Celebrating 10+ Years of Dedication at TKA+D!
This year, we're thrilled to mark a major milestone for Kelly Riopelle and Craig West, who are both celebrating 10 years with TKA+D — and to recognize several other long-serving team members whose contributions have helped shape our studio's identity and success.
Kelly Riopelle, Architect AIBC and Passive House Canada Member (Managing Principal), has been a driving force behind complex mixed-use and residential projects including Ironworks; the innovative stacked development that is also home to TKA+D's office, as well as Riverworks, Rand, EastPark and Popolo. At TKA+D she is leading the Abbotsford's University of Fraser Valley's Property Trust's master plan and led the Harry Jerome Neighbourhood Lands mixed-used towers/master plan comprising of 727 homes as well as offices. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to better architecture inspire our team and clients alike.
Craig West, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, CPHD, (Operations Principal) has led some of our most impactful civic and industrial projects, including the Saputo Dairy Facility, Killarney Seniors Addition, Maillardville Community Centre, a new Aquatic Facility for the City of Surrey, as well as the UBC Pharmacy Building, UBC Ponderosa Commons Phase 1 & 2, UBC Alumni. His leadership, BIM expertise, and passion for sustainable, complex public architecture continue to elevate our work. Experienced in managing large consultant teams, and working with multiple Municipal and Post-Secondary clients, Craig brings a sense of pride and energy to every project team.
We're also proud to celebrate these incredible team members for their 10+ years of service:
Patrick Murphy, Technical Principal, whose leadership and design insight have been instrumental in guiding TKA+D's growth and project excellence. Becoming a Principal in 2020, Patrick continues to oversee project and practice management as Technical Director, providing leadership in the development of information systems, technology, innovation, design and technical excellence. He brings an enthusiastic and keen attention to detail and clarity of documentation to all stages of the design and construction process.
Christina Fong, Senior Associate & Interior Design Manager, joined TKA+D in 2010 as a Senior Interior Designer, bringing over 25 years of experience across a variety of sectors, including hospitality, corporate offices, and custom homes. Her design philosophy embraces a "less is more" approach, creating timeless, contextually sensitive interiors that blend beauty and functionality. She integrates elements like light, materials, and form to craft spaces that harmonize with the architecture while meeting client goals for space planning and sustainability. Christina has led key projects such as the Cloverdale Arena and UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, and her commitment to innovation and client service makes her a valuable asset to our team.
Benjamin Beckwith, Sustainability Manager, who champions low-carbon, high-performance design strategies across our portfolio and contributes to industry-leading initiatives. He has been with TKA+D since 2012, working on South Surrey Recreation + Arts Centre, Surrey Works Yard + Offices, Willingdon Heights Community Center, Eastpark, Vantage Squamish Mixed-Use/Residential, 150W4th Industrial + Offices, and two District Energy Projects in the Lower Mainland.
And none of this would be possible without Craig Taylor, Founder and President of TKA+D, who opened the doors to the studio in 2008 with a vision to build an ideal practice from the ground up — one rooted in collaboration, innovation, and meaningful design.
These individuals embody the values that define TKA+D. We're grateful for their continued impact and excited for what's ahead!
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