Joost Bakker

Principal, DIALOG

Joost was born in Curaçao and studied economics and architecture at the University of Toronto. He subsequently worked for George Baird, a Toronto architect and theorist, who influenced Joost’s interest in urban issues and the public realm. Joost is a founding partner of the award-winning firm DIALOG.

Through more than 35 years of professional practice Joost has focused on innovative and award winning urban design, mixed-use, residential, institutional and cultural projects. His experience lies in integrated design, strategic management practices and hands-on team based leadership. Major projects include Quest University in Squamish, BC, the major addition and renovation of the CBC Vancouver Headquarters the BCIT Gateway Building, the University of British Columbia Student Union Building, and the West Vancouver Public Safety Building. His work has received numerous design awards including a Governor General’s medal for Richmond City Hall.

Joost is the coauthor of the internationally-recognized redevelopment of Granville Island in Vancouver. Locally, Joost contributes to the vitality of the City of Vancouver. He is active in the arts, having recently completed the Royal Canadian Navy Monument in Ottawa, and has mentored at the UBC School of Architecture. Joost is a Founding Pillar and first president of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, past president of the Contemporary Art Gallery and has sat on numerous civic boards and commissions. He is currently on the Board of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation and is a member of the City of Vancouver Public Art Committee.

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