Who We Are
Illuminating Spaces, Crafting Tomorrow
Illuminating Spaces, Crafting Tomorrow
Look, we're not gonna pretend we've been around since the dawn of time. Aurora Vinthale Architecture kicked off back in 2011 when a couple of us got tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter buildings go up everywhere around Vancouver. We figured there had to be a better way - one that didn't treat sustainability as some kind of afterthought.
Started in a cramped shared office space on Davie Street with three partners, way too much coffee, and honestly, more passion than sense. But that scrappy energy? It's still here. We've grown, sure - moved to a proper studio overlooking Granville, brought on some incredible talent - but we haven't forgotten what got us here.
These days we're a team of 18, working on everything from cozy laneway homes to sizeable commercial builds. And yeah, we've won a few awards along the way, but what really gets us up in the morning is when a client walks into their finished space and just... gets it.
Spoiler: it's not just about making things look pretty
We don't do copy-paste architecture. Every site has its own story - the way light hits in the afternoon, how neighbors interact, what the land's been through. We spend a lot of time just... observing. Sometimes the best design move is the one that works with what's already there instead of fighting it.
Here's the thing - we don't have a separate "green" option. Every single project gets the sustainability treatment because, honestly, why wouldn't it? Passive solar design, locally-sourced materials, energy modeling... it's all baked into how we work. Not preachy about it, just practical.
Shocking concept, right? But you'd be surprised how often buildings forget they're for humans. We obsess over the little stuff - where you'll toss your keys when you walk in, how morning light affects your mood, whether that kitchen island actually makes sense for how you cook. Architecture should make life easier, not more complicated.
Look, we're the experts in making buildings, but you're the expert in being you. Our process is super collaborative - lots of models, sketches, conversations over coffee. We'll push back when something won't work structurally or code-wise, but your input shapes everything. No architect-knows-best ego trips here.
Not all who wander are lost, but we definitely took some interesting turns
Three architects, one vision, zero budget. Founded in a 400 sq ft office. First project? A residential renovation that taught us more than architecture school ever did.
Landed our first big commercial gig - a mixed-use development in Kitsilano. Nearly killed us (the permit process alone...) but it put us on the map. Added four more team members.
Got certified in Passive House design. Started integrating energy modeling into every project. Some clients thought we were crazy. Now they're saving thousands on utilities and calling us geniuses.
Took on our first heritage restoration in Gastown. Fell in love with the challenge of honoring history while making spaces functional for today. Now it's a major part of what we do.
Moved into our current studio on Granville Street. Designed it ourselves (obviously). Open workspace, killer views, and enough coffee machines to fuel a small army. Team's at 15 now.
18 team members strong. Working on some of our most ambitious projects yet. Still learning, still iterating, still obsessed with making spaces that actually matter to the people who use them.
The humans behind the blueprints
Studied at UBC, worked at a big firm for five years, then decided corporate architecture wasn't her thing. Obsessed with light, space, and how buildings can make people feel something. Drinks an alarming amount of espresso. Licensed architect with a knack for turning impossible sites into dream homes.
The guy who'll run energy models for fun. Got into architecture through engineering, so he's all about making things work smarter, not harder. Passive House certified, LEED AP, and genuinely excited about building science. Probably knows more about insulation than anyone should. Weekend hobby? Restoring a 1970s cabin to net-zero standards.
Joined us in 2016 and immediately became our heritage restoration guru. There's something about old buildings that just clicks for her - she can read layers of history in plaster and timber like nobody's business. Trained in conservation techniques in Edinburgh, passionate about keeping Vancouver's architectural heritage alive while making it livable for modern needs.
Thinks about buildings in context of neighborhoods, not just lots. Background in urban planning means he's always considering how projects fit into the bigger picture. Vocal advocate for density done right. Can sketch faster than most people type. His models are so detailed clients sometimes think they're photos.
Where architecture meets how people actually live. Priya's got this gift for understanding flow and function - she'll redesign a kitchen layout six times until it's perfect. Trained at Emily Carr, worked in residential and hospitality design before joining us. Materials nerd in the best way possible.
Project architects, designers, BIM specialists, admin wizards, interns who keep us on our toes... Everyone brings something different to the table. We're big on mentorship, collaboration, and not taking ourselves too seriously. Come visit the studio sometime - we're usually here, probably debating window details or arguing about the best lunch spots.
Whether you've got a napkin sketch or a fully-formed vision, let's chat. We're always up for interesting projects and good conversations.
