Our Story
Forging Tomorrow's Structures with Yesterday's Wisdom
2009
The Beginning
Started in a cramped Gastown office with just three of us and way too much coffee. Back then, everyone thought we were nuts for wanting to merge industrial design with heritage preservation - but honestly, that's what made it exciting.
2012
First Major Break
Won the contract to restore the old Maritime Building on Powell Street. That project taught us more than any textbook ever could - mainly that old buildings talk to you if you're willing to listen.
2015
Green Shift
Got our first LEED Platinum certification. Realized that sustainability wasn't just a trend - it's literally the only way forward. Started integrating green principles into everything we touched, even heritage work.
2018
Expansion
Moved to our current Homer Street space. Team grew to 22 people - architects, engineers, historians, and a few folks who don't fit any category but make the work better anyway.
2021
Recognition
BC Heritage Trust Award for the Granville Island Warehouse project. Also got named one of Canada's top sustainable architecture firms, which was pretty cool but also kind of intimidating.
Today
Still Learning
Working on projects across Western Canada. Every building teaches us something new. We're bigger now, sure, but we still approach each project like we did back in that Gastown office - curious, stubborn, and ready to try things nobody else will.
The People Behind It
We're not your typical architecture firm. Half of us can't agree on where to get lunch, but somehow we manage to design buildings together.
Marcus Valeryon
Founding Principal
Studied at UBC, worked in Berlin for six years before coming back home. Has this weird obsession with industrial rivets and can tell you the history of any old warehouse in Vancouver.
M.Arch, MAIBC, LEED AP
Sarah Forge
Design Director & Partner
The one who actually makes sure projects get done on time. Background in structural engineering means she knows when Marcus's wild ideas will actually stand up. Literally.
P.Eng, M.Sc Structural Engineering
David Quint
Heritage Specialist & Partner
Used to work for Parks Canada and knows more about heritage conservation standards than anyone should. Fights with contractors regularly but they respect him for it.
M.Arch, Heritage Conservation Diploma
What We've Picked Up
Awards & Recognition
- • BC Heritage Trust Award 2021
- • Canadian Green Building Award 2020
- • Vancouver Urban Design Award 2019
- • National Trust Heritage Award 2018
- • RAIC Innovation in Architecture 2017
By The Numbers
- • 87 projects completed
- • 22 team members
- • 15 years in business
- • 12 LEED certifications
- • 0 buildings fallen down (so far)
Our Philosophy
Look, we're not gonna feed you some corporate mission statement. Here's the deal - old buildings have stories and character that new construction just can't replicate. But they also need to work for today's world, meet modern codes, and not waste energy like it's 1950.
We think industrial architecture is honest. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not. And when you combine that honesty with respect for history and genuine sustainable practices (not just greenwashing), you get buildings people actually want to be in.
That's what we do. Sometimes it's messy, always challenging, but never boring.