February 1st marked the 8th anniversary of B&A’s Edmonton Studio, a milestone that reflects not only our growth but also our deep commitment to the Edmonton market. This isn’t just a story of expansion; it’s a story of Edmonton’s growth, the partnerships we’ve built, and the lessons we’ve carried forward. As we celebrate 8 years in Edmonton, we also recognize B&A’s 35-year legacy of shaping communities across Western Canada through urban planning, land development, and community design. Our success in Edmonton is a testament to the values that have driven us for more than three decades—local expertise, thoughtful planning, and a dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable places. 

The Vision Behind the Expansion 

The decision to expand into Edmonton was rooted in our belief that the expertise and services we excelled in—urban planning, land development, and community design—could make a meaningful impact beyond Calgary. For years, we toyed with the idea of growing our presence. The question wasn’t if, but when and where and with whom. Edmonton became the logical choice due to its thriving development community and the overlap of key clients operating in both cities.  

Edmonton has always had a strong, independent planning and development community, and we recognized the need to approach this market with an Edmonton-first mindset. 

Our expansion into Edmonton was not simply about duplicating our Calgary model; it was about understanding and integrating into Edmonton’s planning environment. From the beginning, we sought to build a team of Edmontonians who live, work, and understand the nuances of the city. This was never about bringing Calgary planning to Edmonton—it was about planting roots in Edmonton and building a practice led by local expertise. 

The Challenges of Establishing Roots 

Breaking into a well-established market required us to build relationships with developers, consultants, and municipal leaders from the ground up. Unlike Calgary, where we had decades of built-in networks, Edmonton required a different approach. The approval processes, political dynamics, and market relationships were not challenges to overcome—they were opportunities to prove that B&A belonged in Edmonton. 

From day one, Brian Murray led the charge. With extensive experience working at the City of Edmonton, Brian understood the approval processes and planning environment inside and out. His deep local knowledge, paired with his ability to forge strong relationships, positioned B&A as a serious and capable player in Edmonton’s urban planning and development landscape. 

While many outside firms have tried and failed to establish a lasting presence in Edmonton, B&A took a different approach—one that was built on patience, persistence, and commitment to the local market. 

Lessons Learned and Growth Achieved 

The biggest lesson we’ve learned over the past eight years is the importance of leading with local expertise. While our broader firm has decades of urban planning excellence, it was Edmonton-based leadership that laid the foundation for our studio’s success. Brian’s ability to adapt, pivot, and focus on municipal planning, mixed-use developments, and infill projects allowed us to establish credibility in a competitive market. 

Instead of trying to replicate our Calgary success, we leaned into what Edmonton needed most. We built relationships through organizations like BILD Edmonton Metro and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute, participated in local events, and ensured that our work reflected the city’s needs. We also recognized the importance of assembling a diverse and well-rounded team. Over time, we strategically grew our office by bringing in senior planners with expertise in infill development, transit-oriented development, municipal planning, and master-planned communities—each with a strong local network and understanding of Edmonton’s urban planning and development landscape. 

Milestones and Future Vision 

Over the past eight years, B&A’s Edmonton Studio has contributed to some of the region’s highly impactful projects, including transit-oriented developments, high-profile municipal plans, and major redevelopment initiatives. These successes have been made possible not because of our broader firm, but because of the talent, expertise, and relationships built right here in Edmonton. 

Looking ahead, we see incredible potential for continued growth. Our goal is to continue to grow our local team and foster a collaborative and innovative environment that reflects the needs of the region. With every project, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Edmonton Region, ensuring that our urban planning, design, and public engagement services continue to contribute to the region’s long-term vision.

A Bright Future for Edmonton 

As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that our success in Edmonton has been built on the strength of our local team, our partnerships, and our unwavering commitment to the city and region. This is not a Calgary firm working in Edmonton—this is B&A, deeply embedded in the communities we call home, growing alongside the region we proudly serve. 

Edmonton’s future is bright, and we’re excited to be part of it. As B&A continues to evolve, we look forward to deepening our impact, fostering new opportunities, and shaping communities for generations to come.