Yorvanth Quinthal
Founder & Principal Architect
The Story Behind the Studio
You know, I didn't start this practice thinking I'd become some sort of "green architecture guru" or whatever. It really came from frustration, honestly. Spent nearly a decade working at larger firms where every conversation about sustainability got shot down because of budget concerns or timeline pressures.
Started this studio back in 2015 with a simple idea - what if we just... didn't compromise? What if environmental responsibility wasn't this add-on feature but the actual foundation of everything we design? Sounds idealistic, maybe it was. But eight years later, we're still here, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
The Beginning
Opened the studio in a tiny office on West Pender. Just me, a drafting table, and way too much coffee. First project was a residential renovation where the clients actually wanted solar panels - felt like winning the lottery. That's when I knew there were people out there who got it.
Growing Pains & Lessons
Expanded to three architects and took on our first commercial project. Nearly killed us, to be honest - budget overruns, material sourcing nightmares, the works. But we delivered a net-zero office building that's still performing above projections. Sometimes you gotta learn the hard way.
Heritage Meets Modern
Got our first heritage restoration gig. Thought I knew what I was doing - turns out preserving historical integrity while integrating modern sustainable systems is a whole different beast. Fell in love with that challenge though. Now it's become one of our specialties.
Recognition & Responsibility
Won a couple awards for a mixed-use development in Gastown. Cool moment, yeah, but what really mattered was seeing how the building actually performs for the people using it daily. That's the stuff that keeps you going when you're stuck reviewing mechanical drawings at 2am.
Today & Tomorrow
We're a team of twelve now, still in that same building on West Pender (bigger suite though). Every project we take on, we're asking ourselves - will this make things better? Not just prettier or more efficient, but actually better for the people who'll live with it and the environment that has to support it.
Our Philosophy
Good architecture shouldn't cost the earth - literally. We design spaces that work with nature, not against it. And no, that doesn't mean everything has to look like a treehouse or have grass on the roof (though sometimes that works too).
How We Work
We're pretty hands-on. Expect site visits, lots of conversations, and probably some debates about materials or orientation. The best projects happen when clients challenge us and we challenge them right back. It's collaborative, sometimes messy, always worth it.
Why Sustainability Isn't Optional
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - climate change isn't coming, it's here. Every building we design is gonna be standing for decades, probably longer. What we choose today matters tomorrow. That's not being preachy, that's just reality.
But here's the thing nobody talks about - sustainable design is often just better design. Better light, better air quality, lower operating costs, healthier spaces. It's not sacrifice, it's smart thinking. Once you see it that way, you can't unsee it.
Learn About Our ApproachThe Team
Can't take all the credit here. Got an amazing group of architects, designers, and project managers who bring way more to the table than I ever could alone. We've got folks who specialized in everything from passive house design to heritage preservation to interior optimization. Different perspectives, same commitment to doing things right.
We meet every Monday morning - sometimes it's productive, sometimes we just argue about the best coffee spots in Vancouver. But when it counts, when we're problem-solving on a tough project, that diversity of thought is what makes the work better.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you're planning a new build, renovating an existing space, or just exploring what's possible - we're here for it. No project's too weird or too challenging. Actually, the weirder, the better.
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