What We Do

We've spent years refining our approach to design - it's not about reinventing the wheel every time, but rather finding that sweet spot where your vision meets real-world constraints and possibilities.

Canadian Building Codes

Every project we tackle adheres to the National Building Code and BC-specific regulations - we've been navigating these waters long enough to know the ins and outs.

Sustainable Practices

We're pretty serious about sustainability - not just the buzzword kind, but actual energy modeling, passive design strategies, and material choices that'll make sense 20 years down the line.

Collaborative Approach

Your project isn't just handed off between departments - we keep everyone in the loop, from initial sketches through to final inspections.

Our Service Lineup

We've structured our offerings based on what clients actually need - not some cookie-cutter package that doesn't fit anyone properly. Click through to see what resonates with your project.

Architectural Design & Planning

Full Service

This is where most projects start - we take your ideas and turn 'em into workable plans. Whether you're looking at a new build or major renovation, we handle everything from concept sketches through to permit-ready construction documents.

What's Included:
  • Site analysis and feasibility studies
  • Schematic design development
  • Design development drawings
  • Construction documentation
  • Municipal permit applications
  • Zoning variance support if needed
  • Building envelope design compliant with BC Energy Step Code

We've learned over the years that getting the planning right upfront saves everyone headaches later - trust us on this one.

3D Visualization & Rendering

Add-On Available

Flat drawings don't always tell the whole story. Our rendering services help you actually see what you're getting before a single brick gets laid - it's saved more than a few projects from costly mid-construction changes.

What's Included:
  • Photorealistic exterior renderings
  • Interior perspective views
  • Material and lighting studies
  • Virtual walkthroughs and fly-throughs
  • Marketing and presentation packages
  • Contextual site renderings showing neighboring properties

Honestly, the number of times clients have changed their mind about finishes after seeing a proper rendering is pretty high - better to figure it out now than later.

Interior Space Planning

Residential & Commercial

Good space planning isn't just about making rooms fit - it's about how you'll actually live or work in them. We've done enough layouts to know what works and what looks good on paper but falls apart in practice.

What's Included:
  • Space optimization and flow analysis
  • Furniture and fixture layouts
  • Material and finish selections
  • Lighting design coordination
  • Built-in millwork design
  • Accessibility compliance (BC Building Code Part 3)
  • Coordination with interior designers and contractors

We've worked on everything from 500 sq ft condos to 10,000 sq ft commercial spaces - each one teaches you something new about maximizing every square inch.

Sustainable Building Consulting

Energy Efficiency

Vancouver's getting serious about energy performance, and honestly, it just makes sense financially too. We help navigate the BC Energy Step Code and find solutions that won't blow your budget but'll definitely lower those utility bills.

What's Included:
  • BC Energy Step Code compliance (Steps 1-5)
  • Energy modeling and analysis
  • Passive House consultation
  • Building envelope thermal performance optimization
  • Mechanical system selection guidance
  • Renewable energy integration (solar, geothermal)
  • Green building certification support (LEED, Built Green)
  • Lifecycle cost analysis

The upfront costs can seem scary, but we've seen clients recoup their investment within 7-10 years - and that's before considering the resale value bump.

Heritage Building Restoration

Specialized Service

Vancouver's got some beautiful old buildings that deserve proper treatment. Heritage work requires a different mindset - you're balancing preservation with modern needs, and navigating a whole different set of regulations.

What's Included:
  • Heritage building assessments
  • Conservation plans and documentation
  • Heritage Alteration Permit applications
  • Historical research and analysis
  • Sensitive adaptive reuse design
  • Period-appropriate material sourcing
  • Seismic upgrading for heritage structures
  • Coordination with heritage consultants and city planners

There's something really satisfying about bringing an old building back to life - it's definitely more complex than new construction, but the results are worth it.

Project Management & Construction Administration

Oversight Services

Design's only half the battle - making sure it actually gets built right is the other half. We stick around through construction to catch issues before they become problems and make sure your contractor's interpreting the drawings correctly.

What's Included:
  • Regular site visits and inspections
  • Contractor coordination and RFI responses
  • Shop drawing and submittal reviews
  • Change order evaluation and documentation
  • Quality control monitoring
  • Progress payment certification
  • Deficiency identification and resolution
  • Final project closeout and warranty review

Construction admin isn't glamorous, but it's where a lot of projects either come together or fall apart - we've seen both, and we'll make sure yours is the former.

Architectural planning process

How We Work Together

Initial Consultation

We sit down and talk through what you're actually trying to achieve - no sales pitch, just an honest conversation about whether we're a good fit for your project.

Proposal & Agreement

We'll outline scope, timeline, and fees in plain language - no hidden surprises or vague deliverables that lead to confusion later.

Design Development

This is where the real work happens - sketches, revisions, more revisions, until we land on something that checks all your boxes and actually works.

Implementation

Whether it's getting permits, coordinating with contractors, or just answering the million questions that come up - we're there until the job's done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some things people usually wanna know before reaching out.

Depends on the scope, honestly. In BC, you legally need an architect for certain project types and sizes, but even when it's not required, having one can save you from expensive mistakes. Major renovations, additions, structural changes - yeah, you probably want professional help. Small cosmetic updates? Maybe not. Give us a call and we'll give you a straight answer.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. A simple residential project might take 3-4 months for design and another 2-3 for permits. Complex commercial projects or heritage work? Could be looking at 8-12 months or more. Vancouver's permit times have been all over the place lately, which doesn't help with planning. We'll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific project.

We bill either hourly or as a percentage of construction cost, depending on the project type. Full architectural services usually run 8-15% of construction costs. Smaller consulting projects we do hourly. We're upfront about costs from the start - you'll know what you're getting into before signing anything. Best thing to do is reach out with your project details and we'll put together a proper proposal.

Absolutely - we've been dealing with Step Code