We're not your typical architecture firm – we actually care about what came before us while building what comes next.
Started back in 2011 with a simple idea – what if we stopped tearing down beautiful old buildings and actually learned from them? Our founder, Elena Kythral, was tired of seeing Vancouver's architectural heritage disappear under generic glass towers.
She'd spent years restoring centuries-old structures across Europe and figured it was time to bring that reverence back home. But here's the thing – we're not stuck in the past. We've combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge sustainable tech, proving you can honor history while pushing forward.
Today, we're a team of 18 passionate architects, designers, and builders who genuinely love what we do. Some days we're elbow-deep in 1920s blueprints, other days we're modeling net-zero energy systems. Keeps things interesting.
The folks who make it all happen
Founder & Principal Architect
Trained in Rome, worked across 14 countries restoring everything from medieval cathedrals to Art Deco theaters. She's got this uncanny ability to see what a building wants to be. Also makes the best espresso in the office.
Director of Sustainable Design
Former engineer turned architect who geeks out over passive solar design and green roofs. Marcus has led over 40 LEED-certified projects and won't shut up about thermal mass – in the best way possible.
Senior Heritage Consultant
Grew up in a 1890s Victorian her parents spent 20 years restoring. She knows old buildings like the back of her hand – every quirk, every material, every craftsman's trick. Saved 12 heritage sites from demolition so far.
Project Management Lead
Third-generation contractor who's as comfortable reading century-old joinery as he is with modern BIM software. James keeps projects on track and on budget – somehow always calm even when everything's on fire.
Design Innovation Director
Brings parametric design and computational thinking to heritage work. She's bridging old and new in ways we never imagined – using AI to analyze historical patterns and optimize modern interventions.
Residential Design Specialist
Believes homes should tell stories. David's designed over 50 custom residences that blend seamlessly with their neighborhoods while meeting modern living needs. Also our go-to guy for permit wrangling.
Elena opened shop in a tiny Gastown office with two drafting tables and a dream. First project was restoring a 1912 warehouse that everyone else wanted to demolish. Proved them all wrong.
Won the Heritage BC Award for the Sinclair Building restoration. Media coverage brought in more work than we could handle – had to hire four new people in three months.
Launched our sustainable design division. Marcus joined and brought his engineering magic. Completed our first net-zero heritage retrofit – people said it couldn't be done.
Moved to our current Granville Street studio. Won the Governor General's Medal for Architecture and the RAIC Innovation Award. Team grew to 15 people – finally had space for everyone.
Completed 8 major projects in one year – mix of heritage restorations and new sustainable builds. Featured in Azure Magazine and won three more regional awards. Started getting calls from across Canada.
Now we're 18 strong with projects across BC. Still doing what we love – saving beautiful old buildings and creating new ones that'll hopefully be worth saving someday. The work never stops being exciting.
We're honored by the acknowledgment, but honestly – the real reward is seeing people love the spaces we create
2019
For excellence in architecture - Sinclair Building restoration project
2019
Recognized for pioneering sustainable heritage retrofit methods
2014, 2018, 2021
Multiple wins for outstanding heritage conservation work
Multiple Projects
8 projects achieving highest sustainability certification
2020, 2023
Excellence in residential and commercial design
2022
Gastown District revitalization contribution
2021
Canadian Green Building Council recognition
2023
Vancouver Architecture Festival - Commercial category
We're always excited to meet new clients who care about thoughtful design. Whether you're restoring a heritage gem or building something new and sustainable, let's talk.
Fair warning though – we'll probably ask a million questions about your vision, your site's history, and what you want the space to feel like. That's just how we work.
Get In Touch