Building with Purpose
Our responsibility goes beyond blueprints - it's about leaving things better than we found them
Look, I'll be honest with you - when I started out in architecture fifteen years ago, sustainability was mostly just a checkbox on forms. But after working on my first LEED project and seeing the actual impact? Changed everything for me.
We've watched Vancouver transform over the years, and honestly, the climate crisis isn't some distant thing anymore. It's right here. That's why every single project that comes through our studio gets the sustainability treatment - not because it's trendy, but because it's the only way forward that makes sense.
The cool part? Our clients are getting it too. They're not just asking for green features as add-ons anymore. They want their buildings to actually contribute something positive, and we're here for that conversation every single time.
Real practices we use on every project - no fluff, just what works
Before we even think about fancy tech, we optimize orientation, natural ventilation, and daylight. Sometimes the old-school approaches are still the smartest.
We've built relationships with local suppliers who get it. Reclaimed timber, low-VOC finishes, recycled steel - and yeah, we track the embodied carbon on everything.
We're talking high-performance envelopes, smart HVAC systems, and solar integration where it makes sense. Our last three commercial projects came in at 40% below BC's energy code baseline.
Real talk: The upfront cost is higher, but payback usually happens in 5-7 years.
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, native landscaping that doesn't need irrigation - Vancouver's got plenty of rain, might as well use it intelligently.
Bonus: Stormwater management also helps with flooding issues.
This isn't just about throwing some plants around. We're integrating living walls, green roofs, and natural materials in ways that actually improve occupant wellbeing.
Studies show: People in biophilic spaces report better mood and productivity.
Three of our team members hold LEED AP credentials. We've completed 12 LEED-certified projects to date.
Completed the rigorous training because Passive House standards are some of the most demanding out there.
Active members since 2018, participating in their educational programs and advocating for better building practices.
We regularly contribute to workshops and panel discussions on sustainable design in the Vancouver area.
Sustainability doesn't stop once the walls go up. Here's what else we're doing:
We push for 75%+ waste diversion on every job site. It takes extra coordination with contractors, but we've got it down to a system now. Last year we kept over 180 tons of material out of landfills.
We run LCA software on major projects to understand the full environmental footprint - from material extraction through to end-of-life. Sometimes the results surprise us, which is exactly why we do it.
Our office runs on renewable energy, we offset travel emissions, and we've cut our paper use by 85% over the past three years. Small stuff, but it adds up.
We host quarterly workshops for homeowners interested in sustainable renovations. No sales pitch - just sharing what we've learned about making buildings better.
What we've accomplished so far - and we're just getting started
Certified Green Projects Completed
Average Energy Reduction vs. Standard Code
Tons of CO2 Avoided Annually
Client Satisfaction on Sustainable Features
The sustainability landscape keeps evolving, and honestly, that's exciting. Here's what we're exploring and implementing as we move forward:
Whether you're starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing building, we'd love to explore how we can make it work better - for you and for the planet.