About
About Our Firm
Founded in 1928, FWBA Architects is the longest continuing architectural practice in western Canada. Our head office in Lethbridge and studios in Calgary and Medicine Hat allow for enhanced service to our clients across central and southern Alberta.
Our team provides full consulting services including architectural design, interior design, contract documents and contract administration, as well as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Our work ranges from small renovations to complex institutional projects for health care, seniors care, schools, post-secondary, civic, arts and culture.
As a member of the Canada Green Building Council, we have a wide body of completed LEED projects and experienced LEED accredited professionals. We believe in an integrated design approach across disciplines.
Partners Christopher Babits, David Cocks, and Theresa Yauck provide direct Principal control of all projects, working collaboratively with staff across all three offices. Our Associates Peter Drew, Louise Drysdale, Susan Anderson, and Jesse Potrie contribute to the expertise and longevity of the firm, working with our talented team of more than 20 people. Retired Principal Dan Westwood remains engaged as a consultant to the firm, continuing the strength of the legacy he has helped build.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, FWBA Architects honours and acknowledges that as an architectural firm long established in Southern Alberta, we live, work and design in communities across the ancestral and traditional Treaty 7 territory. We honour the Blackfoot confederacy (comprising the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika First Nations) as well as the Tsuu T’ina and Stoney Nakoda nations. We also acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 and recognize the many First Nations and Inuit peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We honour these people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land. Our recognition of this land is an act of reconciliation and an expression of our gratitude.
History
A chronological timeline of FWBA Architects since its establishment in 1928.
2015
FWBA Architects
M. Daniel Westwood, Architect, AAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
Christopher Babits, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
David Cocks, Architect, AAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
2011
Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects
M. Daniel Westwood, Architect, AAA, SAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
Christopher Babits, Architect, AAA, SAA, MRAIC
2008
Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects
Arthur J. Ferrari, Architect, AAA, SAA, FRAIC
M. Daniel Westwood, Architect, AAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
Christopher Babits, Architect, AAA, SAA, MRAIC
2003
Ferrari Westwood Architects
Arthur J. Ferrari, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
M. Daniel Westwood, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
1999
Horton Ferrari Westwood Architects
Roger W. Horton, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
Arthur J. Ferrari, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
M. Daniel Westwood, Architect, AAA, MRAIC
1994
Horton Ferrari Architects
Roger W. Horton, Architect, MRAIC
Arthur J. Ferrari, Architect, MRAIC
1990
Watson Horton Ferrari Architects
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
Roger W. Horton, Architect, MRAIC
Arthur J. Ferrari, Architect, MRAIC
1986
Watson Horton Architects
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
Roger W. Horton, Architect, MRAIC
1975
Robins Watson Baunton Architects - Engineers
Roger W. Horton, Architect, MRAIC
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
C.R. Baunton, Engineer, P.Eng, MEIC
1973
Robins Watson & Associates
George R. Robins, Architect, FRAIC
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
1968
Mitchell Robins & Watson
Maurice S. Mitchell, Engineer, P.Eng, MEIC
George R. Robins, Architect, MRAIC
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
1963
Meech Mitchell Robins & Watson
Victor E. Meech, Architect, FRAIC
Maurice S. Mitchell, Engineer, P.Eng, MEIC
George R. Robins, Architect, MRAIC
George M. Watson, Architect, MRAIC
1954
Meech Mitchell Robins & Associates
Victor E. Meech, Architect, FRAIC
Maurice S. Mitchell, Engineer, P.Eng, MEIC
George R. Robins, Architect, MRAIC
Awards and Publications
A chronological timeline of FWBA Architects project awards and featured articles.
2023
Prairie Wood Design Awards
Recreational Award - Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
2022
Association for Learning Environments (AB Chapter)
2022 Award of Merit
Tilly K-9 School Replacement, Grasslands Public School
2021
Award Magazine
Dr. Robert Plaxton Elementary School, Lethbridge School Division
2020
Association for Learning Environments
Outstanding Design for Modernization, Award of Merit, Alberta Chapter
Magrath School Modernization
2019
Association for Learning Environments
Outstanding Design for Modernization, Alberta Chapter
Medicine Hat High School Modernization
2019
Lethbridge Construction Association Magazine
Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School profile
Article: A Place to Collaborate
2019
Lethbridge Construction Association Magazine
FWBA Architects' 90th-anniversary profile
Article: Building on a Legacy in Lethbridge
2019
2018
Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada
Firm of the Year Award, Southern Alberta Chapter
Recognizing excellence, creativity and innovation in custom architectural millwork design
2017
Award Magazine
Magrath School Modernization profile
Article: Magrath School Modernization Project
2017
Association for Learning Environments
Outstanding Design for New Construction, Alberta Chapter
Coalbanks Elementary School
2017
Association for Learning Environments
Outstanding Design for Modernization, Alberta Chapter
F.P. Walshe School Modernization
2016
Allied Arts Council Excellence Award
AACE Business Award
FWBA Architects was awarded the AACE Business Award for outstanding philanthropic contributions to an arts organization and thereby enhancing the entire arts community at the 11th Annual Mayor's Luncheon for Business and the Arts. Nominated by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the award recognizes FWBA's extensive history of outstanding support for art and culture in Lethbridge.
2016
Imagineering Magazine
St. Teresa Place profile
Article: St. Teresa Place Supportive Living Facility
2015
Council of Education Facility Planners International
Outstanding Design for Modernization Addition, Alberta Chapter
Cardston Elementary School
2012
Fire Chief - Station Style Design Award
Gold, Shared Facilities Fire Station Award
Lethbridge Fire Hall
2011
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
Business of the Year
2010
Wider Horizons Magazine
Kodiak House profile, new student residence at Lethbridge College
Article: Resident Designers
2004
Council of Education Facility Planners International
Outstanding Design for Educational Environment New Construction, Alberta Chapter
St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School
2003
Lethbridge City Hall
Artistic Use of Masonry, Award of Merit
Lethbridge City Hall
Category:
Architectural Masonry Design
2003
Council of Education Facility Planners International
Outstanding Design for Educational Environment New Construction, Alberta Chapter
St. Paul Elementary School