About
OUR TEAM
Chris Allen
Principal, Landform Architecture Partner, Landform Design Build
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
Associate, Landform Architecture Partner, Landform Design Build
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
Site Superintendent/Head Builder, Landform Design Build
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.
Justin Deddens
Intern Architect
Master of Architecture
Growing up in the Fraser Valley, I spent many hours outdoors amongst the forests and with views of the mountains. I started building things at a young age, and as a kid, was especially proud of the pulley system I rigged up to flip the light switch from my bed. In my early teens I helped my dad build a two-storey playhouse—it still stands today despite having been moved 372 km from its original location.
I’m enthusiastic about biophilic design, curious about the qualities that create atmosphere in spaces, and passionate about designing spaces that contribute to resilient and regenerative communities. Having lived in several cities across Canada and in Ghent, Belgium, I am happy to be back in Western Canada among the mountains and trees, which will always feel like home to me.
Jennifer Connolly
Interior Designer
Growing up in Northern Ontario, I spent many weekends with a disposable camera in hand, taking photos of my vibrant surroundings. I was always intrigued by nature’s way of playing with colour pairings. To this day, I take mother nature’s lead when coming up with design. Out of high school, I pursued a career in the medical field but satisfied my creative side by purchasing homes and renovating them for sale. This was a way for me to also learn on the spot about design and construction. When moving to the Okanagan, I jumped on the opportunity to change career paths to interior design. I have been “officially” working in the field of design and project management for almost 16 years and continue to love what I do every day.
Jonathan Guy
Assistant Construction Manager
Sustainable Building Technology Diploma
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!
Jackson Wrigglesworth
Intern Architectural Technologist
Born and raised in Penticton BC, my desire to create began at a young age. As a child I could often be found illustrating my own comic books, building Lego past my bedtime or doodling on my homework. Those habits haven’t changed much — entering my third year at Thompson Rivers University’s Architectural and Engineering Technology program, I am currently pursuing my dream of becoming a world-renowned architect. As I continue my journey through university and into adulthood, I will never stop creating things I love.