What We Actually Do
Look, we've spent years figuring out how to make homes work on terrain that most folks wouldn't even consider building on. From initial sketches on napkins to handing you the keys, we're with you through the whole ride.
Look, we've spent years figuring out how to make homes work on terrain that most folks wouldn't even consider building on. From initial sketches on napkins to handing you the keys, we're with you through the whole ride.
We design homes that don't fight the landscape - they become part of it. Whether you're dealing with a steep slope or a rocky outcrop, we'll make it work for you, not against you.
We've done everything from compact mountain cabins to sprawling hillside estates. Each project starts with understanding how you actually live, not just what looks good in magazines. Expect site visits, tons of sketches, and probably a few debates about window placement.
Mountains are tricky - weather changes fast, views need protecting, and you can't just ignore that 30-degree slope. We specialize in making these challenges into features you'll love.
We know mountain living. Heavy snow loads, wind patterns, solar orientation - it's all part of the equation. Plus we'll help you figure out which trees to keep and where to put that deck so you can actually enjoy your morning coffee without getting blown away.
Sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us. It's about building smarter - better insulation, passive solar, rainwater collection, materials that'll last. Your utility bills will thank you.
We're not gonna lecture you about saving the planet (though it's nice). We focus on practical stuff - geothermal where it makes sense, proper window placement for natural heating and cooling, local materials that don't need to be shipped halfway around the world. It's just good design.
Before we draw anything, we need to really understand your land. Soil tests, drainage patterns, sun paths, access routes - this groundwork saves you headaches and money down the road.
We'll spend time on your property in different weather, different times of day. Where does water go when it rains? Where's the best view? Which neighbor's windows should we avoid looking into? All these details matter when you're living there every day.
The outside gets all the glory, but you're gonna spend most of your time inside. We make sure the flow works, storage is where you need it, and rooms feel right for how you actually use them.
We're not interior decorators picking out pillows (though we can recommend people for that). We design the bones - ceiling heights, window placement, how spaces connect. Where should the mudroom go when you're coming in from skiing? How do you get groceries from the garage without walking through the whole house? That stuff.
We don't just hand over drawings and disappear. We're on site regularly, answering contractor questions, solving problems, and making sure what gets built matches what we designed.
Construction always throws curveballs - rock where it wasn't supposed to be, materials that got discontinued, better ideas that pop up mid-build. We're there to handle it so you don't have to become a construction expert overnight. Plus we keep an eye on quality because, well, it's our reputation on the line too.
No two projects are identical, but here's roughly how things usually go down
We grab coffee (or zoom if you're far away) and talk about what you're thinking. Bring photos, sketches, magazine clippings - whatever helps explain your vision. We'll be honest if we think something won't work or if there's a better approach.
We visit your property, probably multiple times. Take measurements, photos, notes about everything from soil conditions to where the sun hits at different times. This phase is all about understanding what we're working with before we start designing anything.
Here's where the fun starts. We develop initial design concepts - usually a few different directions so you can see options. Lots of sketches, maybe some basic 3D models. We'll meet, discuss, refine. This is super collaborative and honestly my favorite part of the process.
Once we've picked a direction, we dive deeper. Detailed drawings, material selections, structural considerations, mechanical systems. Everything gets figured out here so there are fewer surprises later. We'll also start getting cost estimates so you know what you're looking at budget-wise.
The technical stuff - detailed drawings and specifications that contractors use to build. Not the most exciting phase visually, but super important. We're basically creating a complete instruction manual for your home. This also includes dealing with permits and regulations.
Building time! We're on site regularly checking progress, answering questions, solving problems as they come up. When it's done, we do a final walkthrough to make sure everything's right. Then you move in and we stay in touch - sometimes little issues pop up after you've lived there a bit.
Honestly, this is the best part of what we do
"We bought a plot that three other architects said was basically unbuildable - too steep, too many rocks. These guys not only figured it out, they gave us a house that feels like it was always meant to be there. Plus our heating bills are like half what our old place cost."
Whistler Residence, 2024
"I'm pretty picky and I had a lot of opinions about how things should work. They didn't just tolerate it - they actually seemed to enjoy the back-and-forth. The end result is exactly what I wanted, even better than I imagined. They just get it."
North Shore Mountain Home, 2023
"Best decision we made was keeping them involved through construction. Our contractor was great, but having the architect there to solve problems on the spot saved us so much time and stress. Worth every penny."
Cypress Mountain Retreat, 2024
Every project starts with a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a genuine chat about what you're hoping to build and whether we're the right fit to help make it happen.
We typically book out a few months in advance, so if you've got a timeline in mind, it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later. But even if you're still in the early thinking stages, we're happy to talk through ideas.
Let's Talk About Your Project