Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But after fifteen years of watching buildings go up and wondering if we're doing right by the planet, we've learned a thing or two about making architecture that actually gives back.
Every project's a chance to do better than the last one. That's kinda become our obsession.
Numbers don't lie, and honestly, we're pretty proud of these
Average Energy Reduction
vs. conventional buildsLitres Water Saved
annually across projectsTonnes CO2 Offset
since 2018Materials Recycled
during construction
"Every material choice matters. We've literally spent hours debating the carbon footprint of door handles."
- Design Team PhilosophyReal talk? When we started out, "green building" felt like this intimidating checklist that'd blow every budget. But here's what we figured out through trial and error...
Sustainability isn't about cramming solar panels everywhere or using bamboo just 'cause it sounds eco-friendly. It's about understanding the site, respecting what's already there, and making thoughtful choices that'll matter in 50 years, not just at the ribbon-cutting.
We once spent three weeks redesigning a commercial project just to save a 90-year-old Douglas Fir on site. The client thought we were nuts at first, but that tree became the centerpiece of their courtyard and they thank us every time we visit.
Before we spec a single mechanical system, we're looking at orientation, thermal mass, natural ventilation. Your building should work with the climate, not fight it constantly.
We've cut HVAC loads by up to 40% just by getting the basics right.
BC's got incredible timber, stone, and craftspeople. Why ship stuff from halfway around the world? We've built a network of suppliers within 150km who actually care about their impact.
Plus, you're supporting local economy. That's sustainability too.
Sometimes the greenest building is the one that's already standing. We've transformed warehouses, old schools, and heritage homes instead of demolishing them. The embodied energy savings are huge.
And there's something special about keeping a building's story alive.
We walk the land, check sun paths, feel the wind patterns, talk to neighbors. Understanding the context isn't optional.
Before we finalize anything, we're running simulations. No guessing about performance - we want data backing up our decisions.
We're tracking embodied carbon, durability, maintenance needs, and end-of-life scenarios for every major material choice.
Plans are just paper until they're built right. We're on-site regularly making sure our sustainable intentions actually happen.
Not everything works for every project, but here's what's in our toolkit
We've installed these in about 60% of our residential projects over the last three years. Upfront cost is real, but the operating savings are wild.
High EfficiencyNot just panels slapped on the roof. We're designing solar from day one, optimizing roof angles and integrating battery storage where it makes sense.
Net-Zero ReadyVancouver gets enough rain to make this a no-brainer. We're collecting, filtering, and using it for irrigation, toilets, and sometimes even laundry.
Resource SmartBoring but crucial. We're hitting Passive House levels of airtightness on most builds now. Your heating bills will thank us later.
Essential Tech
This one was special. A family wanted to rebuild their 1960s bungalow but keep the neighborhood character intact. We convinced them to go net-zero, and honestly, they were skeptical about the costs at first.
Two years after completion, they're producing more energy than they use, their utility bills are basically zero, and the indoor air quality is so good their kid's asthma improved noticeably.
Key Innovations:
The dad texted me last winter saying they wore shorts inside while it was snowing outside. That's the kind of feedback that makes our day.
We're not just chasing certifications, but these frameworks keep us honest
Gold & Platinum level experience across multiple project types
Meeting some of the world's most rigorous energy standards
BC's home-grown certification that actually makes sense here
Designing for Canada's 2030 climate targets
We've gotten pretty nerdy about this stuff
Old growth timber from demolished buildings, heritage bricks, vintage fixtures. They've got character you can't manufacture, plus zero embodied carbon for the material itself.