Prism Construction‘s name is synonymous with innovation and reliability. in the Canadian construction landscape. From healthcare to commercial and industrial markets, the Canadian general contractor is redefining what it means to be a “Reliable Partner.” The company excels in managing every aspect of the construction process—whether it’s breathing new life into existing facilities or building state-of-the-art structures from the ground up.
Under the leadership of Omar Rawji, who became CEO in 2022, Prism’s unique approach blends a deep understanding of client goals and budgets with the creative expertise needed to deliver cost-effective, tailor-made solutions. Operating across Canada, Prism remains steadfast in its design-build philosophy: prioritizing quality, meeting commitments and exceeding client expectations.
Prism’s commitment to innovation is perhaps most evident in its work within the self-storage sector. The company has transformed single-story drive-up facilities into multi-story, climate-controlled structures, setting new standards for functionality, security and adaptability. These projects underscore Prism’s ability to stay ahead of industry trends while meeting the evolving demands of its clients.
With 60% of its business coming from repeat clients, Prism Construction’s track record of delivering multi-million-dollar projects speaks volumes about its dedication to fostering trust and achieving excellence. Whether navigating the complexities of the pandemic or tackling large-scale industrial projects, Prism’s unwavering commitment to reliability, creativity and client satisfaction sets it apart as a leader in the construction industry.
We sat down with Rawji, who serves as President and CEO, to get his insights on how the company continues to be a leader in today’s construction market.
Give us a snapshot of your brand.
For over 35 years, Prism Construction has been at the forefront of building custom, state-of-the-art commercial and industrial facilities across BC and Canada. From self-storage solutions and film studios to high-end auto showrooms and multi-use business parks, our diverse expertise spans a wide range of sectors.
We offer comprehensive turnkey services, overseeing everything from initial design through to project completion. Our focus on precision planning, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable practices ensures that each project meets the unique needs of our clients, with notable builds ranging from warehouses in Vancouver to food processing facilities in Toronto.
What type of clients and markets are you targeting?
We work with business owners, developers, and visionaries. This includes industries such as self-storage, film production, high-end automotive, food and beverage processing, and more. We also work with organizations seeking functional, adaptable commercial and industrial spaces, such as multi-use business parks, warehouses, and hotel conference facilities.
Our clients are looking for innovative solutions that address both current needs and future growth, and we offer a full range of services from design to completion to meet those demands.
How does your work cater to today’s end-users?
We cater to today’s end-users by focusing on delivering versatile, sustainable, and adaptable spaces that meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses and communities. With urbanization and densification driving demand for multi-use developments, we design buildings that can evolve with changing market requirements.
From flexible commercial spaces, like multi-use business parks, to high-efficiency self-storage facilities in urban centers, our projects are aimed at enhancing functionality and convenience for end-users.
We also integrate innovative technologies to optimize building performance and occupant comfort, ensuring that the spaces we create align with the growing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term adaptability.
How is your construction strategy based?
Our strategy is straightforward: we focus on building long-term, trusted relationships with our clients by being honest, reliable, and communicative building partners. We stand by our budgets and pricing, always honoring our promises. With decades of proven success, we’ve built a track record of delivering quality results and fostering lasting partnerships.
What are some of today’s biggest challenges?
The key issues we face today include the labor force, rising building costs, and limited land supply. The shortage of skilled workers remains a significant concern, affecting both the quality and timelines of our projects. At the same time, increasing material and labor costs continue to strain project budgets.
Additionally, the availability of land is becoming more limited, particularly in prime areas, making it more challenging to secure sites for new developments. These factors require us to adjust and implement innovative, cost-effective solutions to keep projects on track.
What are the biggest challenges in construction or renovating a project?
The biggest challenges in construction include navigating urbanization and increasing density as B.C. ‘s cities grow, driving the need for high-density, mixed-use developments that balance affordability and functionality. A skilled labor shortage is also impacting the industry, prompting greater reliance on automation and robotics for repetitive tasks like material handling and prefabrication, alongside efforts to upskill workers and attract talent through immigration initiatives.
In addition, supply chain disruptions and cost management remain critical hurdles, requiring streamlined workflows, strong supplier relationships, and proactive budget and timeline management. Adapting to shifting regulations and policies is another ongoing challenge, demanding agility to ensure project resilience in a dynamic environment.
