Yeah, we're pretty serious about this whole sustainability thing. It's not just marketing fluff for us – it's literally how we approach every single project that lands on our desk.
Look, I'll be honest with you – when we started out, sustainability was more of a nice-to-have. But after seeing the real impact buildings have on our environment (and I mean REAL impact, not just the stats you read in reports), something clicked. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. That's massive, right?
So we made a choice. Every project we take on now has sustainability baked into its DNA from day one. Not as an afterthought, not as an optional upgrade – it's foundational. And honestly? It's made us better architects.
We orient buildings to maximize natural light and thermal performance. It's like working with the sun instead of fighting it – and it cuts energy costs like crazy.
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, low-flow everything. We've gotten our average projects down to 45% less water usage than standard builds.
Locally sourced, recycled, reclaimed – we're picky about what goes into our buildings. Every material choice matters, and we track it all.
Bringing nature indoors isn't just pretty – it's proven to improve wellbeing. Green walls, natural materials, views to nature... it's all intentional.
The cool part? Our clients are saving money. Like, a lot of it. The upfront investment usually pays for itself within 5-7 years through energy savings alone. After that, it's pure profit. Plus their buildings just feel better to be in – better air quality, more natural light, more comfortable temperatures year-round.
We don't just talk the talk – we've got the credentials to back it up.
All our lead architects carry LEED AP credentials with specialization in BD+C.
Certified Passive House designers – we've completed 8 projects to this rigorous standard.
Pursuing the world's most ambitious green building certification on three current projects.
Active members of the Canada Green Building Council since 2009.
We're data nerds, so we track everything. Here's what our sustainable approach has achieved across all our projects over the past decade:
Here's the deal – we commit to every client that we'll:
But honestly? The biggest promise we make is to design buildings that people actually want to be in. Because sustainable buildings that sit empty aren't really sustainable, ya know? It's gotta work on every level – environmental, economic, and human.
"The greenest building is the one that gets built well, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time." – That's our mantra around here.
A peek at how we implement green strategies in our day-to-day work
We're big on solar (obviously), but also geothermal heat pumps, wind when it makes sense, and smart building systems that learn usage patterns. Our commercial projects typically generate 40-60% of their own power.
Green roofs aren't just Instagram-worthy – they manage stormwater, reduce heat island effect, and extend roof lifespan. We've installed over 45,000 sq ft of vegetated roofing systems to date.
Cross-laminated timber, recycled steel, low-VOC finishes, reclaimed wood – we geek out over material specs. And we maintain relationships with local suppliers who share our values.
Look, we get it – there's a lot of greenwashing out there. Firms slapping "eco-friendly" on everything without doing the real work. That's not us. We're in this for the long haul, and we'd love to show you what's actually possible when sustainability isn't just a marketing angle.
Whether you're thinking about a new build, major renovation, or just want to understand your options better, let's grab a coffee and talk about it. No pressure, no sales pitch – just honest conversation about what makes sense for your project.