Newsletters ─── July 18, 2025
Prime Connection: July
Author: Berry Architecture + Associates
Welcome New Team Members!
We welcomed two new team members in July—Gordon Desjarlais and Fahad Islam. Gordon joined the team as a Construction Administrator on July 2nd. He is a Civil Engineering Technologist and Construction Project Manager with 11 years of experience in industrial, residential, and commercial construction management. He also brings practical skills as a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter and is currently completing a B.Sc. in Construction Project Management.
Fahad joined the team on July 7th as an Architectural Designer with 11 years of experience. Fahad holds degrees in Master of Engineering Leadership in High-Performance Buildings and Bachelor of Architecture. He was an Architect in Bangladesh and has been working in Canada since 2023. He will be registering as an Intern Architect with the AAA as soon as possible. He has excellent experience in multi-unit residential, commercial, and institutional projects. They will both be working out of the Red Deer office. Welcome, Gordon and Fahad!
New Project: 4320 Commercial Development
We are currently working on a new commercial development in Red Deer, AB with East Lincoln Properties. This project is a demolition, re-build, and renovation of an existing former transmission shop. About half of the building will be demolished, and there will be new infill construction where the building has been removed. The remaining building will undergo a complete exterior and interior renovation. The parking lot will be upgraded, and it will be used partially as overflow parking for 4311 Centre which is located just to the north, as well as serving the new development’s clients.
Project Completion: Cranbrook Subaru Dealership Addition
This recently-completed project was an addition to the existing Subaru Dealership in Cranbrook, BC. The scope of services included Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical consulting services for a 1,335 ft2 addition. The new space includes two Service Bays, Parts Receiving, and a mezzanine that will be used for Parts Storage. A new fire-rated exit corridor was also created between the existing building and the addition. The exterior finishes of the addition were matched seamlessly to the existing facility, and the site work included new concrete aprons at the overhead doors, asphalt tie-ins, and new sidewalks. The dealership remained open throughout construction.
Here are some things we’ve been up to:
On June 12th, Suman Chakraborty was honoured at a dinner event for the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Over 40 Recipients. We are very proud of his achievements and so pleased to have him as an invaluable member of our team! Congratulations, Suman!
Every year, we hold a lunchtime barbecue with our office condo partners, Legacy Accounting. This year, it took place on June 18th. For the last two years, the barbecue has included booking the Red Deer Food Bank’s ice cream truck as a fun addition to the event as well as a great way to support the Food Bank.
Berry Architecture sponsored a “Hole in One” hole at the 2025 Ktunaxa Nation Charity Golf Tournament at the St. Eugene Golf Resort in Cranbrook, BC on June 19th. The sponsorship contribution raises funds for their Traditional Knowledge and Language Sector's language and knowledge programs. Our team was: (L-R) James Webber and Otto Akkerman from North Mountain Construction, Joe Tank from SD 5, and Isaac Martinez.
Did you know?
There is a church inspired by basalt column formations.
This architectural marvel is a Lutheran Church in Iceland, called Hallgrimskirkja. It takes its inspiration from the basalt columns formed by lava that are found throughout the country. Alvin recently visited Iceland and took part in a Glíma match (Icelandic wrestling) in front of this very church. Glíma is the national sport of Iceland.
Source: www.hallgrimskirkja.is
Photos courtesy of Alvin Lam.
