Projects That Actually Matter

These aren't just pretty renders - they're real buildings where real people live, work, and thrive. Every project's got its own story, its own challenges, and honestly, its own lessons we learned along the way.

We've been doing this for a while now, and each project teaches us something new. Some went smoother than expected, others... well, let's just say they kept us on our toes. But that's architecture for ya - it's never boring.

Before renovation
BEFORE
After renovation
AFTER

Westside Family Residence

This one was special. The family had been living in this 1970s split-level for twenty years, and it just wasn't working anymore. Dark, cramped, energy bills through the roof. They almost sold it, but we convinced 'em there was potential hiding under all that wood paneling.

We opened up the main floor, added a two-story glass wall facing the backyard, upgraded insulation to R-40 in the attic. Solar panels on the south-facing roof reduced their energy consumption by 68%. The kids actually hang out in the living room now instead of hiding in their bedrooms.

"We can't believe it's the same house. Our heating bill dropped by more than half, and it finally feels like a home."

- Rebecca & Tom M., Homeowners
  • Square Footage: 2,850 sq ft
  • Timeline: 8 months
  • Energy Rating: LEED Gold
  • Solar Capacity: 8.5 kW
  • Materials: 75% recycled/reclaimed
  • Water Efficiency: Greywater system installed

Gastown Heritage Conversion

Talk about a challenge. This 1889 brick warehouse was on the city's at-risk list. Water damage, structural issues, you name it. But the bones were incredible - those old-growth timber beams don't exist anymore.

We spent six months just on structural stabilization before we could even think about the conversion. Kept every original element we could - the brick, the beams, even the old loading doors. Now it's twelve loft apartments that feel like you're living in Vancouver's history.

  • Built: 1889 (Restored 2021)
  • Units: 12 residential lofts
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Historic Designation: Class A
  • Original Elements: 89% preserved
  • Modern Systems: Full HVAC, smart home tech

"They didn't just restore a building - they brought back a piece of Vancouver's soul. Walking through those doors every day feels like stepping into a time machine, but with WiFi."

- James K., Unit 7 Resident & Local Historian
Gastown heritage building
Loft interior
Original timber beams
Commercial office building

North Shore Tech Campus

A mid-sized tech company wanted something that didn't feel like your typical corporate box. They'd been working from home during the pandemic and realized they needed a space that actually made people want to come in.

We designed it around natural light - tons of it. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, internal courtyards, rooftop terraces. Added biophilic design throughout because studies show (and honestly, common sense tells you) people work better when they're connected to nature. The place runs on 100% renewable energy, and the green roof handles all the stormwater runoff.

  • 45,000 sq ft across 4 floors
  • Completed in 14 months
  • Net-zero energy certified
  • 12,000 sq ft green roof
  • Capacity: 280 employees
  • LEED Platinum pending

"Our office attendance rate went from 40% to 85% in the first month. People genuinely love being here. That's not something I thought I'd ever say about an office building."

- Sarah Chen, VP Operations

"The collaboration spaces are perfect. We can actually hear ourselves think, but we're not isolated. Best of both worlds."

- Dev Team Survey, 2023

More Projects Worth Mentioning

Not every project needs a whole spread, but these deserve a shoutout too.

Community center
Kitsilano Community Hub

3,200 sq ft | 7 months | Public Space

Turned an old community center that hadn't been updated since the '80s into a multi-use space that actually serves the neighborhood. Added accessibility features, upgraded the kitchen, made it work for everything from yoga classes to town halls.

"Finally a space that feels like it belongs to everyone." - City Council Member
Restaurant space
Yaletown Bistro Renovation

2,100 sq ft | 4 months | Commercial

The owners wanted to keep the industrial vibe but make it warmer, less echo-y. We softened the acoustics with natural materials, improved the flow between kitchen and dining room, added better ventilation because let's be real - restaurant air quality matters.

"Kitchen efficiency up 30%, complaints about noise down 90%." - Restaurant Owner
Urban development
Fraser Street Mixed-Use

28,000 sq ft | 16 months | Urban Development

Ground floor retail, two floors of offices, residential units up top. The tricky part was making sure everyone had their own identity while the building still felt cohesive. Separate entrances were key. Green corridors between floors help with both airflow and community interaction.

"It's like three buildings that figured out how to get along." - Retail Tenant
Townhouse complex
East Van Townhouse Row

8 units | 12 months | Residential

Affordable housing that doesn't look or feel "affordable" in the bad way. Smart layouts that maximize every square foot without feeling cramped. Shared courtyard in the middle gives people outdoor space without eating into individual yards.

"More space than our old place, half the heating costs." - Resident Family
Studio space
Granville Island Artist Studios

6,800 sq ft | 9 months | Creative Space

Converting old industrial space into artist studios sounds easy until you realize every artist needs something different. Sculptors need high ceilings and floor drains, painters need specific light. We made flexible spaces that can adapt while keeping that raw, creative energy.

"Best natural light I've had in 20 years." - Studio Artist
Medical clinic
Burnaby Family Health Clinic

5,500 sq ft | 6 months | Healthcare

Medical spaces are tough because they need to feel calm but also efficient. We focused on reducing wait-time anxiety through design - separated waiting areas, natural materials, views to a garden courtyard. Turns out environment really does affect how people feel about healthcare.

"Patient satisfaction scores jumped 40%." - Clinic Director

Got a Project in Mind?

Look, we're not gonna promise it'll be easy or cheap, but we'll be straight with you from day one about what's possible and what makes sense. Sometimes the best answer is "don't build that" - and we're not afraid to say it.