HCMA announced that Heidi Nesbitt has taken on the role of associate principal at the firm. Her focus will be on housing and spaces that support recovery, wellbeing, and healing for vulnerable populations, families, and elders.

The firm says Nesbitt brings a powerful blend of curiosity, care, and experience to her work. “Whether listening deeply to people who have been historically excluded from decision-making, or pushing for more meaningful engagement practices, she helps shape processes that empower and connect.”

Nesbitt first joined HCMA in 2006. She became a registered architect and helped to deliver the award-winning UniverCity Childcare Centre, West Vancouver Community Centre, and Whistler Public Library. In 2010, she left to build her practice through roles at Urban Arts, Local Practice, and as a principal with Human Studio. At each of these firms, her work championed social and environmental outcomes that put people first and she developed deep experience in designing homes for historically underserved populations.

Since returning to HCMA in late 2024, Nesbitt has made swift, significant contributions to Housing and First Peoples work. Current projects include Community Housing in Sts’ailes, Upper Stá7mes Hiyam Housing, and the Soonats’ooneh Health Centre. She is also working on the Urban Indigenous Youth and Education Centre in Vancouver, a transformative, Indigenous-led urban hub that will bring together education, culture, housing, wellness, and childcare under one roof.