Who We Are

Not your typical architecture firm, honestly

The Story Behind the Studio

Look, I started this whole thing back in 2013 because I was tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter designs everywhere. Vancouver's an incredible city with such diverse neighborhoods, and the architecture should reflect that, y'know?

We're not here to win awards (though we've snagged a few along the way). What really gets us going is watching a client walk into their finished space for the first time - that moment when they realize their home or workspace actually fits how they live and work, not the other way around.

Our approach is pretty straightforward: listen more than we talk, sketch a lot before we render, and never forget that buildings are for people, not portfolios. We've done everything from small residential renovations in Kitsilano to commercial projects downtown, and honestly, each one teaches us something new.

The contemporary residential and commercial stuff we focus on isn't about following trends. It's about creating spaces that feel right for now but won't look dated in ten years. Clean lines, sure, but with warmth. Functionality without sacrificing beauty. That balance is what keeps us up at night - in a good way.

Architecture studio workspace

Our Design Philosophy

Context Matters

Every site has a story. We spend time understanding the neighborhood, the light, how people actually move through spaces. Can't design in a vacuum.

Honest Materials

If it's wood, let it be wood. If it's concrete, embrace it. No fake facades or pretending to be something you're not. Authenticity shows.

Sustainable by Default

Not a separate service or an add-on. Every project gets the sustainability treatment because, well, it's 2025 and we kinda have to think long-term now.

Function First

Beauty matters, but if you can't actually live or work in the space comfortably, we've failed. Form follows function, always has, always will.

Meet the Team

We're a tight-knit group of designers, architects, and creative problem-solvers who actually enjoy each other's company. No corporate hierarchy nonsense here.

Selvarith Von Quinth

Selvarith Von Quinth

Principal Architect

Founded the studio after getting frustrated with traditional firms. Still draws by hand sometimes, much to everyone's amusement. Licensed architect, LEED AP, coffee enthusiast.

Marina Chen

Marina Chen

Design Director

Joined us in 2016, brings a killer eye for detail and spatial relationships. Can somehow visualize finished spaces better than our 3D renderings. UBC grad, marathon runner.

James Kowalski

James Kowalski

Project Manager

The guy who keeps everything on track and on budget. Former contractor, so he knows when something won't actually work in real life. Saves us from ourselves regularly.

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Sustainability Consultant

Makes sure we're not just talking the green talk. Knows every sustainable material and system out there. Recently convinced us all to bike to work more often.

Team collaboration

How We Work

Forget the stuffy client-architect dynamic. We're more collaborative than that. You'll see sketches early, even the rough ones. We'll probably debate materials over coffee. There'll be site visits where we all stand around pointing at things.

The process usually starts with us just listening - like, really listening. Then we sketch. A lot. We've found that hand drawings communicate ideas better in early stages than fancy renderings. Once we've got the concept dialed in, that's when the 3D models come out.

We're pretty transparent about timelines and budgets too. No surprises, no hidden fees, no "oh by the way this will cost extra." Been burned by that in past jobs, so we don't do it to clients.

Want to Work Together?

Whether you've got a full project ready to go or just an idea you're kicking around, let's chat. First coffee's on us.