Real Projects, Real Stories

Every building we've designed has its own journey - from that first coffee meeting where ideas are still messy, right through to the final walk-through. Here's a look at what we've been working on, the challenges we faced, and honestly, what we learned along the way.

These aren't just pretty renders - each project represents months of collaboration, problem-solving, and making sure the details actually work in the real world. We've included the nitty-gritty specs and some candid thoughts on what went right (and what we'd do differently next time).

Westbrook Residence exterior view
Residential

Westbrook Residence

Location: West Vancouver, BC

Our clients wanted to downsize but didn't want to sacrifice the connection to their garden they'd spent 20 years cultivating. The challenge? Making 2,200 sq ft feel as spacious as their old 4,000 sq ft home.

We ended up designing around these massive sliding glass walls that basically disappear into pockets. The living space extends onto a covered deck that's usable about 9 months of the year here in Vancouver. Added radiant heating under the outdoor tiles - small detail that makes a huge difference.

Completed

September 2023

Size

2,200 sq ft

Technical Breakdown - Westbrook Residence

Energy Performance
  • • EnerGuide Rating: 84
  • • Triple-pane argon windows
  • • Air-source heat pump system
  • • 6.5kW solar array on south roof
  • • Estimated 65% energy reduction vs. baseline
Structure & Materials
  • • Post & beam construction
  • • Western red cedar cladding
  • • Concrete radiant floors
  • • Reclaimed douglas fir beams
  • • Low-VOC finishes throughout
Water & Landscape
  • • 2,500L rainwater collection
  • • Greywater system for irrigation
  • • Native plant landscaping
  • • Permeable paving throughout
  • • Bio-retention swale design

Design Note: The trickiest part was convincing the municipality that our rainwater system could handle the runoff requirements. Took three meetings and a bunch of hydrological calcs, but we proved it works better than their standard approach.

Westbrook kitchen detail

Custom millwork using salvaged timber from original site trees

Indoor outdoor connection

20-foot glass wall system - engineering was intense but worth it

Outdoor living space

Heated outdoor deck extends the living season significantly

Granville Studios exterior
Commercial Adaptive Reuse

Granville Studios

Location: Downtown Vancouver, BC

This one's special. We took a 1920s brick warehouse that was slated for demolition and turned it into 14,000 sq ft of creative office space. The heritage committee was super strict - couldn't touch the original facade, had to preserve those old timber beams.

What we learned: old buildings have way better bones than modern ones. Those Douglas fir columns? They're still rock solid after a century. We stripped everything back, kept the industrial feel, but made it work for modern tech companies who need serious HVAC and data infrastructure.

Completed

March 2023

Size

14,000 sq ft

Before & After - Granville Studios

Before renovation BEFORE

The space in 2021 - water damage, outdated systems, but incredible potential underneath all that grime.

After renovation AFTER

Same bones, completely transformed. Those beams clean up nice, don't they?

Heritage Restoration Specs
  • Brick facade cleaned & repointed (original 1924 masonry preserved)
  • 22 original timber beams restored & treated
  • Steel moment frames added for seismic upgrade (hidden in walls)
  • Original window openings maintained with modern glazing
  • VRF HVAC system (way more efficient than traditional ducts)
  • LED lighting with daylight sensors
  • Green roof added - helps with stormwater plus insulation
  • LEED Gold certified (targeting Platinum next year)
Residential Multi-Unit

Cypress Laneway Housing

Location: Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC

Vancouver's got a housing crisis, right? Laneway homes are part of the solution, but they're tricky to get right. This project was actually three separate laneway units we designed for neighboring properties - all working together.

Each unit's only 750 sq ft, but they feel way bigger. High ceilings, smart storage, and we positioned the windows so there's privacy but tons of natural light. The city's bylaws are pretty restrictive - can't be taller than 20 feet, gotta maintain certain setbacks - but constraints sometimes lead to better design.

Cypress Laneway Housing
Unit Specs
  • Floor Area: 750 sq ft
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Height: 19'8" (just under limit)
  • Construction: Wood frame
  • Foundation: Slab on grade with radiant
Energy Systems
  • Heating: Mini-split heat pumps
  • Hot Water: Heat pump water heater
  • Insulation: R-40 roof, R-28 walls
  • Windows: Triple-pane, low-e
  • Ventilation: HRV system
Sustainability
  • FSC certified wood framing
  • Recycled content insulation
  • Permeable pavers for parking
  • Native landscaping (low water)
  • Solar-ready roof design
Real Talk - Challenges We Faced

The permit process took 8 months - way longer than expected. Vancouver's planning dept is swamped. We had to revise the roof pitch twice to satisfy the heritage planner, even though these are new builds.

Also learned that pre-fab isn't always faster. We considered modular construction but ended up going traditional stick-frame because local trades could deliver better quality control. Sometimes old-school is still the right answer.

Urban Planning

Marine Drive Mixed-Use Development

Location: North Vancouver, BC

This one's still under construction, but it's probably our most ambitious project to date. 42 residential units above 8,000 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space. The neighborhood was worried about density, so we spent months in community consultation.

What sold people? We're keeping the scale human - nothing taller than 4 stories, plus we designed the commercial spaces specifically for local businesses, not chains. Wide sidewalks, bike parking, lots of green space. It's dense but doesn't feel like it.

Completion

Est. Fall 2025

Total Area

52,000 sq ft

Marine Drive development rendering

Project Timeline & Milestones

Phase 1: Community Consultation

Jan - Jun 2022

Complete

12 community meetings, revised design 4 times based on feedback. Added more bike storage and reduced parking (people actually wanted less car infrastructure - refreshing).

Phase 2: Permits & Approvals

Jul 2022 - Mar 2023

Complete

Rezoning approved unanimously at city council (rare!). Development permit took another 5 months - normal for this scale.

Phase 3: Construction

Apr 2023 - Oct 2025

In Progress

Foundation's done, we're currently at 3rd floor framing. On schedule despite last winter's crazy rain. Working with a solid general contractor makes all the difference.

Phase 4: Occupancy

Nov 2025

Upcoming

Commercial spaces will open first, residential units following as they get their occupancy permits. Already 80% pre-sold.

Construction progress

Foundation work - spring 2023

Framing progress

Framing the third floor - current status

Site plan

Site plan showing green corridors

Commercial concept

Ground floor commercial rendering

Other Projects Worth Mentioning

We've got a bunch of other projects in various stages - some just wrapping up, others still in the design phase. Here's a quick snapshot of what else we're working on.

Wellness center
Interior Design
Seawall Wellness Center

Commercial interior renovation - 3,200 sq ft

Taking an old office space and turning it into a yoga/pilates studio. All about natural light, acoustic treatment, and calming materials. Cork floors, lots of plants.

Status: Completed Nov 2023

Townhouse development
Residential
Fraser River Townhomes

8-unit townhouse development

Affordable(ish) housing is tough in Vancouver. These are 1,400 sq ft units with small yards. Not huge, but designed smart so families can actually live comfortably.

Status: Permits pending

Heritage building