Our Story Lives in the Mountains
Every timber, every stone, every line we draw carries the weight of something bigger than us.
Every timber, every stone, every line we draw carries the weight of something bigger than us.
Look, I didn't plan on becoming the guy who restores century-old lodges in the Coastal Mountains. That just... happened.
Back in 2008, I was fresh out of UBC with an architecture degree and absolutely zero clue what I wanted to do. Ended up taking a job as a site assistant on a heritage restoration project near Pemberton. The building was this gorgeous 1920s timber lodge that'd been left to rot for decades.
Watching the lead architect - this old-timer named Douglas MacKenzie - he didn't just restore that place. He listened to it. Sounds weird, I know, but he'd run his hands over old beams, study how the original builders had solved problems without modern tech, and then he'd incorporate those lessons into the new work.
That's when it clicked for me. Architecture isn't about ego or trends. It's about respect - for the land, for what came before, and for the people who'll use these spaces long after we're gone.
From humble beginnings to where we stand today
Started out of a 400 sq ft office above a coffee shop in Squamish. Just me, a drafting table, and way too much optimism. First project was a residential addition for a friend's cabin - he paid me in beer and referrals.
Landed the contract to restore the old Garibaldi Lodge. Took 18 months, aged me about 10 years, but it put us on the map. The BC Heritage Society gave it an award, which honestly shocked everyone including me.
Opened our proper studio on Whistler Village Blvd. Brought on three talented architects who actually knew what they were doing with CAD software. Started specializing in mountain resort architecture that didn't look like every other ski chalet.
Pandemic hit and we all had time to think. Decided to go all-in on eco-sustainable design. Got certified in Passive House design, started incorporating traditional Indigenous building techniques. Changed how we approach every single project.
Now we're a crew of 12. Mix of architects, heritage consultants, and landscape designers. We've worked on over 80 projects across BC and into Alberta. Still feels surreal sometimes.
Working on some of our most ambitious projects yet. A net-zero resort complex, restoration of a 1890s railway station, and about a dozen custom mountain homes. The work never stops, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Not some corporate mission statement. Just what guides us every day.
We're tired of disposable architecture. When we design something, we're thinking about what it'll look like in 50 years, 100 years. Will your grandkids want to keep it around? That's the test.
You don't fight the mountain - you work with it. We spend more time on site surveys than most firms 'cause understanding the landscape, the weather patterns, how water moves... that's where good design starts.
Heritage buildings have lessons to teach us. Pre-modern architects solved problems with elegance and efficiency we're still learning from. Restoration isn't about museums - it's about keeping that knowledge alive.
Climate change is hitting the mountains hard. We've seen it firsthand. Every project now includes serious consideration of energy efficiency, local materials, and minimal environmental impact. No exceptions.
Function without beauty is just engineering. We design spaces that move people, that make you stop and appreciate where you are. Life's too short for ugly buildings.
The folks who make this all happen
Founder & Lead Architect
The guy who started all this. Still gets way too excited about timber joinery and old blueprints. Licensed architect, Passive House consultant, and recovering perfectionist.
Heritage & Restoration Director
Knows more about BC building history than anyone I've ever met. She can date a building by looking at the nails. Seriously. Masters in Heritage Conservation from Carleton.
Sustainable Design Lead
Our eco-warrior. If there's a greener way to do something, James'll find it. Trained in Japan studying traditional sustainable building techniques. Makes the rest of us look lazy.
Landscape Integration Director
Makes sure our buildings actually belong where we put them. Background in ecology and landscape architecture. Has vetoed more of my ideas than I'd like to admit, and she's usually right.
Whether you're looking to build something new or breathe life back into something old, let's grab a coffee and talk about it. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about what's possible.
Get in Touch