We're Not Your Typical Architects
And honestly, that's kinda the point
Jade Quintharic, Founder & Principal Architect
Look, I didn't grow up dreaming about floor plans and load-bearing walls. What got me hooked was watching my grandfather restore an old barn in the Fraser Valley when I was maybe eight or nine. He'd talk about the wood like it had stories to tell, y'know? That connection between materials, people, and place - that's what stuck with me.
Fast forward through architecture school at UBC, a few years grinding it out at big firms downtown, and I realized something wasn't clicking. We were designing these massive buildings that looked great in renderings but felt... disconnected. From the land, from the people who'd actually use them, from any real sense of purpose beyond, well, just existing.
So in 2014, I started Jade of Quintharic out of a tiny office space on Commercial Drive. The name? Yeah, it's a bit unusual - Quintharic was my grandmother's family name, and I wanted to honor that lineage of craftsmanship. Plus, it sounds way cooler than "Jade Smith Architecture" or whatever.
Our approach isn't about forcing some grand vision onto a site. It's more about listening first - to what the land's telling you, what the client actually needs (not just what they think they want), and what makes sense for the long haul. We've done everything from compact laneway homes in East Van to commercial spaces in Yaletown, and each project's taught us something new.
These days, we're a team of twelve passionate folks who genuinely care about making buildings that'll still feel right in fifty years. Not just structurally sound, but actually appropriate for how people live and work.
Started the firm with just me, a laptop, and way too much coffee. First project was a small residential renovation in Kitsilano that the client found through a friend of a friend. No fancy marketing, just word of mouth and hoping for the best.
Hired our first two team members - Sarah and Marcus. Moved into a proper office space. Started focusing seriously on sustainable design because, honestly, it just made sense. Why wouldn't we build things that work with the environment instead of against it?
Won our first design award for a net-zero home in West Vancouver. Suddenly people were taking us seriously. Expanded into commercial projects, which was terrifying and exciting in equal measure. Team grew to six people.
Pandemic hit and changed everything. Learned to work remotely (like everyone else). But it also made us think differently about space - how people actually live and work became even more important. Started consulting projects helping businesses reimagine their spaces.
Moved to our current space on West Georgia. Team's now at twelve incredible people. Launched our Building Consultancy service because clients kept asking for advice beyond traditional architecture. Completed our largest commercial project to date.
Ten years in, and we're still learning. Still experimenting. Still trying to make buildings that matter. We've got projects lined up that push us in new directions, and that's exactly where we wanna be.
No corporate jargon here. Just the principles that guide every decision we make.
We don't have a "signature look" and that's intentional. A waterfront property in White Rock shouldn't look the same as an urban infill in Mount Pleasant. The site, the climate, the neighborhood - all of that informs what we design. Architecture that ignores its context is just expensive sculpture.
It's 2024 - we can't pretend climate change isn't happening. Every project we take on considers energy efficiency, material sourcing, and long-term environmental impact. Not because it's trendy, but because it's the only responsible way to build anymore. Plus, sustainable buildings just perform better.
We spend way more time in the early stages just talking and listening than most firms do. Understanding how you actually live or work, what frustrates you about your current space, what makes you feel good - that's the foundation. The drawings come after we've really heard you.
A space can be gorgeous but if it doesn't work for how you live, what's the point? Same goes the other way - purely functional spaces that ignore aesthetics feel sterile. Great design sits right at that intersection where things work beautifully and look beautiful working.
The folks who make it all happen
Principal Architect
Still gets excited about good joinery details. Probably drinks too much tea. Believes every project deserves the same attention whether it's a small reno or new construction.
Senior Architect
Been with us since 2016. Has an uncanny ability to solve tricky spatial problems. Weekend woodworker who brings that craft sensibility to every project. Makes terrible puns during design reviews.
Project Manager
Keeps everything running smoothly. Has a scary-good memory for details. If you need to know where we are on any project, Sarah's your person. Also grows most of the plants in our office.
Interior Designer
Color theory expert. Texture obsessed.
Architectural Technologist
Detail drawings wizard. Code ninja.
Sustainability Consultant
Materials research guru. Passive house certified.
Junior Architect
3D modeling specialist. Recent grad energy.
Plus four more talented folks in design, administration, and client services who keep everything running.
We're always looking for talented people who care about thoughtful design. Not just architects - we need designers, technologists, project managers, all kinds of skills.
If you think you'd fit in with our approach and you're somewhere in the Vancouver area (or willing to relocate), send us your portfolio and a note about why you're interested. We actually read them.
Get in Touch