Curriculum Vitae
Dane Lewis
Kelowna, BC Canada
Design
Urban multifamily and commercial with an emphasis on sustainable & economic principals
Tools
Skilled in advanced architectural 3D software ensuring precision in design documentation and beauty in concept visualization
Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and teams as well as proven experience in nurturing and guiding junior staff, fostering growth and development.
Business
Skills in new business development, project acquisition, and operational management
Personal
A kind and curious individual with a calming presence, coupled with an unwavering dedication to quality of work and design
Experience & Education
15 years work experience
Bachelors Degree in Architecture
Toronto Metropolitan University
Certificate of Project Management
University of Toronto
Career Summary
My career has been defined by growth, adaptability, and continuous learning. Each chapter—be it design, project coordination, business operations, or mentorship—has contributed uniquely to my professional skillset. This journey has culminated in a comprehensive expertise that equips me to address the multifaceted demands of the contemporary architecture, construction, and engineering industry.
Associate & Studio Director
Bluegreen Architecture 2016-2023
I progressively advanced to Associate and Studio Director, playing a pivotal role in the firm's expansion from a team of seven to over twenty employees. Through strategic partnerships, including alignment with a multidisciplinary engineering firm, I ultimately led my own studio and dedicated team. My responsibilities extended beyond building design and project coordination into business development, operations management, and mentorship, fostering the next generation of architectural talent.
Building Designer & Project Coordinator
Meiklejohn Architects 2014-2016
Returning to Kelowna during its significant growth phase, I applied my Toronto-acquired expertise to emerging mid-rise housing developments. Collaborating with prominent entities such as Interior Savings Credit Union, I expanded into commercial projects and initiated my involvement in civic building design, marking a key phase in my professional growth.
Building Designer & Project Coordinator
CMV Architects 2011-2014
Toronto's dynamic architectural environment provided opportunity to develop a robust design portfolio encompassing high-rise residences, dense townhomes, and flagship commercial projects such as Mountain Equipment Co-op. Leading design charrettes, crafting compelling presentations, and coordinating with city officials and clients, I introduced innovative solutions. Hands-on site experience deepened my understanding of the complexities inherent in ambitious urban projects.
Architectural Technologist
Lime Architecture 2009-2011
As the first and only employee of a startup architectural firm, I embraced the opportunity to learn under the mentorship of an experienced architect-builder. Focusing on single-family and townhome design, I also managed builder services, including pricing and trade coordination. This foundational experience grounded my understanding of both design intricacies and the practical aspects of construction administration.
Portfolio
Lime Architecture | 2009-2011, Kelowna, BC
Architect: Matt Johnston
TWO LEED CERTIFIED SINGLE FAMILY HOMES | 2009-2010
One large, single-family lot was replaced with a pair of modern, high-performance homes. These homes were the first to achieve LEED certification for new residential construction in the interior of B.C. Extensive research into LEED principles was required, including the creation of new high-performance details. Acting as both designer and builder meant extensive on-site learning.
Role: Design Development (DD), Building Permit (BP), Construction Drawings (IFC), Contract Administration (CA) including trade coordination & payment verification, LEED documentation & reports.
GLENVALLEY TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT | 2009-2011
Given the challenges facing our economy, it became imperative to provide attainable housing options for middle-income, working-class families. This efficiently planned development of 86 units was designed with a mixture of 3-bedroom townhomes, including some lock-off basement suites acting as passive income generators and affordable rental options. Even with very tight budget constraints, a number of sustainable initiatives were implemented, including geothermal heating/cooling and passive, natural, onsite stormwater retention.
Role: Schematic Design (SD), DD, BP, IFC, Consultant Coordination (CC), liaising with client & authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), CA.
PRANIFY YOGA TENANT IMPROVEMENT | 2010
This tenant improvement (TI) required deep dialogue with the client to ensure her branding, community values, and general “vibe” were reflected in the final design. The space was intended to act as a sanctuary for wellness and healing, and positive community feedback to this “sacred space” persists to this day. I have recently returned to work with this client and design her next location. Namaste.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, specification docs, CA.
BRANT AVE TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT | 2010-2011
After the success of Glenvalley, we worked with the same client on a new housing development with an even greater focus on affordability. The added challenges of a difficult hillside site and conflicting adjacent industrial zoning didn’t hinder our ability to provide 18 spacious, 3-bedroom, ground-oriented townhomes with yards at well below market rate pricing. We assisted the client in attaining a number of grants for providing affordable housing options.
Role: SD, DD, IFC, Consultant coordination, Client & AHJ liaising.
LAW OFFICE TENANT IMPROVEMENT | 2011
This TI was designed to reflect the modern, industrial style of the existing building while offering some soft, and inviting elements, acting as a calm reprieve for clients during turbulent times. The challenges of balancing an open, collaborative office environment while also providing quiet, confidential spaces posed a satisfying design challenge.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, specification docs, CA.
