Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary

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G i b b s Gage

pride

passion

people

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

Celebrating 2003 - 2008

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GGA 25th Anniversary TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome

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Success is in the Details

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Looking Back

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Bringing the Inside Out

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The Impact Years

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Building Dreams

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A Culture of Collaboration

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Air Traffic Control

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Impact by Design

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Taking Care of Business

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Pride and Joy

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Making It Work

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Provoking Thought

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Technology Meets Humanity

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The Renovators

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Remember When

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Scraping the Sky

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The Next 25 Years

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The Interpreters

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Working Together

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Designing for the Big Picture

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Published by: Business in Calgary, 1025, 101 – 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3P4 • Tel: 403.264.3270 info@businessincalgary.com

Publisher: OT Communications Director of Custom Publishing: Bernie Cooke

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Fax: 403.264.3276

www.businessincalgary.com

Art Direction & Design : Jason Welisch, Gibbs Gage Architects Cher Compton, Business in Calgary Ad Design: Kenji Doshida

Writer: Camie Leard

Photography Credits: Mathieson & Hewitt Photographers – Partners Page 6, Management Page 9, Group Shot Pages 36-37 Camie Leard – Team Photos Pages 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 52, 54 Bruce Edward Photography – Interpipeline Page 39 Caminus Photography, www.thecaminus.com – Mountain Park School Page 15, Monterey Park School Page 16, Deerfoot Meadows Page 20, Livingston Place Page 26, DMT Corporation & Centrium Pages 28-39, Southland Park Page 40 Scott Gage – St. Albert The Great Church Page 16 Tucker Photography – Crowfoot West Business Centre Page 23 Lemermeyer Photography – Cardel Place Page 29, University of Lethbridge Page 29

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

Celebrating 2003 - 2008

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GGA 25th Anniversary WELCOME Gibbs Gage Architects celebrates a quarter Century As the firm moves forward into the next quarter century it intends to evolve the sound fundamentals that were the driving force behind the firm that carried it through the past quarter of a century.

We take enormous PRIDE in our accomplishments over the past 25 years, growing from two young architects in 1983 to a firm 130 people with over $2.5 billion of work under construction on its 25th Anniversary. Our loyal clients, consultants and contractors have stood by the firm in its quest to change the landscape of our City and Region. We take pride in all of our projects, large and small, diverse in building type, urban and rural and the impact they have had on the lives of the users.

We approach every assignment with the same PASSION today as we had 25 years ago. All members of our firm thoroughly enjoy what we do, the accomplishments we have made and remain dedicated to the success of each and every project. These accomplishments can’t happen without a genuine commitment to this profession and the genuine passion to strive for perfection each time.

Ultimately it’s the PEOPLE you work with that are responsible for the success of the firm. Our firm is built on team work and it’s because of the dedication and talent of the Gibbs Gage team that we have achieved a level of success that has surpassed even our most ambitious imagination.

We could have never accomplished what we have without the extraordinary people who’ve contributed to the firm over the past 25 years. From our dedicated team of administrative support, to the talented technical people, to inspired designers, and to a management team unparalleled in this City – we dedicate this 25th Anniversary profile to you.

For the next quarter century look for the same commitment to Pride, Passion and People.

From Left to Right: Rick Lewis, Vince Dods, Wade Gibbs, Stephen Mahler, Doug Gage

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

GGA History LOOKING BACK One of calgary’s most successful architectural firms built on solid relationships Relationships have always formed the foundation of success for Wade Gibbs and Doug Gage. Having met in an environmental studies class at the University of Manitoba in 1970, and later completing their masters degrees together, the two forged a friendship that has spanned nearly 40 years and has resulted in one of the city’s largest and most prolific architectural firms.

even lending them furniture when potential clients visited the office.

With the help of their friends and colleagues (not to mention the assistance of the Royal Bank), Gibbs Gage gradually built its portfolio and its credibility in the marketplace as an innovative firm focused

Gibbs Gage moved to the Burns Building in 1985 and has steadily grown its footprint from 1,800 square feet in a corner of the fourth floor to 25,000 square feet on three floors. With over 130 staff working on numerous signature projects, Gibbs Gage is riding another boom in Calgary – this time on their terms. With major office projects

OLYMPIC PLAZA

“We found early on that we shared some fundamental philosophies about design and our approach to business,” says Gibbs. “We respected each other not only as architects but as people.”

Both Gibbs and Gage heard the call of boomtown in the late 1970s and made their way to Calgary amidst a massive expansion of the downtown core and good times for anyone involved in construction. They worked for the same firm here in the City, building relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues. The opportunity to start their own firm came after a little government initiative called the National Energy Program sent Calgary reeling.

Nevermind that the city had hit a major economic slump in 1983, the two young architects thought it was a grand time to start a new firm, relying on relationships they’d built through the early years in their careers.

“We felt that despite the economic downturn, we had the support of clients, suppliers and friends,” says Gage. “We were confident that we could be successful if we remained focused on quality design and excellent service to our clients.”

Setting up shop in 700 square feet at the eastern fringe of the downtown core, the pair dry-walled and built furniture during the day and did project work at night.

Suppliers and friends like Ken Junck of Keen Engineering and Gerry Stebnicki of Stebnicki + Partners and clients like former Calgary mayor Al Duerr (who was with Melcor at the time) rallied around the two sending them work wherever possible and

on service and building lasting relationships with its clients. Projects grew in size and scope from small town RCMP detachments to large urban parkades, shopping centres and – a major coup – Olympic Plaza in honour of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

like Centrium and Jamieson Place on the books and innovative facilities like Calgary’s first LEED Gold building, Cardel Place, in its portfolio, Gibbs Gage is having a major impact on Calgary’s skyline and the future of design in this city.

“Having a hand in the design of Olympic Plaza is a highlight of our history,” says Gibbs. “The Olympics touched this city in a profound way and to be a part of the lasting legacy of Olympic Plaza is an honour we don’t take lightly.”

“It’s an exciting time to be an architect in Calgary,” says Gage. “And because of the reputation and the portfolio we’ve built over the last 25 years, we are able to be a part of the future of this city – to have a real influence on the skyline and creating communities that work.”

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GGA Last Five Years THE IMPACT YEARS In the last five years Gibbs Gage has solidified its place as a leader with rapid growth and involvement in some of Calgary’s largest construction projects

of oil, explosive immigration, massive growth in infrastructure and major development of inner city and suburban communities has catapulted the city onto the international stage as one of the world’s most vibrant economies. And while the city has come into its own over the last five years, Gibbs Gage has been growing right along with it.

the city’s skyline develops, you can see Gibbs Gage’s impact immediately.

“The projects have become bigger and more complex,” says Allen Deboer, an Associate with the firm. “There is a trend towards mixed use developments and diversity in all sectors.”

But it isn’t just the core in which you can see Gibbs Gage’s influence. The firm has worked on signature projects all over the city and throughout the region including Cardel Place – the City of Calgary’s first LEED™ Gold certified project that sets the standard for sustainable design in the city.

The firm has had a hand in facilities spanning business sectors including retail (like the major Deerfoot Meadows development in the city’s south), educational (such as Notre Dame High School in the city’s northwest), residential /mixed use (like the innovative urban village Keynote in the city’s core), industrial, health and wellness (Talisman Centre Expansion) and others.

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While the booming economy has certainly had an impact on Gibbs Gage’s growth, the firm’s management believes the team would have been successful regardless.

“As

As the city’s skyline develops, you can see Gibbs Gage’s impact immediately. Major office developments like Livingston Place, 8th Avenue Place, Centrium Place, Jamieson Place, Palliser Towers and others, have and will continue to shape not only the way the core looks and feels, but the way people work in the city and what we expect of our architecture.

