Bo Helliwell, Architect AIBC, FRAIC
Bo has over 40 years of experience as a designer and builder of award-winning buildings. He has received national and international recognition for the development of distinctive timber architecture that is unique to the West Coast. Bo is a forward thinking individual, with a direct and honest approach and a strong commitment to excellent and appropriate design. He has lectured and been published and exhibited internationally, and has taught at the University of British Columbia, and at institutions in Mexico and Panama. Currently, Bo is actively establishing the Architecture 4 Kids program through a joint initiative between Artists4Kids and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and is a founding board member of the Vancouver Urbanarium Society.
Kim Smith, Architect AIBC, FRAIC, LEED A.P.
Kim has over 30 years of experience in developing an architectural approach that is distinct to the West Coast. She is an excellent designer and is committed to innovative and sustainable design strategies, as well as an architecture that is appropriate to place. She is very capable at keeping a project on time and on budget. Kim’s work has been exhibited and published nationally and internationally, and reflects a strong understanding of timber design. She has taught at the University of British Columbia, and at institutions in Mexico and Panama. Kim is the current Chair of the Vancouver Urban Design Panel, past Chair of the West Vancouver Design Review Committee, past chair the Design Review Panel in Tofino, and was a director of the Vancouver League for Studies in Architecture and the Environment.
Dave Harlander, Architect AIBC
David holds a professional Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and a post-professional Master of Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. Prior to joining BSA he worked at the Minimum Cost Housing Group where he contributed to research initiatives that focused on community development in Nunavik. He played a leading role in the Kuujuaq Hackathon project which was awarded a National Urban Design Award jointly offered by The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. David appreciates a good sandwich.
Alejandra,
Alejandra joined Blue Sky Architecture in late 2020 , relocating from Panama after spending a period of time in Canada which impacted her vision towards design and life. She is currently learning and deepening her passion for West Coast Modern Architecture at Blue Sky. She has a keen interest in healing spaces and architecture's ability to encourage well-being through a humane design approach, the use of natural materials, organic forms and a positive sensory experience, among others.
Previously, Alejandra has been involved in graphic and industrial design projects in Panama and Argentina through Isthmus University.
Jay Starnino, Architectural Assistant
Jay is currently pursuing his Master of Architecture at UBC and holds an existing Engineering Degree specializing in structural and envelope design. Jay is a Certified Passive House Designer, and his previous experience as an Energy Specialist and Sustainability Analyst add to his technical expertise. With over a decade of construction experience he enjoys obsessing over building details. When he’s not working or studying he can be found riding his bike, backcountry skiing, or in the wood shop.
Michael Henoch, Intern Architect AIBC
A North Shore local, Michael returned to Vancouver and joined BSA in 2023 after working with several award-winning architecture practices in Dublin, Ireland over the previous five years. Most recently, with Bucholz McEvoy Architects, he was involved in developing sustainable, low carbon public buildings utilizing wood and mass timber. He holds a professional Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Environmental Design (Landscape + Urbanism) from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of British Columbia. He enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors and can often be found hiking the Coast Mountains or running along the Seawall. Otherwise, he's likely in a record store.
(Remembering) Harry, Landscape Barkitect
Harry has been an energetic member of the Blue Sky team since 2008. His positive and energetic disposition make him uniquely qualified as our chief studio receptionist, and he works hard to keep the studio clear of squirrels. Harry's favourite building materials are sticks, stones, and balls; most recently he has been working on the redistribution of dirt around the studio.