Source: Perkins + Will
ONTARIO, (Canada April 28, 2011) - Perkins+Will Canada launches today as a unified national practice. The launch sees Ottawa and Hamilton (Dundas)-based Vermeulen Hind Architects, one of Canada's leading healthcare architectural firms, merge with Shore Tilbe Perkins+Will, celebrated for its focus on civic and recreation architecture, and Vancouver-based Busby Perkins+Will, widely regarded as one of North America's leading green practices. The combination marks the official launch of Perkins+Will Canada, establishing the firm among the pre-eminent interdisciplinary design practices in the nation.
"The addition of Vermeulen Hind supports the Perkins+Will strategy to grow by targeted merger, creating a larger pool of expertise and talent in key practices that complement our existing strengths," said Peter Busby, Managing Director, Vancouver. "The establishment of Perkins+Will Canada translates into greater access to the Canadian and international marketplace, while maintaining our commitment to the local communities where we operate."
"Now is the right time to solidify the Perkins+Will brand in Canada," said D'Arcy Arthurs, Managing Director, Ontario. "Not only does the Vermeulen Hind merger expand our Ontario market with highly regarded healthcare experience, something we've been anticipating for some time, but it gives us a strategic foundation to build a broader presence across the country and across specialties."
Founded in 1992, Vermeulen Hind provides a depth of experience in designing specialized healthcare facilities, including cancer centres. The firm's portfolio ranges from smaller, adaptive re-use and restoration projects to larger, multi-phase institutional transformations. Vermeulen Hind, along with Perkins+Will's current Toronto office, will comprise the Ontario practice of Perkins+Will Canada.
"Each Perkins+Will Canada office shares a common philosophy of design excellence, and combining the knowledge, expertise and resources of our legacy firms will result in one of the strongest and most innovative architecture practices in North America," said Fred Vermeulen, Healthcare Market Sector Leader, Ontario. "By collaborating with our colleagues across Perkins+Will, we will be able to strengthen our offering and better meet the growing needs of our diverse client base."
ABOUT SHORE TILBE PERKINS+WILL
Established in 1945, Shore Tilbe Perkins+Will has a long history of design, practice and environmental leadership in Canada and beyond. The studio functions as the centre of the firm's sports and recreation discipline. The office features strength in the design and execution of award-winning corporate, commercial, civic, sports and recreation, higher education, and science and technology building types that have brought recognition to their communities, instilled a sense of civic pride and have created focal points of community interaction. Shore Tilbe Perkins+Will has earned a reputation for award-winning architectural design while, at the same time, providing clients with buildings that are efficient, enduring and a daily pleasure to experience.
ABOUT VERMEULEN HIND ARCHITECTS
Vermeulen Hind Architects was founded in 1992 and has a staff of 30 dedicated professionals with a unique specialization in cancer healthcare and research facility design. Work ranges in scale from smaller, adaptive re-use and restoration projects, to larger, multi-phase institutional undertakings throughout Ontario and across Canada. Vermeulen Hind provide a full array of architectural, interior design and programming services. Vermeulen Hind strives to exceed their clients' expectations with a high degree of professionalism. The firm's focus has always been to create elegant buildings that celebrate life, that contribute positively to their environment and enhance our awareness of Canadian culture.
ABOUT BUSBY PERKINS+WILL
Established in 1984 by Peter Busby in Vancouver, British Columbia, Busby Perkins+Will is an integrated architecture, interiors, and planning firm recognized for its leadership with clients in Corporate, Commercial, Civic, Healthcare, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Aviation and Transit, and Science and Technology market sectors. Considered one of North America's leading green practices, Busby Perkins+Will has one of the largest portfolios of built green projects in Canada. The firm also researches, educates, and is heavily involved in the development of public policy and sustainability guidelines. With 25 years of successful projects completed across market sectors, the firm has received more than 150 design honours.
