Press Releases December 5, 2024

Perkins&Will Opens New Studio in Calgary’s Design District

The firm’s workplace breathes new life into a 1920s storefront to create design solutions that drive urban revitalization.

CALGARY, ALBERTA—Architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has unveiled its new Calgary studio in the historic Glenbow building at 822 11th Avenue SW, in the heart of the city’s bustling Beltline neighbourhood.

This strategic move to a public-facing workspace reflects the firm’s vision for a beautiful, sustainable, and equitable downtown through placemaking, adaptive reuse, and community-centric design.

“Opening our Calgary studio in the Glenbow building reflects our belief that design should be a catalyst and a source of inspiration for the community,” says architect Kaz Bremner, who co-leads Perkins&Will’s Calgary studio. “Here, sustainability meets public engagement. This new chapter allows us to turn our workplace into a launchpad for collaboration and innovation, where diverse voices come together to create meaningful change.”

The open space serves as an engine of collaboration, celebrating the existing structure while showcasing our work in full view.

A natural material palette complements the daylit space to create a timeless design and foster creativity.

The project transforms what was once a restaurant on the street-level of an iconic 1921 red brick building into a modern, high-performing creative environment. The design prioritizes health and well-being, with a focus on pursuing WELL® and RESET Air® certifications. Strategies like healthy material selection, quality lighting, continuous air quality monitoring, and controllable comfort systems all center on supporting human health. The adaptive reuse approach revitalizes the existing street frontage while leveraging the structure’s embodied carbon. Reused furniture and low-carbon materials further reduce the project’s carbon footprint. The new studio also features amenities that promote active mobility, including end-of-trip bicycle facilities—elements that contribute to a livelier scene and increased foot traffic throughout the day.

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by lounge area that doubles as a space for hosting events and the creative process, looking out onto 11th Avenue SW. This gathering space both activates the street and offers a space for the design community to gather and collaborate.

With room to host events the studio creates a warm welcoming environment for staff and the community.

Bike parking, ebike charging, and an end of trip shower and change room promotes active transportation.

The building owner, Allied Properties REIT, is a long-time leader in adaptive reuse projects across Canada. Allied’s investment in heritage properties has added value for tenants while enhancing the urban character and richness of our cities.

“We’re delighted to see this space occupied by Perkins&Will, who share our commitment to creating sustainable workspaces,” says Phil Armstrong, director of development for Allied Properties. “Our organization has long focused on adaptive reuse, and we believe the Calgary studio is a prime example of how thoughtful renewal can foster an environment of wellness, creativity, and collaboration within an existing space, while retaining the unique character of the building.”

Recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, Perkins&Will is known for its pioneering sustainability efforts across the country, including the Energy Environment Experiential Learning building at the University of Calgary and 128 3rd Avenue SW, a mixed-use development in Chinatown. Since expanding its presence in 2019, the Calgary studio has delivered services to clients such as the City of Calgary, The Confluence, Hull Services, and the University of Calgary.

Bringing life to the 100 year-old facade of The Glenbow Building the studio creates a visual connection to the street.

We’ve been working in Calgary for over 20 years on a range of project types, from multi-family residential and institutional to commercial, civic and cultural, and transportation, and we’re proud to be part of its story. This city’s potential is extraordinary, and we’re excited to partner with clients and the community to build a thriving, inspiring future together.

Derek Newby, managing director of the Calgary studio of Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will Opens New Studio in Calgary’s Design District

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