Building with Purpose

We're not just designing buildings - we're shaping how structures interact with the planet. Every decision counts.

Solar integration

Why We Care About This Stuff

Look, sustainability isn't some checkbox we tick off to sound good. After working on over 80 projects across BC, we've seen firsthand what happens when buildings fight against nature instead of working with it.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption - that's massive. And here in Vancouver, where we're surrounded by forests, mountains, and ocean, it just feels wrong to design anything that doesn't respect that. We got into this field because we believe architecture can be part of the solution, not the problem.

Every project we take on starts with one question: how can this building give back more than it takes? Sometimes it's energy-positive design, other times it's about preserving existing ecosystems or using reclaimed materials. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here.

Our Environmental Commitments

These aren't goals - they're standards we've already built into our process

32%

Average Energy Reduction

Compared to conventional builds in our portfolio. We're aiming for 40% by 2026, and honestly, we think we'll get there sooner.

87%

Material Waste Diverted

From landfills through careful planning and partnerships with local recycling facilities. The other 13%? We're working on it.

100%

Local Sourcing Priority

When possible, materials come from within 500km. Cuts carbon footprint and supports BC businesses - win-win.

15

LEED Certified Projects

Including 6 Gold and 2 Platinum certifications. But certification's just paper - the real results show up in energy bills and occupant health.

Our Certifications & Partnerships

We've earned these through actual project work, not just seminars

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LEED Accredited Professionals

Three senior architects on our team hold LEED AP credentials, specializing in Building Design + Construction

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Passive House Certified

We've completed the rigorous Passive House Designer training - those German standards don't mess around

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Living Building Challenge

Currently pursuing our first LBC certification - it's the most demanding green building standard out there

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Built Green Canada

Regional partners focused on residential sustainability across BC and beyond

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WELL Building Standard

Because healthy buildings mean healthy people - indoor air quality matters more than most realize

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Net Zero Carbon

Members of the Canada Green Building Council's Net Zero program, targeting operational carbon neutrality

How We Actually Do It

Site Analysis First

Before we sketch a single wall, we spend days understanding the site. Sun paths, wind patterns, existing vegetation, soil composition, water drainage - all that stuff tells us what the building wants to be.

We've walked away from projects where the client's vision would've required destroying too much of what was already working on the land.

Passive Design Principles

Orientation, thermal mass, natural ventilation, daylighting - these cost nothing extra if you plan 'em from the start. A well-oriented building can cut heating costs by 25% without any fancy tech.

We've got one residential project in North Van that needs its furnace maybe 20 days a year. The design just works with the sun.

Material Selection

We maintain relationships with suppliers who share our values. Reclaimed timber, low-VOC finishes, recycled steel, locally-quarried stone. Every material has a story and a carbon footprint.

Sometimes the greenest choice is keeping existing materials. We've renovated buildings where 60% of the original structure stayed put.

Energy Modeling

We run detailed energy simulations during design phases - not after. Catches issues early when they're cheap to fix. Plus, clients appreciate seeing projected utility costs before breaking ground.

Software's gotten so good that our models typically predict actual performance within 8-12%.

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, permeable surfaces, native landscaping that needs minimal irrigation. In a place like Vancouver with tons of rainfall, it's ridiculous to waste it.

One commercial project we did collects enough rainwater to handle 80% of its non-potable needs year-round.

Long-Term Thinking

We design for adaptation. Climate's changing, needs evolve, technologies improve. Buildings should be flexible enough to accommodate all that without major overhauls.

Floor plans with adaptable room configurations, electrical systems ready for future solar integration - that kind of forward thinking.

Real Impact, Real Numbers

Here's what our projects have achieved over the past five years (yeah, we track this stuff):

  • → 2.4 million kWh of energy saved annually across completed projects compared to baseline conventional builds
  • → 840 tonnes of CO2 emissions prevented each year from operational energy alone
  • → 12.8 million litres of water conserved through efficient fixtures and rainwater systems
  • → 1,200+ tonnes of construction waste diverted from landfills through careful planning and material reuse
  • → 35% average improvement in indoor air quality metrics for occupied spaces

Data compiled from post-occupancy evaluations and utility monitoring across 28 completed projects, 2019-2024

Sustainable materials

The Honest Truth About Green Building

It's not always easy, and it's not always cheap upfront. But here's what we've learned:

Initial Costs

Sustainable features typically add 3-8% to construction costs. But they pay back through lower operating expenses, often within 5-10 years. Plus, buildings hold value better.

Not One-Size-Fits-All

What works in Vancouver won't work in Calgary. Every project needs its own sustainability strategy based on climate, site conditions, budget, and client needs.

Technology Isn't Everything

Solar panels and heat pumps are great, but good design matters more. We've seen poorly designed "green" buildings that perform worse than well-designed conventional ones.

Maintenance Matters

Sustainable buildings need informed operation. We provide detailed handover documentation and training because even the best design can underperform if nobody knows how to use it.

We're not perfect - no one is. But we're committed to getting better with every project, learning from mistakes, and sharing what works.

Looking Ahead

Our 2025-2030 sustainability goals

2026
Net Zero Ready

All new designs will be net-zero ready, meaning they can easily integrate renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality

2027
Embodied Carbon

Reduce embodied carbon in our projects by 40% through material selection and structural optimization

2028
Circular Economy

Design all projects for disassembly and material reuse - buildings shouldn't be disposable

2030
Biodiversity Net Gain

Every project will leave ecosystems better than we found them through habitat creation and ecological restoration

Want to Build Something Better?

Let's talk about how sustainable design can work for your project - no greenwashing, just honest conversation about what's possible.

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