How are you working to promote sustainability?
We are promoting sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into many aspects of our construction process. This includes prioritizing energy-efficient materials, designing buildings with high-performance energy systems, and adopting renewable energy solutions where applicable.
We focus on minimizing environmental impact through adaptive reuse, converting older structures into modern, multi-use spaces, and reducing waste through careful planning and material selection. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, such as smart building systems and automation, we further enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
Sustainability is embedded in our project planning from the outset, with a commitment to complying with and exceeding local environmental regulations. Our goal is to create future-ready buildings that not only serve today’s needs but also contribute to long-term environmental goals, ensuring that every project aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible construction practices.
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges in construction, moving ahead?
Future challenges in construction will revolve around adapting to rapid technological advancements, meeting evolving client demands, and navigating external economic and political factors. Technologies such as AI, drones, and digital twins are reshaping project management by improving efficiency, collaboration, and cost control, requiring companies to stay ahead by adopting and mastering these tools.
At Prism, we embrace these innovations to deliver sustainable, future-ready buildings. Additionally, there is growing demand for energy-efficient, adaptable spaces that support long-term growth, requiring advanced design approaches to meet these expectations.
On a broader scale, shifts in U.S. leadership such as the new administration may impact Canada’s construction sector. Changes in trade policies, tariffs or economic priorities could influence material costs, supply chains, and cross-border investments. While the full extent of these impacts remains uncertain, staying agile and proactively addressing potential disruptions will be critical for the industry’s resilience and growth.
Are you optimistic about what you see in your building and construction sectors?
Yes, I am optimistic about what I see in the building and construction sectors. At the end of the day, people want to be in B.C. and they keep coming to live here.
One of the most exciting areas is the demand for specialized infrastructure to support the province’s burgeoning technology and innovation industries. As B.C. establishes itself as a global hub for fields like AI, cloud computing, and biotech, there’s a rising need for high-tech, energy-efficient facilities such as data centers, research labs, and innovation hubs. Builders who can deliver these advanced spaces are well-positioned to thrive in this evolving market.
What trends are you seeing?
Several key trends are shaping the future of construction. Urbanization and increasing density in B.C.’s cities are driving the demand for high-density, mixed-use developments, with developers focusing on vertical solutions to manage population pressures while maintaining affordability.
At the same time, the industry is grappling with a skilled labor shortage, leading to a growing reliance on automation and robotics for repetitive tasks like material handling and prefabrication. Upskilling programs and immigration initiatives are also becoming essential to bridge the talent gap.
Digital transformation is another significant trend, with technologies like AI, drones, and digital twins revolutionizing project management by improving planning, collaboration and cost efficiency. Additionally, sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern construction as regulations tighten and clients increasingly demand energy-efficient, net-zero buildings. Green technologies and environmentally responsible designs are no longer optional but essential for meeting evolving expectations and regulatory standards.
Where is your business headed?
Our business is headed toward continued growth and expansion. We are moving beyond our strong foundation in the Lower Mainland to new markets like Ontario, Alberta, and Vancouver Island. We are focused on introducing our trusted design-build approach and diversifying our vertically integrated model across development and construction to meet the unique needs of each market. We plan to maintain our commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused projects as we grow.
Tell us what makes your brand unique?
What makes our brand unique is our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable and realistic budgets from the very start of every project. We pride ourselves on a longstanding track record of integrity and follow-through, with over three decades of successful projects and a loyal base of repeat clients as testament to our approach. This consistency and trust set us apart, ensuring our clients can count on us to meet their expectations every time.
Is there a story you can share about a client/job/etc. you did that really shows off your work and ability to engage with the industry?
One example is our project for Bridge Studios, a recurring customer, where we developed the second-largest movie studio in Canada that is 100% fossil-fuel free. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others have produced movies and TV shows at Bridge’s facilities.
We have also earned a strong reputation for repeat business; for Hayden Drilling we have completed three consecutive projects since 2008. Over the past 24 years, we have partnered with them to build approximately 850,000 square feet of storage space in the Lower Mainland. Our demonstrated expertise at building mini-storage facilities has made Hayden Drilling a repeat client.