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“Our interior design team offers a full scope of services for our projects,” says interior design manager James Paterson. “So, we are able to see our projects through for our clients from start to finish, by designing from the inside out as well as the outside in.”

“This office would likely have been a success even if the economy hadn’t boomed,” says Dave Skaret, an Associate. “Our commitment to our clients and our experience in a wide range of projects would have sustained our growth.”

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From 70 employees in 2003 to more than 130 in 2008, Gibbs Gage has nearly doubled in sized and managed to attract and hold onto some of the city’s best design and production talent not only by providing an innovative and rewarding workplace, but by landing some of Calgary’s most coveted projects.

The evolution of a specialized interior design team has also contributed to the firm’s growth in both people and service offering.

Ed Sych, a Senior Associate and 24-year employee, agrees.

“Obviously a hot market in the province of Alberta is a factor,” he says. “However, we have worked very hard over the years to attain the recognition from our clients for providing an exceptional professional service in the design and delivery of their buildings. In my opinion, the high level of service we strive to achieve has resulted in a repeat clientele that has contributed greatly to our rapid growth.”

“ This office would likely have been a success even if the economy hadn’t boomed...

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The last five years have been catalytic for Calgary. A healthy price

As many Calgary companies, this rapid growth has presented a number of challenges including staffing and organizational issues.

But Gibbs Gage has been committed to meeting the challenges headon and has responded with an innovative organizational structure.

“We’ve often been asked how a firm of 130 people is so well organized,” says Doug Gage, senior partner and firm founder. “We anticipated growth and structured the management team to provide the hands-on commitment to both our clients and staff.”

Each of the firm’s managers are responsible for a team within the organization – a structure that allows consistency from an employee and a client perspective and builds an environment of teamwork and cooperation.

Wade Wheeler, a technical associate, says the approach also fosters an environment of learning.

“It allows us to share expertise and gives employees direct access to the management group,” he says. “This encourages mentoring and the sharing of knowledge.”

“We have a management group of 14 people and our people feel like they’re an integral part of the firm,” he says. “And that makes for a great environment and great work.”

As Gibbs Gage stands at the landmark 25th anniversary, the partners and management team look back at the firm’s tremendous growth and forward to continued innovation and commitment to service.

“If we maintain the high standard of service we provide, the rest will take care of itself,” says Sych.

“ We have a management group of 14 people and our people feel like they’re an integral part of the firm...

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“Our management structure is basically built around creating smaller firms within a larger firm,” says Sych. “This helps maintain a small studio working atmosphere and fosters a better team approach to our work.”

Gage says the culture of “ownership” created by the management structure keeps employees involved and invested.

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Dave Ackerman, Wade Wheeler, Ken Preeper, Dave Skaret, Harold Bichel, James Paterson, Allen Deboer, Paul Burns, Vince Dods, Doug Gage, Wade Gibbs, Rick Lewis, Stephen Mahler, Ed Sych

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GGA People A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION Cooperation, mentorship and teamwork create the culture at Gibbs Gage

You don’t have to be in Gibbs Gage’s offices for long before you feel it. This is a great place to work.

Laughter permeates the hallways and a genuine investment in the work is evident by excited conversations wafting through open doors. This is a place where teamwork is fundamental and the firm’s very structure was created to foster collaboration, mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Daren Blair is a designer in the firm; he says the company’s culture contributes directly to the quality of the work.

“You can always get input from the managers and the people around you,” he says.

“You learn from them. You take from them their expertise. We all bounce ideas off of one another and you end up with a better product because of it.”

Annick Simoneau, a technologist, agrees.

“I have been here a number of years and I’m still learning,” she says. “There is a vast sea of experience here and everyone is willing to share it.”

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“One of the successful elements of this firm is the fact that I can take an idea to my manager or one of the partners and it has a

From day one, the partners at Gibbs Gage have been clear about their priorities when it comes to their people: health first, family second, work third. If an employee needs time off to deal with a family or health issue, there are no questions asked.

This people-centric policy has successfully created an environment in which employees believe their best interest is at heart – because it is. The result is a level of comfort between employees and management that make them not only colleagues, but also friends.

“ From

Gibbs Gage is organized into a number of different teams, which not only creates the atmosphere of small firms within a large firm, but also cultivates an open-door atmosphere that encourages the asking of questions and guidance of the senior staff.

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Beyond the day-to-day sharing of knowledge and experience, Gibbs Gage also makes more formal education available to employees through lunch-and-learn sessions, ongoing in-house training, support of continuing education and joint venture partnerships that bring in specialists from all over the world in various disciplines.

day one, the partners at Gibbs Gage have been clear about their priorities when it comes to their people: health first, family second, work third.

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“We value life-long learning and continuing education in the profession of architecture,” says Ed Sych, senior associate and long-term employee.

“We believe in enjoying what we do and being proud of our achievements and stressing the importance within our management group of mentoring our staff and implementing internal teaching programs that we offer to our people.”

One of the results of this open communication and willingness to share knowledge is the encouragement of innovative thought and approaches to employees’ work.

Younger employees are also encouraged to share their ideas and often bring to the table something the more seasoned professionals may not have thought of.

chance to take flight,” says Spencer Cutten, a junior architect who recently joined the firm. “Everyone on the team is good at seeing the potential of an idea and spending the time develop the concept.”

“There’s no such thing as a dumb idea,” says Wade Gibbs, partner. “In our recent projects everyone on my team has had ideas put into the drawings and presented to the client – everyone contributes.”

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean every idea sees the light of day. Marten Rhead is a designer who has been with Gibbs Gage for a number of years.

“There is a healthy commitment to honesty here,” he says. “If your solution is really good, or not so good, someone will tell you and solutions that don’t work don’t tend to last.”

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

Doug Gage, partner, says creating solid relationships within teams is one of the fundamentals of the firm’s management structure.

“Employees have direct access to their management,” he says. “It’s a hands-on, one-on-one relationship with someone who is a decision-maker within the firm.”

The result is close ties between staff and their managers.

“It’s rewarding to know that an employee is comfortable coming to you with personal issues because of the relationship you’ve built with them,” says Harold Bichel, a Technical Associate. “And that we’re willing and able to help in any way we can.”

other activities. It really helps bring people together outside of the office so that they are more understanding and able to work together under the stress of a project.”

Having teams that work well together is the result of not only social interaction outside the office, but also of matching people and personalities within the work environment.

“One of the benefits of working for a firm this size is that there is always a place for you under a manager whose style fits yours,” says Dave Ackerman, a Technical Manager.

Having this “second family” at work is a notion supported by an active social committee that ensures staff can have fun together – not only at work, but outside of the office as well.

“We have a ‘work hard, play hard’ attitude,” says Rick Lewis, partner.

“Our social committee makes sure there is ample opportunity to play.”

Chad Russill is a designer who serves on the social committee. He says getting to know people outside of work makes it easier to deal with each other in the office.

“We organize one social event a month,” he says. “We have an annual hockey game at the Saddledome, we participate in the corporate challenge, have an annual soccer game, a camping trip and a lot of

“People gravitate to people they like and to the style of manager they’ll work best with,” Wade Wheeler, a Technical Associate says. “For Dave and I, our management style is personality focused.

We look for people who will fit well with the team. You can always train someone on the skills end of things, but you have to be a cohesive group to meet some deadlines under sometimes stressful conditions.”

With a combination of people-centric policies, small-team structure and a dedication to learning and mentorship, Gibbs Gage has created a culture that has worked for 25 years.

Partner Vince Dods sums it up best: “We’ve been able to maintain a great culture out of the sense of respect we have for one another and for our employees,” he says. “When you have that mutual respect as a foundation, everything else flows from there.”

