GGA History LOOKING BACK One of calgary’s most successful architectural firms built on solid relationships Relationships have always formed the foundation of success for Wade Gibbs and Doug Gage. Having met in an environmental studies class at the University of Manitoba in 1970, and later completing their masters degrees together, the two forged a friendship that has spanned nearly 40 years and has resulted in one of the city’s largest and most prolific architectural firms.
even lending them furniture when potential clients visited the office. With the help of their friends and colleagues (not to mention the assistance of the Royal Bank), Gibbs Gage gradually built its portfolio and its credibility in the marketplace as an innovative firm focused
Gibbs Gage moved to the Burns Building in 1985 and has steadily grown its footprint from 1,800 square feet in a corner of the fourth floor to 25,000 square feet on three floors. With over 130 staff working on numerous signature projects, Gibbs Gage is riding another boom in Calgary – this time on their terms. With major office projects
OLYMPIC PLAZA
“We found early on that we shared some fundamental philosophies about design and our approach to business,” says Gibbs. “We respected each other not only as architects but as people.” Both Gibbs and Gage heard the call of boomtown in the late 1970s and made their way to Calgary amidst a massive expansion of the downtown core and good times for anyone involved in construction. They worked for the same firm here in the City, building relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues. The opportunity to start their own firm came after a little government initiative called the National Energy Program sent Calgary reeling. Nevermind that the city had hit a major economic slump in 1983, the two young architects thought it was a grand time to start a new firm, relying on relationships they’d built through the early years in their careers. “We felt that despite the economic downturn, we had the support of clients, suppliers and friends,” says Gage. “We were confident that we could be successful if we remained focused on quality design and excellent service to our clients.” Setting up shop in 700 square feet at the eastern fringe of the downtown core, the pair dry-walled and built furniture during the day and did project work at night. Suppliers and friends like Ken Junck of Keen Engineering and Gerry Stebnicki of Stebnicki + Partners and clients like former Calgary mayor Al Duerr (who was with Melcor at the time) rallied around the two sending them work wherever possible and
on service and building lasting relationships with its clients. Projects grew in size and scope from small town RCMP detachments to large urban parkades, shopping centres and – a major coup – Olympic Plaza in honour of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
like Centrium and Jamieson Place on the books and innovative facilities like Calgary’s first LEED Gold building, Cardel Place, in its portfolio, Gibbs Gage is having a major impact on Calgary’s skyline and the future of design in this city.
“Having a hand in the design of Olympic Plaza is a highlight of our history,” says Gibbs. “The Olympics touched this city in a profound way and to be a part of the lasting legacy of Olympic Plaza is an honour we don’t take lightly.”
“It’s an exciting time to be an architect in Calgary,” says Gage. “And because of the reputation and the portfolio we’ve built over the last 25 years, we are able to be a part of the future of this city – to have a real influence on the skyline and creating communities that work.”
Celebrating 2003 - 2008
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GGA