From steel-framed commercial builds to bringing century-old factories back to life, we've spent years figuring out how to make industrial design work for modern living. Here's the breakdown of what we actually offer.
There's something special about old industrial buildings - the craftsmanship, the patina, the stories in the walls. We've restored several heritage sites in Vancouver and it's honestly some of our favorite work. It's part detective work, part creativity, figuring out how to preserve what matters while making the building functional for today.
We work with heritage consultants and local authorities to navigate the regulations (there's always paperwork). The goal is respecting the original design intent while upgrading systems, improving energy performance, and meeting current building codes. Sometimes that means keeping a facade and gutting the interior, sometimes it's more surgical.
Planning an industrial facility is different from other building types. You've got workflow considerations, equipment clearances, future expansion needs, and usually some pretty specific operational requirements. We've worked with manufacturers, logistics companies, and makers of all kinds to design spaces that actually support their processes.
We spend time understanding your operation before drawing anything. What's your production flow? Where do materials come in and products go out? How many people work here and how do they move through the space? Getting this stuff right upfront saves a ton of headaches and money down the line.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us - it's baked into how we think about materials and longevity. Steel is endlessly recyclable. Restoring existing buildings avoids the massive carbon cost of new construction. We focus on designs that'll last decades and use resources smartly without getting preachy about it.
We can help with LEED documentation if that's your thing, but we're more interested in practical sustainability - better insulation, passive heating and cooling strategies, daylighting, rainwater management, material reuse. Stuff that makes sense economically and environmentally without breaking the bank.
Vancouver's evolving fast, and a lot of that involves reimagining industrial zones into mixed-use neighborhoods. We've been part of several projects that transform former manufacturing districts into places where people live, work, and hang out. It's complex stuff involving multiple stakeholders, city planning departments, and community input.
Our approach is about maintaining neighborhood character while adding density. We're not fans of developments that feel like they were dropped in from another planet. We look at existing building stock, local history, street patterns, and try to create something that feels like it belongs there - even if it's brand new.
Every project's different, but here's generally how things go down.
We meet up, check out the site, talk through your vision and constraints. No sales pitch, just honest conversation about what's possible.
We sketch out ideas, explore different approaches, and work with you to refine the direction. Lots of iteration happens here.
Once the design's locked in, we produce detailed drawings, specs, and whatever else is needed for permits and construction.
We stick around during construction to answer questions, review submittals, and make sure what gets built matches the vision.
Whether you've got detailed plans or just a rough idea, we're down to chat. First conversation's always free - no obligation, no pressure. Just bring your questions and we'll see if we're a good fit.