What We Actually Do

We've spent years figuring out how to make buildings work with nature instead of against it. Here's how we can help bring your project to life.

Look, we're not gonna pretend every project is the same. Some folks need a full design from scratch, others just want someone to double-check their sustainability plans. We're flexible like that.

Residential Architecture

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Your home shouldn't feel like everyone else's. We design custom residential spaces that actually reflect how you live - not some magazine spread nobody really uses.

Whether you're building new or renovating, we'll make sure your space makes sense for your daily routine while keeping energy costs down. We've done everything from compact urban townhomes to sprawling countryside retreats.

  • Custom single-family homes
  • Multi-unit residential buildings
  • Renovation & addition design
  • Laneway houses & accessory dwellings

Average project timeline: 4-8 months from concept to construction docs

Commercial Design

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Commercial spaces need to work hard for you. We design offices, retail spots, and mixed-use buildings that people actually want to spend time in - which turns out to be pretty good for business.

The best commercial projects we've done balance aesthetics with serious functionality. Your employees or customers won't know why they feel good in the space, but they will.

  • Office buildings & workspaces
  • Retail & hospitality venues
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Adaptive reuse projects

We handle projects from 2,000 to 50,000+ sq ft

Sustainable Building Consultation

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Already got an architect but wanna make sure you're not missing any green opportunities? That's cool - we consult on existing projects all the time.

We'll review your plans, suggest materials that'll actually save you money long-term, and help optimize everything from solar orientation to natural ventilation. No greenwashing, just practical stuff that works.

  • Energy modeling & analysis
  • Material selection guidance
  • Passive design strategies
  • Water conservation systems

Available as standalone service or integrated into full design

Urban Planning & Development

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Cities are complicated, and bad planning sticks around for decades. We work on the bigger picture - how neighborhoods should grow, where density makes sense, how to keep communities walkable and connected.

This is where sustainable thinking really matters. Get the urban layout right, and individual buildings become way easier to design efficiently.

  • Master planning & site analysis
  • Zoning & municipal approvals
  • Community engagement strategies
  • Transit-oriented development

We partner with urban planners, engineers, and community stakeholders

Interior Space Design

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The shell's only half the story. We design interiors that flow naturally from the architecture - not slapped on as an afterthought.

Our interior work focuses on maximizing natural light, choosing materials that age well, and creating spaces that feel coherent from outside to in. We're not decorators though - this is about spatial planning and finishes that matter structurally.

  • Space planning & layouts
  • Millwork & built-in design
  • Material & finish selection
  • Lighting design integration

Can be bundled with architectural services or standalone

Green Building Certification

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LEED, Passive House, Net Zero - there's a bunch of certifications out there, and honestly some make more sense than others depending on your project and goals.

We'll help you figure out which certification's worth pursuing (if any), then guide you through the documentation maze. Fair warning: it's paperwork-heavy, but the energy savings usually pay for themselves within a few years.

  • LEED certification management
  • Passive House consulting
  • Net Zero Energy guidance
  • Energy Star certification

We've successfully certified 20+ projects across various standards

Design process

How We Usually Work

Every project's different, but here's the typical flow. We'll adjust based on what you actually need.

1
Discovery Phase

We meet, talk about what you're after, check out the site, discuss budget realities. Usually takes 1-2 weeks.

2
Concept Design

We sketch out ideas, show you some options, refine based on feedback. This is where the big decisions happen.

3
Development

We nail down details, work with engineers, get permits sorted. This phase takes the longest but it's crucial.

4
Documentation

We create detailed construction drawings that builders can actually use. Every dimension, every material specified.

5
Tendering

Help you find contractors, review bids, answer questions. We make sure everyone's bidding on the same thing.

6
Construction Admin

We're available for site visits, answer contractor questions, review submittals. Making sure it gets built right.

Not Sure What You Need?

That's totally fine. Most people don't really know the difference between schematic design and design development (and honestly, you don't need to). Give us a call and we'll figure it out together over coffee.

Common Questions We Get

Depends on the project, honestly. For major renovations or new builds, yeah, you'll want an architect - we're trained to solve spatial problems and deal with building codes. Simple stuff? Maybe a designer or builder can handle it. We're happy to chat and tell you straight up if you need us or not.

Architectural fees typically run 8-15% of construction costs for residential, sometimes more for complex projects. So if you're building a $500k house, budget around $40-75k for design fees. We'll give you a real quote after understanding your project. Consultations are usually fixed fees or hourly.

A typical residential project takes 4-8 months from our first meeting to construction-ready drawings. Commercial projects can be longer. Permits add time - that's out of our control and depends on the municipality. Rush jobs are possible but they cost more and we can't promise better results.

We can definitely jump in mid-project. We'll review what you've got, let you know what's usable, and take it from there. Sometimes it makes sense to start fresh, sometimes we can build on existing work. Either way, we'll be straight with you about the best path forward.

Good sustainable design doesn't always cost more upfront - a lot of it's about smart orientation, proper insulation, and good planning. When there ARE upfront costs (like better windows or solar panels), they usually pay back in 5-10 years through lower energy bills. Plus your building will age better and be more comfortable to live in.