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Congrats to our graduates!
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EVENT— NS Main Streets Ideas Exchange Conference
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 UniversityFeatured Project:
Nova Scotia Main Streets Initiative
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Appointment to the CACB Board of Directors
George Cotaras has been appointed to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.
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FBM named Top Employer
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Reimagining the North End streetscape
A placemaking initiative breathing new life into underutilized architecture.
Featured Project:
Gottingen Street Planter Benches
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Marine Drive Academy earns Medal of Excellence
A new K-12 school in rural Nova Scotia puts context and community at the heart of its design.
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Free Lab x Hope Blooms
A collaborative investigation of future infrastructure.
Featured Project:
Hope Blooms Community Greenhouse
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FBM welcomes new talent
FBM's Hollis Street office now hosts 50 architects, interior designers, planners, and support staff.
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George Cotaras retires after four decades with FBM
FBM architect, president, and general manager, George Cotaras, wraps up a hugely impactful career.
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FBM Design Principal receives Platinum Jubilee Medal
Recognized for her work in architecture, Susan Fitzgerald is among the inaugural recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
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May House: a northern hideaway
FBM's May House is featured in a new collection of contemporary rural retreats from across Canada's architectural landscape.
Featured Project:
May House
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RAIC x Halifax Public Libraries launch 'Architecture for Young Readers' book collection
The collection of over 100 books aims to inspire children and youth in areas of architecture, design, and engineering.
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Architects Against Housing Alienation to represent Canada at the 2023 Venice Biennale of Architecture
FBM will collaborate on an exhibit that explores socially, ecologically, and creatively empowered housing in Canada.
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Global Affairs Canada commemorative artwork revealed
Design Principal, Susan Fitzgerald, juried the commemorative artwork by Canadian artists and architects that recognizes the sacrifices of those responsible for defending Canada's interests abroad.
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FBM curling sweeps the competition
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FBM's planning studio takes on Saint John City Market revitalization strategy
Planners begin consultations toward shaping the future of the historic City Market.
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Canadian Architect Award of Merit
FBM's Cunard Street Live/Work/Grow project is a 2021 Canadian Architect Award recipient.
Featured Project:
Cunard Street Live/Work/Grow
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Planning studio earns 'Award of Excellence'
FBM's Planning Studio and collaborators have earned more accolades for their work rethinking the future of Nova Scotia's rural main streets.
Featured Project:
Nova Scotia Main Streets Initiative
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Dalhousie Fitness Centre awarded LEED Gold
Among its sustainable features, the Fitness Centre leads in community connectivity and energy performance.
Featured Project:
Dalhousie Fitness Centre
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Design Discussions: stories from six houses
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.
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Marine Drive Academy featured in Canadian Architect
FBM's most recent educational project is profiled in the September issue of Canadian Architect. Story by T. E. Smith-Lamothe. Photos: Julian Parkinson.
Featured Project:
Marine Drive Academy
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Announcing the passing of Wayne Duncan
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Architect, Greg Fry, becomes an RHFAC™ Professional
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.
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Design Discussions: lobster tales
We're no strangers to mixed-use developments, but commercial office space above a chilly seafood storage facility necessitated unique, custom solutions.
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Design Discussions: documenting main street
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.
Featured Project:
Nova Scotia Main Streets Initiative
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Richmond Yards: reintegration into the urban fabric of Halifax
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.
Featured Project:
Richmond Yards
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Congrats to FBM's intern architects!
Four FBM intern architects are one step closer to becoming licensed architects in Nova Scotia.
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FBM recognized among Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers
Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes exceptional small and medium businesses across Canada.
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Jurors select teams to move on in the design competition for new commemorative artwork in Ottawa
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.
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House at Indian Point nominated for Building of the Year
House at Indian Point is up for ArchDaily's Building of the Year Award!
Featured Project:
May House
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Cabot Cliffs Residences break ground
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FBM earns 'Canada's Top Employers' award
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.
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FBM's Architecture and Planning Studios get support from new hires
The expansion comes as a result of FBM’s growing projects and trajectory of the commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments in the Maritimes.
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FBM welcomes new talent in its design and support divisions
The Hollis Street office now hosts 44 full-time architects, interior designers, planners, and support staff.
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FBM joins EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare team
EllisDon selects FBM as healthcare design partner for Nova Scotia's first P3 healthcare project.
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Harvey Freeman retires after 50 years at FBM
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.
