About
Resourceful. Energetic. Motivated.
The office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers (omb) is an award-winning, full-service design firm based in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Our practice thoughtfully integrates both architecture and interior design. We are deeply committed to sustainable building practices, contextually responsive design, considered master-planning, and meaningful place-making.
omb’s studio culture harnesses the creative energy of a multi-disciplinary design team with guidance from seasoned leadership. Our diverse portfolio ranges broadly across building types and scales, reflecting the breadth and depth of our knowledge and experience. We thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, pursuing innovative solutions through a collaborative approach. We are proud to have earned the trust of clients and communities across Western Canada, demonstrated through our repeat commissions and long-lasting relationships.
Approach
Innovative. Thoughtful. Diverse.
Our design ethos is to keep it simple. Our philosophy aligns with good business practice, sustainable design, and functional planning. We work hard to do more with less, seeking simple and practical solutions in the service of enduring design, and finding innovative solutions to solve complex problems.
Our approach is contextual. We align ourselves with clients committed to enriching the cultural life and wellbeing of their communities. Each project is an opportunity to create meaningful contributions that respond to community needs and aspirations.
Our goal is to build a sustainable future. We believe in responsible design built on clearly articulated sustainable design principles and a commitment to achieving them. We strive for buildings that have zero negative impact on the environment, complemented by warm and welcoming spaces constructed of natural materials, that are a delight to occupy.
Our studio is founded on collaboration. We believe good design is a team sport. Our integrated design process creates an open forum, inviting stakeholder perspectives ranging from planning, design, construction, operation and facility maintenance, to contribute to the design.
Our focus is integrity and respect. We believe in recognizing diversity and treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and fairness. We prioritize the needs of clients and end users in our approach to design decisions and actions, founding our working relationships on honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Awards
We pursue excellence and high quality in all aspects of design. We have been fortunate to be part of many collaborative project teams where this pursuit has been embraced, and the results recognized through a wide range of professional and industry awards.
2024
411 Railway Street | VCRA Awards of Excellence
Capstan Canada Line Station | VCRA Awards of Excellence
One Burrard Place | UDI Awards of Excellence | Mixed-Use Residential High Rise
2023
1558 West 6th Avenue (Form) | IDIBC Shine Awards | Award of Merit in Interior Design
Lordco Head Office | VODA Design Excellence Award
411 Railway Street | AFBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award
2021
Nanaimo Airport | AFBC Design Excellence Award in the Infrastructure Category
Nanaimo Airport | AFBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award
2020
CNC Heavy Mechanical Trades Training Facility | BAQ 2020
CNC Heavy Mechanical Trades Training Facility | Canadian Interiors Best of Canada
Nanaimo Airport | Interior Design Best of Year Awards Honoree
Surrey Central SkyTrain Station | SCA, Landscape, Public Space & Infrastructure – Award of Excellence
Surrey Central SkyTrain Station | SCA, Renovation and Adaptive Re-Use – Award of Excellence
Surrey Central SkyTrain Station | SCA, Public Art – Honorable Mention
Bowen Island House | Record Houses 2020
2019
CNC Heavy Mechanical Trades Training Facility | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Special Jury Award
CNC Heavy Mechanical Trades Training Facility | Masonry Design Award
Edgemont Boulevard Townhomes | Masonry Design Award
2018
Fort McMurray International Airport | RAIC Governor General’s Medal
2017
Station Square Presentation Centre | IDIBC Award of Excellence
SFU Charles Chang Innovation Centre | IDIBC Award of Excellence
2016
Burrard Place Presentation Centre | IDIBC Award of Excellence
TELUS offices at TELUS Garden | IDIBC Award of Merit
Fort McMurray International Airport | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award
Fort McMurray International Airport | Prairie Wood Design Award
Fort McMurray International Airport | North American Wood Design & Building Merit Award
2015
UBC Bookstore | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award
UBC Bookstore | IES Illumination Award of Merit for Interior Lighting Design
UBC Bookstore | IES Illumination Award of Merit for Energy and Environmental Lighting Design
Fort McMurray International Airport | BC Wood WORKS! Jury’s Choice Award
Fort McMurray International Airport | International Interior Design Association Interior Design Competition IDA IDC
2014
Fort McMurray International Airport | Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Award
Fort McMurray International Airport | Alberta Construction Magazine Award
North Vancouver City Hall | RAIC Governor General’s Medal*
sam + pam | Architizer A+ Awards Special Mention
2013
North Vancouver City Hall | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
Fort McMurray International Airport | Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
bosk Restaurant | North American Wood Design & Building Merit Award
bosk Restaurant | IDIBC Awards of Excellence (Gold)
Rennie Museum + Office | Architizer A+ Awards Special Mention
2012
Oppenheimer Park | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
North Vancouver City Hall | North American Wood Design & Building Merit Award*
espace d | IDIBC Awards of Excellence*
Blanche Macdonald Campus + Retail | IDIBC Awards of Merit*
CNC Technical Education Centre (Quesnel) | RAIC Governor General’s Medal*
CNC Technical Education Centre (Quesnel) | BC Masonry Award of Excellence*
CNC Technical Education Centre (Prince George) | BC Masonry Award of Excellence*
2011
Oppenheimer Park | CSLA National Citation*
2010
Rennie Museum + Office | Canadian Interiors Magazine* Best of Canada
Rennie Museum + Office | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Special Jury Award*
Rennie Museum + Office | REBGV Commercial-Renovation | Restoration Merit Award*
Rennie Museum + Office | International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Award*
Rennie Museum + Office | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Gold)
Granville Island Florist | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Gold)
Giovane Cafe | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Bronze)
Oru | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Gold)
LYNNsteven Boutique | International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Award*
LYNNsteven Boutique | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Silver)
2009
Western Living Architects of the Year*
Marcus Prize for Architecture, Nomination*
Prince George Airport | RAIC Award of Excellence* Innovation in Architecture
Prince George Airport | 20+ CHANGE exhibition | competition*
Accessory Building | American Institute of Architects (AIA) Small Projects Award*
Obakki | Canadian Interiors Magazine Best of Canada*
Obakki | 20+ CHANGE exhibition | competition*
2008
Obakki | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
Obakki | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Gold)
Obakki | BC Wood Award*
Millennium Presentation Centre | IDIBC Awards of Excellence* (Gold)
2007
Residences at the Ritz Carleton | Interior Design Institute (IDI) Award*
2006
Prince George Airport Phase II | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
Prince George Airport Phase II | BC Wood Awards*
CNC Technical Trades Building | BC Wood Awards*
2005
Prince George Airport | North American Wood Design Award Citation*
Prince George Airport | Wood Design Award, BC*
Prince George Airport | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
Shaw Residences | Interior Design Magazine Award*
Vnukovo Airport, Moscow Russia International | Competition Winning Design*
2004
Accessory Building | AIBC Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award*
*as omb’s predecessor firm mcfarlane green biggar architecture + design
Opportunities
Passionate. Talented. Curious.
We’re always looking for talented people who are passionate about interior design and architecture to join our studios in Vancouver and Victoria. Get in touch with us at employment@officemb.ca