Community by Design
Around the Office
At BOP, we’re always up for trying something new!
We use our weekly all staff pin-up sessions not only to collaborate on current projects, but also to explore interesting topics related to architecture and design, which allows everyone to share whatever hidden skill or niche interest they’re passionate about.
At BOP, we end the week with Fun Fridays – complete with wine, cheese, and other tasty things – giving us the chance to unwind and catch up with one another. Really, we’re up for whatever our staff want to spearhead – be it pumpkin carving competitions (an annual tradition), pot-luck lunches, trivia, and more! You may also occasionally see us zipping around the Seawall on our two office scooters, Thelma and Louise.
Out and About
We love talking to people about what we do, especially if it involves getting outdoors!
BOP Walks are one of our favourite parts of BOP culture, where we explore a different neighbourhood for an afternoon. We value understanding lessons learned on built projects, exploring successful (and not so successful) approaches to the urban realm, and seeing how different spaces feel and function in real time. We are often joined by our friends from other design firms, private sector, City officials, local residents, and other knowledgeable folks.
Surprisingly, our team also enjoys the occasional non-architecture activity, including night skiing at Cyprus, summer BBQs at the beach, bowling, pottery, slightly competitive go-karting, and working our way through the city’s best local restaurants for the annual holiday party.
In the Community
Community matters, both inside and outside of our work.
We understand the importance of supporting the future generation of designers, as well as the wonderful community in which we are fortunate to work, play, and live. We love having co-op students in the office, and also lending a hand at various studio crits, portfolio sessions, and academic walking tours.
Over the years, BOP has helped support a variety of initiatives and community events, including the Coal Harbour Community Centre Easter Carnival, annual Union Gospel Mission (UGM) holiday volunteering, and the BOP Architects Graduate Award in Architecture and Community Design at UBC.
