We're a bunch of architects who actually care

Started this studio back in 2011 because frankly, we got tired of seeing buildings that looked cool but functioned terribly. Here's our story and the folks making it happen.

How we got here

Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it - starting an architecture firm in Vancouver wasn't exactly smooth sailing. We began in a cramped office on West 4th with three drafting tables and way too much coffee.

What set us apart? We actually listened to what people needed instead of just pushing our artistic vision. Crazy concept, right?

Over the years, we've learned that sustainable design isn't just a trendy add-on - it's gotta be baked into everything from day one. Every project teaches us something new, and honestly, that's what keeps this work interesting.

Studio workspace
Architectural drawings
Sustainable building
Team collaboration

Meet the folks behind the blueprints

We're not your typical stuffy architect types. Promise.

Sarah Mendez

Sarah Mendez

Principal Architect & Founder

Sarah's the one who dreamed up this whole studio after spending 8 years at a corporate firm where creativity went to die. She's got this weird knack for seeing potential in spaces everyone else writes off.

Graduated from UBC, spent time in Copenhagen learning sustainable design (and picking up a serious coffee habit), then came back to Vancouver determined to do things differently.

When she's not sketching ideas on napkins, you'll find her hiking the North Shore trails or arguing about the Seawall's design choices.

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Senior Project Manager

Marcus is the guy who makes sure our wild ideas actually get built. He's got this engineering background that keeps us grounded when we get too artsy.

He joined us in 2014 after working on some massive commercial projects downtown. Turns out he was tired of building glass boxes and wanted to work on stuff with actual character.

He's obsessed with construction tech and always trying to convince us to use some new software. Also makes terrible dad jokes during site visits.

Aisha Patel

Aisha Patel

Lead Sustainability Consultant

Aisha's the reason we can actually back up our sustainability claims with real data. She's got degrees in environmental science and architecture, which makes her dangerously knowledgeable.

She pushes us to go further than just slapping some solar panels on a roof and calling it green. Every material choice, every system - she's there questioning whether we can do better.

Born and raised in Surrey, she's super passionate about making sustainable design accessible, not just for fancy West Side projects. Runs a community garden on the side.

James Kowalski

James Kowalski

Urban Design Specialist

James thinks about buildings in context - how they fit into neighborhoods, streets, the whole urban fabric. He's the one reminding us that our work affects more than just the people inside.

Came to us from city planning after getting frustrated with bureaucracy. Still has connections at City Hall though, which honestly saves us tons of headaches with permits and zoning stuff.

He bikes everywhere and will definitely lecture you about bike lane design if you let him. But he's right, so we listen.

Elena Rios

Elena Rios

Interior Design Director

Elena joined our team in 2018 and immediately made us realize we'd been neglecting interior spaces way too much. She's got this holistic approach where outside and inside gotta work together.

Trained in Barcelona, worked in Toronto for a bit, then landed in Vancouver. She brings this European sensibility but knows how to adapt it for West Coast living.

She's super into material textures and natural light - walks through every project at different times of day to see how spaces actually feel. Kind of intense but it makes our work way better.

Our approach isn't complicated

We listen, we sketch, we challenge assumptions, and we build stuff that actually works for the people using it. Sustainable by default, beautiful when possible, functional always.

Plus we're pretty honest about constraints and timelines. No smoke and mirrors, just solid architecture work.

Let's chat about your project

What drives us daily

Honest Collaboration

We work with clients, not for them. Your building, your needs, your budget. We're just here to make it happen right.

Real Sustainability

Not greenwashing. Actual measurable improvements in energy, materials, and long-term building performance.

Context Matters

Every site's different, every neighborhood has its vibe. We design for the place, not just on it.