1. Hugh Bitz is a Kelowna based architect, a professional civil
engineer and a LEED Applied Professional. Hugh established his
practice, hugh j bitz, architect (hjba) in 2007 with the aim of
providing technical excellence and thoughtful, sustainable design
based on core principles of care, commitment, quality and
sustainability.
hugh j bitz architect

2. I offer a process that is inclusive and thoughtful. Through careful attention to
design and careful attention to the execution of construction a building has the
potential to reflect a more meaningful experience and enhance the users
enjoyment and sense of place.
I am fully engaged in all phases of the problem solving process from the
conceptual through to the detailed and technical. This engagement leads to the
careful integration of building systems and consistency in the design intentions
and detailing throughout the project
CARE
SUSTAINABILITY
QUALITY
COMMITMENT My intention is to build a practice one project at a time. This means taking on
only those projects that I can fully commit to and then committing fully to the
successful completion of those projects.
I believe that sustainable design should embody sustainable principles first,
followed by the inclusion of sustainable features.
PRACTICEhugh j bitz architect

3. Blackforest Daylodge
Architect for new 9000 sf daylodge facility located at the foot of the Blackforest
chair lift at Big White, BC. The program includes a cafeteria, lunch room,
washrooms , locker room and ticket point of sale and will serve a gateway to the
resort.
hugh j bitz architect PUBLIC/ RECREATION

4. TELUS Facility - Kelowna
Architect for new 20,000 sf TELUS facility
in Kelowna. The Facility will accommodate
warehouse space and office space for
TELUS’s maintenance, engineering and
business solutions staff.
hugh j bitz architect COMMERCIAL

5. MISSION PASSIVE INFILL:
This infill project relocated an existing 1500 sq. ft dwelling on the property allowing room
to add a new 2800 sq.ft. residence. Recycled concrete forms the foundation for an
architecture that uses structural insulated panels (SIPS) and passive strategies to heat
and cool the house. The remarkably tight / efficient SIPS envelops achieves slightly
over one air change per hour – 2.5 fewer changes that base case, resulting in projected
annual energy savings of 8,500 Kwh/yr. Built for just over $150 sq. ft. the new home is
certified energy efficient (Energuide 81) and provides a striking example of an
affordable and efficient residence.
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

6. This residential infill replaces a derelict 1100ft2 single family home with a 5400ft2
duplex that allows for the potential of 4 dwellings. This project achieved a LEED for
Homes Platinum rating - the first for the Okanagan and the second in BC to achieve
this status- and was awarded a Tommie (Thompson Okanagan Housing Award )
Gold for excellence in the semi-detached/town home development category . HJBA
collaborated closely with the builder to maximize energy performance and building
efficiency, while minimizing construction waste. Exceptional reductions in material,
energy, and water demands were achieve.
East Hill Infill I:
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

7. Twin Pad Arena
I acted as the design team leader for new 70,000sf twin pad arena that includes
lobby, restaurant, office spaces, and meeting rooms at the University of Ontario
Institute of Technology. The volume of office/restaurant/foyer are articulated and
skewed in contrast to the adjoining ice pads. This form and generous glazing of
the foyer are in response to the campus requirement to create gateways to the
campus, and allows for the future provision of a swimming pool. The primary rink
allows for stadium seating for up to 500 people. Glazing between common area
and ice pads allow for more casual viewing of ice events. Separated public and
player circulation allows the facility to serve as both an effective athletic facility and
community meeting space. *w/HCMA
hugh j bitz architect
PUBLIC/
RECREATION

8. SPCA Shelter
I acted as designer and project architect for the new 5500 ft2 SPCA shelter in Penticton. The
unique challenge was to deliver a building that is humane and inviting while being limited by the
need for robust materials and a tight budget. A very dense plan is relieved by a clear-storey that
invites natural light into the public ambulatory, and the service spaces at the interior of the
building. Approximate Value 1.0 million. *w/ M+M Architects
hugh j bitz architect
COM
MERCIAL

9. Newton Wave Pool
I was the designer and project architect for additions and renovations to an existing wave
pool/recreation facility. The improvement focused on increasing program space by infilling an
existing breezeway and opening up an existing viewing area to create a 4500 ft2 fitness room
c/w change rooms. To increase visibility and interconnections, the lobby was revamped and
reoriented to the dominant point of arrival. The wall separating the fitness room from the wave
pool is completely glazed allowing views into the wave pool. The revamped layout of the central
admin and reception area allows the staff to fully monitor and control access to the various
components (swim/ fitness / community) of the facility. Colorful patterns inlaid in the flooring and
suspended ceiling panels help orient users and animate the formerly derelict space.
*w/HCMArchitects
hugh j bitz architect
PUBLIC/
RECREATION

