Prime Connection: May 2026

Newsletters ─── May 20, 2026

Author: Berry Architecture + Associates

Welcome New Team Members!

Two new team members joined our team in May. Carolyne de Oliveira is an Architectural Technologist who will be working out of the Cranbrook office. She is a recent graduate of SAIT and, as such, is new as a Technologist; however, she has a Bachelor of Architecture degree and 10+ years of professional experience, as well as a Diploma in Interior Design and an MBA in Project Management, all completed in Brazil. Her varied background and extensive skillset provide significant contributions to the firm, and we are excited to have another team member full-time in Cranbrook.

Tyler Corke is an Architectural Technologist joining the Kelowna office. Tyler was a summer student with us last year, and now that his Architectural and Engineering Technology Diploma from Thompson Rivers University is complete, he has joined us as a full-time team member. Tyler’s experience working with us last summer is invaluable since he is already up to speed with our protocols and the ins and outs of working in the Kelowna region. We are so pleased to have these two new crew members on board. Welcome, Carolyne and Tyler!

Project Update: Woodsdale Multi-housing Development

The Woodsdale Multi-housing Development, in Lake Country, BC, is moving into its next phase. Issued for Construction drawings (IFC) have been submitted, and the project is moving forward as per schedule. The development consists of 200 units over three buildings, plus a shared community building. The east and west buildings will contain 72 units each, and the north building will have 56 units. All buildings will contain a mixture of bachelor, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites and will be complete with underground parkades.

The community building will feature a gym, games area, and outdoor patio seating. A central community garden, green space, and dog run will enhance the outdoor spaces, and surface parking with EV chargers will be provided on the site. All buildings are designed to BC Step Code 4 standards. This is another project we have undertaken with Highstreet Ventures, providing essential multi-housing opportunities for the Lake Country community. Woodsdale is scheduled to be completed in January, 2028.

Project Completion: Invermere Starbucks

The new Starbucks in Invermere is now complete—it opened for business on May 11th. George stopped by on May 6th and was able to snap these photos on one of their staff training days. The new Starbucks is an excellent addition to the gas station and grocery/convenience store already located on the site, making it a convenient stopover for highway travellers and local residents alike. The exterior was specifically designed to coordinate with the existing building. We were pleased to add to our growing portfolio of Starbucks locations completed over the last several years. Coffee drinkers in the region will be celebrating!

Project Completion: Pinetree Valley Multi-housing Development

To continue with the Invermere theme, here is an update on the Pinetree Valley Multi-housing Development that we have featured in previous issues. The project is now complete (early April) and provides a range of housing options for Invermere residents. There are three 16-plexes and thirteen 4-plexes. Many of the homes were designed to be affordable, with a mix of rental and for-purchase options. This was a phased project that encompassed a few years of construction and occupancies, so it is great to see it finished and providing much-needed housing for the community!

Here are some things we’ve been up to:

The month of May saw two noteworthy work anniversaries in our organization. Angela celebrated 20 years with the firm, and Alvin marked 5 years! Thank you both for your years of dedication and hard work with BAA. We so appreciate all that you do. Congratulations!

Kurtis attended the 2026 Prairies Affordable Housing Summit in Edmonton on May 12-13th. The summit presented an opportunity to network with over 400 participants from across Canada. Sessions shared common obstacles and difficulties, but also success stories, with the goal of finding affordable housing solutions for the many Canadians facing affordability issues.

On May 13th, Susanne and Saeed attended SMP Engineering’s Next Era brand relaunch celebration. They are celebrating 50 years in business with some refreshed branding and are excited to be moving into their next era! BAA has worked with SMP for many years—we wish them well and were happy to be able to join the celebration.

On May 14th, Mica, Angela, Tracey E., Avery, and Kirsten attended a Paint ’n Sip event put on by the Canadian Association of Women In Construction (CAWIC). It was their first event in Red Deer. Sponsored by CERACLAD™, the night was filled with painting lessons, games, networking, and connecting with other women in the industry. Mica won the popular vote for her painting and received a $100 gift card!