Look, we've been doing this for a while now, and honestly? We've learned that great architecture isn't about following trends or tossing around fancy words. It's about listening to what you need, understanding how you live or work, and then creating spaces that just... make sense.
We've structured our services around what clients actually ask for - not what sounds impressive on paper. Each project gets the attention it deserves, whether you're building your dream home or need a complete commercial overhaul.
Here's the thing about designing homes - everyone's got opinions, and that's actually great. We spend a lot of time just talking with families, understanding how they actually use their space. Not how they think they should, but how they really do.
We've done everything from compact urban townhouses to sprawling family estates. Each one's different because each family's different. Some folks want that open-concept vibe, others need quiet corners where they can actually think. We get it.
Recent work: Just wrapped up a split-level in West Van where the clients wanted to maximize those ocean views without making it feel like they're living in a fishbowl. Took some creative thinking with the window placement and deck orientation, but yeah, it worked out pretty nicely.
Commercial work's got its own rhythm. You're balancing brand identity, functionality, budget, and usually some pretty tight timelines. We've done retail spaces, offices, mixed-use developments - projects where every square foot needs to pull its weight.
The challenge we love here? Creating spaces that don't just look good on opening day but actually improve how people work or shop or interact. Had a client once tell us their staff turnover dropped after we redesigned their office. That's the kind of feedback that matters.
Case in point: Converted an old warehouse in Gastown into a tech hub last year. Kept the character everyone loved but made it actually functional for modern teams. Exposed brick's great, but you still need proper acoustics and decent meeting rooms, right?
Sometimes you don't need new walls - you just need to rethink what's already there. Interior planning's where we get pretty detailed about flow, function, and honestly, how light moves through a space throughout the day.
We're not interior decorators picking out curtains (though we can recommend people for that). We're talking about spatial relationships, circulation patterns, how different zones interact. The structural stuff that makes or breaks how a place feels to be in.
Example: Worked with a growing startup that kept outgrowing their space. Instead of moving again, we reconfigured their existing floor plan. Added some strategic partitions, rethought their meeting areas, and suddenly they had room for 15 more people without it feeling cramped.
Okay, so sustainability's kind of become a buzzword, but we've been thinking about this stuff for years. Not because it's trendy, but because building things that last and don't waste energy just makes sense - economically and environmentally.
BC's got some pretty specific climate considerations. We focus on passive design principles first - orientation, natural ventilation, thermal mass. Then layer in the tech stuff where it makes sense. Solar panels are cool, but proper insulation and window placement'll save you more money in the long run.
Real talk: Designed a house in North Van that's basically heated by a really smart orientation and good insulation. The clients' heating bills are like a third of their neighbors'. That's sustainable design that actually works in practice, not just on paper.
Let's be honest - construction can be a headache. There's permits, contractors, budgets, timelines, and about a million decisions that need to be made. We can handle that coordination so you don't have to become a construction expert overnight.
We've got relationships with solid contractors, engineers, and trades throughout the Lower Mainland. Know who does good work, who's reliable, who won't leave you hanging. That network alone saves clients tons of stress and usually money too.
Why it matters: Had a residential client last year who wanted to DIY the project management. Respect for trying, but three months in they were drowning in contractor scheduling conflicts. We stepped in, got things back on track, and they actually told us they should've hired us from day one. Sometimes saving money upfront costs you more in the end.
Not everyone can look at floor plans and imagine what it'll actually feel like. Hell, sometimes we can't either until we model it out. That's where visualization comes in - seeing your space before anyone picks up a hammer.
We use this for pretty much every project now. It's not just about pretty pictures - though those help with approvals and financing. It's about catching design issues early, trying out different materials and layouts, and making sure everyone's on the same page before construction starts.
Client favorite: We rendered a kitchen renovation with three different cabinet finishes and two different backsplash options. Client could actually see how the morning light would hit each option. Made their decision way easier and they've never second-guessed it. That's worth the extra time right there.
Every project's a bit different, but here's generally how things unfold when we team up.
We grab coffee (or zoom) and you tell us what you're thinking. No commitment, just a conversation about what you need and whether we're a good fit.
Site visits, measurement, talking through your actual needs vs wants. This is where we ask probably too many questions, but it matters later.
We develop concepts, you give feedback, we refine. Usually takes a few rounds to nail it. That's normal and expected.
Documentation, permits, contractor coordination, construction oversight. We're with you until the final walkthrough and beyond.
Got something in mind? Not sure where to start? Either way, reach out. First conversation's always free, and there's no pressure - just good discussion about what's possible.