Let's Talk About Your Vision

First up, we'll have a no-pressure chat - either here at the studio or over coffee if you prefer. We'll talk about what you're envisioning, your budget, timeline, all that good stuff. Then if we're a good fit (and we usually are), we'll put together a proposal outlining the scope and fees. Once you're on board, we kick off with a deep-dive discovery phase where we really get into the details. From there, we move into concept design, then design development, and finally construction documentation. We keep you involved throughout - this is your building after all.

Yep, we've done projects throughout BC and even in other provinces. We're licensed across Canada, so we can work pretty much anywhere. That said, we're based in Vancouver and know the local regulations inside-out, which can make things smoother. For projects outside the Lower Mainland, we just factor in some travel time and might adjust our fee structure slightly. If you've got something interesting going on elsewhere, we're definitely open to chatting about it.

It's baked into everything we do, not just an add-on. We look at passive design strategies first - orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting - all the stuff that doesn't cost extra but makes a huge difference. Then we consider materials with low embodied carbon, energy-efficient systems, and water conservation. We're big fans of LEED and Passive House standards, but we also recognize that sustainability needs to make sense for your budget and goals. Sometimes the greenest building is the one that already exists, which is why we love adaptive reuse and heritage restoration projects.

We typically structure our fees as a percentage of construction cost, usually ranging from 8-15% depending on the project complexity. For smaller projects or consultations, we might do hourly rates or a fixed fee. We're always transparent about costs upfront - no hidden surprises down the road. During our initial meeting, we'll give you a pretty solid idea of what to expect. And honestly, good architectural design usually pays for itself through better functionality, lower operating costs, and increased property value. But yeah, we get it's an investment and we're respectful of budgets.

Absolutely, and honestly this is where having experienced architects really helps. We handle all the permit applications, zoning reviews, development permits, building permits - the whole nine yards. We've been working with Vancouver's planning department (and other municipalities) for years, so we know what they're looking for and how to present applications that move through the system efficiently. We'll also attend any public hearings or city meetings on your behalf. It's one less thing you need to stress about.

Yeah, we're architects not builders, so you'll need a contractor for the actual construction. That said, we work closely with several great contractors in the area and can definitely point you in the right direction. We can also help you through the bidding process and evaluate proposals. Once construction starts, we provide site reviews and contract administration to make sure everything's being built according to the design. Think of us as your advocate throughout the build - making sure your vision actually happens the way it's supposed to.