Event Description
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.
Speakers
Aik Ablimit, AIBC, AIA, NCARB, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C, RELi AP; Senior Associate, Perkins&Will
Hiroko Kobayashi, Senior Development Planner, Urban Design Group; Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability, City of Vancouver
Speakers Bio
Aik Ablimit is a Senior Associate in the Vancouver Studio of Perkins&Will, where he leads projects in the Commercial, Residential Mixed-Use, and Hospitality sector. Immersed in diverse cultures from an early age, he developed a unique worldview that fuels his passion for interpreting cultural narratives through architecture, a journey that ultimately led him to the profession. To him, architecture is more than the creation of buildings; it is a delicate balance between art, science, and business, private and public realms, and the interplay between past, present, and future. With a deep understanding of the forces that shape the built environment, he approaches design holistically, striving to bring conceptual clarity to every project and design team he leads.
Aik has been a design leader on many of the studio’s most transformative projects. His recent work includes several developments along Vancouver’s Granville Street, a once vibrant cultural corridor now undergoing significant renewal. As the street confronts longstanding challenges, from declining nightlife activity to aging cultural assets, Aik has helped shape emerging municipal policies that support its transformation. Through his engagement with City staff and policy processes, he contributes to a more dynamic, inclusive future for one of Downtown Vancouver’s most storied core districts.
Beyond project work, Aik is further engaged in shaping the city through public service. He recently served as CoChair of the City of Vancouver Urban Design Panel and as an Advisory Panel Member for the City of Vancouver Development Permit Board.
Hiroko Kobayashi is a Development Planner and Urban Designer with the City of Vancouver, bringing over 19 years of experience in architecture and urban design across private practice and public sector planning.
Prior to joining the City of Vancouver in 2021, she worked at Nick Milkovich Architects Inc., where she led major civic and mixed-use projects and worked alongside Arthur Erickson. Earlier in her career, she trained with Kengo Kuma and Associates in Japan.
Her current work focuses on complex development applications, urban design review, public engagement, and integrating equity and reconciliation frameworks into planning processes. She is passionate about bridging architecture and policy to help shape inclusive and resilient cities.
