About
OUR TEAM
Chris Allen
Landform Architecture, Principal Landform Design Build, Partner
Architect AIBC, LEED® AP
I was raised in a small logging community on Adams Lake, and one of my first experiences with construction was putting a new roof on our local church. In the morning I set off with my uncles to cut shake blocks, and by nightfall the roof was complete. This sense of connection between building and the land continues to inspire me. Studying architecture in Nova Scotia, I experienced the rich sense of place that can be developed by a local building culture. Traveling in Northern Europe, I saw some of the greatest buildings of the 20th century in towns of a few hundred people. In my work, I strive to develop a sustainable relationship between culture, landscape, and building in the BC Interior, and design structures which dignify the lives people lead in this place.
Sean Kimberley
Landform Architecture, Associate Landform Design Build, Partner
Architectural Technologist AIBC
LEED® AP
Born and raised in Penticton, I grew up surrounded by construction, with a carpenter/closet artist as a father and an old orchard house that needed constant attention. Even as a youngster I was helping my dad with renovations, and marveling at his pencil sketched renderings. Then grabbing the tools and pretending to work while he pretty much did everything! The challenges of thinking inside and outside the box steered me to a career in design and construction. After completing the Building Technology program at BCIT in 1992, I worked at engineering and architectural firms while taking chunks of time off to travel with the hopes of discovering a new, culturally significant and more beautiful place to settle. However impressed I was with the places I’d seen, my connection to the Okanagan grew deeper with each return. I continue to enjoy contributing to the burgeoning culture of the Okanagan, and its built environment.
Rob Whalen
Landform Design Build,
Site Superintendent/Head Builder
Growing up on a farm in Ontario afforded me plenty of opportunity to pound nails into things at a very young age. I recall going to a general store at age 7 or 8 and buying a pound or more of 2-1/2” common nails. That was the real beginning. At 13, my younger brother and I built our first stand alone 10x10 building. After high school I started peeling logs for a log home company and that transitioned to becoming a carpenter’s helper to eventually owning my own log home company. I moved to BC and remained in the log home industry for a couple years, but then started doing the occasional side job for Landform (known then as Allen & Maurer). That led to working for them pretty much exclusively. I enjoy building, the satisfaction of building efficiently, and helping produce something beautiful and that will stand the test of time.
Joshua Araujo
Technical Lead
Bachelor of Architectural Science
Growing up on an orchard near Naramata, I developed a deep connection with the cycles of life here in the valley. Working on the orchard I learned how decisions can directly impact the way we live. From seeing how slopes direct water runoff to how orientation can affect an apple tree. Then during a family trip to Portugal, we were driving along the coast and while looking upon the homes terraced up the hill, all orientated to the sun with their red tiled roofs and white façades, the lessons I learned from the orchard clicked. To see these lessons applied firsthand to buildings inspired me to studying architecture. After high school I moved to Burnaby to study at BCIT, completing both the Building Technology and Architectural Science programs. Throughout my studies, sustainability and vernacular building has always been a focus, one that I continue into my professional career.
Cameron Kapusty
Architectural Technologist
I was born and raised in the Okanagan, immersed in our rugged landscape, and spent a lot of time creating anything I could to ride my skis, bike or skateboard over. Even in my youth I knew it wasn’t just the riding that excited me, but it was the planning, design and labour.
I moved to Vancouver Island after high school to pursue my architectural schooling while enjoying all the bounties of the island. The rainforest, surrounded by saltwater, was a stark contrast to the desert valley and created different building obstacles. This developed my attention to adapting to distinct environments.
A structure needs the right orientation, materials and design to efficiently use energy in a location. I’ve observed since moving back home how cultures relate to their surroundings and how that makes each project unique. Respect for the land while preserving the landscape around it has always been a priority to me. I enjoy working within boundaries while thinking outside of the box.
Jennifer Connolly
Interior Designer
Jonathan Guy
Assistant Construction Manager
I grew up in Bristol, England and from a young age I can remember my dad tinkering in his workshop building things or fixing things I broke.
I moved to New Zealand and Australia when I was 19 and that’s where I first got into construction. As I backpacked around, I would take various jobs helping different trades. I eventually returned to England before deciding it wasn’t for me and moved to Penticton to study Sustainable Building Technology at Okanagan College.
I love being outdoors skiing,climbing and camping so I think it’s our duty as builders and designers to try and reduce our impact on the planet as much as possible. I’m a big believer in alternate building methods and always try and find a creative solution!