Bio

Bob McGilvray received degrees in architecture and landscape architecture/planning from the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Pennsylvania respectively. Prior to coming to Vancouver in 1976, Bob worked for multidisciplinary design and planning firms in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. He has also worked as a construction labourer and assistant carpenter.

Arriving in Vancouver, Bob initially worked in larger firms (McCarter Nairne, Downs Archambault, Rhone & Iredale, Arthur Erickson Architects) on a variety of project types including urban residential developments, private residences, site planning, and institutional buildings. In 1993 he joined The Vancouver City Planing Department as a Planner/Urban Designer. There his responsibilities included managing public consultation processes, drafting zoning regulations, planning policies and guidelines, serving as a Development Planner/Facilitator reviewing development proposals, and providing advice on major projects via The Urban Design Caucus. During this period, Bob also completed independent design projects including new homes and mixed use buildings on Bowen island. In 2000, Bob established R. D. McGilvray Design-Architecture-Planning providing a range of consulting services to varied clients including individuals, community groups, real estate investors, and others.

Prior to being on City staff, Bob was appointed twice to the Vancouver Urban Design Advisory Panel and has been elected to the boards of both the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects. He has been a Sessional Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Adjunct Professor in the Landscape Architecture Program at University of British Columbia. He is currently on the board of the Bowen (Island) Community Housing Association (addressing affordable housing issues) and is serving on the Steering Committee for the UpDate of the Bowen Island Official Community Plan.

Bob lives with his wife, children, two cats and a ferret in Vancouver and on Bowen Island. He maintains an objective skepticism regarding his own profession and has a healthy sense of humour.