CMV Architects | 2011-2014, Toronto, ON
Architect: Dan Cowling
DUNFIELD RETIREMENT RESIDENCE | 2011-2013
This 6-story, 135-unit retirement residence provided a combination of assisted and independent living options. Rich in amenities, this building was designed to offer a highly fulfilling lifestyle without ever having to leave the building. The level of detail and additional consultant coordination on this project greatly accelerated my development of technical knowledge for Part 3 buildings.
Role: Permit IFC drawings, Consultant & AHJ coordination & CA.
WILSON AVE TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT | 2011-2013
This dense, low-rise housing model requires no common corridors or elevator access, allowing for an incredibly efficient use of space. The 70 stacked and back-to-back units include a wide range of living options and are all accessed from grade via their own private entry. A below-grade parkade is provided with ramp access located behind commercial units off this busy urban street. This Escher-esque planning method opened my eyes to a new understanding of efficient space planning concepts for urban living.
Role: SD, DD, Tender, IFC, Consultant & AHJ coordination & CA.
STATION CONDOMINIUM TOWER | 2012-2014
Once filled with commuter parking lots, aging office, and commercial spaces, this area had been targeted by the City for regeneration by adding residential usage. This modern 15-story, 388-unit building consists of a podium base with commercial use, 2-story live/work lofts at grade, two towers, and underground parking. The incredibly complex drawing set utilized the latest in BIM software, greatly aiding in accurate consultant coordination and reducing construction discrepancies, delays, and unforeseen costs.
Role: Tender & IFC drawings, Consultant & AHJ coordination & CA.
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP NORTH YORK | 2012-2014
This 40,000 sq. ft. wilderness outfitter store, complete with 2 levels of below-grade parking, was designed to exceed the highest LEED standards. Sustainable design strategies included a demountable structure for end-of-lifecycle recovery of materials, green roofs, passive solar daylighting through a saw-tooth roof, a solar photovoltaic array, and many more. This highly technical, sustainable, high-performance building stood as a testament to the company’s ethos for environmental stewardship.
Role: SD, DD, Tender, IFC, Consultant & AHJ.
PARK TOWNS STACKED TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT | 2012-2014
Located directly behind MEC North York, this 54-unit infill building was MEC’s first foray into residential development. Utilizing the same efficient planning and densification strategies from our Wilson Avenue project, we were able to provide a slightly higher-end building solution with considerate density, offering a diverse range of urban housing options in a beautiful park-like setting. The success of this project is reflected in its ability to sell out within the first day of hitting the market.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings & specification docs, IFC drawings.
Meiklejohn Architects | 2014-2017, Kelowna, BC
Architect: Jim Meiklejohn
LIBRARY PARKADE ADDITION | 2014-2015, KELOWNA, B.C.
The new 200+ stall expansion of the library parkade was designed to be considerate of the language of the existing parkade while introducing a modern palette and form. Commercial units at grade and playful, artistic sunshades screen the parking areas located behind. Being a municipal project with a tight budget, careful attention was taken in the detailing and product specifications.
Role: Tender drawings & specification docs, Permit & IFC drawings.
STRATHCONA MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT | 2014-2016
This mixed-use building includes a cafe, medical offices, and three luxury condominium apartments. Located in a significant transitional area, it stands as an excellent example of a mixed-use contextual development sensitively introduced into a single-use neighborhood, adding vibrancy to the area. As a PPP project, considered design choices and accurate tender and construction documents ensured the project remained viable for all stakeholders.
Role: Tender drawings and specification docs, Permit & IFC drawings.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT | 2014-2016
Kelowna’s first dedicated micro-suite development is a 5-story mixed-use building with 192 residential units, commercial retail units at grade, and 2 levels of partially buried parkade. This project sold out incredibly quickly and set a new precedent for smaller, minimalist-style living in the city. The building’s rich amenities and 'U' configuration, complete with a rooftop amenity space, create a strong sense of community in the building.
Role: DD, Tender drawings and specification docs, Permit & IFC drawings.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS | 2014-2017
The University District quickly became one of Kelowna’s largest new neighborhoods, with my personal involvement in 5 buildings over four years. The projects are a mixture of condominium and rental apartments over a combination of semi-buried parkades and surface parking. The building architecture evolved from a traditional craftsman style to a more modern design with playful use of form and color.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination, Client liaison & CA.
INTERIOR SAVINGS CREDIT UNION BRANCH INTERIORS | 2015-2017
This franchise redesign was set to refresh all of the most popular branches in B.C., with my personal involvement in the prototype design and construction of 4 locations. The new design brings the branches into the modern era, including the incorporation of interactive technology, smaller and more intimate banking halls with individual teller pods complete with stand-up and sitting capability. The interiors create an upscale yet still comfortable and casual atmosphere.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination, Client liaison & CA.