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FBM & COVID-19
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Modern, modular architecture reflects the ease of east coast living
Luxury residences designed by FBM complement landscape and leisure at one of Canada's most sought-after golf destinations.
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Planning Studio leads community Main Street visioning
A series of FBM-led engagement workshops across the province are helping define and redefine main streets in small communities.
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FBM grows its architecture and interior design divisions
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FBM recognized at the 2020 Halifax Business Awards
FBM and other Halifax business leaders were recognized at the 20th anniversary of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards... Gatsby-style!
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Christmas Tree Hunt 2019
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!
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Hunt Joins FBM as New Planning Lead
FBM is pleased to announce the hiring of Kieron Hunt as the new Planning Lead for FBM’s Planning Studio.
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Partnership of FBM, EllisDon and Parkin Architects has Qualified to Bid on Halifax Infirmary Expansion
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.
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FBM Welcomes More Talent to the Fold
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.
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Susan Fitzgerald Speaks at Fordham University
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.
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Steele and Cotaras take ‘People Driven Design’ Message to National Conferences
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.
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Happy Retirement, Wayne!
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.
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25th Anniversary Clean Sweep
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.
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FBM’s Dennis Ramsay's Expertise in Health Care Architecture continues with EDAC Distinction
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.
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Susan Fitzgerald Hosts BEA Atlantic's First Talk in Nova Scotia - In Between Research and Practice: Diversity and Resilience in Architecture
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.
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FBM working with Canada Lands Company on urban design for the Oxford Street Properties: Join us at the Open House on March 28
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.
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George Cotaras Helps Select Architectural Design Team for New Ottawa Central Library and Library Archives Canada
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.
Featured Project:
Halifax Central Library
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Susan Fitzgerald takes part in Dalhousie's School of Architecture Practice Week and Attends Launch of BEA Atlantic Nova Scotia Chapter
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.
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FBM’s Erin Schultz becomes Atlantic Canada’s first Fitwel Ambassador
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.
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Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
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!
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FBM Wins Two Lieutenant Governor's Awards in Architecture
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FBM Welcomes Six New Members to Architecture and Interior Design Teams
FBM continues to expand their ranks with the addition of six new team members over the last couple of months.
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FBM Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
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.
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Dennis Ramsay joins FBM as new Health Care Lead
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.
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Shaping the Cogswell Experience: Public Engagement and Design Charrette to inform the final design for the Cogswell District
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.
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FBM Partners with United Way Halifax for Nocturne 2018
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.
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FBM Interiors Delivers on a New, Functional, and Inspiring Student Learning Commons for Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus
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.
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End of Summer Harbour Cruise!
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!
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Dartmouth Pizza Oven!
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!
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FBM brings home four prizes at Inaugural Maritime Architectural Design Excellence Awards
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.
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Dalhousie University Officially opens Fitness Centre
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.
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FBM Takes Home Two Urban Design Awards
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.
Featured Project:
Halifax Central Library
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Throwdown at HaliFAXE Timber Lounge
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.
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FBM Launches New Planning Division
FBM is starting its second century by adding a planning division to their architecture and interior design practice with the arrival of Jeffry Haggett.
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Susan Fitzgerald in Halifax Magazine
Susan Fitzgerald, Partner and Architect at FBM, is featured in the March edition of Halifax Magazine.
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FBM Receives Two Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize Nominations
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.
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FBM's Intern Architects take the Stage at Dalhousie University
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.
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Halifax Central Library Wins Mayor's Prize in Architecture
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.
Featured Project:
Halifax Central Library
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FBM Holiday Extravaganza
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.
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FBM Represented at Autodesk University Convention in Las Vegas
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.”
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The House that Family Built: The Scotch Cove Residence
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."
Featured Project:
House in Scotch Cove
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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
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!
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FBM Talent Receives Passive House Certification
Two of our colleagues have recently been designated as "Passive House Certified" after completing courses through Passive House Canada.
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FBM Celebrates Latest Feat with Opening of Bible Hill Elementary School
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.
Featured Project:
Bible Hill Consolidated Elementary School
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Miawpukek First Nation School Opens its Doors
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.
Featured Project:
Se't A'newey Kina'matino'kuom - Saint Anne's School
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Charlie Fowler comes to visit
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.
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First Day of Fall
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?
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Party of the Century!
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.
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FBM marks 100 years in business
On September 8th, 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.”