Building with Nature, Not Against It

Real talk about how we're trying to make architecture less damaging

Look, We're Not Perfect

But we're genuinely trying. Started this sustainability journey back in 2011 when one of our projects got rained on because we didn't plan the roof drainage properly – learned real quick that working WITH the environment makes way more sense than fighting it.

Since then, we've been obsessed with designing buildings that don't suck resources like there's no tomorrow. Every project's a chance to do better than the last one, and honestly? Some days we nail it, other days we're still learning.

Sustainable building design

The Numbers Game

42%

Average Energy Reduction

Compared to standard builds in our area

68%

Water Use Cut

Through smart fixtures and rainwater systems

23

LEED Projects

Gold, Platinum, and a couple we're pretty proud of

81%

Material Reclamation

Average waste diverted from landfills

What We Actually Do

Passive Solar Design

Started experimenting with this after visiting a project in Seattle that basically heated itself in winter. Now we orient every building to catch the right amount of sun – not too much in summer, plenty in winter. It's like choreographing a dance between the building and the sun path.

Works especially well in Vancouver's climate, though you gotta account for all that rain

Material Selection

We're kinda picky about this stuff. Locally sourced when possible, reclaimed materials when they make sense, and we've got this database of suppliers who don't greenwash their products. Had a client once bring in this "eco-friendly" flooring that turned out to be shipped from halfway around the world – yeah, that didn't fly.

FSC-certified wood, low-VOC everything, recycled content where structural integrity allows

Water Management

Vancouver gets enough rain to fill a small ocean, so we capture it. Rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, permeable surfaces – the whole deal. One commercial project we did saves about 180,000 liters a year just from roof runoff. That's real money staying in someone's pocket.

Plus native landscaping that doesn't need constant watering

Envelope Performance

Basically making buildings that don't leak like sieves. High-performance windows, proper insulation (we're talking R-40+ walls when budget allows), air sealing that actually works. Did a blower door test on a recent residential project and the energy consultant literally said "well, that's boring" because there were no leaks to find.

Thermal bridging details matter more than most people think

Renewable Integration

Solar panels when the roof can handle them, geothermal when the site allows, heat recovery ventilation as standard. Not every project can do everything, but we always explore the options. Had one client who was skeptical about solar until we showed them the 15-year payback calculation – they ended up doubling the array size.

Also spec'd a few residential battery systems lately, pretty cool tech

Certifications & Street Cred

LEED Accredited Professional

Both our lead architects have their LEED AP credentials. Took the exams, passed on the first try, and actually use this stuff in real life instead of just having it on the wall.

Passive House Certified

Completed the training in 2018 and we've done three certified Passive House projects since. It's rigorous as hell but the performance results speak for themselves.

Built Green Canada

Members since 2013 and we've certified over 30 projects through their program. Great for residential work where full LEED might be overkill budget-wise.

Wanna See This Stuff in Action?

We've got case studies, energy modeling data, and post-occupancy reports from actual built projects. Not just pretty renderings – real buildings with real performance numbers.

Check Out Our Work Let's Talk About Your Project
Sustainable design process

The Honest Truth About Green Building

It usually costs a bit more upfront. Not gonna sugarcoat that. But here's what we've found after tracking projects for years:

  • Energy savings typically pay back the premium in 7-12 years
  • Buildings hold their value better and rent/sell faster
  • Occupants report better health and comfort (less sick days, higher productivity)
  • Lower maintenance costs because you're using better quality stuff from the start
  • You're not contributing as much to the climate mess we're all in

Look, we get it if budget's tight. We can work in phases, prioritize the measures that give the biggest bang for the buck, and design so you can add more later. There's always a path forward.