10. Township of Langley Civic Facility
I assumed the role of design team leader for renovations and additions of an
existing office building. The objective was to create the new civic facility for the
Township of Langley. Program includes office space for over 200 staff, branch
library, fitness centre and community theatre/council chamber. This conversion
was carried out under LEED® guidelines through the Commercial interiors
program, achieving a silver rating. Raised access flooring and demountable
partition walls make the relocation of the Civic Facility’s workstations possible,
and the flexible work space design will ensure adaptability for years to come.
More than 75% of the Civic Facility’s workstations have access to natural
daylight and outdoor views. *w/HCMArchitects
hugh j bitz architect PUBLIC

11. TRU Distribution Centre
I was the designer and project architect for new 18,000 sq.ft. distribution Centre on the
Thompson Rivers University campus. The design was the successfully entry in a limited
design competition. The design brief required 11,000 sq. ft. of state of the art warehouse
space and 7,000 sq. ft. of office space to accommodate the purchasing staff. These
two entities – one of pre-engineered construction and one of custom construction are
merged seamlessly in a linear form is made dynamic by changes in roof plane. *w/ M+M
Architects.
hugh j bitz architect COMMERCIAL

12. Cieneguilla Casa
Located on a sloping valley site near Lima, Peru the design of this single family
home reflects the Peruvian and Canadian nationalities of the clients. The
stone/adobe wall and terrace elements reflect traditional Peruvian construction
techniques, while the post and beam roof element reflect a more traditional
Canadian technique. The butterfly roof responds to distant valley view on the north
exposure and frames a nearby mountain view on the south exposure. The glazing
of the double storey north façade is designed to open completely to allow rising
valley breezes to cool the house. The pool is situated close to the ground floor
opening to assist in this cooling.
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

13. Townhomes
Architect for six unit residential project proposed for Rutland neighborhood in Kelowna, BC
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

14. NVIT Student Residences
I acted as design architect for two new residence buildings at Nicola Valley Institute of
Technology allowing for a combined total of 24,000 sq. ft. and accommodation for 80
students. An integrated design process was followed with project delivery by
construction management. The very tight project timeline (schematic design- including
building sitting - began a year before the project was slatted to be occupied) required
building siting, systems and character & form to be considered simultaneously. A limited
budget required a simple plan and an efficient form. Dorm style living is accommodated
on the upper two floors with self contained accessible suites on the main floor. *w/
M+M Architects.
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

15. Hopkinson House:
This 2500ft2 house was designed to satisfy the owners desire to have an efficient plan
distinguished by natural materials and clear views to the lake. Open common space is organized
under a vaulted ceiling supported by a ridge beam. The dinning room at the centre of this space
serves as a link between an at grade patio at the front of the house and a suspended deck at the
back. The effect of this organization is to open interior to exterior space and allow for a spatial
flow counter to the dominant axis.
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

16. Cawston Carriage :
This carriage house is designed as a contemporary response to the need
for detached ground oriented housing in the urban core of Kelowna . In this
zone, the floor area for accessory buildings are restricted to less than
92m2. and the maximum height is restricted to 4.5m. Furthermore the
setback requirements constrain the potential footprint of the building to a
basic box. The formal response to these constraints is to render the basic
box form as an interplay of smaller articulated boxes. By partially digging
the building into the site two floors with 2.3m ceilings can be
accommodated. Windows are placed to maximize privacy from the street
and adjacent homes and to restrict the incidence of direct summer sun.
hugh j bitz architect RESIDENTIAL

17. • Project Architect for LEED Platinum Project- East Hill Infill;
• Preliminary Design and siting for new Visitor Centre using sustainable principles and techniques;
• Site Planning for Proposed Eco Village/ Co-housing development
• Schematic design 1 for retrofit of multipurpose civic facility into existing office building- LEED CI;
• Design and Engineering 2 of rainwater harvesting, septic system and energy systems ( propane
genset + photovoltaic)for an off the grid residence. 1 With HCMA
2 With Iredale Group
3 With M+M architects
hugh j bitz architect SUSTAINABLITY

18. •Project Architect/ Engineer– for below grade envelope improvements to Central Elementary School;
•Architect for Acoustic Improvements to H2O Centre;
•Project Architect for Northgate Plaza reconstruction;
•Building Envelope Upgrade- Holland House- Salmon Arm
•Project Architect for Restoration of Apple Bowl;
•Building envelope detailing for remediation of existing condominium project;
hugh j bitz architect REMEDIATION