News

This month: share ideas toward enhancing community main streets.

Nova Scotia Main Streets Ideas Exchange

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023
MacKay Room, Bloomfield Centre St. Francis Xavier University

Highlighting commitment to our work, employees, clients, and communities.

A placemaking initiative breathing new life into underutilized architecture.

A collaborative investigation of future infrastructure.

FBM's Hollis Street office now hosts 50 architects, interior designers, planners, and support staff.

FBM architect, president, and general manager, George Cotaras, wraps up a hugely impactful career.

Recognized for her work in architecture, Susan Fitzgerald is among the inaugural recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

FBM's May House is featured in a new collection of contemporary rural retreats from across Canada's architectural landscape.

FBM will collaborate on an exhibit that explores socially, ecologically, and creatively empowered housing in Canada.

As the FBM curling season wraps up, we're keeping our eye on the ball...

FBM's Cunard Street Live/Work/Grow project is a 2021 Canadian Architect Award recipient.

FBM's Planning Studio and collaborators have earned more accolades for their work rethinking the future of Nova Scotia's rural main streets.

Among its sustainable features, the Fitness Centre leads in community connectivity and energy performance.

Homes are one of the truest reflections of self. FBM creates dwellings that are built beyond form to respond to both landscape and everyday life.

FBM's most recent educational project is profiled in the September issue of Canadian Architect. Story by T. E. Smith-Lamothe. Photos: Julian Parkinson.

The Rick Hansen Foundation works on breaking down physical barriers in places where we live, work, learn, and play. FBM is a step closer to meaningful accessibility.

We're no strangers to mixed-use developments, but commercial office space above a chilly seafood storage facility necessitated unique, custom solutions.

Confronted with the pandemic, the spaciousness and social connectedness of main streets in rural communities is more important than ever. New work from FBM's planning studio addresses challenges and provides tools for residents to begin to revitalize their communities.

With construction well underway, Richmond Yards' design is that of a community-oriented destination that stitches a neglected area of central Halifax back into the social and transport grid of the city.

Four FBM intern architects are one step closer to becoming licensed architects in Nova Scotia.

Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes exceptional small and medium businesses across Canada.

FBM Design Principal, Susan Fitzgerald, joins jurors from across Canada to select finalists for the award of a new commemorative art piece at Ottawa's former City Hall.

House at Indian Point is up for ArchDaily's Building of the Year Award!

Luxury villas designed by FBM begin construction this month in Inverness, Cape Breton.

FBM is the latest organization to earn a spot among Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers. The award recognizes organizations in Canada's four Atlantic provinces that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

The expansion comes as a result of FBM’s growing projects and trajectory of the commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments in the Maritimes.

The Hollis Street office now hosts 44 full-time architects, interior designers, planners, and support staff.

EllisDon selects FBM as healthcare design partner for Nova Scotia's first P3 healthcare project.

For nearly half the life of FBM itself, Harvey has been responsible for the firm’s envelope division. He leaves of legacy of sound building science, quality design, and mentorship.

June update: introducing new protocols during in-office work opportunities

Luxury residences designed by FBM complement landscape and leisure at one of Canada's most sought-after golf destinations.

A series of FBM-led engagement workshops across the province are helping define and redefine main streets in small communities.

In early 2020, FBM added new team members to the roster of talented designers.

FBM and other Halifax business leaders were recognized at the 20th anniversary of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards... Gatsby-style!

The annual Christmas tree has been a tradition in our office for over 40 years. Each year we venture out and find the perfect tree to fill our office with the scent of fresh evergreen; the perfect way to get us all into the Christmas spirit!

FBM is pleased to announce the hiring of Kieron Hunt as the new Planning Lead for FBM’s Planning Studio.

FBM is proud to be a part of the EllisDon Team, which also includes Parkin Architects, recently selected as one of the two companies to qualify to bid on the Halifax Infirmary Expansion.

FBM has some new faces around their Hollis Street office in downtown Halifax, bringing their total number of team members to 31.

Over the past six months, FBM has introduced six permanent hires to join the talented roster of architects, interior designers and planners.

Susan Fitzgerald presented at the Design for Humanity Summit II: Design in the Time of Displacement at Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, New York on June 21, 2019.

Two of FBM’s Partners, interior designer Nikki Steele and president and architect George Cotaras, delivered engaging presentations at two different national architecture and design-focused conferences during the month of May.

Last month, our team held a “farewell for now” event (definitely not a goodbye!) for Wayne Duncan a Partner at FBM retiring after close to 40 years with the firm.

Wayne first started at FBM in the spring of 1980, after the completion of his studies at Dalhousie’s School of Architecture, and over the years has developed a reputation for not only his exceptional design talent, but his integrity and character.

A crew of ‘people-driven-designers’ rolled up their sleeves to take part in the annual Clean Sweep last Wednesday. The Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) has held the Clean Sweep event for 25 years with great success.

