TKA+D (Formerly Taylor Kurtz)

TKA+D is celebrating Earth Day with exciting news: our 150 W 4th Ave project has achieved LEED Gold Certification! This milestone highlights our commitment to creating resilient, sustainable spaces—even for energy-intensive laboratory and office environments. LEED Gold: Independent review confirmed the project’s outstanding performance across the LEED V4 framework—scoring 63 points—with achievements such as: 52.2% improvement over energy cost baselines, through efficient HVAC, envelope, and daylighting strategies, as well as green power procurement. This results in predicted savings of over $70,000 per year and a very low energy use intensity for such a demanding program. [TEUI 162.6 | TEDI 50.5 kWh/m²/yr | GHGI 6.7 kgCO₂e/m²/yr | Infiltration rate 0.17 L/s*m2]. Over 90% reduction in outdoor water use, through drought-tolerant native landscaping and a state-of-the-art passive rainwater harvesting system. 77% construction waste diversion from landfills and more than 30 qualifying products sourced for environmental and material health transparency. Highest standards in indoor air quality and daylight access: healthy, comfortable spaces are foundational to the building’s performance and occupant well-being. Blue/Green Roof: A Regional Standout As one of the first “blue/green roofs” in the region, this system is more than standard green—it collects and stores rainwater under extensive plantings, delivering passive irrigation, pollinator habitat, insulation, and visible biophilic benefits to occupants. The 70,000L “blue/green roof” storage relieves city infrastructure, reduces urban heat, and supports biodiversity, contributing to a truly multifunctional and resilient urban amenity. On this Earth Day, it’s worth noting that neglecting Vancouver's Integrated Rainwater Management Plan (IRMP) would likely lead to costly problems such as sewage contamination, basement flooding, and stress on aging infrastructure. Projects like 150 W 4th Ave show what’s possible with focused collaboration, innovation, and designs focused on Health + Wellness, Resilience, and Decarbonization at every scale. #TKA+D #Architecture #EarthDay #LEEDGold #SustainableDesign

We’re excited to announce the promotion of Monica Basulto and Eric Seo to Associate at TKA+D! Monica brings over 15 years of local and international experience on projects from residential towers to award-winning industrial developments. She’s passionate about thoughtful, innovative design and collaborative teamwork. Eric has been part of the industry since 2011, leading a range of mixed-use and residential projects across Metro Vancouver. He’s dedicated to professional growth, mentorship, and excellence in all aspects of project delivery. Congratulations, Monica and Eric! #TKAD #TeamUpdate #Architecture #Promotion #Leadership

Project throwback to the Surrey Operations Centre, a landmark project for TKA+D and a significant facility for the @thecityofsurrey . This expansive facility integrates administrative offices, fleet maintenance, and operational support, all designed to enhance efficiency and resilience. Notably, the project features: Operable façade systems that create semi-outdoor workshop environments, providing fresh air, natural light, and protection from the elements. Sustainable design elements that contribute to the building's energy efficiency and environmental performance. The Surrey Operations Centre has been recognized with several awards, including: AIBC Innovation Award in 2016, acknowledging its forward-thinking design. Surrey New City Design Award for Best Interiors Project (Award of Excellence) and Best Institutional Project (Award of Merit) in 2017. This project set a benchmark for TKA+D’s future works yard designs, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can deliver long-term value and adaptability for our communities. Project in collaboration with @rdharch . #Surrey #OperationsCentre #WorksYard #MunicipalArchitecture #SustainableDesign CommunityImpact TKAD DesignInspires Throwback

Honoured to celebrate the unveiling of Indigenous art at 4449 Salish Sea Way! TKA+D is proud to have collaborated with Tsawwassen First Nation and Beedie to bring a stunning mural by Bryce Williams, which depicts the frog as a symbol of seasonal transition, and a traditional house post by Karl Morgan, which expresses the cyclical rhythm of the four seasons, to this new site. Both pieces honour culture, strength, and deep connections to the Salish Sea. Thank you to all the artists, partners, and community members who brought this vision to life! Find out more via link in bio. . #TKAD #Architecture #Design #IndigenousArt #TsawwassenFirstNation PublicArt Collaboration Community

The Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, designed by TKA+D in association with @rdharch sets a new standard for community arenas in @thecityofsurrey As the first phase of a broader fairground master plan, the complex includes two NHL-sized ice sheets with flexible programming, multipurpose spaces, and strong visual and physical connections to the surrounding community. The generous use of natural light and views keeps the spaces open and inviting. The rink layout and material palette prioritize an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors, and the project achieved Gold Certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program. A third approved ice sheet is planned to be ready for use in 2027, further enhancing the facility’s capacity to support local sports and activities. #TKAD #Architecture #Design #Recreation #Projects CloverdaleSportAndIce Arena Community SurreyBC

Today, our TKA+D team rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at the Greater Vancouver FoodBank @vanfoodbank . Together, we distributed food, restocked stations, sorted fresh donations, and pitched in to keep everything running smoothly. From welcoming clients to supporting sustainability through recycling and composting, every task brought us closer as a team and deeper into our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference by supporting our neighbours and learning together. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy today! #TKAD #Architecture #Design #GivesBack #TeamWork VancouverFoodBank CommunitySupport MakingADifference VolunteerDay TogetherWeCan

We’re excited to announce that Victor Hugo Morales Collins, Senior Associate at TKA+D, has been appointed to the Whistler Advisory Design Panel for a two-year term. As part of this Select Committee of Council for the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Victor will provide expert advice on development proposals and policies shaping Whistler’s built environment. With 19 years of architectural experience across New York, Montreal, Toronto, China, and Vancouver, Victor brings a wealth of knowledge in master planning, mid-rise and high-rise residential design, as well as expertise in code review and construction documentation. His previous role as a developer on large LEED-certified multi-family projects gives him a unique perspective in the industry. We’re excited to see Victor contribute his expertise to the future of Whistler as he settles into his new community. #Whistler #DesignPanel #TKAD #CommunityLeadership #Architecture #Design

Happy Holidays from TKA+D! TKA+D office will be closed for the holidays starting December 25th and re-opening January 2nd. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year. Thank you for your support throughout 2025. We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season! — The TKA+D Team

TKA+D Holiday Party 2025

We’re excited to share that the TKA+D office has achieved Fitwel 1-Star Certification for Commercial Interior Space v3.0—a global benchmark for healthy, sustainable workplaces. This certification highlights our focus on pedestrian-friendly design, universal accessibility, access to green spaces and transit, and operational policies that support wellness, safety, and nutrition. Thank you to our dedicated team for making this possible. We look forward to sharing our experience and continuing to design spaces where people and communities can thrive. #TKAD #Fitwel #FitwelCertified #HealthySpaces #SustainableDesign #WorkplaceWellness #DesignWithPurpose

#DecodingTimberTowers #tkad #architecture #design #masstimber

We are pleased to share that TKA+D Architecture + Design has been recognized by the @tiltupconcrete (TCA) with three significant honours for 2025: Irving J. Gill Progressive Architecture Award • The Association’s highest distinction, acknowledging design leadership that expands the possibilities of site-cast tilt-up construction. • The jury cited our integration of mass-timber mezzanines, high-performance envelopes, and sculpted panel articulation as examples of “elevating tilt-up beyond the utilitarian box.” Tilt-Up Achievement Award — Elevate by @wesgroup Wesgroup (Coquitlam, BC) • Canada’s first multi-storey industrial facility (197,000 ft²). • 105 tilt-up panels designed as seismic-resistant frames; pile-supported foundations and exterior-only erection strategy. • Establishes a new benchmark for urban industrial development. Tilt-Up Achievement Award — Fraser Mills Business Centre, Buildings 5 & 6, by @beediebuilt (Coquitlam, BC) • 258 panels creating stepped rooflines, extensive glazing, and metal accents across 16 units. • 28 ft clear-height warehouses with steel mezzanines; façade design references the site’s historic lumber-mill use. • Demonstrates tilt-up’s versatility in delivering both functional performance and architectural refinement. We are honoured to collaborate with Wesgroup, Beedie, and our consultant and trade partners on these projects, and we thank the TCA for recognizing our ongoing commitment to innovation and design excellence in tilt-up construction. Learn more about the Irving J. Gill Progressive Architecture Award and these award-winning projects via our link in bio. #TKAD #Architecture #Design #TiltUp #Award #DesignExcellence #ConcreteDesign #IndustrialInnovation #IndustrialRealEstate #Coquitlam