Bluegreen Architecture | 2017-2024, Kelowna, BC
Architect: Kevin Ryan
HISTORICAL ADDITION MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT | 2017-2024
This master-planned community, located on its own island, included a renovation to a historical preservation building that added a mix of hotel, market condos, and commercial use. The directly linked addition included an additional 50 residential units over a parkade.
Role: Master planning, SD, DD, tender, permit & IFC drawings.
GREEN SQUARE VERT MULTIFAMILY PHASE 1 | 2017-2020
Phase 1 of this master-planned development included 2 multifamily buildings, offering 90 units, over a multi-level, partially buried parkade masked by ground-oriented townhomes. The development forms a central green space, accompanied by a building on each corner that utilizes corner balconies placed at 45-degree angles offering optimal sight lines, unique aesthetics, and added privacy between dwellings.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
ST. PAUL MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT | 2017-2019
This 54-unit development was one of Kelowna’s first modern 6-story wood-framed residential buildings in the downtown core. The 2-story partially buried parkade, screened by ground-oriented townhomes, and 5 floors of sensitively set-back buildings above helped forge a new template for mid-rise residential buildings in downtown Kelowna. The community rooms, shared outdoor amenities, ample bike and storage lockers, and allowable short-term rentals create a dynamic ease of living that is enjoyed by both visiting guests and homeowners.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
THE LANDING TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT | 2019-2021
This 25-unit, modern townhome development is located within close proximity to one of the Okanagan's most beautiful lakes. The combination of 2 and 3-story units were carefully positioned to capitalize on views of the lake, with each unit having a full rooftop deck that transitions to an outdoor living room in the summer. All units provide 3 bedrooms, double car garages, yards, and thanks to well-considered architecture, are still offered at a market price attainable to middle-income families.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
WESTMINSTER MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT | 2020-2022
Given the intended rental use, careful consideration was taken in every design choice and the associated budget implications. The result is a relatively simple form, rich in materiality and subtle, tasteful detail. This project delivered a desperately needed affordable rental option while also providing additional commercial lease space in Penticton’s rapidly developing downtown core neighborhood. It was a pleasure to reunite with the same knowledgeable developers from the University District projects.
Role: Tender & IFC drawings, Consultant coordination & CA.
Bluegreen Architecture | 2017-2024, Kelowna, BC
Architect: Kevin Ryan
CAWSTON MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT | 2021-2023
Following the success of the St. Paul development, we continued to work with the same client on this follow-up development. This 77-unit project introduced live-work units and a co-working space, given the work-lifestyle trend introduced over the pandemic. Increased attention to detailing and assemblies was required to meet the recently implemented Step Code energy efficiency requirements.
Role: Tender & IFC drawings, Consultant coordination & CA.
GREENSQUARE VERT MULTIFAMILY PHASE 2 | 2021-2023
The final phase added an additional two buildings and 70 units, over one level of parkade screened by park-facing townhomes. The buildings flank opposite corners of the central green space that includes park-like amenities. Difficulties posed by the pandemic, including labour and material shortages, and increasing timelines, required an all-consultant hands-on-deck approach to meet our client's closing dates and remain a financially successful project.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
KOLA CANNABIS HEADQUARTERS | 2022-2023
This new startup cannabis company was looking to build its headquarters/tourism destination and requested an iconic architectural form that told a story and aligned with their branding. The design reflects the old days of prohibited, underground sea container grow labs, with this approach seemingly breaking up through the ground, into the light, and welcoming visitors to journey inside.
Role: SD, DD, Development Permit Drawings & AHJ Liaison.
SAVOY MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT | 2022-2024
Building on a proven template for mid-rise residential in Kelowna’s downtown core, this 60-unit, 6-story wood-framed building finds its own unique architectural identity with its considered details and playful form. Materials take cues from the adjacent industrial/commercial area and complement the new RCMP building located directly opposite the street. Designed to Step Code 3 requirements, the details, assemblies, and systems were all carefully considered and designed in concert with a progressive team of professional consultants.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
NOLITA MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT | 2022-2024
This 60-unit, 6-story wood frame building over 2 levels of parkade replaces 4 narrow single-family lots. Similar in planning approach to Savoy, we were successful in finding a new, marketable architectural language that received great praise. Responses from council members included, “We see a lot of multi-family come forward and often they're very square boxes, and this one definitely set itself apart,” stated Councilor Hodge. “I really wanted to applaud the applicant on the form and character of this building; it goes to show, in my mind, a real creative flair,” said Councilor Wooldridge.
Role: SD, DD, Tender drawings, IFC, Consultant coordination & CA.