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Keynote Development Corporation and Balboa Land Investments greatly appreciate the consistent, collaborative professionalism exhibited by the partners and staff at Gibbs Gage Architects. Congratulations on 25 years of business successes and best wishes for many more.

WWW.KEYNOTECALGARY.COM

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

U N I V E R S I T Y O F LET H BRI D GE S P ORT & W ELLN ES S C EN T RE

D E E R F O O T M E AD OW S

I BM C ORP ORAT E PAR K

G AR R ISO N WO O D S

Morguard congratulates Gibbs Gage Architects on their 25th Anniversary and look forward to our continuing, successful relationship.

Alberta Treasury Branch

Southland Park 4

Gibbs Gage Architects Morguard Investments Limited is one of Canada`s largest real estate investment and management companies. With more than $6.9 billion in assets under management, we provide a full range of real estate portfolio, asset, and property management services.

505 3RD STREET S.W., SUITE 200 CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 3E6 T 403.266.1695

WWW.MORGUARD.COM

MISSISSAUGA MONTREAL OTTAWA WINNIPEG EDMONTON VANCOUVER VICTORIA NEW YORK

Celebrating 2003 - 2008

905.281.3800 450.446.4004 613.237.6373 204.632.9500 780.421.8000 604.681.9474 250.383.8093 212.332.2727

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GGA Design IMPACT BY DESIGN John MacKinnon has been an architect in Calgary since 1980. He says the difference between the last boom and the current market, is that designers can have more of an impact due to experience and a change in attitude.

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Vince Dods, Simon Fernandes, Jeremy Schneider, Andrea Vostermans-Zado, John MacKinnon Chito Pabustan, Stephanie Yeung Absent: Silvia Scandella, David Wittman

A primary focus of the design team led by Gibbs Gage Partner Vince Dods is improving the quality of the communities by design which responds to the urban context. An example of this is the Beltline region, south of downtown core and the CPR tracks, in which a number of projects are currently redeveloping the area.

“In the ’80s no one cared what happened in the Beltline,” says Chito Pabustan. “Now, with a renewed focus on the area, we can see what’s possible when design reaches from the sidewalk to the skyline.”

“Palliser South will bridge downtown and the Beltline through a pathway that will encourage business and pedestrian traffic south of 9th Avenue,” he says. “Up until now, there have been safety concerns and a hesitance on the part of pedestrians to use the area. We’re hopeful that this project will inspire confidence in the vibrancy of the Beltline and bring the people back to the area through the extension of the downtown core.”

ENMAX DISTRICT ENERGY FACILITY

Through its work on large scale projects like Keynote, a mixed use development, on Macleod Trail and Palliser South between 9th and 10th Avenues, this team is making an impact on the Beltline by bringing a renewed sense of pride, safety and accessibility to the area.

“The Keynote project is significant due to its scale and the positive impact on the community,” says Dods. “The design intent is to create a mixed-use urban village that will set the standard for what the community development can attain in the Beltline.”

Palliser South, says Simon Fernandes, will provide a conduit between the downtown core and the Beltline that will bring some of the life from north of 9th Avenue into the Beltline.

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

“When I came here in 1980, Calgary was experiencing a major boom and the attitude was to build quick, dirty and cheap,” he says. “There was no ambition to create good urban design. Now that the client base is more mature and refined and there’s a realization that the people who moved to Calgary for the opportunity are not ‘going home,’ there’s more thought being put into the design of our buildings and how developments will have a lasting impact on the community at large.”

Stephanie Yeung says Gibbs Gage is in a unique position to be able to make a difference.

“The size of the company and the reputation it’s built over 25 years puts us in a position to have an influence on the future of Calgary,” she says. “We can influence the sustainability and cultural significance of our work as well as educate our clients about how to make Calgary a better place in the long term.”

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

KEYNOTE

MOUNTAIN PARK SCHOOL PALLISER SQUARE

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GGA Production PRIDE AND JOY The folks at Gibbs Gage have a lot to be proud of. They’ve worked on some of the city’s most prestigious projects; their team consists of some of the most talented people in the business; their firm is recognized as a leader in the industry; and, well, you can’t throw a rock in the city’s core without hitting a Gibbs Gage building.

“We did $2.5 billion in work last year,” says James Simpson, a technologist on the team led by Wade Wheeler and Dave Ackerman. “It’s pretty neat to work for a major player that has a hand in these kinds of high profile projects.”

This team has worked on a multitude of projects ranging from office towers to schools to recreation centres to warehouses.

The uniting factor is they take pride in a job well done, no matter the size or scope.

“I’ve been in this industry nine years and I still point out the first project I ever worked on,” says Peter Thompson. “It’s a little wall with a gate and when I walk by with a friend, I say, ‘I did that.’”

Wayne Lockhart says the variety of projects was one of the things that drew him to the firm.

“One of the reasons I came to Gibbs Gage was because of the variety of projects I could work on,” he says. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done on the Palliser redevelopment.” This particular project sees the team redeveloping the area surrounding the city’s most famous landmark – the Calgary Tower.

The result of a variety of work led by a team of experienced professionals is a vast opportunity for learning – a fact the younger generation of technologists on this team appreciates. Aaron McCracken is a recent hire.

“I learned more in eight months at Gibbs Gage than I did in two years at school,” he says. “It’s been an incredible experience so far.”

But perhaps the thing that brings this team the most pride and joy is when the clients are thrilled with the work.

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From Back to Front, Left to Right: Aaron McCracken, Wayne Lockhart, David Ho, Peter Thompson, Shane Golka, Justin Legault, Gord Brown, Jason Fahlman, James Simpson, Mahmoud Gomaa, Wade Wheeler, Dave Ackerman, Tumi Aderibigbe, Gabriela Constantinescu, Carolyn Hryniw, Jolene Kozack Absent: Lawrence Whelan

“We have a lot of repeat clients,” says Gord Brown.

“And 99.9 per cent of the time, they’re happy with the product we provide.” And it’s not just clients.

ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CHURCH

“It’s very rewarding when you get positive feedback from the other companies and other professionals we work with,” says Tumi Aderbigbe.

And while team Ackerman/ Wheeler is certainly proud of their work, and the firm they work for, they’re also very proud of one another.

“We work so well together,” says Ackerman. “We’re two teams, side by side, helping each other do great things.

When a client brings a project to us, they know they’re getting a Class A team. And we’re very proud of that.”

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

MONTEREY PARK SCHOOL

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

PONTEFINO

EAGLE RIDGE RESIDENTIAL PALLISER SQUARE

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We Would Like to Congratulate Gibbs Gage on Their 25th Corporate Anniversary.

We Wish You Continued Success.

Ste. #200, 4393-14th Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7A9 Ph: (403) 276-1001 Fax: (403) 276-1012 info@jubileeengineering.com • www.jubileeengineering.com

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS on your 25th anniversary!

We’re proud to be your colleague and partner!

Group2 Architecture Engineering Ltd. Calgary > Red Deer > Edmonton www.group2.ab.ca

pride passion people

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GGA Design PROVOKING THOUGHT Architecture in Calgary is changing.

From a trend towards large-scale, mixeduse developments, to a renewed interest in and focus on novel design, the climate for architects is opening up and presenting an opportunity to advocate change, inspire and provoke thought through innovation.

Gibbs Gage partner Rick Lewis and Design Associate, Allen Deboer’s team is excited about the shift.

“Architecture is much more interesting these days,” says Serguy Ryutin. “There is more room for creativity which is an exciting prospect for a designer.”

vehicles. Mixed-use projects make it easier for people to live, work and play in their own communities.

off each other and the work benefits from the give and take of the client and the designer.”

“The City is making it easier to develop projects that don’t fit into the typical cookiecutter patterns,” says Jason McMullen.

