If you’re looking for the perfect architect to design your dream home in West Vancouver, read on. You’ll find out about the services offered by various architecture firms in the city. You can also learn about the famous Merrick House, Helmut Eppich Residence, Staples Residence, and Woodward’s Department Store. These are just a few of the famous projects by West Vancouver architects. But how do you choose one?
Paul Merrick
For over six decades, Paul Merrick, West Vancouver Architects, has been a fixture in the city. His designs have shaped the skylines of Vancouver, Victoria, and West Vancouver. Today, his museum is located in the historic Gertrude Lawson stone house. In the museum, you’ll learn about the process of designing a house. In addition, you can tour the Merrick family home, including a replica of the architect’s drafting table, to see a home that he’s built himself.
Merrick began his career by working as an engineering assistant in a traffic department after high school. He won a cross-country design competition for pictographs for universal traffic signs. He also designed pedestrian crossing and school zone signs. After graduating from ubc, Merrick studied architecture at the University of British Columbia. During this time, he traveled to Berkeley, California to see the work of other architects. Merrick also worked with legendary architect Ron Thom on several projects, including the Trent University building and Expo 67.
A West Vancouver resident since 1938, Paul Merrick has a wealth of local experience. He is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and co-founded Merrick Architecture, now known as Merrick Architecture-Borowski Sakumoto McIntyre and Webb. Merrick received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Architectural Institute of British Columbia in 2014, and currently lives in Victoria. Paul Merrick, West Vancouver Architects is a firm that has worked on a variety of projects in the community, including the historic Cathedral Place.
Helmut Eppich house
The Eppich House, designed by renowned architect Helmut Erickson, is one of the most striking residences in British Columbia. Helmut Eppich co-owned a metal company called Ebco Industries, which now employs over two hundred people. Because of this, he was able to make many of the materials required for the house and maintain a tight control over the entire process.
The Helmut Eppich house by West Van Architects, which is for sale for $14 million, was built in 1972 on an unbuildable lot in West Vancouver. The building’s site used to be a fill dumping area. Despite its imposing appearance, the Eppich House was built in a low-rise style, so the exterior appears relatively unobtrusive from the street.
In addition to the exterior, the house’s interior design features steel. This is unusual for a West Vancouver architect, but the house is a perfect example of this design approach. The house was designed to be highly functional and comfortable for its owners, and also to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Erickson also used curved steel members to give the house its form. The curved steel members of the house course down the hillside like a waterfall made solid.
The three-block civic complex, which is anchored by the glass-roofed Great Hall, is a prime example of Erickson’s design style. The complex is also integrated with a terraced public park. The original owners of the house, Helmut Eppich, have listed it for sale. Despite its age and lack of accessibility, the house reflects a particular moment in design history. The interiors are reminiscent of eighties chrome bling.
Staples Residence
The Staples Residence is one of the most iconic modern buildings in Canada, and was designed by Bruno Freschi, who is also the principal architect of the Vancouver Ismaili Centre for the Aga Khan. Freschi’s firm has completed other notable buildings such as the Pacific Rim Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. He also served as the chief architect and master planner of Expo 86, and the project is one of the most prominent examples of western modern architecture.
The Staples residence is a soaring, modern home in the North Shore of Vancouver, B.C. It consists of two levels and four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and is a work of art. Originally built by his father, the home reflects the same philosophy of blending buildings with their surroundings. In the future, Staples hopes to acquire eight to 12 historic homes along the North Shore and make them a spatial museum, where visitors can learn about the history of architecture in the region. The architect has a vision for this home, to make it a place of perpetual protection.
The Staples residence was built in 1963, a year before the demolished Graham House. The original owners, who lived in the house for more than 50 years, allowed the new owners to build a second home on the 2,500 sq m site. The same architect is currently working on a three-storey glass edifice with interior wood elements that would be an inside-out replica of the Staples House.
Woodward’s Department Stores
The historic building that once housed the Woodward’s Department Stores is located on the historic Cordova Street. When constructed, this building was the heart of Vancouver’s retail shopping district. Originally, the Woodward’s Building stood between Granville Street and Main Street. Today, the building is home to several restaurants and shops, including the famous Stumptown Grill and Woodward’s Deli.
The transformation of the Woodward’s Department Stores project goes beyond city development and into the realm of social responsibility. The former department store was a landmark for over a century and is a prime example of mixed-use urban planning. The project aims to address daily challenges faced by the Downtown Eastside community while also realizing the larger social mission of architects and designers: to create a beautiful, vibrant city. The new project also incorporates the original 1908 store sign and building into its design. The result is a unique and vital revival of a Vancouver district that has been plagued by poverty for decades.
The development of the Woodward’s Department Stores site has been a lightning rod for community activism. The site is a prime example of a sensitive and resilient urban community. While redeveloping this historic site is important to the community, it is important to realize that there are many unintended consequences. The community will continue to have to face challenges. For instance, the development of the Woodward’s Café has caused some controversy and anger among the residents of the area.
The redevelopment of the former Woodward’s Department Stores site is moving forward on budget and four weeks ahead of schedule. Gregory Henriquez, a long-time Vancouver architect, leads the team. Originally, the company was a part of the city. Henriquez Partners had worked on the redevelopment of the former Woodward’s Department Stores building, and is still on board.
The original Woodward’s Food Floor is a treasure trove of recipes and ingredients. The building also features a unique food floor, which had both hard-to-find ingredients and easily-achievable items. The Facebook page for local history has a thread dedicated to the building. Aside from the aforementioned restaurants, the food floor at Woodward’s was a hub of activity.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.