As part of the AIA International Spring Conference 2026, AIA Canada Society is pleased to present a featured webinar exploring how architects are shaping cities beyond the built form. Through the lens of Vancouver’s 800 Granville project, this session examines how architects can influence public policy and shape the future of the built environment. We are honoured to welcome Aik Ablimit as the featured speaker, joined by Hiroko Kobayashi, Senior Development Planner, City of Vancouver.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM EST
Note: Access to the March 28 webinar is included with registration for the full conference.
Cost: FREE for AIA Members and Non-Members
CES: Estimated 1 LU for AIA Members
Presenters
Aik Ablimit, Architect AIBC, AIA, NCARB, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Architect, Senior Associate
Perkins+Will Canada Architects Co.
Hiroko Kobayashi, Senior Development Planner
City of Vancouver
The 800 Granville project serves as a powerful example of how architects can expand their influence beyond traditional design roles to become collaborators in policy development, civic advocacy, and urban transformation. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District, the project reimagines an entire downtown block of heritage buildings as a vibrant, mixed-use cultural anchor.
Through the integration of arts venues, hotel, retail, and rental housing, the project demonstrates how design can drive both public benefit and economic viability.
This session explores how the project team worked in close partnership with City of Vancouver Planning staff to co-create policy frameworks during a pivotal moment for Granville Street. As the City developed its new Granville Street Planning Policy, the 800 Granville team engaged in iterative working sessions that aligned design objectives with emerging municipal priorities. The collaboration preserved and revitalized five heritage buildings—including the iconic Commodore Ballroom—while introducing a precedent-setting development typology that strengthens cultural infrastructure and supports a more inclusive and lively downtown core.
Moving beyond a conventional rezoning effort, the process highlights the evolving leadership role of architects as policy interpreters, facilitators of civic dialogue, and advocates for holistic urban outcomes. Through strategic engagement, the team helped shape policy directions that balanced cultural stewardship, heritage values, economic realities, and community needs.
By sharing lessons from this collaborative journey, the session provides practical insights into how architects can co-create policy, leverage design as a form of advocacy, and build productive partnerships with planning authorities. Participants will come away with strategies for navigating complex approvals, aligning projects with evolving municipal frameworks, and using integrated design processes to unlock new possibilities for urban revitalization.
About the AIA International Conference
This AIA Canada webinar is part of the AIA International Spring Conference 2026 – Shaping Place, a three-day virtual program exploring how architects around the world are innovating to shape the future of the built environment.
Conference Program
Conference Registration
Host: AIA International
Dates: March 26–28, 2026
Location: Online
Cost: Free for AIA members and non-members
CES: Up to 18 LUs anticipated for AIA members (tbc)
