Building on the Bow

Building on the Bow: Landmarks in Calgary Commercial Real Estate. This was THE book and for the year following it’s launch (2012), it was my baby. I used to carry it around and show it off. I hope it’s not the last book I’m involved in.

Building on the Bow was a project conceived and created by one of the committees (made up of members) at one of my previous jobs. It was an amazing project for several reasons. It was a beautiful black and white, architectural-history infused, coffee table book showcasing commercial buildings in Calgary. I was also very fortunate to be named Managing Editor of the book. I oversaw the photographer, writers (5), editors (3) and made sure all the elements came together. I LOVED working on this, even during a very busy time in my career/life, even when I was tired and just didn’t want to stay at the office a moment longer, I was committed to this project in a way I haven’t been before or since. It was a tangible achievement – something that I could physically touch. I was proud of the work the team did on this and it is, to this day, one of my most proud and happy achievements. It as a gift to the members of our organization and to all those who worked on it. I squirrelled away quite a few extra copies (I gave them as gifts for quite a while), though I don’t know what I’ll do with them now – they still remain an important portfolio piece for me.

Patsy:

That’s an amazing project Parker, that’s really neat
Hmm I like the tangible part here, something I’ve been looking into for myself

Adrienne:

This is a gorgeous book. You gifted me a copy and I have it as my dining room book. I have a definite thing for decorating. It is taking me longer than usual since I moved to Hamilton, and this beautiful book creates that reality of fantastic home and also inspires me to keep making the rest beautiful too.