We have a history of creating the future.
BDP’s story is one of origins.
Where we startedIt begins in 1961 with the unique vision of Sir George Grenfell Baines, a renowned architect, socialist and idealist who believed passionately in collaboration over hierarchy. At a time when most architectural firms were traditional and rigid, he had a different idea. He wanted to create a design practice where experts from different disciplines worked together as equals, bringing their unique skills and ideas to the table.
Original then.
This is how BDP came to life. From the beginning, we embraced a multidisciplinary approach, bringing architects, engineers, designers, and specialists into one room, ensuring everyone had an equal say in the design process. George understood that great design isn’t the work of one person; it’s a collective effort, and that collaboration creates innovation. He believed that breaking down the barriers between disciplines would lead to more creative and thoughtful solutions.
Original now.
But our purpose wasn’t just about designing buildings. We set out to make a real difference in people’s lives. Our designs were, and still are, driven by the needs of the people who use the spaces we create. For us, design is more than just aesthetics, it’s about creating environments that are functional, sustainable, and that truly work for the people who live, work, and interact with them every day. We have built a reputation for pushing boundaries and doing things differently and we have always stayed true to our purpose: designing with people in mind, with people involved and focusing on making a positive impact.
BDP Quadrangle
In 2019, Quadrangle, a 35-year-old architecture practice well-known in North America for its design, business sense and integrity, joined BDP and became BDP Quadrangle in 2020. The 200-person studio in Toronto strives to create places that foster wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainable futures.
BDP Pattern
In 2021, Pattern, a sports architecture practice, founded by Dipesh Patel in 2009, became part of the BDP group, supporting its growth ambitions and its ethos to create designs that achieve a balance between the man-made environment and the natural world.
Now, we’ve grown into an internationally renowned practice, but we haven’t lost sight of our roots. The collaboration, the creativity, and the commitment to making a difference are as strong today as they were in 1961. Every project we take on is still an opportunity to do something meaningful, to design spaces that enhance lives and stand the test of time. This is who we are, and this is the legacy we continue to build every day.