Who We Are

The Story Behind the Studio

Honestly? This whole thing started with a frustration. I'd spent years at bigger firms watching perfectly good designs get watered down because nobody wanted to push the sustainability envelope. Too expensive, they'd say. Too experimental. Too... whatever excuse fit that day.

So in 2012, I took the leap. Started this studio with one mission - prove that environmental consciousness and stunning contemporary design aren't just compatible, they're inseparable. And yeah, it's been a wild ride.

We're based in Vancouver, which feels right. This city gets it - the constant dialogue between urban life and natural beauty, the rain that makes you think about water management whether you want to or not, the mountains reminding you daily that we're just guests here.

Our team's grown to twelve people now, each one bringing something unique. We've got folks who geek out over thermal bridging calculations, others who can't stop talking about biophilic design patterns, and a couple who somehow make heritage restoration sound like the most exciting thing ever. It works because we're all genuinely obsessed with making buildings that don't just look good but actually contribute positively to their environment.

How We Actually Work

Look, every project's different, but there's a rhythm we've developed over the years:

We start by listening. Really listening. Not just to what clients say they want, but to the site itself, the neighborhood, the climate data. Sometimes the best design solution is the one nobody mentioned in the first meeting.

Then comes the research phase. Our team dives deep - energy modeling, lifecycle assessments, material sourcing options. Yeah, it takes time. But it's way better than discovering problems during construction.

Design iterations are messy. We don't pretend otherwise. There's sketching, arguing (constructively, mostly), modeling, more arguing, prototyping details, and gradually something beautiful and functional emerges. We involve clients throughout because their input usually makes things better.

Construction phase is where theory meets reality. We're on-site regularly, working closely with builders who share our standards. Some of our best relationships are with contractors who've learned to love sustainable building methods as much as we do.

Beyond the Blueprints

Architecture doesn't exist in isolation. We're active in Vancouver's design community, teaching workshops on sustainable building practices, mentoring emerging architects, and collaborating with environmental organizations.

Some of our team volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, applying sustainable principles to affordable housing. Others are involved in policy advocacy, pushing for stronger building codes that prioritize environmental performance.

We also maintain relationships with material scientists, engineers, and builders who are constantly developing better solutions. Staying current isn't optional in this field - it's essential.