During the course of a career that has spanned more than 40 years, Kitchener architect Roger Farwell has made a mark not only in the design sphere but also in terms of community building.
Farwell, senior architect at WalterFedy, has been responsible for the direction of some of the integrated design firm’s most successful projects.
He also drives the Kitchener firm’s commitment to community building.
The recipient of numerous awards, including the 2014 Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, Farwell was recently inducted into the Grand Valley Construction Association’s (GVCA) Hall of Fame.
"Roger has made an indelible mark on the construction industry and the community," said incoming GVCA chair Jeff Shantz, vice-president of project development at Waterloo’s Melloul-Blamey Construction.
"I think it would be safe to say that everyone in this room has in some way crossed his path, whether it was bidding or building a Fedy project or benefitting from the great resources we have in Waterloo Region — because most of them have his mark on them.
"He has in so many ways helped build our community."
Farwell, who has degrees in both architecture and environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, has spent the lion’s share of his professional life at WalterFedy, a full-service firm which offers architecture, engineering and construction management services.
There, he has been responsible for the direction of such high-profile projects as the KidsAbility Centre for Child Development, Waterloo Regional Police Headquarters, and a string of YMCAs as well as wide-ranging work for Conestoga College.
He has also had a hand in the design of numerous other projects over the years in the municipal, educational and financial services sectors as well as airport facilities in both Ottawa and Hamilton.
Most recently, Farwell acted as project director for the design and construction of the Waterloo Region History Museum, a LEED Silver facility that earned WalterFedy and project partner Moriyama + Teshima Architects a 2011 Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Award.
In the community, Farwell has been active since 2003 in both the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
He currently co-chairs a task force that drives economic development in the region, ensuring there is talent on the ground across various sectors.
He has also been involved in the Waterloo Regional Police Children’s Safety Village, Junior Achievement of the Waterloo Region, the board of the Salvation Army and Participation House.
In 2014, Farwell was the recipient of the Michael R. Follett Community Leader Award. In 2010, he received the second annual Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser Award in recognition of his involvement in such organizations as Participation House and Junior Achievement.
Farwell, who was raised in Kitchener, credited his commitment to the community in part to the "tremendous values" instilled by his parents, who were one generation off the farm.
"There is a sense of obligation in the rural community that goes with the place where you live and the people who are around you," he said.
"That has kind of stayed with me and I think really given me the stamina to deliver on my promises in a professional sense."
Added to this, Farwell said, is the "deeply rooted value" placed on community building at WalterFedy, a firm that was founded more than 60 years ago.
"I was encouraged early on in my career to participate in such organizations as Participation House," said Farwell, who was active in that organization from 1978 to 1982.
He said the firm’s support for giving back to the community has helped him juggle his various responsibilities over the years. Farwell was a senior partner in the firm from 2010 to 2012.
"On the design and construction side, we’re pretty much running on Mach Six speed anyway," he said.
"I just have to manage my calendar and my timing."
Farwell said he was "deeply honoured" to be inducted into the GVCA Hall of Fame.
"I have a huge amount of respect for the association," he said.
"I think they’ve been at the forefront over the years in terms of building awareness (of the industry) and advancing their agenda."
The induction took place at a dinner held in conjunction with the association’s Feb. 17 annual general meeting in Kitchener.
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