“There is an openness to solutions that address the broader needs of the community.”

It’s this interaction between designer and client that Barry Sullivan says makes his job fun.

The team says a more educated public has also influenced the swing towards holistic development.

“The general public is more aware of design and more interested in its application in

“To go into a meeting and get the client excited about your ideas is what it’s all about,” he says. “To see their eyes light up and to build on their enthusiasm makes the work so much more rewarding.”

Through work on projects like Deerfoot Meadows retail development in Calgary’s south and Eagle Ridge residential development in Ft. McMurray, this design team is not only riding the wave of change, but also helping to set its direction.

“As designers, our role is to push things and provide our clients with what’s coming next,” says Deboer. “To take their projects into the future.”

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Sergey Ryutin, Caterina McNiven, Jason McMullen, Daren Blair, Allen Deboer, Paul van Ellenberg, Chad Russill, Leaf Bagnariol, Rick Lewis, Shaun Labossiere, Jamie Clark, Barry Sullivan

Jamie Clark says Calgary has reached a point where it’s ready for catalytic change.

“The city is currently feeling some angst as people realize we’re falling behind other cities in the world,” he says. “And with the tremendous growth Calgary is currently experiencing, there is a conscious effort to not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

The result is a shift towards buildings that contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the city and its citizens. Residential development in the core encourages more pedestrian traffic and less reliance on motor GGA

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their communities,” says Daren Blair.

“It gives us a great deal of satisfaction when non-designers can catch what we do and appreciate the design intent.”

Clark agrees. “If a project can provoke thought and make the average person take note, that means it’s a success,” he says. And that success catches on and contributes to the excitement of the next project.

Paul van Ellenberg describes the building momentum: “It’s like a snowball effect where the more the client knows, the more he can push the work,” he says. “We feed Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS ERNST & YOUNG TOWER In association with WZMH Architects

MANCHESTER OFFICE PARK

DEERFOOT MEADOWS

SETON MARKET STREET

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GGA Production THE RENOVATORS There’s something to be said for a clean slate. While site issues, urban context and personalities present challenges for new buildings, starting from scratch means control from day one. Renovations, on the other hand, mean using creativity and innovation to work new ideas into an existing space – and existing challenges.

When Gibbs Gage lands a complex renovation project, chances are they’ll call upon the production team led by Paul Burns.

While this team doesn’t work exclusively on renos, it has completed some of the firm’s biggest renovation projects – making its members in-house experts in the process.

Take, for example, the Mancal Building on 6th Avenue. One of the city’s early phone exchanges, the massive brick structure featured the first elevator in Alberta. When the Mancal Group bought the building, Gibbs Gage was commissioned to not only convert the space to offices, but also to add a parkade underneath the structure.

Another iconic project in the area that the firm is working on is the phase two development of the Roundup Centre at Stampede Park.

Kellee Grounds worked on the project.

“It was a challenging and rewarding project,” she says. “Every project is different and every client is unique. There’s a constant learning curve and it’s a good feeling when you meet or exceed the client’s expectations.”

The team also worked on the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane, which involves a major expansion of an existing field house, incorporating a hockey rink, indoor soccer pitch, gymnasium and fitness area.

“There were a lot of interesting details on that project,” says Burns. “We used a lot of heavy timber finishes on the outside. Now, the Roughnecks use the facility for practise and the University has taken over the gymnastics area.”

The team says there are two signs that they’ve done a good job for the client – either the phone rings, or it doesn’t.

“When you don’t get a lot of calls during construction, you know you’ve done a good job,” says Ross Larkin.

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From Back to Front, Left to Right: Danny Campbell, Ross Larkin, Paul Burns, Veronica Anderson, Erin Hascarl, Paul Jensen, Carrie Stewart, Kellee Grounds, Christina Csati, Graham Vermette Absent: Sladjana Pavic, Robin Gowers

“Or, you do get phone calls with positive feedback,” adds Grounds.

Burns says there’s a third sign. “It’s always good when the client buys you a bottle of rye,” he laughs.

This light-hearted banter is typical of this group whose workspace is shared with a cardboard robot who supervises the group’s activity.

“I love coming to work every day,” says Grounds. “As stressful as it gets, the people are fantastic and the partners make this feel like home.”

The variety offered by Gibbs Gage’s client roster is also a motivator for this team.

“It’s constantly changing and you’re never stuck on one type of project,” says Carrie Stewart.

Paul Jensen adds that it’s not only variety in project type but also in job function that keeps him interested. “There’s a lot of variety within the job itself,” he says. “From helping people do their projects to technical work to dealing with clients and sub consultants – there is always something new and different to do.”

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

GGA Portfolio

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS CROWFOOT WEST BUSINESS CENTRE

119 - 6th Avenue SW

THE ROUNDUP CENTRE

MEREDITH ROAD

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CONGRATULATIONS We’re very proud to have Gibbs Gage as part of our Calgary development team. Good luck on your next 25 years!

Rangewinds Business Park

www.sunlife.ca GGA

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

D.B.K. ENGINEERING LTD. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

Congratulations to Gibbs Gage Architects on your

25thth Anniversary #200, 1721 - 10th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T3C 0K5 E-Mail: dbk.eng@telus.net Tel: (403) 290-0882 Fax: (403) 265-3354

Congratulations to Gibbs Gage Architects on your 25th Anniversary.

• Specializing in Wall Panel Systems and Architectural Precast Concrete • Supplier of Quality Ready Mixed Concrete Pumped, Placed and Finished

Celebrating 2003 - 2008

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GGA Design SCRAPING THE SKY world: Shanghai, Dubai and Calgary.

“It’s a significant opportunity to compete at an international level. In the ’70s we were competing with Edmonton,” he jokes.

This new, more educated client means design teams like this one. Gibbs cites Centrium as an example of this more sophisticated and more involved client.

“Centrium was very focused on design and was pushing the designers, which is always a fun experience for us,” he says. “One of the owners is an architect himself which made the project interesting, challenging and a lot of fun.”

From Left to Right: Marten Rhead, Wade Gibbs, Spencer Cutten, Bao-Nghi Nhan

Wade Gibbs, along with a dedicated group, has spent the better part of the last five years changing Calgary’s skyline. With massive design projects like Livingston Place, Centennial Place, Jamieson Place, Centrium Place and 8th Avenue Place in their portfolio, this team and the others that have worked with them will have a direct impact on the way Calgary will look in the next few years.

“What we’re doing is city building,” says Marten Rhead. “It’s been a number of years since the skyline has had any movement and now with the boom, we’re proffering change in the texture and context of downtown. We love this city and we’re invested in its design.”

someone who knows what’s going to last,” he says. “They know what architecture has been and what it can be in the future. The younger members come in with ideas that might be unprecedented – ideas that may evolve into what architecture in Calgary will be and the senior people are there with guidance and support.”

Bao-Nghi Nhan, another of the team’s younger members says part of the firm’s philosophy is to develop younger designers for the future.

“If a solution I come up with doesn’t work, I learn from that,” she says. “You then see the process of how a better solution comes about so you continue to bring new ideas to the table.”

And it’s a responsibility they take seriously.

Gibbs says a city’s core is the face it puts forward to the world.

And new ideas aren’t just coming from young architects – they’re coming from the clients too.

“When you travel, you base your opinion of a city on its downtown,” he says. “You get a feeling – a message of what that city’s about.

We’re creating the Calgary skyline – for an architect, it’s a pretty awesome opportunity.

This building will be around for the next 50 or 100 or more years and there’s a responsibility that comes with that.”

“The world has gotten a lot smaller,” says Gibbs. “Clients in the ’70s hadn’t travelled; they didn’t know what was out there. Now more have been to cities where innovation and iconic architecture are taking place. The bar has been raised for owners, consultants and architects. We’re now competing with other centres.”

