Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture

Architects

About Us

Blue Sky Architecture is the architecture and design practice of architects Bo Helliwell and Kim Smith. Based in West Vancouver since 1989, Blue Sky has built works in the Lower Mainland, the mountains, islands, and valleys of British Columbia, as well as national and international projects. First established in 1975 as Blue Sky Design on Hornby Island, they have evolved a design approach that is humane and works poetically and economically with site, local materials, climate and program. Blue Sky’s design approach has a long history of sustainability concerns and timber use. They have recently received awards as 2013 Architect of the Year from BC WoodWorks, and numerous awards, local, national and international for Design, Environmental and Energy Efficiency and Innovative Community Planning. A second monograph on their work; ‘Blue Sky Living’ has just been published. The book describes a body of work that includes environmental concerns and embodies the human spirit, transcending the act of shelter into something that shapes and enhances our lives.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Construction Drawings, Custom Homes, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Green Building, New Home Construction, Space Planning, Sustainable Design, 3D Home Design

Areas Served

Arbutus Ridge, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coal Harbour, Fishermans Cove, Hastings-Sunrise, Hollyburn, Killarney, Kitsilano, Lions Bay, Lynn Creek, North Vancouver, Renfrew-Collingwood, Vancouver, West Point Grey, West Vancouver, Whistler, Whytecliff, Yaletown

Awards

Visit http://blueskyarchitecture.com/awards/ for a list of our awards.

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16 Projects

Booklovers House | Sidney Island

Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in Vancouver with a medium wood front door

Naramata Bench House | Okanagan, BC

Deck - contemporary deck idea in Vancouver

Miracle Beach House | Vancouver Island

Minimalist exterior home photo in Vancouver

Harbour House | West Vancouver, BC

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Vancouver

Hill House | Salt Spring Island

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Vancouver

Assiniboine River House | Winnipeg, MB

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Business Details

Business Name

Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture

Phone Number

(604) 921-8646

Website

blueskyarchitecture.com/

Address

West Vancouver, British Columbia V7V 3K1
Canada

License Number

n/a

Followers

199 Followers

Socials

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Credentials

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Write a Review

6 Reviews for Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture

Newest first

R. Parsons Construction Ltd.

R. Parsons Construction has completed four significant residential projects with Blue Sky Architecture over a period of nearly fifteen years. One design consideration that sets Blue Sky apart from their competition is the way the buildings they design fit naturally into the site's landscape. While working on these projects the thought put into each particular house and the expertise of these architects becomes apparent, particularly relating to utilizing natural light and exposure to the sun. I have worked with many architects over almost 45 years in construction, and in my opinion, Blue Sky Architecture are standouts who are highly respected by their peers, clients, colleagues and associates.

May 15, 2016

Vallely Architecture

I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced all sides of Helliwell + Smith: Blue Sky Architecture from the young architect in training who deeply admired the quality of their work and wished some day to achieve their skill, to the eager intern architect working for them and experiencing first hand their commitment and dedication for both their clients and their craft, to now as a colleague who recognizes Helliwell + Smith: Blue Sky Architecture for who they are: one of the most important architectural contributors to our current West Coast contemporary vernacular. Helliwell + Smith: Blue Sky Architecture may have garnered national and international attention for the quality and creativity of their work but don’t let that intimidate you, Bo and Kim will put you at ease from the start and will show you first hand how enjoyable it can be to create beautiful architecture. Kevin Vallely Architect AIBC MRAIC

May 6, 2016

Janet Halliwell

We selected Blue Sky Architecture as our preferred architectural firm for our retirement home on Salt Spring Island - recognizing the unique blend of creativity and practicality in the combined architectural team of Bo and Kim. They have wonderful huge sensitivity to the land and understand how to match the landscape and built environment. They were wonderful to work with and the outcome has been a joy. And two years later we went back to them for design of a studio-garage, an equal success.

September 2, 2015

lvanduzer

I cannot recommend Kim Smith and Bo Helliwell of Blue Sky Architecture strongly enough. The architects and their assistants were a great pleasure to work with from beginning to end. I came to the project as a special client, the Director of the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, with many ideas of my own. I always found Kim and Bo to be both receptive to pursuing my ideas and proactive in offering alternatives when theirs were better. The fast-tracked project unfolded during a particularly busy time in my life and they were wonderful at framing and narrowing the decisions I had to make. I could not be happier with the results of the project and what has become an enduring friendship.

April 16, 2015

mikebev

From the beginning to the end of our project Bo, Kim, and their team were at all times professional, on time, on budget and enthusiastic. When we first discussed the project Bo & Kim commented about our eclectic mix of furniture and design features we wanted to incorporate into the design. They incorporated it all flawlessly with ingenuity and a fine eye for aesthetics and flow of design. We requested several major and minor changes through varying stages of construction that required extra engineering and additional work for the Blue Sky team. All we taken in stride and dealt with timely, efficiently and effectively. The end result is a beautiful house that is ideally positioned to take best advantage of the property and view which we enjoy every day. We very much enjoyed working with Bo and Kim and when we build again we will look no further then Blue Sky Architecture. Sincerely Mike & Bev

March 2, 2015

christopherharvey

Blue SkyArchitecture took our concept for a home on the Naramata Bench – that it be a work of art that make a seamless transition between the outside and inside world - and delivered beyond expectation. After coming to the site to observe the natural elements, and noting the trajectory of the sun, Bo and Kim proposed a design and location that suited the spot perfectly. They are creative, inspirational, very accommodating and a pleasure to work with. We could not be happier with them or the end result .

February 25, 2015

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1 Ideabook

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21 Comments

Commented: Love the chains as down spouts but how does the gutter system work?Hello, Thank you for your interest in our work, and our apologies for the delay in answering your query. Custom perimeter gutter/drainage is built into the roof and drain to the rain chains.

July 23, 2018

Commented: I looking for table to match these chairs round blackThese chairs are Wishbone Chairs by Hans Wegner. Good luck in your search!

May 11, 2016

Commented: Ceiling HeightHello - thank you for you interest in our work! The ceiling in the Booklovers' House varies, however it is approximately 14'-0" to the underside of the decking in this image.

April 24, 2016

Commented: FloorsHi There - thank you for getting in touch with us. The floors in this home are engineered hardwood, and bluestone tile.

September 28, 2015

Commented: Kitchen curvesThank you for reaching out. These are custom cabinets, designed to the curve. If you have a kick-ass installer, I am sure they will have some ideas; best wishes for your future kitchen!

September 28, 2015

Commented: Can you share your bluestone tile source?We source our bluestone through Adera Stone: http://www.houzz.com/pro/aderanaturalstonesupply/adera-natural-stone-supply http://www.aderastone.com/

June 22, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture rated?

Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture is currently rated 5 overall out of 5

What services does Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture provide?

Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture provides the following services: 3D Rendering, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Construction Drawings, Custom Homes, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Green Building, New Home Construction, Space Planning, Sustainable Design, 3D Home Design

Where does Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture provide services?

Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture provides services in the following areas: Arbutus Ridge, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coal Harbour, Fishermans Cove, Hastings-Sunrise, Hollyburn, Killarney, Kitsilano, Lions Bay, Lynn Creek, North Vancouver, Renfrew-Collingwood, Vancouver, West Point Grey, West Vancouver, Whistler, Whytecliff, Yaletown

Helliwell + Smith | Blue Sky Architecture