Press Releases October 3, 2024

Perkins&Will’s New Vancouver Studio Levels Up on Well-Being and Sustainability

Breathing fresh life into the iconic Arthur Erickson Place while honouring its architectural legacy

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA—Global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has unveiled its new Vancouver studio at 1075 West Georgia Street, located in the renowned Arthur Erickson Place in the heart of the city’s central business district. Designed to meet rigorous well-being and sustainability goals, the renovation reimagines the 22nd floor of the heritage tower while celebrating its timeless architecture.

Adjusting to a post pandemic world, the move allowed the firm to incorporate lessons learned about evolving workplace trends to create a workplace that supports emerging methods of collaboration, flexibility, and employee wellness.

Guided by Perkins&Will’s Living Design framework for excellence, the studio is the result of extensive collaboration and engagement with staff on design for health and well-being, resilience and regeneration, community and inclusion, and research and innovation. Furthermore, the workplace meets the requirements of the firm’s Decarbonization Policy and Green Operations Plan that are central to meeting global commitments.

A focus on natural materials, earth tones, daylight, and openness create a welcoming feeling.

“Making Arthur Erickson Place our home marks an important evolution for our studio,” says Derek Newby, managing director and principal at Perkins&Will. “We are delighted to inhabit this place that has been a steadfast feature of our city for so long. We look to contribute to its story, reflecting the work that we do for our clients while representing our values and commitments to health and sustainability.”

The studio respects and complements the building’s original design intent, amplifying a holistic approach to wellness. Maintaining the integrity of the building’s offset halves, deeply recessed windows, and indirectly lit coffered ceilings allows for abundant natural light and views to enter while tempered with glare control. Consistent with the building architecture, the colour and materials palette are inspired by Canadian artist Emily Carr’s west coast artwork, creating a connection to nature with natural healthy materials, a green wall, and warm earthy tones.

“We are thrilled to welcome Perkins&Will to Arthur Erickson Place,” says Andrew Kirkham, vice president, Western Canada, KingSett Capital. “Their dedication to sustainability and decarbonization aligns perfectly with our vision for this iconic building. The stunning design of their studio demonstrates that through thoughtful adaptation and innovative practices, we can preserve architectural heritage while embracing the future of environmentally responsible development.”

The brutalist building’s ample daylight and views, amenities, and proximity to transit—in addition to its recently achieved CaGBC Zero Carbon Building—Performance Standard™ and LEED Platinum® certifications—provides an ideal home for the firm’s design practice and proves that through adaptive reuse, well designed architecture can be enduring and high performing. The studio is targeting complementary certifications—WELL and RESET Air—as part of its commitment to a healthy workplace.

Using a circular design approach, the team selected material components and parts from the previous studio to give them a second life; they were reused, reassembled, or reimagined for a wide variety of uses, such as desks and shelving. The design of the space reduces embodied carbon emissions by more than half.

Embracing the needs and expectations of today’s workplace, the studio offers flexibility and choice in a comfortable, inviting, and inspirational environment. A variety of spaces, seating, and working options meet different needs throughout the day. Spaces include a reconfigurable design forum, a quiet room with library, open collaboration areas, meeting rooms, phone booths, and a model room. An expansive café/living room greets visitors, welcoming in the broader community.

It is a privilege to have our studio reside at the acclaimed Arthur Erickson Place. Like the building, our space is inspired by the West Coast landscape, bringing wellness to the forefront as we create a forward-thinking workplace that fits the needs of staff now and into the future.

Rufina Wu, design director and associate principal at Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will’s New Vancouver Studio Levels Up on Well-Being and Sustainability

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