Meet Russell Hollingsworth: renowned architect and West Vancouver visionary designer of five of the top ten elite B.C. homes.

Now regarded as one of the best architects in Canadian history, Russell's father, Fred, immigrated to Vancouver from England in 1929. After Russell was born, his father raised him on architecture and organic principles. “I learned everything from my father,” Russell explains. “He's been my mentor for as long as I can remember.” The home of legendary developer Nat Bosa and an absolutely stunning Chartwell estate (built in '68, that recently sold for $6.5M) are just a few of Fred's designs.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

Bosa residence

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

Sandhurst estate

Fred Hollingsworth's mid-century style was heavily influenced by his friend and mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright. Famous for his Fallingwater residence built in 1939, it pretty much goes without saying that Wright is widely regarded as one of America's greatest architects. An apprentice of Wright, Fred was inspired by Wright’s focus on the confluence of building and site, form and structure, and spatial ambience -- and you can see it in Fred and Russell's work today.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater residence

In 1963, Fred Hollingsworth started a collective of like-minded architects he dubbed "The Intellects," which included renowned architects Bud Wood, Beans Justice, Arthur Erickson and Barry Downs. Continually inspiring each other, the group collaborated on tons of the West Coast’s most significant mid-century architecture. Prime example: post and beam 6996 Hycroft Rd. overlooking Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver.

Case in point: Russell Hollingsworth has been studying and learning from these guys since he was born. Continuing the family tradition, his latest masterpiece is Lululemon fashion owner Chip Wilson’s personal residence at 3085 Point Grey Rd. It's a waterfront home with just about the best view in the city, all concrete and glass construction on a triple lot. It's the second-most-valuable home in B.C. -- assessed at $35.2 million.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

$LULU founder Chip Wilson's home under construction

The only home assessed for more than Wilson’s waterfront is another Russell Hollingsworth gem, at 4707 Belmont Ave. in Point Grey. It's a stunning 25,000-square-foot waterfront mansion overlooking Spanish Banks and the Northshore Mountains. And it's assessed at $39.2 million. It features nearly two acres of gated land, with sweeping views of Howe Sound, the city, and the North Shore mountains. It also boasts a 13,534-square-foot lap-pool and a 4,705-square-foot squash court. Overall, the entire project took six years to complete, and covers nearly 45,000 sq. ft of development.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

Belmont Ave. mansion

“I've never developed hasty, mass-produced structures. I want us to be the five-star restaurant of construction, tucked away in the corner, with an outstanding, dedicated team of staff members," Russell told me. "I strive to make imminently beautiful places, thoughtfully built, using the best materials and techniques, so they're cherished and cared for by their owners over time. Just like historical structures. To me, this is the essence of sustainability.”

Russell's currently developing Headland Park in Caulfield -- contemporary duplexes with panoramic views. They sell for $3-$4 million. Hollingsworth also recently developed the popular Bellevue Ave. waterfront duplexes in Dundarave, which are worth $4-$6M.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

Headland Park duplex interior

Hollingworth is renowned for his ability to customize homes in such a way that they intuitively fit its surrounding landscape, which creates the effect of maximizing indoor/ outdoor living experience while retaining privacy. His style is trademarked by vaulted illuminated ceilings, flatter roof lines, and the use of high end natural materials.

340 Southbrough Dr. is a custom Russell Hollingsworth home, currently on MLS for $3,250,000. Overlooking the 17th green and 18th tee of Capilano Golf and Country Club, this executive residence is the epitome of a Hollingsworth home. The house features an open layout and seamless indoor/outdoor living space ideal for entertaining, with all the major rooms overlooking the golf course. It's on the market with Stu Bell and Prudential Sussex Realty, (that's me - www.stubell.com).

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

340 Southbrough Dr.

“Lots of spaces involve commercial-level sophistication,” says Russell. “Our process is very technically advanced. These are complex structures with state-of-the art energy systems and finishes, but our construction and design expertise ensure a successful, constructed, translation of a client’s most ambitious architectural aspirations.”

Russell has developed some of West Vancouver’s finest waterfront estates. These include several prestigious ventures on Bellevue Ave., Seaside Pl., and a contemporary masterpiece at 3330 Radcliffe Ave.

Russell Hollingsworth Is, Essentially, Vancouver’s Best Architect

3330 Radcliffe Ave.

Hollingsworth homes will always be associated with quality, significance, and prestige. Fred's history and Russell's continual work in the field guarantee home-as-an-art-form properties for Vancouverites for years to come. Indeed, today, the who’s who in Vancouver seek out Russell Hollingsworth for his distinct style, quality, and reputation.

“I have resisted advertising all of these years, preferring the work to speak for itself. I am committed to the daily design and construction needs of each project.” – Russell Hollingsworth.