Kelowna Studio
Berry’s Kelowna architectural firm has been serving the Okanagan and surrounding regions remotely since 2021 before moving into our new location in 2023. Led by a registered architect as well as an intern architect and interior designer, we provide a complete range of project types with a focus on connecting with local organizations who can benefit from the personalized, engaged service we deliver.
Whether a small interior retrofit or a major development, we provide the same level of service, listening and guiding you through the whole process. Our full team of 21 members operates as one unit, collaborating to support all projects in our three locations.
Meet Your Kelowna Leaders
Carlos B. Gamez Ruiz
Registered Architect, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED GA, CPHD
Carlos B. Gamez Ruiz
Registered Architect, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED GA, CPHD
Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Master of Environmental Management Degree (Renewable Resources)
Carlos brings extensive architectural expertise to our team at Berry Architecture + Associates. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a speciality in architectural design, he holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management. In 2019, Carlos became a Registered Architect in Canada through the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) program.
Carlos is a lifelong learner who is continually broadening his areas of expertise. In the past few years, he has become a Building Envelope Specialist and, in 2020, received certification as a Passive House Designer, which remains in effect until 2025. He delivers Building Envelope and Passive House services to clients in both Alberta and BC.
His solution-first approach, paired with his commitment to clear, upfront communication, helps keep projects moving smoothly and clients well-informed of the project progress. He is motivated by the challenges and ever-changing needs of Berry’s numerous projects and brings passion and expertise to every project he is involved in.
As part of our expanding presence in British Columbia, we have opened a new office in Kelowna. Carlos is the Architect in Residence and Office Manager for this new venture. Exploring the Okanagan region and getting to know Kelowna has been a fun transition for Carlos and his family.
Cassia Ward
Intern Architect, AIBC, Interior Designer
Cassia Ward
Intern Architect, AIBC, Interior Designer
AIBC, Bachelor of Interior Design Degree, Master of Architecture Degree
Cassia brings extensive interior design and architectural expertise to our team at Berry Architecture + Associates. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, she holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Melbourne in Australia. As part of our expanding presence in the Okanagan region of BC, Cassia has joined our team in Kelowna and is working closely with Carlos.
Areas of expertise for Cassia include educational, multi-family residential, commercial, and workplace design. Her immediate goal with the firm is to further explore sustainable design and community-based design–key areas of specialization for Berry Architecture.
Although her role is primarily design-focused, she is involved at all project stages in both interior design and architectural support. Cassia’s day to day tasks encompass concept design, coordination with consultants, review of codes and bylaws, construction documentation, and contract administration.
Cassia has a keen interest in digital illustration and has begun learning how to sew. In her spare time, you may find her hiking or cycling, exploring the many trails in the Kelowna region. She is excited to be back home in Canada after living in Australia for almost ten years.
Isaac Martinez
Registered Architect, Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEEP AP – BD + C
Isaac Martinez
Registered Architect, Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEEP AP – BD + C
AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEEP AP – BD + C Bachelor of Architecture Degree
Isaac is a partner and senior architect at Berry Architecture + Associates with many duties to oversee with his creative and proactive approach. In addition to managing the architectural team, he coordinates, prepares, and reviews preliminary design concepts. Isaac’s innovative thinking is applied to all his tasks, including design development, construction drawings, proposals, reports, specifications, and reviewing RFPs and RFQs.
Retaining many architectural accreditations and a significant amount of diverse design experience—educational, commercial, seniors’ living, health care, and more—Isaac has the ability to understand the requirements of each unique space he works on with the Berry architectural team.
Isaac is continually learning in his profession as each project brings new learning opportunities and challenges. He enjoys finding the most effective and inventive solutions to each new design. Like many architects and fellow Berry team members, Isaac’s professional motivation comes from taking a project from start to finish–bringing a concept to reality.
During his free time, Isaac likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys camping, snowboarding, playing soccer, and travelling to Mexico to visit family and friends.
George Berry
Registered Architect, CEO, Senior Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA
George Berry
Registered Architect, CEO, Senior Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA
AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Court Qualified Expert on the Alberta Building Code
George founded Berry Architecture + Associates in 1998 and has since filled the roles of CEO, president, and senior partner. He is in charge of business decisions regarding daily operations to ensure everything advances as per Berry’s business plan.
As an architect and chief designer, George is involved in all Berry projects for design and aspects of the working drawing production. He uses his experience to challenge and motivate the design team to expand design possibilities while working within clients’ programs and striving to enhance the built environment. He is very proud of the Berry team which has positively impacted communities through its many projects.
With decades of accumulated expertise related to seniors’ housing, building envelope, acoustics, sustainable design, environmental issues, and affordable housing, George has shared his knowledge as a speaker and presenter at several conferences across North America. His goal is to challenge the image of architecture and inspire people to be more respectful and responsive to environmental issues and sustainability.
George is a passionate cyclist who enjoys challenging himself to improve his cycling skills and fitness level every season. This hobby has inspired his long-term commitment to sponsoring the Wellness Ride—a local fundraising bike ride in support of CMHA and CABIS. Other hobbies are camping, golfing, skiing, hiking, and spending time with his family, and friends.
Featured Project
Our architectural firm is grounded in the belief that behind the success of every design lies a healthy and creative dialogue with our clients. It starts with listening and understanding their goals and desires—from initial design through to delivery, we are steadfastly people-oriented. Our greatest achievements are the professional relationships built over decades.
Strong Roots
Kelowna, BC | Commercial Developments
Strong Roots Flooring was an interior Tenant Improvement for a new building in Kelowna, BC. The two-storey space includes retail sales with a reception desk and showroom, as well as a shop and warehouse on the first floor, and offices, common areas, and service areas on the second floor.
“We are committed to our clients and their needs. In this case, the client approached us with the request to resolve her permit application situation. We reviewed, analyzed, and re-assessed the issues and provided the assistance needed to allow the project to move ahead with approval of the building permit application and completion of construction under the required building code standards.”
— Carlos B. Gamez Ruiz, Registered Architect, Building Envelope Specialist, LEED GA, CPHD, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC
Architectural
Services
Architectural Design
Collaboration, community, and sustainability are at the heart of Berry’s architectural design services.
Interior Design
A holistic approach to interior design services means your space can reach its full potential.
Sustainable Architecture and Services
Sustainable design services that encompass not only environment but the social, economic, aesthetic, and functional facets of sustainability.
Custom Residential Design Services
Custom residential design services that bring dream homes to life that are as unique as you are.
Project Development Assistance
Let our full-service architectural firm help your vision meet the necessary parameters, feasibility and codes with project development assistance.
Project Management Services
We’ll stay on top of the details and have your project finish on time and on budget with Red Deer, Cranbrook, and Kelowna project management services.
