Our Story & People

We're not your typical architecture firm – we actually care about what came before us while building what comes next.

Our Vancouver studio

How We Got Here

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.

Meet the Team

The folks who make it all happen

Elena Kythral
Elena Kythral

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.

Marcus Chen
Marcus Chen

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.

Sophia Ramirez
Sophia Ramirez

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.

James O'Brien
James O'Brien

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.

Aisha Patel
Aisha Patel

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.

David Kim
David Kim

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.

Our Journey

2011

The Beginning

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.

2014

First Major Recognition

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.

2017

Going Green

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.

2019

Expansion & Awards

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.

2022

Hitting Our Stride

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.

2024

Today & Tomorrow

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.

Recognition & Awards

We're honored by the acknowledgment, but honestly – the real reward is seeing people love the spaces we create

Governor General's Medal

2019

For excellence in architecture - Sinclair Building restoration project

RAIC Innovation Award

2019

Recognized for pioneering sustainable heritage retrofit methods

Heritage BC Award

2014, 2018, 2021

Multiple wins for outstanding heritage conservation work

LEED Platinum

Multiple Projects

8 projects achieving highest sustainability certification

BC Architecture Award

2020, 2023

Excellence in residential and commercial design

Urban Design Award

2022

Gastown District revitalization contribution

Innovation in Green Building

2021

Canadian Green Building Council recognition

People's Choice

2023

Vancouver Architecture Festival - Commercial category

Want to Work With Us?

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
Team collaboration