Who We Really Are
Designing Tomorrow's Spaces with Earth's Elements
Kiran Pyrelith, Founder & Principal Architect
Look, I didn't start this firm to win awards or follow trends. Started it 'cause I got tired of seeing Vancouver buildings that ignored everything around 'em - the mountains, the ocean, the rain we get nine months a year.
Spent fifteen years working at the big firms downtown, designing glass towers that looked good on paper but felt empty inside. Don't get me wrong - learned a ton there. But something was missing, y'know? The connection between what we build and where we're building it.
So in 2018, I took the leap. Rented this small office on Granville and started doing things differently. My approach? Every building should feel like it belongs - not just architecturally, but environmentally. If you can't explain why your design works with the land instead of against it, you're probably doing it wrong.
These days, our team's grown to eight passionate folks who actually care about making buildings that'll still make sense fifty years from now. We're not perfect, but we're honest about what works and what doesn't.
Our Philosophy & Approach
We're not here to tell you what's trendy or what some magazine says is cool this season. Architecture's way more personal than that.
What Drives Us
Every project starts with listening - sounds simple but you'd be surprised how many architects skip this part. We spend time understanding how you actually live or work, not how we think you should. Then we look at the site itself - the light patterns, wind direction, natural drainage. The building emerges from all that, not from some preconceived template we're trying to force onto your land.
Sustainability That's Real
Hate to break it to you, but slapping some solar panels on a poorly designed building doesn't make it sustainable. Real sustainability means thinking about orientation, materials that'll actually last, systems that don't require constant energy to maintain comfort. It's about working with BC's climate instead of fighting it. We've seen too many "green" buildings that cost a fortune to heat or cool because someone forgot the basics.
How We Actually Work
- → No cookie-cutter solutions - every project gets fresh eyes
- → We'll tell you when your ideas won't work (and why)
- → Budget transparency from day one - no surprise invoices
- → Local contractors and materials whenever possible
- → Post-completion check-ins to see how things are really working
"We believe good architecture should age gracefully, respond to its environment, and make your life better without you having to think about it. That's the goal, anyway. Some days we get closer than others."
The Team Behind the Drafts
We're a small crew - eight of us total - and that's intentional. When firms get too big, projects become assembly lines. Here, everyone knows what's happening with every project. Our junior architects actually talk to clients, not just senior partners. Everyone's voice matters in design reviews.
Got three licensed architects, two architectural technologists, an environmental consultant who keeps us honest, an office manager who somehow keeps this chaos organized, and an intern who's probably gonna be running her own firm in five years.
Most of us are Vancouver locals. We hike the same trails, deal with the same rain, navigate the same challenges of living in this beautiful, expensive, complicated city. That perspective shows up in our work whether we plan it or not.
Why Vancouver Needs What We Do
Climate Reality
Vancouver's got this unique climate - mild but wet. Most architectural trends come from California or Europe and just don't translate. We design for the weather we actually have, not the weather some textbook thinks we should have.
Space Constraints
Land's expensive here, lots are getting smaller. That means we've gotta be smarter about space planning. Every square foot needs to earn its keep, but not in a way that makes you feel cramped.
Heritage Balance
Vancouver's not an old city by global standards, but we've got architectural history worth preserving. Sometimes that means restoration work, sometimes it means designing new buildings that respect what's around them without copying it.
Natural Integration
We're surrounded by mountains, ocean, and forests. Buildings that ignore that context just feel wrong here. Our designs try to frame those views, bring that light in, and make you aware of the seasons changing.
Want to Work Together?
Whether you're planning a home, renovating a commercial space, or just have questions about sustainable design in Vancouver, let's talk. No obligation, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about what's possible.