“When you have people with 25 years of experience on your team, you’re getting

Gibbs says the New York Times recently featured the top three emerging cities in the

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

EIGHTH AVENUE PLACE

JAMIESON PLACE

In association with Pickard Chilton and Kendall Heaton

LIVINGSTON PLACE

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GGA Production THE INTERPRETERS “We take the design intent and find a way to make it buildable, constructible and affordable,” says Keri Himmelreich, a senior technologist on the production team led by Associate, Harold Bichel. “We take the concept and produce the information required to make it real.”

The challenge of interpreting visions into workable drawings often comes in mitigating costs, expectations and the realities of the marketplace – especially in boom times.

“With escalating costs of materials and labour, boom times make it difficult to achieving the vision on budget,” says Bichel.

“So you have to be a negotiator internally and with clients and suppliers.”

It’s this finesse with people and commitment to finding a solution that suits everyone that makes this production team say while they might be called technologists, their job has as much to do with people as it does technology.

“One of the things that set us apart is our willingness to make that sacrifice of time or effort in order to get the job done right,” says Todd van der Burgh. “It’s still about people and you only get out what you put in.

With this firm, you know you’re getting people who care.”

Bichel adds that extensive knowledge of available products and resources also helps make for an effective production team.

“Technologist is a word that I think is often misconstrued,” he says. “You have to know a lot about all the different products and disciplines out there and what might work best for every individual project. It requires a lot of experience and a commitment to learning and staying on top of new developments.”

Of course, technology is at the heart of what this team does every day and that commitment to learning applies there as well as drafting technology continues to evolve.

“Computer programs have advanced significantly,” says Andrew Green. “Things can be done today that couldn’t have been done five years ago – and that’s an exciting part of the job.”

Interpreting a designer’s vision into a document of details that various trades and consultants can understand and use is the art of production, and Bichel’s team revels in the sense of accomplishment their work provides.

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Todd van der Burgh, Keri Himmelreich, Tom Khuu, Bo Kim, Megan Culham, Chen Yao, Andrew Green, Betsy Zhang, Vicki Chapman, Sandra Zelt, Harold Bichel

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

“One of the most rewarding things about this job is actually going to see the building when it’s completed,” says Sandra Zelt.

“It’s one thing to see it on paper or on your computer screen, but something else entirely to walk in and see it from all the angles.” Bo Kim says he loves working with an innovative design team that is a cut above.

“The style of design here is different from other firms around the city,” says Kim. “We’re on the cutting edge and have a lot of talent in this office – look at Centrium or Jamieson Place – we’re doing work that sets the skyline apart from those of other cities.”

GGA Portfolio

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

In association with Cannon Design & BJAL

CENTRIUM PLACE

GENESIS CENTRE OF COMMUNITY

In association with Cannon Design & Quinn Young Architects

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE REGIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE

In association with Cannon Design, Ferrari Westwood & BJAL Celebrating 2003 - 2008

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In association with WZMH Architects

CENTENNIAL PLACE

CARDEL PLACE

Our most important development At Carma, the development of healthy, vibrant communities is a commitment that comes from the heart of our company and our employees. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Gibbs Gage and congratulate them on their 25th Anniversary.

AUBURN BAY • ASPEN HILLS • THE CASCADES • CRANSTON • NEW BRIGHTON • McKENZIE TOWNE • SETON • TUSCANY • THE TERRACES OF SPRINGBANK HILL • VALLEYVIEW ESTATES

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

Dev

Successful partnerships thrive when you expect more

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GGA Design DESIGNING FOR THE BIG PICTURE firm as a whole, its clients and the community at large.

“The focus is really on teamwork and collaboration,” he explains. “We’re not building our vision – we’re building the vision of our clients and client input is a big part of collaboration. And it extends beyond the client to include the community.”

As clients become more educated and interested in the design process, their input pushes the team more and more towards innovation. Take for example the Shaw building in Kelowna.

FFrom Back to Front, Left to Right: Hiro Nishizawa, Deny Faunt, Thom Greving, Evgenya Knopov, Honyee Chow, Stephen Mahler

If there’s one thing that informs Gibbs Gage Partner Stephen Mahler’s team, it’s the consciousness that their work does not exist in a vacuum. Response and responsibility to the city and the region ensure this team’s work contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of their communities.

“We try to start every project by looking at the big picture,” says Evgenya Knopov, designer. “We aim to influence the city or the area of the city we’re in, instead of just building a box.”

Deny Faunt agrees that Calgary presents a unique environment and that design should respond appropriately.

“There is a regional responsibility,” he says.

“A building in Calgary shouldn’t look like a building in Vancouver. There should be an understanding of the regional culture and impressions that go into a building.”

Mahler extends the philosophy beyond a building’s form to its function within its community context.

“Successful design should have an explanation,” he says. “But it’s so much more than simply a rational solving of a functional requirement. Buildings should make their communities better.”

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Take for example the team’s work on the new headquarters for the Calgary Board of Education.

“This is a building that’s been sitting in the residential beltline for 100 years,” says Mahler. “It’s an important city context and we felt it was crucial that the building serve the client and, on a larger scale, the community.”

Perhaps the big picture view stems from the fact that designers on Mahler’s team come from all over the world.

With influences from Eastern Europe, Asia and North America, Mahler’s team brings a unique global perspective to its projects.

“People bring aspects of their culture to their work,” says Thom Greving.

Hiro Nishizawa adds: “I think that results in more architectural debate as well,” he says. “We’re not afraid of that.

Different nationalities and education systems mean different thoughts and ideas, which make for more open discussion – and I think the work is better for it.”

According to Mahler, this philosophy of cooperation applies to his team, the Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

“The client was fantastic,” says Nishizawa.

“They set high standards which motivated us to be creative with our design and how it fit with its environment.” The result was an innovative facility that responds to a beautiful natural environment and sets a new standard for Shaw’s facilities across the country.

Knopov summarizes: “The goal is to make a design that works for the end user while also speaking to the city,” she says. “We have the opportunity to be a part of this – to influence the signature of the city.

It’s something we can be very proud of.”

CALGARY BOARD OF EDUCATION CENTRE

GGA Portfolio

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

SHELDON M. CHUMIR HEALTH CENTRE

SHAW BARLOW FACILITY

FOOTHILLS HOSPITAL PARKADE

CALGARY ZOO CONSERVATORY

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GGA Production SUCCESS IS IN THE DETAILS Ximena Herrera echoes the sentiment.

“The people here are genuinely nice and you feel like part of a family,” she says. The family atmosphere fostered on this team and at Gibbs Gage as a whole is fundamental to keeping good people on board.”

“I’ve never worked anywhere else,” says Ken Henderson. “It’s all about the people you work with and that’s what Gibbs Gage does right. This is a great group of people.”

Whether it’s putting together a complicated set of drawings, working closely with internal and external teams or simply enjoying each other’s company, Skaret’s team has mastered the art of taking care of the details.

JAYMAN OFFICE From Back to Front, Left to Right: Paul Schmidtke, Steve Cowley, Dave Skaret, Ximena Herrera, Naoko Tezuka, Donna Black, Annick Simoneau, Ken Akiyama, Lynn Kriekle, Marjan Shirazian, Lindsay Hames Absent: Ken Henderson

Dave Skaret’s team knows that successful production means attention to detail.

“Thoroughness is the hallmark of good production,” says Annick Simoneau. “There are a lot of things to think about when you’re looking at contract documents. The integrity of the work depends on doing your due diligence and countering as many problems as you could experience on-site as possible while maintaining the design intent and making sure the building is properly built.”

