What does it mean to be an Architect or Designer?
2025 Indspire Soaring
This year, we attended and supported the Indspire Soaring event with Architecture49 Inc., the largest gathering of its kind in Indspire’s history! Canada Place in British Columbia became a hub of empowerment as thousands of Indigenous youth from across Canada came together for two days of transformative workshops, inspiring talks, and vibrant celebration.
We spoke to students who are passionate about design and want to build the future of their communities. Many asked about career paths leading to architecture and interior design, and students explored renderings, 3D models, and interior design samples to understand the creative process.
The students also had the opportunity to hear an engaging presentation by Warren Schmidt, offering valuable insights into what it means to be an architect and designer.
Warren shared a reminder: “Our responsibility is to those around us. We create spaces and places that are beautiful and innovative, responsive and inclusive, sustainable and meaningful. We recognize that what we help create will leave a lasting imprint on the communities and the people we serve for generations to come.”
“Being an architect or designer means being a lifelong learner, a community advocate, and a creative problem-solver.”
Architects and designers play a crucial role in building communities and shaping the future through their creativity. To design effectively, they must understand a site’s history and cultural context, ensuring that their work respects the past while promoting inclusivity. Embracing innovation is essential, as it requires balancing historical insights with new technologies. This approach results in functional spaces that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.
To achieve this, we must be informed by nature. Understanding how nature functions is essential for creating solutions that work in harmony with the natural world. By integrating nature-based principles, we can learn valuable lessons and identify pathways for progress. Often, we overlook the ecological services provided by nature, which traditional methods cannot replicate. These services encompass carbon sequestration, storm dissipation, water retention and purification, temperature regulation, oxygen production, and air purification.
At B+H, we’re proud to support the journey of the next generation of designers and provide platforms for connection and growth. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to shape extraordinary spaces, and the passion and creativity of every student we met inspires us.