Look, we've spent years figuring out how to blend what nature's been doing for millennia with the stuff humans need today. Each project's different, but the process? That's where the magic happens.
Creating homes that actually work for how you live
Spaces that mean business without killing the planet
Green tech that doesn't feel like a compromise
Making every square foot count
Keeping your project on track and on budget
Honoring the past while building the future
Here's the thing about homes - they're not just boxes to live in. After working on dozens of residential projects across Vancouver, I've learned that the best designs happen when we really listen to how you actually use your space.
We grab coffee and talk about what you're actually looking for. No sales pitch, just conversation. I'll walk your site, take notes, and start getting a feel for what's possible. Usually takes about a week to digest everything.
This is where things get fun. I'll sketch out a few different directions - nothing too polished yet. We're exploring ideas, seeing what clicks with you. Some clients know exactly what they want, others need to see options to figure it out.
Once we've got a direction, we dive deeper. Floor plans, elevations, 3D visualizations - whatever helps you see the final result. This phase involves a lot of back-and-forth, which is totally normal.
The not-so-glamorous but super important part. We create detailed drawings that contractors can actually build from. Every dimension, every material, every connection gets documented.
We handle the paperwork dance with the city. BC's got its quirks when it comes to permits, but we've been through this enough times to know how to navigate it smoothly.
Commercial projects are a different beast. You're juggling ROI, building codes, tenant needs, and sustainability goals all at once. The trick is finding designs that serve all these masters without feeling like a boring corporate box.
First things first - what's this building gotta do for you? We dig into your business model, growth plans, and financial targets. Architecture that doesn't support your business goals is just expensive art.
We study the neighborhood, check out competing properties, and figure out what Vancouver's commercial market needs right now. Context matters - a lot.
This is where we start sketching out possibilities. How do people move through the space? Where does the natural light hit? How can we minimize operating costs while maximizing usability?
Commercial docs are way more complex than residential. We're talking structural systems, mechanical, electrical, plumbing - the whole nine yards. Everything needs to be coordinated precisely.
We stick around during construction to make sure what gets built matches what we designed. Site visits, contractor coordination, problem-solving on the fly - it's all part of the deal.
Gonna be honest - sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us, it's kinda the whole point. But I'm not talking about slapping some solar panels on the roof and calling it a day. Real sustainability is baked into every decision from day one.
We run simulations to see how your building's gonna perform before we even break ground. Where's the heat escaping? How much sunlight are we getting? This data drives smarter design choices.
Every material has a story - where it came from, how it was made, what happens when you're done with it. We look for options that don't cost the earth (literally) but still perform like champs.
This is where we coordinate all the green tech - geothermal, solar, greywater systems, whatever makes sense for your project. It's gotta work together seamlessly.
After construction, we test everything to make sure it's actually performing as promised. Too many "green" buildings underperform because nobody checked. We check.