Lynn Kriekle says the result of “getting it right” is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

“I like the challenge of taking a design and coordinating with the whole team,” she says.

“Pulling it all together and coming up with a good set of drawings is very rewarding.”

Skaret says the key to getting the details right is communication.

“Communication is essential to having an end result that works,” he says. “When you’re working with numerous teams both in-house and outside the firm it can be a big challenge to keep the lines of communication open, but it’s one of the things I like most about our work.”

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Paul Schmidtke cites the East Lake Recreation Centre in Airdrie as a good example of how his team coordinated the details within a multi-team environment.

“It was a joint venture with a design firm in another city and the challenge was how to bring all parties together and communicate effectively,” says Schmidtke. “Keeping the phone lines open, using e-mail helped a great deal – especially in mitigating long distance costs.”

Getting the details right also means having good in-house systems in place so nothing falls through the cracks. Marjan Shirazian says Gibbs Gage does a good job of it.

“This office is systematic and well organized,” she says. “Things don’t get lost and it works well.”

Working well and working well together is a fundamental part of Skaret’s team’s success and that of the whole firm. With a focus on people first and the work second, Gibbs Gage employees are motivated and happy to come to work every day.

“I feel like a human being here,” says Naoko Tezuka. “I’m treated as a person and not as a piece of a big machine.”

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

SHAW KELOWNA

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

ASPEN WOODS

RIBTOR

AIRDRIE RECREATION CENTRE

In association with Cannon Design

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GGA Interior Design BRINGING THE INSIDE OUT Ask Gibbs Gage’s interior design team, headed up by Manager James Paterson, about pictures and curtains and they just might cringe. While decorating certainly plays a part in what they do, this team’s work encompasses all aspects of creating functional spaces that not only inspire end users, but address their health and wellbeing.

The team feels that interior design is a logicbased approach to interior spaces, it’s not just the application of decorative elements, it’s code compliance, it’s safety, it’s public well-being and it’s creating a great space.

For this team, the way end-users interact with the space is the number one priority and that thought is behind everything they do.

“We don’t design for designers, we design for clients,” says Jocelyne Holland. “It’s great to have the opportunity to think about design as function. When you remove yourself from designing to win awards and think about the client’s needs, you approach projects from an entirely different perspective.”

As design trends move towards the integration of “inside” and “outside,” the interiors team is becoming involved much earlier in the design process and offering insight from the beginning.

Innovative projects like Centrium Place, Keynote and others, draw on the experience and expertise of the team as well as tapping into new talent. Ian Franchesci is a young interior designer intent on learning everything he can.

“As a new person to the firm and to the industry I am amazed by the talent on this team and am grateful for the mentoring that happens here,” he says. “It’s invaluable to me as I learn and progress.”

Michael Bonar, another young designer, agrees. “The people and the knowledge here are great resources,” he says. “There are so many people here with grand experience and I take pride in working on these projects for a company that is so well respected in the community.”

As the industry continues to change, focusing on holistic design, sustainability, technology and other trends, Gibbs Gage’s management sees interior design as a major opportunity for growth – a fact that isn’t lost on the team.

People are the number-one resource in interior design, the team feel there is tremendous potential on this team and the future is ours.”

“It’s an exciting prospect to be able to influence the architecture,” says team Manager James Patterson.

“With the Centrium project, for example, the goal was to blur the line between interior and exterior,” he says. “We brought the inside out and the outside in with extensive glazing and the use of technology – connecting the space with the urban environment.”

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Jenna Juras, Marina Vitez, Ian Franceschi, Rob Schmalzl, Michael Bonar, James Paterson, Lexi MacArthur, Jocelyne Holland

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DMT CORPORATION

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS INTERPIPELINE

KEYNOTE

CHR SOUTHPORT

In association with Christopher Bain

CENTRIUM PLACE

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TALISMAN CENTRE

In association with Cannon Design

CENTENNIAL PARKADE

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

SOUTHLAND PARK 4

STAMPEDE STATION

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THE 999 BUILDING

In association with Pickard Chilton & Kendall Heaton

EIGHTH AVENUE PLACE

CENTRON PARK

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

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www.ledcor.com

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Anniversary 5 2 th

On your

GIBBS GAGE

ARCHITECTS

pride passion people

Thank you For helping us realize our vision for the JAYMAN CENTRE in CALGARY & EDMONTON.

Building is our Passion. No Apologies.

Jayman

Companies

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GGA CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DREAMS Taking an architects’ vision and making it a reality is no small feat. A multitude of details – from what plate should be used on the light switch of the 43rd-floor washroom to negotiating the steel for a building’s foundation – must all be conceived, documented, negotiated and coordinated. This is the job of the contract administration team.

Comprised of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in construction management, the contract administration team, led by veteran Ken Preeper, ensures each project is completed on time, on budget and exceeding the customer’s expectations.

on building and maintaining relationships.

“You develop relationships and friendships over the years that help you work together more efficiently and more enjoyably,” says Don Kromm. “You have a level of comfort with them and are confident in their ability to get the job done right.”

Relationships extend beyond sub consultants and contractors; the contract administration team is also the group that spends the most time with the client – a responsibility they don’t take lightly.

and people are more respectful of one another now.”

As Calgary experiences another boom, the emphasis has been on speed – while maintaining quality. The result has been a move towards “fast track” contract administration by which contracts are managed “as you go” as opposed to all at once at the end.

“We’re becoming involved a lot earlier in the process now,” says Preeper. “And we’re moving more and more toward project management in our area – steering the project on behalf of the firm.”

One example of this trend towards project management was the team’s work on 8th Avenue Place – a half a billion dollar project that had to be under construction in 11 months.

“As soon as we received the contract, we had to have development and building permits and the drawings 100 per cent finished in less than a year,” says Preeper. “It’s challenging work, but we accomplished the task, which was very rewarding.”

SALLY BORDEN BUILDING, BANFF CENTRE

“We’re building their dreams,” says Preeper.

“And we take that very seriously.”

While it’s easy to be awed by the sheer volume of detail involved in constructing a building (the sub consultants alone can include: mechanical, electrical and structural engineers, acoustics specialists, wind specialists, and a multitude of other specializations), Preeper and his team say it’s very much a people business.

“You can have the exact same contract, but working with different contractors makes it a completely different ball game,” says Preeper. The result is a great importance placed

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“We have the longest contact with the client and are the ones who leave the lasting impression,” says Preeper. “We represent how Gibbs Gage conducts itself out there in the marketplace.”

As the nature of the building business changes, so has contract administration.

Whereas once it’s was purely an “old boys club,” more and more women are involved on the construction side of things.

“I think it’s fantastic,” says Harry Plintz, a long-time contract administrator.

“It’s brought some civility to the business

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

In association with Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Tony Sunderland, Janos Pinter, Bernt Armstrong, Chris Johnson, Clint Rivard, Don Kromm, Ken Preeper, Harry Plintz, Randy Mayhew, Brent Armstrong

GGA Portfolio

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS STRATEGIC ON 4th

IBM CORPORATE PARK BANFF CENTRE

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A Quarter Century of Innovation Congratulations to Gibbs Gage Architects for 25 years of service in Western Canada. We look forward to supporting you in the years to come.

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

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Come and visit our new Calgary location. #11, 3201 Ogden Road SE, Calgary, Alberta phone: 403-255-2566 website: www.daltileproducts.com CALGARY

Celebrating 2003 - 2008

EDMONTON

VANCOUVER

TORONTO

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Congratulations Gibbs Gage Teknion on your Significant Milestone 940 11TH AVENUE SW, CALGARY T2R 0E7 403.571.2190

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GGA ADMINISTRATION AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL “It was a $68-million order,” she says.

“They decided to add a whole building to the contract!”

