What We Actually Do
We're not just pushing pencils and clicking CAD software here. Every project we take on gets the full treatment - from those first messy sketches on napkins to watching your building come to life. Here's how we roll.
We're not just pushing pencils and clicking CAD software here. Every project we take on gets the full treatment - from those first messy sketches on napkins to watching your building come to life. Here's how we roll.
Look, we've been doing this for years, and one thing's clear - cookie-cutter solutions don't work. Your site's got its own personality, your budget's got its limits, and you've got a vision that's uniquely yours. We get that. So everything we do starts with actually listening, not just waiting for our turn to talk.
Honestly? Homes are where we started, and they're still what gets us out of bed in the morning. There's something pretty special about designing a space where real life happens.
We've done everything from compact laneway houses (Vancouver zoning regs are wild, trust us) to sprawling family estates. Each one's different because each family's different. Got three teenagers who need their space? A home office that actually needs to function? Want to age in place without your house looking like a hospital? We've tackled all of it.
From ground-up builds to major renovations that feel brand new
Duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings that don't feel institutional
Maximizing your property without sacrificing livability
Making homes work for everyone, beautifully
"They actually got what we were trying to do. Our house works for us, not the other way around. Plus it looks pretty damn good."
- Rachel & Tom K., North Vancouver
Commercial work's a whole different beast. You're not just thinking about aesthetics - you've got workflows, customer experience, employee morale, building codes that'll make your head spin, and oh yeah, it's gotta make business sense.
We've designed restaurants where the kitchen actually works (shocking, right?), offices where people don't count down the minutes till 5pm, retail spaces that pull customers in naturally, and mixed-use buildings that balance multiple needs without feeling schizophrenic.
This isn't some trendy add-on for us - it's baked into everything we do. And no, it doesn't mean your project's gonna cost twice as much or look like a hemp yurt.
Real sustainability is about smart choices. Orientation that uses natural light and heat. Materials that'll actually last. Systems that don't guzzle energy. Insulation that works. Sometimes it's high-tech, sometimes it's literally just putting the windows in the right spot.
We actually run the numbers so you know what you're getting
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, stormwater handling
Local, renewable, recycled - without compromising quality
LEED, Passive House, Step Code - if you want it, we'll get you there
Here's the thing - we're architects first, so we think about interiors differently than a decorator would. We're looking at how spaces connect, how light moves through rooms, where the structure wants to be expressed.
That said, we're not minimalist snobs. If you want cozy, we'll do cozy. Want drama? We can do that too. The goal is spaces that feel intentional and coherent, not like someone just bought out a furniture showroom.
"We thought we'd need to hire a separate interior designer, but they handled everything. Every detail was considered, and it all just works together."
- David L., Commercial Client
Buildings don't exist in a vacuum. They're part of neighborhoods, part of the urban fabric, part of how people move through and experience their city.
We work with developers, municipalities, and community groups on the bigger picture stuff. How does this development affect traffic? Where do people gather? How do we preserve what makes a neighborhood special while still allowing growth? It's part strategy, part diplomacy, and yeah, still design.
Can you actually build what you're thinking? Let's find out before you spend the big bucks
Nobody likes stuff just happening to their neighborhood - we facilitate the conversations
Vancouver's regulations are... complex. We know the ropes and who to talk to
Old buildings have stories. They've got character you literally can't build anymore. But they've also got problems - outdated systems, materials that don't meet current codes, layouts that don't work for modern use.
We love this challenge. It's detective work, problem-solving, and design all rolled into one. The goal's always to respect what's there while making it actually work for today. No fake historicism, no gutting everything that matters - just thoughtful intervention.
Understanding what you've actually got before touching anything
Making old buildings meet new standards without destroying them
"They managed to keep everything we loved about the building while making it actually functional. That's not easy."
- Heritage Property Owner, Gastown
No two projects are identical, but here's the general rhythm
We talk, you talk, we ask annoying questions, look at your site, talk budget and timeline. This is where we figure out if we're the right fit for each other.
Sketches, models, rough ideas. This is the fun part where everything's still possible and we're figuring out the big moves. Expect a lot of "what if we..." conversations.
Getting specific. Materials, systems, details. We're refining everything and making sure it all actually works together. The drawings get a lot more detailed.
The nitty-gritty. Every dimension, every connection, every specification. This is what builders actually use to construct your project. It's not glamorous but it's essential.
Dealing with the city, meeting codes, getting sign-offs. We handle this so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself. It takes however long it takes.
Getting contractor quotes, comparing options, helping you understand what you're actually getting for your money. We're on your side here.
Site visits, answering contractor questions, reviewing substitutions, catching problems before they become expensive mistakes. We're there through the build.
Final walkthroughs, punch lists, making sure everything's actually done right. Then hopefully you send us photos once you've moved in and we can add it to our portfolio.