About Us - Eamberfall Quinthyros Architecture

Our Story

Started back in 2008 when Elena Eamberfall and Marcus Quinthyros decided they'd had enough of seeing cookie-cutter buildings pop up around Vancouver. We wanted something different - spaces that actually breathe, designs that respect the landscape they're built on.

What began as two architects sketching ideas over coffee in Gastown has grown into a team of fifteen passionate designers, engineers, and thinkers. But honestly? We're still that same duo at heart, just with more hands on deck to bring wilder ideas to life.

Over the years, we've worked on everything from family homes tucked into forest clearings to commercial spaces that use rainwater harvesting. Each project teaches us something new about how people actually live and work in their spaces.

How We Think About Design

It's pretty straightforward, really

Listen First, Draw Later

We spend more time listening than we do sketching initially. Every client's got a different story, different needs. A building isn't just walls and windows - it's gotta reflect how you actually live or run your business.

Work With the Land

Nature's been doing this way longer than we have. Instead of fighting against the terrain, climate, or existing ecosystems, we design around them. Less bulldozing, more adapting.

Materials Matter

We're picky about what goes into our buildings. Local timber, reclaimed materials, low-impact concrete alternatives - it's not just about being green, it's about creating spaces that'll last without wrecking the planet.

Function Over Flash

Sure, we want things to look good - but not at the expense of how they work. A beautiful building that's uncomfortable to live in is just a sculpture. We design for real people doing real things.

Our Journey So Far

The highlights that got us here

2008

The Beginning

Elena and Marcus opened shop in a tiny office on West Hastings. First project was a residential renovation that taught us more than architecture school ever did.

2011

First Commercial Win

Landed our first big commercial project - a restaurant that integrated living walls and passive cooling. It's still operating today, and that makes us pretty proud.

2014

Team Expansion

Moved to our current location on West Georgia and brought on six more talented folks. Suddenly we could take on multiple projects without anyone losing sleep (well, less sleep anyway).

2017

Heritage Recognition

Our restoration of the historic Granville building earned us recognition from the BC Heritage Foundation. Turns out old buildings and new ideas mix pretty well.

2020

Sustainability Focus

Committed fully to sustainable-only projects. We turned down work that didn't align with this, and honestly? It was the best decision we've made.

2024

Looking Forward

Fifteen team members, over 200 completed projects, and we're still learning something new every day. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Meet the Team

The people making it all happen

Elena Eamberfall

Co-Founder & Principal Architect

Elena's the one who'll spend three hours debating the perfect angle for natural light. She's got this knack for seeing potential in spaces others would write off. Trained in Copenhagen, but fell in love with BC's landscape and never left.

Marcus Quinthyros

Co-Founder & Structural Lead

Marcus handles the "will it actually stand up" part of things. His background in sustainable engineering means he's always pushing us to try new materials and techniques. Obsessed with timber construction and fermenting vegetables.

Sarah Chen

Senior Project Architect

Keeps our residential projects running smooth. Has an uncanny ability to know what clients want before they do.

David Patel

Commercial Design Director

Handles our bigger commercial builds. Former restaurant owner, so he gets how businesses actually function.

Nina Kowalski

Interior Design Lead

Makes sure the insides live up to the outsides. Passionate about biophilic design and acoustic comfort.

James Okonkwo

Urban Planning Specialist

Our guy for navigating city regulations and thinking about how buildings fit into neighborhoods.

Aisha Rahman

Sustainability Coordinator

Keeps us honest with our green commitments. Tracks every material choice and energy calculation.

Thomas MacLeod

Heritage Restoration Expert

History buff who treats old buildings like they're his grandparents. Meticulous doesn't even cover it.

Who We Are