Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/177525
DA Architects + Planners Facilitators of Urban Evolution by Sonu Purhar T he term 'urban design' is often casually slipped into conversations about architecture, a catch-all phrase whose concrete meaning can be elusive. But when Randy Knill, partner at Vancouver-based architectural irm DA Architects + Planners, talks about urban design, you know he has a clear vision of what it means. "It's a complicated subject," he acknowledges. "It involves the design of buildings, of course, but also consideration of how those buildings complement and function within the surrounding area. That's what our irm focuses on. We strive for excellence in design, but we're committed to serving communities irst." This commitment is what drives the work ethic of designers at DA Architects + Planners, who work closely with clients, stakeholders and city of icials in order to best respond to community concerns and needs while preserving each project's architectural vision. As a result of its growing reputation as a leader in community initiatives, the irm is frequently asked to work on projects that 6/ FEBRUARY 2012 p.06-09DA Arch.indd 6 DA Architects + Planners 1/26/12 12:30:14 PM