Kasian Principal Bill Chomik wins prestigious Tom Sutherland Award

Honouring 40 years of design excellence

Kasian is proud to announce our Principal Bill Chomik was awarded the 2021 Alberta Association of Architects Tom Sutherland Award this week. This prestigious award celebrates and recognizes architects who exemplify leadership and commitment to community service.

As one of the country’s leading architects, Bill has overseen the design, planning, and construction of over 700 buildings worldwide throughout his 40 years of experience. Most notably, some of his favourite projects include the Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery, the Calgary Courts Centre, the National Music Centre, the Edmonton Federal Building and the Songam Space Centre.

Dedicated to serving and building better community, Bill also has extensive volunteer experience leading and contributing his time to multiple non-profit organizations across Alberta, including Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Arts Foundation, Calgary Girls Choir, and the Calgary Science Centre Society.

“People have been at the core of my achievements,” says Bill. “It’s the allies – the mentors, the colleagues, the clients, the supporters, and family – that have touched my life in countless ways and who have made this award possible.”

 

Bill is enthusiastically devoted to advancing environmental sustainability and enriching communities through design. When discussing the future of architecture, Bill is confident that the profession will advance through the principles of adaptation, evolution, and innovation.

“In addition to our great work in advancing a better world through its built environment, we will apply innovation and creativity in the areas of sustainability, accessibility, inclusion, technology including VR and AI, biophilic design, new health and safety protocols, pre-fabrication, and urban design.”

 

Anyone who’s had the honour of working with Bill, knows he is honest, creative, transparent, original, and collaborative. He’s a valued mentor to junior architects across the organization, and also serves as an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

Bill has also received the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, Canadian Architect Magazine’s Award of Excellence, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Award of Excellence for innovation in architecture.

“It gives me great pride to celebrate Bill Chomik’s accomplishments as he receives this significant award. His work has not only bolstered Kasian’s reputation as one of the top architectural and design firms in North America, but he has also raised the bar for justice centres, science centres, arts facilities, and buildings around the world. Locally, Bill has provided extraordinary service to the community, while serving on many charitable and public boards.”  Don Kasian, President

 

“As evidenced by his prolific work, demonstrated leadership and extensive volunteerism, Bill’s contributions to the architectural profession and his dedication to our community are truly extraordinary.” Katherine Robinson, Managing Principal, Calgary

 

For more about the Tom Sutherland Award, read the full announcement by the Alberta Association of Architects.