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Horseshoe Crossing High School Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack School Iron Ridge Secondary Campus Ohpaho Secondary School J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 7 [O P P OS I T E PAG E] P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M I C H A EL WAC H ; [T H I S PAG E] S E A N S T E WA RT P H OTO G R A P H Y BR2 Architecture G reat architecture has never been just about buildings – it's about people. The most enduring structures don't simply fill space; they define it, shaping communities, enriching experiences, and standing as lasting testaments to vision, collaboration, and innovation. At BR2 Architecture, an award-winning architectural and interior design firm, this philosophy is embedded in every project. For nearly five decades, the firm has shaped spaces that do more than stand; they serve, inspire, and endure. With an eye for aesthetics and an unwavering focus on the people who use them, BR2 creates environments where form and function go hand-in-hand. The firm's origins stretch back to 1978, when it was first established in Edmonton as Eldred Haight Partnership. Over the years, it underwent mul- tiple evolutions – becoming Eldred Barr Architects in 1983, then Barr Ryder Architects & Planners in 1987, and later merging with Unigroup Architecture and Interior Design Inc. in 2007. This merger gave rise to Barr Ryder Architects & Interior Designers, which ultimately transitioned to BR2 Architecture in 2014. Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: BR2's commitment to client satisfaction and architectural excellence. "What has stayed consistent through generations of the firm is our dedication to service – not just to clients, but to every member of the project team, including consultants, contractors, project managers, and stakeholders," says Shaun Visser, partner at BR2. "Our success is built on the relationships we've cultivated over the past 45 years." BR2 has played a significant role in shaping Alberta's built environment, with a portfolio spanning educational institutions, recreational facilities, cultural spaces, residential projects, and industrial developments. The firm's expertise extends across Western Canada, reflecting its ability to design for diverse environments and needs. A notable chapter in BR2's history includes its expansion into Canada's North, where founding partners Stephen Barr and David Ryder worked in Yellowknife in the mid-1970s before establishing an office there in 1983. Though economic shifts led to its closure in 1991, the firm's understanding of northern architecture – where climate and sustainability are critical – remains a defining characteristic of its design approach today. The firm's leadership has evolved over time, with Visser and Derek Sampson stepping into partnership roles in 2014, alongside longtime principal Steven Bushnell. Jim Carey, a key figure in BR2's evolution, retired in 2020, leaving the firm in the capable hands of a team that values both innovation and continuity. With a steady workforce of 18 to 23 professionals, BR2 fosters a collaborative environment where technical expertise and design creativity intersect. BR2's extensive portfolio reflects the depth and versatility of its expertise. The firm has been instrumental in shaping not only Alberta's educational landscape but the broader Western Canadian region, designing a wide range of schools and influencing the evolution of school prototypes through Alberta's P3 programs. Recent standout projects include Dr. Anne Anderson High School in Edmonton, which accommodates 1,800 students, and a series of other innova- tive P3 educational spaces, such as Iron Ridge Secondary Campus in Blackfalds, Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack School in Edmonton, Ohpaho Secondary School in Leduc, and Horseshoe Crossing High School in Langdon. These projects reflect BR2's forward-thinking approach to learning environments, ensuring that schools are not just places of instruction, but hubs of community engage- ment and student development. Beyond education, BR2 has left an indelible mark on recreation and cultural facilities, designing landmark projects such as the Camrose Aquatic Centre, Baytex Energy Centre in Peace River, and the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose. The firm's expertise extends to residential and industrial developments, with projects like the Emmanuel Home expansion in Edmonton and the Shell LNG Camp in Kitimat, B.C., demonstrating its ability to create spaces that support both living and working environments. What sets BR2 apart is the philosophy that guides its work – balancing design and technical excellence to ensure every project is visually compelling, func- tionally efficient, sustainable, and enduring. BR2 has been an early adopter of technology in architecture, leveraging tools like the REVIT software platform to enhance project accuracy and efficiency. This commitment to innovation extends to sustainability. The firm's approach to energy efficiency is deeply rooted in its history, particularly in lessons learned from designing for Canada's North. Partners Visser and Sampson, much like their predecessors, gained firsthand experience working in these extreme climates, reinforcing the importance of building science and resilient design. "At BR2, sustainability begins with thoughtful design – careful attention to site selection, building orientation, massing, and function," says Sampson. "We view the building envelope as the most effective way to enhance any sustainable tech- nology a project incorporates. But sustainability isn't just about the exterior; it extends to interior spaces as well. Designing environments that support, inspire, and respect occupants is just as crucial as minimizing environmental impact." At its core, BR2's greatest asset is its team. The firm embraces a workplace culture built on respect, mentorship, and teamwork. "The individuals who make up the BR2 team are the firm's most important resource, and their exper- tise its most valuable asset," says Visser. BR2 prioritizes investing in its employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth – an approach that has led to remarkable retention. "We're extremely proud of our high employee retention rate, with many team members having been with us for 10 to 35 years," says Sampson. This continuity has upheld BR2's standards of excellence and ensured a seamless transfer of knowledge and leadership from one generation to the next. Like any firm with a long and storied history, BR2 has faced its share of chal- lenges, but its resilience has never wavered. The sudden loss of Stephen Barr in 2007 was a defining moment, pushing the firm's remaining leaders to carry forward his legacy of excellence. With each leadership transition, subtle shifts in direction have occurred, yet BR2's core philosophy – commitment to clients, metic- ulous attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit – has remained unchanged. Looking ahead, BR2 is eager to embrace new opportunities, expand its expertise, and evolve alongside the industries it serves. "We're excited to see where the education and recreation sectors are heading and to collaborate with clients on forward-thinking design solutions," says Visser. "Additionally, we're dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Our rising stars are the future of BR2, and our goal is to equip them to one day take the reins and carry on the firm's legacy." Ultimately, BR2's most exciting project is always the next one. Whether design- ing a school that shapes young minds, a recreation centre that brings a community together, or an industrial facility that fuels economic growth, the firm remains committed to creating spaces that matter. Because at its core, BR2 Architecture isn't just about buildings – it's about people and the spaces that shape their lives. A

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