The workshop is also a window into the past,
with the evolution of architectural design seen through the
stacked models in the window. In a glance you can trace the
design movement, from the old concrete towers, to glass
and concrete, to the more contemporary glass and steel
with mosaic patterns. Models for some of the more recent
big developments are here, too: the Shangri-La, Fairmont
Pacific Rim and the Woodwards project, as well as a newly
complete wood model of Bing Thom's Epcor Centre for the
Performing Arts, which will encompass an entire city block
in Calgary.
Xie stops to chat with employees along the way, check-
ing progress and making suggestions. "It's a fun job;
everyone is involved in what they do," she says. "It's never
boring." Each employee takes on two or more projects at
a time, which eliminates monotony and maintains tight
deadlines. The workers, she says, "must have an artist's
sense, too, because of colour and small details for the
landscaping."
She pauses to help put the finishing touches on a nearly
completed handmade model. "Everyone says Vancouver
is slow, that the market will see a soft landing. But we don't
feel that here," Xie says. AB Scale Model has lots on the go,
from Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and even the U.S. Far
from slowing down, things are taking off: "We have a job
from San Diego we got last week," Xie says. "We've got so
many projects now."
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