Cover Architecture

Meet Thomas Wlodarczyk, one of the talented Technologists that helps make our projects a reality! Thomas has been in the Kootenays for a while now, drawn here by the quieter living, but he hails originally from the big city of Montreal where he completed his Residential and Commercial Drafting Diploma in 2017. He has a diverse background and brings practical knowledge to his role, as well as a keen eye for detail and an enthusiasm for problem solving. We asked him a couple of questions about this and what he’s been working on lately:

What are some of the experiences that you bring from your work outside of architecture?
TW: I think having experience both working in the field and behind a desk has given me a practical understanding of how things actually get built and how the decisions made during design affect the people building on site. Before joining Cover, I had a pretty diverse background in skilled trades, drafting and design, and hospitality. I started out working in the tourism industry before moving into automotive mechanics, architectural and engineering drafting and design, timber framing, carpentry, general construction, floristry, and I even spent some time as an aircraft upholsterer making interiors for private jets.

What are you most excited to be working on in the office right now?
TW: The Civic Theatre! All of the projects I get to work on here at Cover are exciting in their own ways, but the Civic Theatre is the one that stands out to me in particular. As a film and cinema enthusiast and member of the NCTS, being part of this project resonates with me on a deeper level than simply working on another building. The Civic Theater has always been a place I’ve been incredibly grateful to have in a small community. Being part of the design team has given me the opportunity to explore and understand the theatre in a whole new way, getting to uncover every nook and cranny, and sifting through nine decades of archived information, photographs, and historical drawings. With the project under construction now and the theatre one step closer to reopening, being able to play a part in its next chapter feels truly special.

📸: Amanda | Editorial & Brand Photographer

New housing is under construction in Castlegar!

The Lu’ma Affordable Housing project is going to provide 78 units of affordable and family housing, including accessible units. Construction is moving along quickly with pre-fab framing going up at about a floor every 10 days! In a commitment to better environmental sustainability, the design of the project includes full electrified mechanical systems, achieving above and beyond BC Carbon Step Code EL-4, as well as BC Energy Step Code 3.

On the boards ✍️

Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake, the Bulmer’s Point Residence has been designed to complement and integrate with its beautiful surroundings.

With the hardwearing finishes, an outdoor shower and kitchen, and sliding doors out from the living spaces, this getaway connects the occupants with the landscape at every opportunity. Pulling inspiration from the pebbled shoreline, the 10-foot-high rock wall runs throughout the space, functioning as a retaining wall as well as a design feature.

This sunny summer weather has got us dreaming of farmer’s markets, live music, and getting outside!

The New Denver Stage is ready for it all, whether it’s the yearly Garlic Festival, summer concerts, or anything else you can dream up, the new stage in Centennial Park has got you covered. Beautiful heavy timber detailing supports the canopy while the wood slats frame the stage and built-in curtains for performances. Looking out at the beautiful waterfront and surrounding mountains, we can’t wait to see the community put it to use!



📸: Tamarack | Creative Agency

We're excited to see construction underway on this new housing project in Castlegar and proud to be a part of this great team!

Construction is starting on 78 new homes in Castlegar at 916 9th Street. This new 6-storey building will offer homes for families, seniors, and people living with disabilities.

BC Housing is partnering with Indigenous-led Lu’ma Development and the City of Castlegar to build these homes. Once the building is complete, Lu'ma Native Housing Society will manage it.

The building will include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, along with shared amenity spaces. It’s in a central location close to services and parks.

This project is designed to support resident wellness, safety, and a sense of connection—helping make Castlegar a stronger community.

A thank you to our partners, Lu'ma Native Housing Society, Lu’ma Development and the City of Castlegar, for coming .

Christine Boyle

The Civic Theatre Renovation is officially underway and we couldn’t be more excited! A lot of hard work and perseverance has gone into making this project a reality and we’re thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this important cultural hub back to our community. Yesterday’s ground breaking ceremony really highlighted how much this space means to everyone here in Nelson and how much it’s been missed during its recent closure.

The new theatre space is going to include plenty of upgrades, including two new screens (for a total of 3 theatres), and a fully revamped concession and lobby space. The new interiors will complement the important Art Deco history of the building and create something fun and refreshed. On top of that, the theatre will see some serious accessibility improvements and is already Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified (a huge accomplishment for a heritage building and cultural space like this!) These improvements will include a new LU/LA Elevator, a fully Universal Washroom, a variety of accessible seating options, and Assistive Listening and Communication Enhancement Technologies.

We can’t wait for the community to see what is ahead for this beloved theatre!