Dennis Ramsay, FBM’s Health Care Lead, has been awarded the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), making him only the second architect in Atlantic Canada to receive such accreditation.

On March 19, Susan Fitzgerald, partner, award-winning architect and design principal at FBM Architecture | Interior Design, hosted the first Building Equality in Architecture Atlantic (BEA Atlantic) Talk to be held in Nova Scotia.  

BEA Atlantic was publically launched in Saint John, New Brunswick at the 2018 Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC) Festival in collaboration with Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT). The Atlantic organization aims to connect the Atlantic Provinces through public outreach events, lectures, workshops and initiatives to develop strategies and practices of equality in architecture.

FBM is pleased to be working with Canada Lands Company and Upland Planning and Design Studio on urban design and master planning for redevelopment of 3139-3151 Oxford Street. This is a 4.6 acre site in Halifax’s West End that formerly housed the RCMP headquarters. 

George Cotaras, President of FBM Architects | Interior Design, recently participated as a member of the selection committee responsible for choosing the architectural design team for the development of the new Ottawa Central Library and Library Archives Canada Joint Facility.

Last week during Dalhousie University's School of Architecture Professional Practice Week, Susan Fitzgerald, Design Principal, Architect and Partner with FBM,had the opportunity to facilitate an engaging discussion with Monica Adair, Acre Architects and Annemarie Adams, a professor jointly appointed in McGill University’s School of Architecture and the Department of Social Studies of Medicine.

Erin Schultz, a design specialist within FBM’s interior design studio, recently completed the Fitwel Certification Program and received the required credentials to become Atlantic Canada’s first Fitwel Ambassador.

The annual Christmas tree has been a tradition in our office for over 40 years. Each year we venture out and find the perfect tree to fill our office with the scent of fresh evergreen; the perfect way to get us all into the Christmas spirit!

Back at the office we put on some Christmas tunes, lit a YouTube fire, and drank some hot cider while we trimmed the tree. Be sure to drive or walk by the office on Hollis St. to see it shining bright in our front window!

FBM awarded two Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in Architecture. 

FBM continues to expand their ranks with the addition of six new team members over the last couple of months.

For the second year in a row FBM took home one of the Mayor's Prizes in Architecture - this time the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event, hosted by Mayor Mike Savage and the Nova Scotia Association of Architects, was held on Monday, November 19th at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

Forecasting the emerging opportunities in health care infrastructure renewal that lay ahead, FBM has added respected architect Dennis Ramsay to their roster as their new Health Care Lead. 

In August to September 2018, FBM facilitated a robust engagement process to produce design feedback on bringing the 60% Design for the Cogswell District to the 90% or Final Design stage. This work was done in concert with the Cogswell Redevelopment Project team at Halifax Regional Municipality and the WSP design team.

On October 13th, FBM partnered with United Way Halifax to take part in the 2018 Nocturne Art at Night event.

Our office space on Hollis Street became "Unignorable" - showcasing the new campaign by United Way in collaboration with the Pantone® Color Institute.

FBM has long enjoyed a productive professional relationship with Dalhousie University, working on a number of diverse projects over the years.

Most recently, the new Student Learning Commons at Dalhousie’s Agriculture Campus, effectively demonstrates the value of FBM Architectural and Interior Design collaboration and their skill and enjoyment in developing creative content.

The staff here at FBM bundled up and set out on the Captain's Pride for a harbour cruise to celebrate the last day of Summer. A&M Charters were amazing hosts and took us for a tour around the Northwest Arm, McNabs Island, and along the Halifax waterfront; what a great way to see Halifax! 

FBM staff put on their chef hats this past Friday at the Dartmouth Commons Community Pizza Oven. The Pizza Oven is adjacent to the park garden, where visitors can help themselves to local herbs and veggies. This volunteer-run initiative celebrates growing, cooking, and eating together. More information on the Park Oven can be found at http://www.parkoven.ca/about/. We will surely be back next summer!

FBM won big at the first ever Maritime Architectural Design Excellence Awards held on Friday, June 1 in Saint John, New Brunswick. The awards were presented by the Architect Association of Prince Edward Island, the Architects’ Association of New Brunswick, and the Nova Scotia Association of Architects.

On Friday, May 25th, Dalhousie University officially opened the doors to its new Fitness Centre at an event attended by about 200 people.

FBM designed the new facility in association with  MJMA Architects in Toronto.

FBM was presented with two Urban Design Awards at an event Friday night at the Halifax Central Library – coincidentally one of the locations for which FBM was being celebrated.  The 2018 Halifax Urban Design Awards honoured excellence in the field and included categories for Urban Design Plans, Urban Architecture, Civic Design Projects, Urban Elements and Community Connections & Initiatives.  FBM took home the prize for Excellence in Urban Architecture and shared the award for Community Connections & Initiatives with the Hope Blooms project.

