Who We Are

Crafting Tomorrow's Spaces with Nature's Wisdom

Our Story

Started back in 2012 when we realized Vancouver needed architects who actually gave a damn about the environment. Not just slapping some solar panels on roofs and calling it green - we're talking real, integrated sustainable design that works with the landscape instead of fighting against it.

We've spent over a decade figuring out how to make buildings that don't just look good but actually give back to their surroundings. It's been a wild ride - from converting century-old heritage buildings to designing net-zero commercial spaces that people actually want to work in.

What sets us apart? We don't follow trends. Every project starts with the land, the light, and what the space needs to become. Sometimes that means contemporary glass and steel, other times it's about preserving what's already there. Either way, sustainability isn't an add-on - it's baked into everything we do.

Our Philosophy

How we approach each project

Context First

Before we sketch a single line, we spend time understanding the site. The way wind moves through, where the sun hits in winter versus summer, what the neighbors are doing. Architecture that ignores its context is just sculpture - and not the good kind.

Material Honesty

We use materials that make sense - both environmentally and aesthetically. Reclaimed timber that tells a story, locally-sourced stone, responsibly-harvested wood. If something's concrete, we let it be concrete. No fake finishes, no pretending.

Long-Term Thinking

Buildings should last. Not just structurally, but functionally. We design spaces that can adapt as needs change - rooms that can shift purpose, systems that can be upgraded without ripping everything out. It's the opposite of disposable architecture.

Human Scale

Sustainable doesn't mean uncomfortable. We design for how people actually live and work - natural light where you need it, spaces that breathe, connections to the outdoors. Technology serves the human experience, not the other way around.

Meet the Team

The folks making it happen

Sarah Chen

Principal Architect

Been designing sustainable spaces since before it was cool. Sarah's got this knack for seeing what a site wants to become. Led over 40 LEED-certified projects and still gets excited about every new build.

Marcus Whitfield

Design Director

Heritage restoration specialist who somehow makes old and new play nice together. Marcus spent five years in Copenhagen learning Scandinavian design principles before bringing that sensibility back to Vancouver.

Anika Patel

Sustainability Lead

The one who keeps us honest about our green claims. Anika's background in environmental engineering means she can run the numbers on everything from embodied carbon to lifecycle costs. She won't let us greenwash anything.

How We Work

Every project kicks off with what we call a "site conversation" - walking the property, talking about vision, getting a feel for what's possible. No suits, no boardrooms, just honest discussion about what you need and what the space can offer.

From there, we collaborate. A lot. Our team includes architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, and often local craftspeople who know the region's materials inside out. We sketch, model, test, and refine until the design feels right.

We're pretty transparent about timelines and budgets - no surprises down the line. And we stick around after construction wraps to make sure everything's working as designed. Your building's performance matters to us.

What Clients Say

Real feedback from real projects

★★★★★

"They completely transformed our 1920s warehouse into a modern office space without losing any of the original character. The natural light alone has changed how our team works. Worth every penny."

- JenniferKowolski, Cascade Digital Media

★★★★★

"We wanted a home that didn't compromise on sustainability or design. Pyrethorn Quest delivered both. Our energy bills are basically non-existent, and we've had architects asking for tours."

- David & Rachel Thornton, Homeowners

★★★★★

"Their attention to material sourcing and lifecycle thinking helped us achieve our first net-zero building. The team's technical knowledge combined with creative problem-solving is rare."

- Michael Zhang, GreenTech Solutions

Why Vancouver?

This city sits between mountains and ocean, with a climate that's both a gift and a challenge for sustainable design. The mild winters mean we can push boundaries with passive heating. The rain means we get creative with water management and green roofs.

Vancouver's also got this amazing building heritage - from heritage Victorians to mid-century modernist gems. We've worked on everything from restoring Gastown warehouses to designing contemporary infills in Kitsilano. Each neighborhood has its own character that deserves respect.

Plus, BC's got some of the most progressive green building codes in North America. That regulatory framework pushes us to innovate, which is exactly what we love doing.

Ready to Start a Conversation?

Whether you've got a detailed brief or just an idea you're kicking around, we'd love to hear about it.

Get in Touch