Who We Really Are
More than blueprints, we're building relationships with spaces
Started back in 2009 when Marina and Joel met at a community garden project in East Van. Yeah, seriously - not at some fancy architecture conference, but digging around in the dirt. That's kinda become our thing, honestly.
We noticed how most firms were still treating nature like an afterthought, something you slap on at the end. Didn't sit right with us. So we figured, why not start something different? Something that actually makes sense for how people live and how the planet breathes.
Fast forward fifteen years, and we've worked on everything from tiny laneway houses to entire mixed-use developments. The common thread? We don't design against nature - we design with it. Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how rare that actually is.
Not mission statements - just stuff we actually care about
Buildings shouldn't just sit there looking pretty. They gotta adapt, change with the seasons, work with the people inside 'em. We're talking about spaces that actually feel alive, not like sterile showrooms.
We're not in it for quick wins. What's this building gonna look like in 30 years? How's it gonna handle climate shifts? Can it be repurposed without tearing everything down? These questions keep us up at night, in a good way.
A building doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's part of a neighborhood, part of people's daily routines. We spend a lot of time just walking around, talking to folks, getting the vibe before we even sketch anything.
Wood should look like wood. Concrete should feel like concrete. We're tired of fake finishes and plastic veneers. There's beauty in authenticity, and it ages way better too.
Passive heating and cooling isn't rocket science - it's just working with physics instead of against it. Solar orientation, natural ventilation, thermal mass... basics that somehow got forgotten along the way.
Sustainable doesn't have to mean expensive. Sometimes it's about being clever with what you've got, choosing quality over quantity, and planning for low maintenance costs down the road.
The milestones that shaped us
Founded by Marina Kovač and Joel Chen in a small office above a coffee shop on Commercial Drive. First project was Joel's cousin's laneway house - learned a ton about what NOT to do with drainage.
Won the competition to redesign the Strathcona Community Centre's east wing. That project put us on the map and proved that green design could actually work within tight municipal budgets.
Brought on Sarah Okonkwo and David Park. Finally had enough hands to take on multiple projects without burning out. Moved to our current space on West Georgia - still miss that coffee shop though.
The Harbourside mixed-use development earned LEED Platinum certification. More importantly, the residents actually love living there, which honestly matters more than any award.
Started our heritage restoration division after getting our hands on a 1920s brick warehouse in Gastown. Turns out old buildings have a lot to teach us about durability and craft.
We're now a team of 14, working on everything from single-family homes to urban planning initiatives. Still figuring things out, still learning, still excited about what's possible.
The folks who make it all happen
Co-Founder & Principal Architect
Started out studying environmental science before switching to architecture. That background shows up in everything she designs. Gets weirdly excited about rainwater systems.
Co-Founder & Design Director
Grew up helping in his parents' restaurant, which gave him a weird appreciation for efficient space planning. Known for sketching ideas on napkins during lunch meetings. Has three cats.
Senior Architect
Joined us in 2015 after years doing high-rise work downtown. Brings that structural knowledge but with way more soul. Makes the best jollof rice for office potlucks, not gonna lie.
Project Manager
The guy who keeps everyone on schedule and somehow always knows where the budget stands. Former carpenter, so he knows when contractors are BSing us. Drinks an alarming amount of coffee.
Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got some magic formula. Every project's different, every client's got their own priorities. But there are a few things we always do:
Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. We spend way more time listening than talking in those first meetings. What do you actually need? Not what some magazine says you should want.
We visit at different times of day, different weather. Where does the sun hit? How does wind move through? What's already growing there? All that stuff matters way more than people think.
We don't disappear for months and then unveil some grand vision. It's back and forth, sketches and conversations, making sure we're heading in the right direction before we get too far down the road.
With contractors, suppliers, city planners - these connections make everything smoother. Construction's a team sport, and knowing who you can trust makes all the difference.