As a result of the contract and office administration teams’ responsibilities for managing the day-to-day operations of one of Calgary’s largest firms, the team members have a unique perspective on the firm as a whole.

Pamela Lamb heads the office administration team. She says because of her team’s broad-reaching responsibilities, they have the opportunity to deal with every person in the company – and every single one of them is great.

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Jamie Johnston, Akihide Yoshikawa, Gabrielle Hornby, Nathan Wainwright, Brittany Dalgleish, Angela Grant, Christina Cook, Caterina Oliverio, Uli Miller, Jolene Campbell, Jackie Huberdeau, Pamela Lamb

“We’re like air traffic control for people, papers and dirt samples,” says Nathan Wainwright, a contract administration support person. “You could spend a whole day in the basement digging through files trying to locate something, but we can say pretty confidently that if we can’t find it, it didn’t exist.”

Jackie Huberdeau, who heads the contract administration support team, says that when you’re dealing with contracts in the millions, it’s critical all of the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed and that changes are well documented.

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“If there’s a change order, for example,” she says, “you have to get a new quote from the contractor, change the contract, get sign off, reproduce it for all of the designers, sub-consultants and trades and

“ I’ve always felt, since

the day I walked in, that this was like a family...

“

When you’ve been around for 25 years, have 130 employees and do more than $2.5 billion a year in construction, there’s bound to be a lot of paper. Every detail must be recorded, reproduced, distributed and archived so that when a project manager asks how much the washroom fixtures in a 30-storey building completed in 1985 cost, someone can find the answer.

distribute it – and that has to be done for every single change – whether it’s a different paint colour or the decision to use bronze screws instead of silver ones.”

Huberdeau recalls the largest change order she ever processed.

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

“I’ve seen a partner cleaning up the boardroom and I know that no one in this office is above pitching in where they’re needed,” she says.

“The titles stay on the business cards here,” adds Brittany Dalgleish.

While the administration team’s primary responsibility is providing top-notch service to internal and external clients, they’re also called upon to participate in office mischief, which, according to Dalgleish, is a regular occurrence at Gibbs Gage.

“There are a lot of pranksters in the office,” she says. “One time Harold Bichel went on vacation and a group of guys came in on a weekend and dry walled, taped, mudded, sanded and painted over his office door. It was like it never existed.”

Other pranks have seen offices filled from floor to ceiling with Styrofoam packing popcorn or shredded paper – one troublemaker even grew grass in someone’s keyboard when they were gone for a month.

“I love the people here,” says Jolene Campbell. “I’ve always felt, since the day I walked in, that this was like a family that takes care of each other – everyone cares.”

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GGA Business Group TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS When you’re dealing with a firm of 130 people and millions of dollars in projects, you’re dealing with details. People must be paid, contracts monitored, books kept, taxes filed, trends identified and clients looked after.

“We do it all,” says Michelle Farough, a business admin assistant.

This team of six manages the numbers and the people behind Gibbs Gage. Handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, project contracts and, more recently, human resources, the business team ensures the behind-the-scenes operations support the rest of the firm.

Lynn McCormick is the team leader. “I love my job because of the variety of things I get to deal with on a day-to-day basis,” she says. “I deal with everything from HR to having a hand in projects. I see a wide scope of the business and get to see a

project progress from start to finish.”

In response to the rapid growth over the last five years, Gibbs Gage recently added a human resources department to help ensure its people are taken care of.

“We’re there to support the staff,” says McCormick. “We ensure they’re happy and provided with the resources and training they need to be the best they can be at their position.”

Larry Tibbitts, who has been with Gibbs Gage for almost 20 years, is responsible for analyzing financial trends and identifying opportunities for increased efficiencies.

“Because I have a lot of history here, I can go back and review projects and see what’s happening from a business perspective over the long term,” he says. “I help them maximize efficiency today and plan for the tomorrow.”

From Back to Front, Left to Right: Larry Tibbitts, Michelle Farough, Lana Shields, Connie Simpson, Darlene Johnston, Lynn McCormick

GGA Information Technology

MAKING IT WORK amazing that in the last 10 years, the business of architecture has become almost completely reliant on information technology as a means of working and communicating – and as a result Gibbs Gage Architects has come to rely on a top-notch IT team to keep things running smoothly.

“If architecture is the backbone of this firm, the IT department is the spinal fluid,” says Tracie Filuk, IT specialist. “Without us, the backbone wouldn’t function.”

From Left to Right: Paul Kimbrell, Tracie Filuk, Bethany Currie

In the grand scheme of things, it hasn’t been all that long since architectural firms operated with pencils, paper and couriers running back and forth with drawings. It’s

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With the rapid growth of the firm over the last five years, the IT team has faced numerous challenges in ensuring hardware, software and networking needs remained on the cutting edge while being accessible and user friendly to more than 130 staff.

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

The team has extensive knowledge not only of IT, but also CAD management – the software the production teams use to create drawings. The two are traditionally like oil and water. Paul Kimbrell, a CAD specialist, allows the department to understand both.

Gibbs Gage was committed to staying up to date. Today, Gibbs Gage runs the latest technology with excellent support. Extensive systems are in place to ensure the firm’s needs are met and technology is consistent, reliable and in good working order – which keeps the employees happy and productive.

“If e-mail goes down even for a couple of hours, people are pulling their hair out,” says Bethany Currie. “If a drawing somehow went missing, that would be catastrophic. Our job is to make sure those things don’t happen.”

CONGRATULATIONS GIBBS GAGE ARCHITECTS ON 25 YEARS!

The clear choice.

Lasting products, meticulous engineering, innovative design. The choice is clear.

Build for tomorrow. Build for life.

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GGA 3D Visualization TECHNOLOGY MEETS HUMANITY once designers and technologists were challenged to help their clients visualize the project from 2D drawings, the latest modelling software allows clients to actually see what the finished product will look like before the shovel hits the dirt.

Gelu Jiang heads up the 3D visualisation team, established in response to the rapid developFrom Left to Right: Jason Welisch, Tony Liao, Gelu Jiang, Byoungsoo Ahn ment of technology. The team explores, tests and develops new visual tools One of the major shifts in technology in as well as implements proven technologies the last five years has involved the integrain support of the design and production tion of three-dimensional modelling. Where teams. As a designer as well as a technology

specialist, Jiang brings a unique perspective to the firm’s use of 3D modelling.

“The core of design is human thought and experience, not the tools or methodology you use,” he says. “But our firm is always open to new technology and new ways to improve our design production quality and enhance our communication with clients and the public.”

With the addition of the specialized team, the less technologically inclined are freed from worrying about how to “make it work,” and able to direct their energies toward creating great design and drawings.

“Our designers and clients receive expert visualization and simulation services,” says Jiang. “Which enables them to concentrate on their own core capabilities.”

HARVEST HILLS OFFICE PARK

According to Jiang, the progression of the 3D visualization follows several defined stages, reflecting the iterative process of design from concepts into compositional concerns involving materials, colours, sun and shadow. It is in the actualization of these processes that our 3D team differentiates itself from other teams.

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Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

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Congratulations to Gibbs Gage Architects on a successful 25 years. www.deerfootmeadows.com

Call (403) 255-9170 or 1-888-360-1687. For more information, visit our web site at www.BayviewResidences.com.

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pride passion people

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Congratulations to Gibbs Gage on

successful years!

808 - 55 Ave NE, Calgary, AB 403.207.8607

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GGA Vintage REMEMBER WHEN from the gibbs gage archives - a photo and promotional piece from the mid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s... even in the early years, the importance and focus on people was recognized as an integral part of future success.

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GGA Future THE NEXT 25 YEARS If the past is any indication of the future, Gibbs Gage Architects is in for a thrilling next chapter.

