Tuesday, October 7, 2025
The Vancouver Art Gallery has named Formline Architecture + Urbanism and KPMB Architects as the architectural team to lead the next phase of design for its new purpose-built home at Larwill Park, located at 181 West Georgia Street.
Selected from proposals submitted by 14 leading Canadian firms, this decision marks an important milestone in the Gallery’s renewed vision to create a destination for art and culture that reflects the diversity of its audiences. This is the beginning of a collaborative process toward a new conceptual design in 2026, one shaped by listening, dialogue and the perspectives of the communities the Gallery serves.
“The selection of Formline + KPMB to envision the new Gallery is a bold and topical statement supporting Canadian innovation and excellence,” said Jon Stovell, chair of the Gallery Association Board. “KPMB Architects brings a proven track record for creating elegant, world-class museums that centre art and community, while B.C.–based Formline Architecture + Urbanism leads with an Indigenous design vision that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.”
The selection was approved by the Gallery’s Board of Trustees based on the recommendation of the Architect Selection Committee, following an in-depth review and interview process. The Committee was comprised of Board and Gallery leadership, artists, major benefactors and construction experts, bringing together broad expertise and perspectives to ensure the process reflected the Gallery’s Page 1 of 3 capabilities, values and ambitions. Furthermore, a panel comprised of architects and building and real estate professionals advised the Committee on the technical aspects of the submissions.
“The Vancouver Art Gallery is the cultural memory keeper of British Columbia and holds a unique position in the Pacific Northwest. This is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Vancouver in over 30 years and we are thrilled to partner with Formline + KPMB to work towards a Gallery that supports storytelling, convening, innovation and access to art and ideas,” said Sirish Rao and Eva Respini, Interim co-CEOs of the Gallery.
This Formline + KPMB partnership, forged through years of mutual respect and collaboration, combines Formline’s authentic, place–based Indigenous design thinking with KPMB’s proven gallery expertise and pragmatic execution. KPMB Architects founding partner Bruce Kuwabara brings a commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, which Formline, under the leadership of founder Alfred Waugh, amplifies with its unique perspective and skill set. Together, Formline + KPMB promise a new Vancouver Art Gallery that is both a local cultural beacon and an international architectural landmark, blending Indigenous and global knowledge to reflect Vancouver’s vibrant, inclusive spirit.
“Our team is deeply honoured to receive the commission to design the new Vancouver Art Gallery, as it brings my personal journey full circle in a profound way,” said Alfred Waugh, founder and principal of Formline Architecture + Urbanism. “My mother left this world too early, and during my formative years, she asked me to do something meaningful for our people—a request that has sparked my journey into architecture. Now we have been privileged with this opportunity to celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant culture while honouring the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for generations and paying tribute to the beautiful mountains and lush rainforests that define our region.”
“It’s an honour to collaborate with Alfred Waugh and Formline to help shape the future of an institution that holds such profound cultural and civic significance for Vancouver and British Columbia—places that express a diversity of world views all at once,” said Bruce Kuwabara, a founding partner at KPMB Architects. “Following their release from an internment camp in British Columbia, my family relocated to Hamilton where I was born. Returning to the province to design the Vancouver Art Gallery is deeply meaningful for me.”
Featured image: (Vancouver Art Gallery)
