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Henriquez Partners
Henriquez Partners Architects (formerly Henriquez and Todd) is a Canadian firm based in Vancouver; British Columbia. The firm was created by Richard Henriquez and former partner, Robert Todd in 1969.

The design firm is a mid-sized firm with over 70 workers from diverse countries and specializes in large-scale mixed-use projects such as offices, malls, retail spaces and social housing.

Early History
The firm was created from a partnership between Richard Henriquez and Robert Todd in 1969. During this time, they designed projects like the Gaslight Square which earned the pair the RAIC Festival of Architecture honor. Later in 1977 Richard Henriquez would rename the firm Henriquez and Associates and later Henriquez Partners Architects. Born in Annatto Bay, Jamaica, Richard Henriquez takes inspiration from his childhood, especially after losing his father in WWII. His designs and project pieces predicated on architecture that evokes memories of the past, present and future, Richard Henriquez has created spaces that are poetic and true to the craft.

Later History
Gregory Henriquez, son of Richard Henriquez is the current visionary and principal managing partner of the firm. He first joined the firm as an employee in 1989 after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University and a master’s degree from McGill University. Since joining his father as an architect, Gregory Henriquez, has brought his unique idea of architecture which is centered on social change and influence through architecture and spaces influenced by culture. The firm has grown over the years and is nearing close to 100 dedicated employees coming from over 36 countries. The firm has created projects that have received numerous awards since its inception such as the AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of BC Awards in Architecture, City of Vancouver Heritage Award and Winner, National Invited Competition.

The firm is known to take on large-scale projects that have multiple functions and occupancies. Projects like redesigning of the old Woodward’s and a new TELUS building are a few projects that have been completed. More recent projects include Oakridge and Joyce.

Woodward’s Redevelopment
The Woodward’s building found in Vancouver’s downtown east side (1902) is a historic retail landmark which is part of a chain of retail stores created by Charles Woodward in 1892. Due to its history and heritage value, the city decided to purchase the rundown building filled with encroachers. The abandoned retail store became home to an increasing number of homeless citizens who had no solution in this densely populated city. After failing to acquire the land many times, former city councilor, Jim Green on behalf of the city, obtained the historic site and held a competition for redevelopment in 2002. Involving 3 firms, the city held a private competition asked for submissions for a redeveloped Woodward’s. The decision was unanimously made by a special jury of city planners and citizens of Vancouver in favor of Gregory Henriquez’s proposal.

This project came with the opportunity to change the face and architectural language of the downtown east side by giving the building core a that is likened to a “train station”. The project was awarded to the Westbank group with Gregory Henriquez as the architect in charge. Succeeding in gaining the popular vote of a special jury and members of the public, the multi-use building commenced construction 2006 and was completed in 2010. The project contains residential units, offices, indoor and outdoor spaces and a dedicated space for the Simon Fraser Art department.

TELUS GARDEN
The TELUS GARDEN Office building is a multi-use space that is also the headquarters of Henriquez Partners Architects. It contains 22 floors and a custom canopy that inspired its resident Fazioli Piano designed by Gregory Henriquez. The building has achieved a LEED platinum status and is the first of kind in Canada to achieve LEED Platinum status.

Nepal Initiative
The Nepal initiative is a collaborative project that aims to aid and rebuild homes for a community in Bansbari, Nepal. The Dalit community in Bansbari consists of 39 families and is a victim of vicious earthquakes that have destroyed their homes and livelihood of the community. The project began after Gregory Henriquez visited Nepal and realized the deplorable state of Nepal communities after earthquakes. Gregory Henriquez is a firm believer in architecture that changes and responds to the social issues that a culture and society find itself. The project has involved Build Up Nepal, a non-profit organization aiming to alleviate impoverished communities. Through training, they can learn essential construction skills and techniques that will contribute to better sustainable buildings. As a broker between the Vancouver team and Build Up Nepal, HOPE International Development Agency based in Vancouver and Nepal works alongside the groups to provide basic needs for struggling neighborhoods and victims of natural disasters. The project, occurring in Phases, will provide homes for each of the 39 families and a support group for women in Dalit. The design process involves the wishes and opinions of the community producing simple yet effective designs. Members of the community are also trained in material construction to provide jobs and the necessary skillset to build their homes.