Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Innovative and Sustainable Architectural Solutions in Vancouver
Founded in 1976, Johnston Davidson Alumi has spent over four decades delivering design excellence rooted in creativity, sustainability, and client collaboration. Our firm specializes in complex public projects, including protective services, healthcare, and educational facilities, with a pioneering focus on colocation design that integrates municipal services with affordable housing and civic operations. Guided by principles established by our co-founders Douglas Johnston and Ian Davidson, we prioritize solution-oriented creativity and meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout every project phase. Our team of architects and technologists leverages extensive experience in innovative design methodologies, including Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and LEED-certified construction, to create resilient, community-centric spaces.With a legacy of over 40 years in British Columbia, we continue to explore emerging architectural territories while maintaining our commitment to affordability, seismic resilience, and environmental stewardship. Our work across Western Canada reflects a deep understanding of local contexts, as demonstrated by award-winning projects like Vancouver Firehall No. 5 + Housing, which set new standards for colocation facilities in Canada.
Services
Architectural Design
Colocation Facilities
Feasibility Studies
LEED Certification
Healthcare Architecture
Emergency Services Buildings
Sustainable Design
IPD Project Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in public infrastructure architecture
- Our team pioneered Canada's first colocation firehall facility design
- We implement Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for efficient collaboration
- Our projects consistently achieve LEED Gold certification standards
- Senior partners personally lead every project from concept to completion
Associations and certifications
- AIBC
- RAIC
- CaGBC
- USGBC
- Fire Chief's Association of BC
- Fire Chief's Association of Alberta
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions for public infrastructure projects, combining functional requirements with aesthetic excellence. Our design process emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, seismic resilience, and environmental sustainability. With expertise in wood construction and LEED-certified buildings, we deliver spaces that enhance community well-being while meeting strict performance standards.
Colocation Facilities
Our pioneering colocation design approach integrates emergency services with community spaces like affordable housing. This innovative model optimizes land use while creating multifunctional civic buildings. Vancouver Firehall No. 5 + Housing demonstrates our ability to combine operational efficiency with social impact through thoughtful spatial planning and community engagement.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive feasibility assessments for municipal projects, evaluating site potential, program requirements, and financial viability. Our studies incorporate stakeholder input and regulatory considerations to guide decision-making. Recent projects include Vancouver Fire Hall Renewal Strategy and West Kelowna City Hall feasibility analysis.
LEED Certification
We specialize in designing buildings that meet LEED Gold certification standards. Our sustainable approach includes energy-efficient systems, local material sourcing, and stormwater management strategies. Vancouver Firehall No. 5 + Housing achieved LEED Gold certification through innovative design elements that reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Healthcare Architecture
Our healthcare design expertise includes acute care units, hospice expansions, and ambulatory clinics. We create healing environments that balance clinical requirements with patient comfort. Projects like St. Paul's Hospital High Acuity Unit demonstrate our ability to deliver complex healthcare spaces that support both medical staff and patient needs.
People
Kimberly Johnston
Principal
Leading JDa's design vision, Kimberly Johnston brings decades of architectural experience to public infrastructure projects. She champions colocation design innovation while maintaining the firm's founding principles of client collaboration and community impact through architecture.
John Botelho
Senior Associate
As Senior Associate, John Botelho oversees project execution with technical expertise in complex public buildings. His 20+ years at JDa focus on delivering sustainable, code-compliant solutions that balance functional requirements with architectural excellence.
Edward Craig
Senior Associate
Edward Craig specializes in project management and client relations, ensuring seamless delivery of JDa's architectural projects. With extensive experience in municipal facilities, he bridges technical requirements with community needs throughout the design process.
Tammy Ayre
Administrative & Accounting Manager
Tammy Ayre manages JDa's financial operations and office administration, ensuring efficient business practices support the firm's architectural projects. Her organizational expertise maintains the studio's operational foundation.
Mary Fowler
Business Development Coordinator
Mary Fowler connects JDa with new opportunities while maintaining client relationships. Her business development work focuses on expanding the firm's impact in public infrastructure design across Western Canada.
Questions
What architectural services does JDa specialize in?
We specialize in public infrastructure projects including firehalls, healthcare facilities, and colocation buildings that combine multiple civic functions in one space.
What is colocation facility design?
Colocation design integrates multiple public services in one building, such as combining fire stations with affordable housing or community centers to optimize space and resources.
Do you work outside Vancouver?
While based in Vancouver, we work across Western Canada on projects in cities like Burnaby, West Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Port Coquitlam.
What sustainability certifications do you handle?
We specialize in LEED Gold certified buildings and incorporate sustainable practices like cross-laminated timber construction and energy-efficient systems.
How does your design process work?
Our collaborative process includes stakeholder engagement, conceptual design, materials selection, and construction oversight with direct involvement from senior partners.
Can I tour your office?
Our Vancouver studio is located at 877 East Hastings Street. Contact us to schedule a visit and meet our architectural team.
Reviews (1)
Simone Williamson
Jan 16, 2019
Report
Working for JDa has been wonderful, everyone is so easy to get along with and the office space is beautiful and welcoming. We make a lot of time for events and fun time out which I appreciate. And of course I love hanging out with Louie the office dog!
