Ari is a co-founder of Bluwatr, a firm focused on creating the next generation of Architecture and Engineering organizations. An Architect with experience in a multitude of sectors, Ari is an award-winning architect with a Masters in Architecture. His passion for Design Excellence coupled with outstanding client service is the hallmark of his business ethos.

Ari is the platform’s Chief Growth Officer guiding many of the firm’s investment and market-focus initiatives. Prior to founding Bluwatr, he was leading IBI Group’s (now Arcadis) Buildings practice in the US. His role encompassed growth, strategy, practice leadership, design, client relationship management, and Alternate Project Delivery for significant private and public sector clients. Ari is a firm believer in firm empathy and the key to understanding an A&E firm’s business is to gain deep insight into the organization’s market and brand appeal, a significant ideology that Bluwatr embraces. His people-first approach to profitability is at the core of Bluwatr Partners’ approach: People–your experts–are the heartbeat of your business, every business problem is fundamentally a human problem, and the solution lies in empowering the people who bring projects to fruition because these projects are the lifeblood of the business.

Ari’s passion for the profession is outlined by his understanding of the changing landscape of the design practice, “There are a lot of technological, societal, and environmental forces that are currently changing our practice. Technology is forever changing how we perceive our world and how we engage with people and the environment around us. Socially, we’re becoming more aware of our context about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.  Human migration is also a huge challenge as more and more places become urbanized.  And, of course, there’s climate.  If you look at these four things together, you start to view things in a more integrated way and can begin to shape change positively.”

Ari is a licensed Architect in various provinces in Canada and is also licensed as an Architect in the US. He is a member of the RAIC, and AIA. He continues to advocate for the power of design by speaking at various conferences, participating in design competitions, and writing papers.