Having invested in a long-term strategic plan, the partners (both the original two – Wade Gibbs and Doug Gage – as well as the new blood, Rick Lewis, Vince Dods and Stephen Mahler) are set to continue on their path of success well into the future.

“I think it’s a matter of continuing to do the things we do right,” says Mahler.

Dods says he’d like to see the firm expand beyond the traditional definition of growth.

“Growth doesn’t only relate to size,” he says. “It’s also knowledge, market share, diversity, project type and so on.”

While sustainability has been the cause du jour in design and development over the last 10 years, Dods believes it won’t be long until it’s just a given, as environmentally responsible design is something Gibbs Gage has practiced since their inception.

“ An

awareness of the importance of design and urban planning will influence us more so than in the past...

“

“And adapting to the needs of the clients and the economy,” adds Lewis.

“An awareness of the importance of design and urban planning will influence us more so than in the past,” says Mahler. “We’ll be challenged to create great spaces and experiences for end-users.”

Just as community investment has played an important role in the firm’s success in the last 25 years, the partnership and management teams will continue to play a vital role in the communities in which they work.

“We have a long-standing commitment to the communities within this city,” says Gage. “We have all sat on numerous boards and support civic initiatives in many other ways.”

Part of investing in the future of the firm means backing the up-andcomers in the design field.

“We also support numerous post-secondary institutions, through bursaries, scholarships, student mentoring and presentations,” says Mahler. “We understand that the schools are educating the next generation of great designers and technologists and the future members of the Gibbs Gage team.”

The future promises to be an exciting place for architects in Calgary generally speaking as well as the marketplace becomes more sophisticated and expectations from designers evolve.

“The sustainable agenda has received a lot of attention in the last several years,” he says. “But in the future, I don’t believe it will be something we’re judged on, it will simply be a common part of everything we do and the firm is committed to this direction.”

The size and scope of projects will also be a factor in the firm’s future work.

“Projects are now hundreds, if not thousands, of acres,” says Allen Deboer. “That means we’ll have a larger impact on the communities we build – and with that comes a larger responsibility.”

Wade Gibbs says the clients are also changing, which will impact the way architectural firms operate in the future.

“More and more often, pension funds are becoming our clients,” he explains. “They’re often global players and expect their projects to measure up internationally. They’re also expected to be a wise investment at the end of the day.”

Between community investment, environmental responsibility, changing clients and technology, the leadership of Gibbs Gage will have much to contend with in the next 25 years. But their numberone priority, as it’s been from day one in 1983, will be its people.

“As long as we invest in our people and create an environment that fosters mutual respect, motivation and fun, we’ll be successful,” says Gage. “No matter where you go, it’s your people who take you there and it’s something we’ve never taken for granted.”

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Congratulations GIBBS GAGE ARCHITECTS on 25 years of success!

3613 - 33rd Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7

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Phone: 403-670-7300 Fax: 403-670-7301

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DRIVEN BY POSSIBILITIES OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO YOU GIBBS GAGE ARCHITECTS Congratulations on your 25th year in business. Stuart Olson is proud of the dynamic relationships we have built.

CONSTRUCTORS Providing value-added, general contracting and design-build services.

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Congratulations to

on their

2617 – 4th Avenue N.W. Calgary AB T2N 0P7 (403) 283-3490

On Budget…..On Time….On TARGET!

Congratulations Gibbs Gage!

Gibbs Gage

Vancouver, BC Tel: 604-669-9400 www.mktarkle.ca

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GGA Testimonials WORKING TOGETHER The Laws of Physics have been rather misleading. Time is not a constant interval – its rate of passage increases with the age of the individual.

Attestation to this Truchism is now reinforced by the celebration of 25 corporate years for GIBBS GAGE ARCHITECTS! We just celebrated their 20th anniversary yesterday! WOW! I find it most gratifying and with much pride that I am still around to offer my sincerest congratulations to Wade Gibbs

It has been my pleasure to have been involved with Gibbs Gage Architects for more than 20 years. During that time they have been involved in almost all of our projects in Alberta.

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and Doug Gage at this particular moment in time.

I was fortunate to have been “there” when they took the bold step. I was “around” when they sought some guidance andadvice relative to the management of projects.

I was particularly pleased to observe the manner in which they coupled this “somewhat non-architectural” process with “the old school” work ethic and care for people and ethics, to nonetheless produce an exciting end-product. On many occasions,

In the past 10 years alone, they have provided us with architectural services on more than 20 projects totaling more than six million square feet of space. This includes two of our most recent projects in downtown Calgary, Livingston

Gibbs Gage 25th Anniversary Magazine

I even had the pleasure of “being in the trenches” and participating in significant undertakings with Gibbs Gage Architects at the Prime Consultant helm. These were always gratifying, successful projects.

Carry on guys! What a successful venture!

You certainly have earned and deserve the accolades!

William P (Bill) Truch, MSc., P.Eng. W.P. Truch & Associates Ltd. Project Managers

Place and Jamieson Place, each of these projects are almost 900,000 square feet in size.

This long term and successful relationship is based on a number of factors.

In terms of their design capability, they are creative and innovative while ensuring that the design is practical and workable.

They utilize a client-first approach in the business, they are very reliable and when they make a commitment, they keep it.

Wade and Doug have surrounded themselves with a first-class team that is passionate about the service they provide.

ful commercial office and retail projects, to health care projects. In the last few years in particular, Gibbs Gage has also successfully entered the major downtown commercial office market with several outstanding projects like Livingston Place, Centrium Place and Jamieson Place.

qualities of their successful practice – respect for the client, respect for the project, professionalism and reliability.

Bob Holmes, Senior Vice President, Planning & Capital Development

Over the past 25 years of planning, architecture and building technology have changed significantly. Gibbs Gage has changed many aspects of their practice as well in order to continue to provide good client service.

However, they have not changed the enduring

Calgary Health Region & Chair of the Calgary Planning Commission 1990 to 1997

Randy Magnussen, Executive Vice President,

Bentall Real Estate Services LP

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I first met Wade and Doug when Gibbs Gage was selected as prime consultants for the Olympic Plaza project. In their submission they partnered with Paul Friedburg, a respected an experienced landscape architect and urban designer who had done many successful urban plazas. One of the characteristics of the Gibbs Gage firm is their willingness to assemble the best team, including other firms, to meet their client’s needs. While not a large project in cost, the Olympic Plaza was a high profile project with a diverse program and outstanding legacy opportunities after the Olympics. Our work together was exciting and challenging but made easier by the fact that at the time, Gibbs Gage and the City’s Olympic offices were the only tenants in the Burns Building.

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For much of the 1990s I saw the work that Gibbs Gage did for their clients in my capacity as Chairman of the Calgary Planning Commission. Each project, small or large, was treated with respect and professionally presented. This is another enduring characteristic of the firm. I was also aware that they were doing interesting and important projects outside of Calgary such as the Interpretive Centre at Lake Louse.

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Over the past seven years, Gibbs Gage have done several projects for the Calgary Health Region including the South Calgary Health Centre (with Bentall Real Estate Services), the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and the consolidation of the Calgary Health Region’s administrative offices (with Morguard). The community health centres in particular have created the opportunity to apply the experience of a firm with a solid background in the efficiencies and amenities required in successCelebrating 2003 - 2008

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Congratulations Gibbs Gage.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a very successful 25 years.

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people

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InterfaceFLOR congratulates Gibbs Gage Architects for 25 years in the Architecture and Design Community.

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Our Sincere Congratulations to Gibbs Gage Architects on your 25th Anniversary!

Your commitment to clients and teamwork make working with you a pleasure.

Congratulations on 25 years of success.

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And The Next 25 Years...

505, 237 8th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 5C3 www.gibbsgage.com