The FBM office expanded their talents to include axe throwing this past Friday at the HaliFAXE Timber Lounge. Among our skilled staff, Nikki Steele was victorious, coming in first place. This was a proud defeat against the predicted champion, Maureen Aubut who tailed closely for second. A lot of fun was had by all and a rematch has been set. 

FBM is starting its second century by adding a planning division to their architecture and interior design practice with the arrival of Jeffry Haggett.

Susan Fitzgerald, Partner and Architect at FBM, is featured in the March edition of Halifax Magazine.

The College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology established the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) to recognize the most distinguished architectural works built on the North and South American continents. FBM Architecture and Interior Design's Bible Hill Consolidated Elementary School and House in Scotch Cove are among the 2016-2017 nominees. A dossier of each nominated project will be part of a visual exhibit held at Mies Crown Hall in Chicago, Illinois. 

Earlier this month, two of FBM’s Intern Architects, Nataleah Irvine and Kaitlyn Labrecque had the pleasure of sitting on an Intern Architect panel during the Dalhousie School of Architecture Professional Practice Week. At this time, they were able to represent the Firm and answer questions from students who were wondering about the journey to become an architect. The most frequently asked questions related to documenting hours of experience, roles in the office as an intern, and logistics of working outside the province. 

The Halifax Central Library has won the 2017 Mayor's Prize in Architecture. His worship Mayor Michael Savage presented the award to George Cotaras at the Halifax City Hall this past fall during Architecture Week. George accepted the award on behalf of FBM Architecture and Interior Design and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The award celebrates local architectural excellence and is an example of the Nova Scotia Association of Architects' continued initiative to connect the public with architecture. 

Our office celebrated the holiday season with family and friends this past Friday at our annual FBM Christmas Party. There were gift wars, fancy cocktails, and festive munchies - a celebration our office looks forward to all year long!

Check out our photo album below. Our resident photographer, George Cotaras, was busy snapping pictures all evening.

Last month, our colleague Carl Hicks, BIM Manager, had the opportunity to attend the Autodesk University Convention in Las Vegas.

Autodesk University provides an, “opportunity for over 10,000 professionals from the architecture, design, manufacturing and media industries to come together for three days of learning, inspiration and in-depth skills development.”

The design is grounded in family connections; healthy living and responds to the needs of aging in place. "Our clients really wanted a home that integrates seamlessly with this spectacular landscape," said Susan Fitzgerald, lead architect on this project and Partner at FBM. "Family time is important to them as well as the quiet moments on their own – and home works well for multiple activities."

This year we took to the forest to pick the perfect FBM 100-year Christmas tree. We hung ornaments and drank cider with glee! This 40-year old tradition fills our office with holiday spirit and the smell of pine, and if you're passing by 1660 Hollis street you too can enjoy the tree as a spectacle glimmering in our window. Feel free to snap and share pictures using the hashtag #FBMChristmasTree!

Two of our colleagues have recently been designated as "Passive House Certified" after completing courses through Passive House Canada.

On November 14th The Bible Hill Elementary School celebrated its official opening, with students being welcomed a few months earlier at the start of the school year in September.

In planning the design for the new school, which is located within the agrarian landscape of Bible Hill, FBM wanted to hear directly from the people who would be benefiting from a new space to better understand what they needed from the physical building to support all styles of learning. 

This past September approximately 180 students walked through the doors of The Miawpukek First Nation K-12 grade school for the very first time. 

Located in Conne River, Bay D’Espoir, Newfoundland, directly adjacent to the community's Powwow grounds, the design build project for Se't A'newey Kina'matino'kuom (St. Anne's School) was led by Bird Construction, with FBM Architects + Interior Design and Gibbons and Snow serving as the co-architect consultants.

Last week we were lucky enough to have Charles A. E. Fowler come to visit our office space in downtown Halifax. Not only is Charlie the son of our firm's founder, Charles Allison Dewitt Fowler, he himself served as president of FBM between 1950 and 1980.

Some FBM staff took to the ocean this past Friday for a sunset kayaking excursion in Terrance Bay, Nova Scotia!

What better way to celebrate the first day of Fall?

FBM's 100th Anniversary event at the Halifax Central Library Friday evening was a fantastic success. Thank you to all that came out to celebrate with us! Please watch below the short video that was featured during the event.

On September 8^th, FBM will host clients, partners and community leaders to celebrate 100 years of people driven design. 

“It’s remarkable to think of the impact the firm has had in Atlantic Canada, and even outside of our region, over the last century,” said George Cotaras, President of FBM. “When we look at the various projects that have been designed and executed across the decades you can absolutely see how our firm has evolved – but one thread remains consistent throughout – we have, and we will continue to, design spaces that feel good and strive to build and strengthen communities.”