Who We Are
So here's the thing - we didn't start this practice to chase awards or build flashy towers. Back in 2011, a couple of us were just tired of seeing buildings that looked great on paper but felt completely wrong when you actually walked through them. There's this disconnect, y'know? Between what architects dream up and what people actually need in their everyday lives.
We're based in Vancouver, which honestly couldn't be a better place for what we do. The Pacific Northwest has taught us that architecture should respond to its surroundings - not fight against them. Rain, mountains, forests... they're part of the conversation, not obstacles to overcome.
The Nordic influence? That came from multiple research trips to Scandinavia where we saw how they balance minimalism with warmth. It's not about cold, sterile spaces - it's about letting materials breathe and giving people room to actually live. That philosophy stuck with us.
Our Approach
We've learned that every project has its own personality. Cookie-cutter solutions? Not our style. Sure, we've got principles we stick to - sustainability isn't negotiable, and neither is functional design - but how we get there changes every time.
Most of our best ideas don't come from our desks. They come from walking the site at different times of day, talking with neighbors, understanding how light moves through a space. It's detective work as much as design work.
What Drives Us
Climate change isn't some abstract future problem - it's happening now, and buildings are a massive part of it. We've made it our mission to design spaces that actually give back more than they take. Passive heating, natural ventilation, local materials... these aren't extras, they're baseline requirements.
But sustainable shouldn't mean sacrificing beauty or comfort. That's the challenge we love - creating spaces that feel incredible to inhabit while treading lightly on the planet.
Our Journey
2011
Founded the practice in a converted warehouse space on Granville. Started with three of us, one drafting table, and way too much coffee. Our first project was a residential renovation in Kitsilano - the client took a chance on us, and we're still friends today.
2014
Completed our first commercial project - a mixed-use building in Gastown. That one taught us a lot about working with heritage restrictions and city planning. Also hired our first junior architects, which changed everything about how we operated.
2017
Recognition from the Canadian Green Building Council for our net-zero commercial design in Richmond. That project pushed us technically in ways we hadn't expected, but it proved that ambitious sustainability goals weren't just theoretical.
2019
Moved into our current studio space - Suite 402, which we actually designed ourselves. It's become a bit of a showroom for how we think about workspace. Natural light everywhere, reclaimed materials, flexible zones that adapt to how we actually work.
2021
Launched our urban planning consultation service. We'd been doing bits of it informally for years, but decided to make it official. Cities need better designed public spaces, and we wanted to be part of that conversation.
2023
Completed restoration of the historic Sinclair Building downtown. Heritage work is tricky - you're balancing preservation with modern functionality - but when it clicks, there's nothing quite like it. That building has stories to tell.
2025
Currently working on our most ambitious sustainable residential project yet - a multi-unit development that's aiming for Passive House certification. It's challenging, but that's exactly what keeps this work interesting after all these years.
The Team
We're a group of twelve now - architects, interior designers, sustainability consultants, and a project manager who somehow keeps us all organized. Everyone here brings something different to the table, which is exactly how we like it.
No one's just drawing in CAD all day. We rotate roles, share responsibilities, and make sure everyone gets hands-on time with actual projects. Some of our best solutions have come from our newest team members who aren't afraid to question how we've always done things.
If you're thinking about working with us, you should know - we're collaborative by nature. Your input isn't just welcome, it's essential. These are your spaces we're designing, after all.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether it's a complete ground-up build or rethinking an existing space, we'd love to hear what you're working on. Drop by for coffee, or let's start with a phone call.
Get in Touch