Darethion Quinthal
Principal Architect & Founder
AIBC Registered Architect since 2003
LEED AP BD+C Certified
Heritage Conservation Specialist
Our Story
Crafting Tomorrow's Spaces with Yesterday's Soul
The Beginning
Started this journey in a tiny office above a coffee shop on Commercial Drive. Just me, a drafting table, and way too much ambition. Had this crazy idea that buildings didn't have to choose between being green or beautiful - they could be both. People thought I was nuts, honestly.
First Heritage Project
Got my hands on a 1912 warehouse in Gastown that everyone wanted to tear down. Spent months convincing the city we could save it. That project changed everything for me - standing inside those brick walls, feeling all that history... knew right then that's what I wanted to do. Preserve what's worth keeping while making it work for today.
Growing the Team
Brought on Sarah and Marcus - two brilliant architects who actually got what we were trying to do. We moved into the Granville Street office, started taking on bigger projects. Still kept that same philosophy though: every building's got a story, and our job is to respect it while writing the next chapter.
Sustainability Focus
Got my LEED certification and started pushing harder on sustainable design. Climate change isn't some future problem anymore - it's here. We began integrating green tech into every project, even the heritage restorations. Turns out old buildings can teach us a lot about sustainable design if you're paying attention.
Award Recognition
Won the Heritage BC Award for the Hastings Mill restoration. That was surreal. Never got into this for the awards, but man, it felt good having people recognize that heritage work matters. The building's still standing, still beautiful, and it'll be here long after we're gone.
Where We're At
We're a team of twelve now, working on everything from residential renos to major commercial projects. Still in that same Granville Street office - just took over more floors. Every project we take on, whether it's a heritage building or new construction, gets the same treatment: thoughtful design that respects context, prioritizes sustainability, and actually works for the people using it.
Our Philosophy
Architecture's not just about making pretty buildings. It's about understanding how people live, what they need, and what the city needs. We spend a lot of time just listening - to clients, to neighbors, to the buildings themselves. Sounds weird maybe, but old buildings talk if you're quiet enough.
Why We Do This
Vancouver's changing fast - sometimes too fast. We're trying to make sure that growth doesn't mean losing what makes this city special. Every brick we save, every green roof we install, every space we design - it's all part of building a city that works for everyone, not just today but fifty years from now.
Let's Work Together
Got a project you're passionate about? Let's talk. Whether it's restoring a century-old building or designing something brand new, we'd love to hear your story.
Get In Touch