Who We Really Are

We're not your typical suit-and-tie architecture firm. Started this thing back in 2009 because we got tired of seeing beautiful old buildings torn down and cookie-cutter homes going up everywhere.

Honestly? We're a bit obsessed with making buildings that actually belong in their environment - whether that's restoring a 1920s craftsman or designing a net-zero home that doesn't look like a spaceship landed in your neighborhood.

Our studio workspace

How This All Started

There's always a story behind these things, right?

The Beginning

Look, I'll be straight with you - this started when I was renovating my grandparents' old house in Kitsilano. The contractor wanted to gut the whole thing, strip out all the original woodwork, the leaded glass windows... everything that made it special. That didn't sit right with me.

Spent nights and weekends figuring out how to keep the heritage character while updating it for modern living. Neighbors saw what we did and started asking questions. One project led to another, and here we are fifteen years later.

What We Stand For

We're big believers that good architecture shouldn't fight with its surroundings. Whether it's a heritage restoration or a brand new build, everything we design has to respect what came before while being smart about what comes next.

Sustainability isn't just a marketing thing for us - it's baked into everything. Passive solar orientation, local materials when possible, designs that'll last generations instead of trending out in five years. That kind of approach just makes sense.

Team collaboration

The Team Dynamic

We've got six architects and designers on the core team, plus a rotating cast of heritage specialists, engineers, and consultants we've worked with for years. Everyone brings something different - Sarah's our heritage building whisperer, Marcus can make 3D renders that look more real than photos, and Jen somehow knows every building code detail without looking it up.

No hierarchy nonsense here. Best idea wins, whether it comes from the intern or the principal. We've found that's how you actually solve problems instead of just checking boxes.

What Drives Our Work

These aren't just words on a wall - they're how we actually operate

Respect the Past

Every building has a story. We're not here to erase it - we're here to help it continue in a way that makes sense for today.

Build Smart

Sustainable doesn't mean sacrificing quality or aesthetics. It means thinking three steps ahead and not cutting corners that'll bite you later.

Keep It Real

No architecture jargon unless necessary. We explain things in plain English and actually listen when you tell us what you need.

Stay Curious

Building techniques evolve, materials improve, and we're always learning. The day you think you know it all is the day you start falling behind.

Some Projects We're Proud Of

Each one taught us something new

Heritage Craftsman Restoration

Kitsilano Craftsman Revival

Vancouver, BC

1923 heritage home - kept every original detail that mattered, upgraded everything else to modern standards

Net-Zero Modern Home

North Shore Net-Zero

North Vancouver, BC

First net-zero home in the neighborhood that doesn't scream 'look at me' - blends right into the forest setting

Warehouse Conversion

Gastown Warehouse Lofts

Vancouver, BC

1912 warehouse turned into four residential units - exposed brick, original timber, modern comfort

Passive House Design

Dunbar Family Passive House

Vancouver, BC

Young family wanted something that'd last - Passive House certified with heating bills under $300/year

Heritage Church

St. Andrews Heritage Revival

New Westminster, BC

1889 church conversion - most challenging seismic upgrade we've done while keeping the historic character intact

How We Actually Work

No mysterious black box process here

01

Real Conversations

We start by actually listening. What do you need? What's driving you crazy about your current space? What's your budget really look like? No point designing something you can't build.

02

Site Deep Dive

We spend time on your property - where's the sun coming from, what're the neighbors doing, how's the drainage, what's the soil like. Can't design properly from a desk.

03

Honest Design

We'll show you options - usually three different approaches. We're upfront about costs, timeline, and trade-offs. Sometimes the best solution isn't the flashiest one.

04

Documentation

Yeah, the paperwork part isn't glamorous, but it's crucial. We handle permits, make sure contractors know exactly what to build, coordinate with engineers and consultants.

05

On-Site Support

We're not the type to hand off drawings and disappear. Regular site visits, answering contractor questions, making sure what gets built matches what we designed.

06

Follow Through

Even after you move in, we check back. How's everything working? Any adjustments needed? We stand behind our work and want to make sure you're happy.

Some Recognition Along the Way

Nice to be noticed, but the real reward is seeing happy clients

Heritage BC Award

2021 - Kitsilano Craftsman project

Passive House Canada

2020 - Net-Zero certification

AIBC Innovation

2019 - Sustainable design practices

Vancouver Heritage

2018 - Restoration excellence

Got a Project in Mind?

Let's grab a coffee and talk about it. No obligation, no pressure - just a conversation about what you're trying to do and whether we're the right fit.