Bob studied architecture (5 years Bachelor of Architecture) and landscape architecture/planning (2 years Master of Landscape Architecture)) at Rhode Island School of Design and The Graduate School of Fine Arts, Landscape Architecture Department at the University of Pennsylvania respectively. He worked in various firms in Rhode Island, Vermont, and Philadelphia including architecture firms, engineering firms, and landscape architecture firms, before relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1976.

Initially Bob worked for various local firms including Downs/Archambault, McCarter Nairne, Rhone and Iredale, Dalla Lana/Griffin Architects and Arthur Erickson Architects. Bob also was sessional lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia Landscape Architecture Program and School of Architecture (Now SALA) from 1979-1990. He was a member of the Architecture Institute of British Columbia and also the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects, serving on both groups’ elected councils. He was also twice appointed to the City of Vancouver Advisory Design Panel providing input to The City Planning Department on proposed new buildings and urban developments.

In 1993 he accepted a position with the Vancouver City Planning Department as a Community Planner/Urban Designer working on lower and mid density design/planning policy, design guidelines, and regulations. He also served on the Urban Design Caucus providing comments on major new developments in the urban core.

In 2000, Bob established R.D. McGilvray Architecture & Planning as a sole practitioner carrying out a variety of small-mid size projects including home design & renovation, consulting on zoning issues, advising property owners on zoning and property evaluation strategies, urban park design, assisting clients in community planning advocacy efforts, interior design of commercial spaces, laneway dwellings, seasonal homes, and other projects.

In 2010, Bob reorganized his practice to Bob McGilvray Design, undertaking smaller projects mostly located on Bowen Island, B.C. He has completed several projects on Bowen (see examples below) and has worked with some of the better contractors on Island.

Bob and his retired professional wife live mostly on Bowen Island, have grown children on Island and in town, and a cat. Bob enjoys working with clients, has a very conservative approach to design (no flashiness for flashiness’ sake) and cultivates a sense of humour.