What We Do

Designing Homes That Actually Work

Here's the thing about residential projects - everybody's got an opinion, and honestly, that's great. We've designed everything from cozy 800 sq ft laneway homes to sprawling 5000+ sq ft family estates, and each one's been different.

We start by listening. Like, really listening. How do you actually live? Do you cook? Do you work from home? Got kids running around? Dogs? Love hosting dinner parties or prefer Netflix nights? All this stuff matters way more than you'd think.

What We Cover:

• Initial concept sketches (the fun part where anything's possible)
• Full architectural drawings and permit applications
• Working with your builder to keep things on track
• Material selection - and yeah, we'll tell you if something's a bad idea
• Passive solar design to cut your heating bills
• Indoor-outdoor flow (especially important here in Vancouver)

We're not gonna push you toward some cookie-cutter design. Your home should reflect how you actually live, not what's trending on Instagram this week.

Spaces That Mean Business

Commercial work's a different beast altogether. You're balancing ROI, tenant needs, city regulations, and trying to create something that doesn't look like every other box on the block. We get it - we've done offices, retail spaces, mixed-use developments, you name it.

What sets us apart? We actually think about the people using the space. Revolutionary concept, right? A happy tenant stays longer. Happy employees are more productive. Good design literally pays for itself over time.

Our Approach Includes:

• Site analysis and zoning strategy (maximizing your buildable area)
• Flexible floor plans that adapt as businesses change
• Energy-efficient systems that reduce operating costs
• Accessible design that actually works (not just checking boxes)
• Coordination with engineers, consultants, and city planners
• Value engineering to keep budgets realistic

We've learned that the best commercial projects happen when everyone's honest about budgets, timelines, and expectations from day one. No surprises, no BS.

Green Building That Makes Sense

Let's be real - "sustainable" gets thrown around a lot these days. We're talking about actual, measurable strategies that reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and yeah, help the planet a bit too. Not greenwashing, just good design.

We've been doing this since before it was cool. Started back when people thought solar panels were weird. Now? It's just smart building. And the tech's gotten so much better (and cheaper) that there's really no excuse not to consider it.

What We Bring to the Table:

• Passive house design principles (cutting heating costs by 80%+ isn't magic)
• Solar panel integration that doesn't look like an afterthought
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• High-performance building envelopes (fancy term for really good insulation)
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Material selection focusing on low embodied carbon
• Green roof and living wall design

Look, not every sustainable feature makes sense for every project. We'll tell you what's worth it and what's not. Some payback periods are 3 years, some are 30. You deserve to know the difference.

Pro tip: Government rebates and incentives change all the time. We stay on top of what's available so you don't leave money on the table.

Making Spaces Work Harder

Ever walk into a place and just think "this feels right"? That doesn't happen by accident. It's about flow, proportions, light, and a bunch of other stuff most people don't consciously notice - but definitely feel.

We've planned interiors for everything from cramped condos (Vancouver special!) to massive open-plan offices. The challenge is always the same: how do we make this space work for how people actually use it?

Our Process:

• Understanding traffic patterns and daily routines
• Furniture layouts that actually make sense
• Natural light optimization (because nobody likes a dark cave)
• Storage solutions that don't eat up your living space
• Acoustic considerations - especially for open offices
• Material and finish selections
• Coordination with contractors and trades

Sometimes it's a complete renovation, sometimes it's just rethinking the layout. We've seen plenty of spaces that just needed the walls moved around a bit to go from "meh" to "wow."

And yeah, we work with your existing furniture if you want. No need to throw out everything and start from scratch unless that's what you're after.

Respecting What Came Before

Heritage work is honestly some of our favorite stuff. There's something special about taking a building that's been around for 80, 100, sometimes 120+ years and giving it another century of life.

Vancouver's got some amazing old buildings that deserve better than being torn down for another glass condo tower. We've worked on heritage projects throughout the Lower Mainland, dealing with everything from structural issues to heritage designation requirements.

What's Involved:

• Historical research and documentation
• Structural assessments and seismic upgrades (BC building code's no joke)
• Restoration of original features and materials
• Dealing with heritage committees and approval processes
• Modernizing systems while maintaining character
• Matching historical materials and techniques
• Adaptive reuse strategies

The trick is respecting the original design while making the building actually functional for today. Nobody wants to live or work in a museum - these buildings need to earn their keep.

Fair warning: heritage projects take patience. There's more red tape, specialized trades, and sometimes surprises once you open up those walls. But when it's done right? Absolutely worth it.

Understanding Your Project's Footprint

Not the most glamorous part of architecture, but it's becoming pretty crucial. Whether you're required to do an environmental assessment or just want to understand your impact, we can help sort through it.

We've worked with environmental consultants on projects ranging from small residential to large commercial developments. The goal is always to minimize disruption while creating something valuable.

What We Assess:

• Site analysis - what's there now and what should stay
• Tree retention and protection strategies
• Stormwater management and runoff
• Wildlife habitat considerations
• Construction impact mitigation
• Carbon footprint calculations
• Long-term operational environmental costs
• LEED or other green building certification paths

Sometimes these assessments are required by the city, sometimes by lenders, sometimes you just wanna know. Either way, we coordinate with the right specialists to get you answers.

And look - sometimes the assessment reveals stuff that changes the project. That's okay. Better to know upfront than deal with expensive surprises mid-construction.