Arc'teryx welcomes the recent announcement of a New School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, that will include unique academic programming related specifically to technical product & performance apparel.

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson and his wife Shannon are donating $8 million of their personal wealth, to be combined with a $4-million gift from the lululemon athletica company, to Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond to start a new school of design. The provincial government is matching the $12-million total donation, with Kwantlen putting up the remainder of what is estimated to be $36 million in total going toward the design school.

Arc'teryx has a long association with Kwantlen, we employ past instructors, numerous graduates and support their internship program. 10% of Arc'teryx' R&D staff are graduates from the school – with careers as Designers, Design Assistants, Developers, Pattern Graders & Pattern Makers.

"The close links we have with Kwantlen has meant that our R & D managers have been able to work closely with the school on a new curriculum that will develop a pool of talent with the skills, expertise & creativity to grow the technical design sector in British Columbia, say's Head of Design at Arc'teryx – Carl Moriarty. It's an incredible opportunity for us to retain world class technical design expertise and build a foundation for the future of the industry here in British Columbia".