Residential Architecture Design
Been designing homes for over a decade now, and honestly? It never gets old. Whether you're dreaming up a cozy laneway house or a sprawling family estate, we'll sketch it out together. We've done everything from Vancouver Specials getting modern makeovers to ground-up custom builds that actually fit how people live today - not some magazine fantasy.
We start with how you actually use your space. Do you cook a ton? Need a home office that doesn't feel like a closet? Got kids who'll destroy everything? We factor all that in. Our residential projects typically include site analysis, zoning consultations (yeah, Vancouver's zoning can be a headache), full architectural drawings, and we'll even stick with you through the permit process. Most clients tell us they appreciate that we don't try to force some cookie-cutter style on them.
Commercial Building Planning
Commercial work's a different beast - you're balancing aesthetics with ROI, foot traffic patterns, accessibility codes, and about a million other moving parts. We've planned retail spaces, office buildings, mixed-use developments, and restaurants across the Lower Mainland. The trick is creating something that looks great but also makes business sense.
Commercial projects need to work hard for their money. We're talking traffic flow optimization, building code compliance (especially BC Building Code Part 3), energy efficiency that'll actually lower your operating costs, and designs that'll still look current in 20 years. We collaborate with engineers, contractors, and yeah, sometimes marketing teams to make sure your building supports your business goals. It's not just about making it pretty.
Interior Space Optimization
You'd be surprised how many buildings are laid out terribly. We've seen 3000 sq ft homes that feel cramped and 800 sq ft apartments that live like they're twice the size. It's all in how you use the space. We'll rework your floor plan, maximize natural light, improve flow between rooms, and generally make your space work way better without necessarily adding square footage.
This service is perfect if you're not moving but your current space just isn't cutting it anymore. Maybe the kids grew up and you need a different layout. Maybe you're working from home now and that "office nook" isn't hacking it. We'll assess your existing space, figure out what's actually bugging you about it, and propose solutions. Sometimes it's knocking down a wall, sometimes it's just rethinking how rooms connect. We've done everything from basement conversions to attic transformations.
Sustainable Building Consultation
Everyone wants to build "green" these days, but let's be real - some eco-friendly features are just greenwashing that costs a fortune and saves nothing. We focus on sustainability that actually makes sense: passive solar design, proper insulation, energy-efficient systems, and materials that'll last. Living in BC's climate, we know what works and what's just marketing hype.
Our sustainability consulting isn't about ticking boxes for LEED certification (though we can help with that if you want). It's about reducing your energy bills and environmental impact through smart design. We'll recommend building orientation, window placement, insulation upgrades, rainwater management, and material choices that make sense for your budget. Vancouver's got specific climate challenges - all that rain and those temperature swings - so we design with that in mind.
Heritage Restoration Projects
Vancouver's got some beautiful old buildings that deserve respect. Heritage restoration is tricky - you're preserving historical character while making the building functional for modern use. We've worked on Edwardian homes, Art Deco commercial buildings, and mid-century gems. It takes patience, research, and working with heritage consultants, but man, the results are worth it.
Heritage work means navigating Vancouver Heritage Commission requirements, matching historical materials and techniques, and finding clever ways to add modern amenities without destroying original features. Want central air in your 1912 Craftsman? We'll figure it out. Need to add a kitchen that actually works in your heritage home? We'll design something that looks like it's always been there. It's detective work, puzzle-solving, and architecture all rolled into one.
Urban Planning & Development
This is the big-picture stuff - mixed-use developments, neighborhood planning, density studies. We work with developers and municipalities to create projects that actually improve neighborhoods instead of just cramming in maximum units. Vancouver's growing like crazy, and done right, densification can create amazing communities. Done wrong... well, we've all seen those soulless condo towers.
Urban planning requires understanding zoning bylaws, community input, transportation patterns, and environmental impact. We collaborate with urban planners, landscape architects, and civil engineers to design developments that people actually want to live in. Ground-floor retail with residential above, adequate green space, bike storage, and design that respects the existing neighborhood character. It's complex work, but watching a well-designed development come to life and become part of the community fabric? That's the good stuff.