9F35