May 14, 2024 (Toronto/Vancouver) – SvN Architects + Planners (SvN) announces that they have joined forces with leading Vancouver-based firm, Hotson Architecture (Hotson), a strategic move that marks a significant milestone for the firm’s expanded presence in Vancouver. This merger follows a collaborative working relationship between the two firms, and a shared alignment and motivation to address pressing issues in the architecture and urban design industry, including climate-positive practices, housing affordability and mobility. This new chapter also expands SvN’s leadership team, with the appointment of Kai Hotson as the firm’s newest Partner.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Hotson and are looking forward to integrating our teams and leveraging our combined strengths to deliver exceptional results in the community-building space”, says Shonda Wang, Partner, SvN. “The alignment of our shared values, commitment to design excellence, and focus on key areas such as housing and institutional projects make this integration a natural fit. Hotson brings an intricate and local perspective in Western Canada and we look forward to amplifying this experience while we continue to expand the firm’s capabilities and enhance our project portfolio across the country.”
Formed in 2013 and led by founder Kai Hotson, Hotson is full-service boutique-scale design firm of talented architects and designers. Their expertise has focused on a wide range of project types including retail, interiors, housing, academic and community buildings, feasibility studies, and master planning. Some notable projects include tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ (The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater), a student residence at the University of British Columbia, District Flats at the Southlands community, a transit-oriented development at 48th and Cambie Street, as well as a number of ongoing projects for Granville Island.
“To have the opportunity to bring our firms’ expertise and resources together to better serve our clients and pursue new opportunities in the design and building industry is inspiring and motivating”, says Kai Hotson, Partner, SvN. “ Very early on, we recognized the potential for synergy between our firms, and believe we are presented with a tremendous opportunity to become a part of SvN and collaborate with a talented and diverse team. Working closely with my new partners, I am excited to see how we make a meaningful impact on our communities and industry”.
Over the last year, SvN has made notable advances in their efforts to strengthen their presence in Vancouver, most recently hiring Minsu Kim as Vancouver’s Design Lead in 2023, as well as the upcoming relocation of partner Shonda Wang to provide overall leadership alongside Kai Hotson of the Vancouver Studio.
SvN is an integrated planning and design firm comprised of architects, planners, urban designers and landscape architects engaged with the dynamic social, economic and environmental forces that define and govern where people live and work. Designing amidst an ongoing global climate crisis, SvN is a regenerative practice that brings post-carbon, biodiverse and low-embodied energy solutions into all of its projects wherever possible, greatly benefiting regions, cities, and towns across Canada and worldwide. The firm focuses on mobility and transit-related solutions, waterfront revitalization, affordable housing, design resilience, and rural and urban economic development.
