Bing Thom is a global thinker who through the strength of his architecture has encouraged communities in Canada and around the world to raise their ambitions and strive to improve their condition. His natural curiosity and intensely critical thinking have resulted in architecture of innovation and a quest for excellence that is at the forefront of what is being produced this era.

Innovative, award-winning architect

1. Recipient of extensive awards (e.g. RAIC Governor General’s awards, Lt. Governor of BC’s awards, Marche International des Professionels de l’Immobilier, CIP Award for Planning Excellence) for projects of greatly varying size and complexity: residential projects, performance arts centers, mixed-use complexes, commercial centres, waterfront developments, neighborhood plans, and city master plans.
2. Champion of technical innovation and recipient of numerous innovation awards (e.g., for new heavy timber wall systems at Surrey Central City, for structure at Vancouver Aquarium).
3. Architect of legacy buildings at Expo ‘86 (NWT pavilion) and Expo ‘92 (Canada pavilion).
4. Designer of the prominent Arena Stage in Washington, DC. (to be built).

Influential urban planner

1. Planner of numerous awarded and recognized master plans: Dalian and Yuxi in China, The Trinity Uptown Plan in Fort Worth, Texas.
2. Award winner for urban projects that ripple positive change to a broad community: Surrey Central City, The Trinity Uptown Plan in Fort Worth, Texas.

Teacher, lecturer, researcher

1. Adjunct professor of design at University of British Columbia, University of Singapore, professor at Tongji University in Shanghai.
2. Lecturer at universities around the world, e.g., McGill, Harvard, UCLA, Qinghua, Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.
3. Research association with German Professor Braungart for eco-efficient materials.

Dedicated volunteer/citizen

1. Founding member of the Chinese Cultural Centre that rejuvenated Vancouver’s Chinatown.
2. Board member providing leadership during major building phases for University of British Columbia and Vancouver Public Library
3. Founding member of Builders Without Borders, a non-profit organization that constructs shelter and teaches building industry skills worldwide to those most in need, without prejudice regarding race, religion, gender, or political affiliations.
4. Advocate of volunteerism with his staff.

Advocate of multiculturalism

1. His staff come from 20 different countries and speak 18 languages, welcoming diverse perspectives in the studio atmosphere of Bing Thom Architects.
2. Each project is studied in its cultural and historical context.
3. Advocate of improved Canadian immigration and trade policies.
4. “He is a serious thinker and observer of Western and Eastern cultures.” – Arthur Erickson.

Global thinker/philosopher

1. “A person deeply concerned for the well being of our present civilization” – Arthur Erickson.
2. “... he has been tireless in pursuing community issues, which affect architecture, urbanism, and the quality of the environment” – Moshe Safdie.

Personal honors and awards recipient

1. Order of Canada
2. Golden Jubilee Medal
3. Honorary degree from Simon Fraser University
4. Honorary professorship at Tongji University in Shanghai