Bing Thom

Born in 1940 in Hong Kong, Bing Thom immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1950 – where he completed high school and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of British Columbia. He then attended the University of Berkeley and received his Master's degree. In 1972, he joined Arthur Erickson Architects as project director and oversaw projects such as Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto (1977), the Robson Square Courthouse Complex in Vancouver (1973-79), and the Air Defence Ministry Building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bing Thom is one of Canada's most admired and accomplished architects. He is the principle founder of Bing Thom Architects (BTA), a Vancouver-based firm founded in 1980. Inspired by radial geometries and Asian influence, each project at any given time is ensured the maximum care and attention to detail at every stage. Bing Thom's distinguished career includes being awarded highly prestigious awards such as the Order of Canada (for his contribution to architecture) and the Golden Jubilee Medal for his outstanding service to Canada.

Thom has established a global reputation through his efforts to promote and improve the city of Vancouver. Mr. Thom is a founding member of the Chinese Cultural Centre that rejuvenated Vancouver's Chinatown, and is also a founding member of Builders Without Borders (a non-profit organization that constructs shelter worldwide to those most in need without prejudice of race, religion, gender, or political affiliations). He is also part of the Honorary Celebration Cabinet which hosts events to celebrate over 150 years of Chinese Canadian achievements in Canada.

"Architecture is the art of making a meaningful whole out of many divergent parts. Each component must be thoughtfully considered, but a building shines when the parts become inseparable. For me, a building starts as an intimate response to the site, location and program. The concerns of place, time, materials, space, light and user needs all play a part, but it is the coherent resolution of these concerns, the exploration of the places in between, that creates the poetry and image of a great building.”