D'Arcy Jones Architecture wins RAIC 2017 Emerging Architectural Practice Award

D'Arcy Jones Architecture (DJA), a nine-person studio from Vancouver, was named the 2017 RAIC Emerging Architecture Practice Award recipient in an announcement from the Institute today. As its name indicates, the annual award recognizes the principals of an emerging architectural practice that has consistently produced distinguished architecture — primarily based on criteria including quality of built work, reputable service to clients, innovative practice, and public recognition. Previous winners include Montreal firms La SHED and KANVA.

Founded by D'Arcy Jones in 2005, DJA's portfolio comprises mostly of residential projects, but also includes commercial spaces, art galleries, housing, interiors, and renovations that skillfully integrate interior and exterior spaces.

Read on for more.

So far, DJA has ongoing and completed projects in British Columbia, Ontario, Washington, California, and Switzerland. The selection jury commended DJA's thoughtful approach to the adaptive reuse of older buildings, particularly at a time when almost 1,000 demolition permits are issued in Vancouver every year. 

The jury also awarded the firm for their meticulous attention to construction and detail, like in the Japanese-style charred-wood exterior siding of the Friesen-Wong House in Coldstream, British Columbia that won't require staining or painting.

Another notable project is the Abenbare House in Toronto (pictured as cover photo), a 1950s bungalow renovation that DJA completed in 2012. “There was a personal touch, an openness to incorporate all ideas and thoughts with no presumption that there was only one answer”, the clients said. “What impressed us, beyond (Jones’) visionary design was just how cost conscious he was with our money.”

In the 2011 Waddell - Kunigk project in Vancouver, DJA renovated a 1940s bungalow by lifting the structure approximately 8 feet, and transforming the basement into the main living space and the former living area into a bedroom level.

“This national award from the RAIC is a big honor, and our studio is pleased to be recognized by our peers,” D'Arcy Jones said in a statement. “We are thankful for our clients who support and encourage us to make artful buildings.”

The architects will be presented with the award during the RAIC/OAA Festival of Architecture in Ottawa on May 24 to 27.

The jury: Barry Johns, FRAIC, Chancellor of the RAIC College of Fellows, (jury chair) Edmonton; Ricardo L. Castro, FRAIC, Associate Professor at McGill University School of Architecture, Montreal; Wayne DeAngelis, FRAIC, Past President of the RAIC, Vancouver; Tom Emodi, FRAIC, Principal of TEAL Architects+Planners, Halifax; Patricia Patkau, FRAIC, 2009 RAIC Gold Medalist, Vancouver; David Scott, MRAIC, 2016 recipient of the RAIC Young Architect Award, Vancouver.

All photos courtesy of 2017 RAIC Emerging Architectural Practice Award.