Interview: Building With Purpose, A Conversation With Richard Berman of Berkland Capital Holdings

August 10, 2026

Few people understand Calgary’s evolving development landscape as deeply as Richard Berman, a seasoned industry leader whose career spans decades of investment, planning, and purpose‑driven project design. Now guiding Berkland Capital Holdings; one of Calgary’s newest developers. Berman brings a philosophy rooted in practicality, long‑term thinking, and a commitment to building what the city genuinely needs. We sat down with Richard to talk about his experience, his perspective on Calgary’s growth, and the thinking behind Berkland’s newest project, Bumble Bee Self Storage.

“Experience teaches you what a city actually needs, not what looks good on paper.”

 

Q: What major lessons or turning points influenced your philosophy on purpose‑built development?

Richard: The biggest lesson is that cities evolve faster than people expect. If you’re building for what the city looks like today, you’re already behind. Purpose‑built development means anticipating needs, not reacting to them. I’ve seen projects fail because they were designed for the wrong decade. I’ve also seen simple, practical developments become essential infrastructure because they were built with foresight.

Calgary’s northeast is one of the most strategically important areas in the city right now.

 

Q: You’ve watched Calgary evolve for years. What stands out most from a developer’s perspective?

Richard: Calgary’s northeast has transformed dramatically. The airport corridor has become a commercial engine; logistics, warehousing, aviation services, trades, e‑commerce. At the same time, residential communities around it have exploded in size. You have thousands of new homes, hundreds of new businesses, and major transportation arteries all converging in one area. That creates demand for infrastructure that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

“The next decade will reshape Calgary, and developers need to be ready.”

 

Q: Why do you think this area has become such a strategic location for new development?

Richard: It’s the intersection of mobility and growth. Businesses need quick access to major roads. Residents need services close to home. The airport district offers both. It’s one of the few places in Calgary where commercial and residential needs overlap so clearly. That’s why Berkland chose to build here, it’s where the city’s momentum is strongest.

 

Q: What led Berkland to identify storage; especially near the airport,  as an essential need?

Richard: Storage is one of the most misunderstood pieces of urban infrastructure. People think of it as extra space, but in a growing city, it’s foundational. Calgary’s climate demands heated and climate‑controlled storage. Its commercial sector needs inventory and equipment space. Its residents, especially in condos and townhomes need overflow space. And RV and vehicle storage is in short supply everywhere.

When you combine all of that with the airport corridor’s growth, the need becomes obvious.

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How does Bumble Bee Self Storage reflect Berkland’s broader philosophy?

Richard: It’s practical. It’s built for real needs. It’s designed to last. Bumble Bee isn’t flashy, it’s functional. Over 100,000 square feet of modern storage, 130 RV and vehicle spaces, automated access, strong security, and a location that makes sense for both residents and businesses. That’s what purpose‑built development looks like.

 

Q: How does Calgary’s climate influence your design decisions?

Richard: Calgary’s freeze‑thaw cycles are brutal on buildings. You can’t cut corners here. Heated units, durable materials, efficient systems — these aren’t optional. My experience has taught me that climate‑resilient design is one of the most important investments you can make. It protects the building, and it protects the people who rely on it.

 

Q: What types of developments do you think Calgary will need more of in the next 5–10 years?

Richard: Flexible commercial spaces, specialty storage, logistics‑friendly facilities, and mixed‑use industrial developments. Calgary’s economy is diversifying, and its population is growing. We need infrastructure that supports mobility, entrepreneurship, and density. The city is changing and developers need to build for that change.

 

Q: What excites you most about Calgary’s future?

Richard: Calgary is entering a new chapter. It’s becoming more diverse, more connected, and more forward‑thinking. There’s opportunity here to build things that genuinely improve how people live and work. That’s what excites me; the chance to contribute to a city that’s still growing into its potential.

 

 

Q: What do you hope people understand about Berkland when they see your projects?

Richard: That we build with purpose. We don’t chase trends. We don’t build for headlines. We build what Calgary needs, today and tomorrow. Bumble Bee is just the beginning.

“Berkland builds with intention and that’s what sets us apart.”