ankenman associates architects inc.

Ankenman Associates Architects Inc. (AAAI) was established in 1988.  Since its inception the firm has practiced throughout BC and beyond undertaking a variety of successful projects involving both the private and public sectors.  Architectural commissions have included residential, educational, recreational, health care, institutional, commercial, and hospitality projects. Due to the achievements of the Garrison Crossing & River’s Edge Developments in Chilliwack for Canada Lands Company, AAAI has also become a leader in large scale master planning developments.

Our services extend from programming through all phases of design, construction, and post-occupancy analysis.  We have worked comfortably in conventional construction procurement processes, as well as on fast track, design/build, and construction management projects. We are team players, from leading and coordinating the design team to working with project managers and construction teams to realize the vision for the site on the ground. AAAI has the commitment, creativity, and expertise to ensure every project is successfully completed.

We are proud of our reputation for making positive contributions to the built environment. Over the past 40 years we have nurtured relationships with our clients, consultants, and the various levels of government; we’ve also diligently given back through extensive community involvement. Proof of this is the recent honors of ‘Outstanding Businessperson of the Year’ Award from the South Surrey/White Rock Chamber of Commerce, and ‘Women in Business Award Winner-Professional Category’, from the Surrey Board of Trade.

Our Team

AAAI is a boutique firm managed by partners Emily Kearns & Sandra Lee.  They are a close-knit team of like-minded individuals who celebrate collaboration. Employee retention is paramount and every member of the team has been with the firm for over 10 years.

Mark Ankenman the company’s founder, recently passed away but the office maintains his namesake legacy, and integrity. Emily Kearns, Principal, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, is responsible for project & office management, client/stakeholder communication and conceptual design. Sandra Lee, Principal, Architect AIBC, is responsible for client liaison, project management and detailed design.

Project design, technical and administrative support are provided by Mallory Geier, Design Technologist; Lance Peters, Associate & Senior Technologist; and Chen Wang, Technologist. Previous partners Mark Lesack, Retired Architect AIBC and Yong Cho Retired Architect AIBC provide guidance and mentorship to the AAAI team; Darrin Collie, Associate, is responsible for our work in BC’s interior. Accounts receivable/payable and business development are provided by Sean Curley, CFA.

Design Philosophy

A key factor in the philosophy of our firm is that a principal is involved at every stage of the project.  We strive to ensure that a constructive dialogue exists between the client, the various levels of government and the architect and that the design solution will reflect the client’s needs.  We appreciate that a collaborative working relationship with the client is paramount and that continual fine tuning of a range of options are positive key forces in the design process.  We maintain that the client’s program can be achieved within an architectural form that is aesthetically pleasing, cost effective, and spatially efficient with building components, details, and materials that are of superior quality to ensure long term performance.  Ankenman Associates Architects Inc. is committed to generating a product on time and within budget constraints.

Sustainable Design

At AAAI, long term solutions and low environmental impact are the outcome of good design.  We strive to provide the highest quality of creative design for new environments and community spaces and have a vested interest in enriching and protecting the greater environment. With LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, and a working knowledge of the requirements for many other sustainable initiatives, we have the ability and commitment to bring a sustainable development to fruition.