Robert Lemon has spent over four decades in Vancouver while studying or working as an architect and heritage preservationist. In this talk, he will share excerpts from his memoir “An Architect’s Address Book: The places that shaped a career,” which include some of the notable buildings and projects that shaped him personally and professionally, including The Barber House, Twelfth and Cambie, Estergreen and 125 East 4th Avenue. Join VHF for a special evening chronicling his life, the people he met and was influenced by (and perhaps a few secrets from working inside City Hall).

🚩 UPDATE: Due to the weather conditions, this special event will now be offered in a virtual format through ZOOM. Further details on how to connect will be provided upon registration. Please DO NOT proceed to Hycroft Manor as there will be no in-person event held for everyone's safety.

Lemon has a special relationship with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, having been involved in its establishment in 1992 and then being on the board - and serving as chair - for many years. VHF has been helpful in getting the book published and Lemon wishes to thank Yosef Wosk and John Fiegl, two loyal supporters of VHF, who helped sponsor his book.

Address Book is available through ORO Editions.

About the Speaker

Robert G. Lemon is an award-winning architect and writer, whose study, work, and passion for buildings and cities has taken him around the world. Born in southern Ontario, he began his architectural studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, but soon left Canada for stints in Paris and London, then returned to the High Arctic as photographer for an archaeological project. Upon graduation, he received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal in Architecture, as well as the Heritage Canada Student Design Award.

In 1979, Lemon moved to Vancouver, where he has lived and practiced for over four decades. He has a master’s degree in architectural conservation which he started at ICCROM in Rome and completed at the University of York in the UK. Now retired – he has returned to his Ontario roots in Stratford.

Lemon’s professional career has focused on heritage planning, building rehabilitation and custom residential commissions. From 1991 to 1996 he was the Senior Heritage Planner for the City of Vancouver, where he was involved in landmark building rehabilitation projects, the introduction of the current heritage legislation, revamping the Transfer of Density Policy and adding Recent Landmarks to the Vancouver Heritage Register.

His landmark heritage building rehabilitation projects in Vancouver include The Architecture Centre, the downtown YMCA, Coastal Church, Hotel Georgia, and two historic buildings at Jameson House and Shannon Estate, all of which have received City of Vancouver Heritage Awards. He also designed or rehabilitated many award-winning custom residences in British Columbia.

Now retired to Stratford Ontario, Lemon hopes that the stories of his career will motivate others to take up the cause of historic preservation, if not for the architectural and heritage value, but for the good of the environment. As someone once said, the greenest building is the one that is already built.

This special event is being offered by donation. All proceeds support VHF's programming. Thank you for your support.

PLEASE NOTE: For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF's policies, please visit our Policies page prior to registering.

If you would like to make a donation in addition to your registration, the amount will be tax deductible and you will receive an official tax receipt for donations of $20 or more. Our Registered Charity number is 891765968.