Culture
Where curiosity, craft, and community come together.
At GEC, our culture begins with care—care for one another, for the communities we work in, and for the impact of the work we do. This is a place where people are challenged and supported in equal measure, where mentorship is part of our everyday practice, and where learning is woven into the rhythm of our weeks. We set a high bar because our people deserve to do the best work of their careers here.
We believe that great design starts with great conversations. Our open office layout reflects our commitment to equity, access, and collaboration. Everyone’s voice matters, and every perspective brings value.
Together we...
Learn
Curiosity fuels us. Through a blend of structured programs and informal exchanges, we create space for growth at every level. Our internal learning hub, GEC University, offers a place to explore innovations, technologies, and emerging industry standards. The GEC Lecture Series brings in fresh voices from beyond our practice to spark new ideas and expand our thinking. Design-focused lunches provide a relaxed way to keep design front and centre, blending learning with camaraderie. On First Fridays, we open the floor to students and emerging professionals, giving them a platform to share their work and build presentation skills.
Give Back
We recognize that life extends beyond our desks and that the communities we serve need us just as much as we need them. To honour this, we organize group volunteer days that double as team-building experiences, alongside individual volunteer days that allow people to give back on their own terms. Community involvement is a key part of the balance we strive for between work, life, and everything in between. Over the last year, our passionate staff have volunteered and dedicated their time to organizations such as the Edmonton Food Bank, the Calgary Humane Society, and the YYC River Clean Up for Earth Day.
Celebrate
We make time to enjoy each other’s company and build relationships that go far beyond project teams. Our Social Club plans monthly events that keep us connected, and Social Fridays give us a chance to unwind with games, snacks, and conversation. The Cartier Cup brings all three of our offices together for a day of fun on the golf course and an opportunity to celebrate employee milestones together. Our Winter Party and Summer Party offer moments to reflect, celebrate, and welcome families into our community.
Fostering Leadership
Mentorship is embedded in our culture. Our program connects emerging professionals with seasoned leaders across every discipline, from architecture and interior design to accounting, marketing, and administration. These relationships guide growth, share insight, and open doors. We support intern architects on their journey to licensure, just as we nurture interns and early-career professionals in every field. From learning the ropes to finding your voice, we are dedicated to helping each person chart a meaningful and supported career path, because developing tomorrow’s leaders starts with how we show up today.
People First
We are proud to hold the JUST Label from the International Living Future Institute, reflecting our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This program measures our performance across key areas—including employee health, benefits, stewardship, and purchasing—holding us accountable to the values we live by every day.
At GEC, culture isn’t an add-on. It’s the foundation for everything we do.