Building Better, Not Just More

Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But after fifteen years designing buildings in the Nordic tradition, we've learned that sustainable design isn't about checking boxes—it's about respecting the land and the people who'll use these spaces for decades to come.

73%

Average Energy Reduction

42

LEED Certified Projects

1.2M

Tons CO2 Offset Annually

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

What Sustainability Actually Means to Us

Honestly? It's not about slapping solar panels on everything and calling it a day. Coming from a Nordic design philosophy, we think about buildings the way our ancestors thought about crafting boats—they needed to last through brutal winters, adapt to changing conditions, and use resources wisely because there wasn't much to spare.

Every project starts with the site itself. We spend weeks just observing—how does the sun move? Where does water naturally flow? What's the wind doing in January versus July? Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many architects skip this part.

We're also big believers in thermal mass, passive ventilation, and designing spaces that people actually want to be in. Because here's the thing: the most sustainable building is one that doesn't get torn down in 30 years because it's uncomfortable or ugly.

Real Numbers From Real Projects

Energy Performance

Average reduction vs. code minimum:

73%

12 Passive House certifications

Average heating costs down by $2,340/year

Solar integration on 87% of projects

Water & Materials

Water usage reduction:

58%

Rainwater harvesting: 340K liters/year saved

89% locally-sourced materials average

Reclaimed wood in 76% of projects

Certifications & Memberships

LEED Accredited Professional

Passive House Institute

Canada Green Building Council

RAIC Sustainable Architecture

Living Building Challenge

How We Source & Choose Materials

Local First

We've got amazing suppliers right here in BC. Why ship timber from overseas when we've got Douglas fir growing an hour away? Cuts costs, reduces emissions, and supports local economies. Pretty straightforward.

89% local sourcing rate

Reclaimed & Recycled

Old barn wood, salvaged steel beams, recycled concrete aggregate—this stuff has character that new materials just can't match. Plus, we're keeping it out of landfills. We've got relationships with demolition crews who save us the good stuff.

76% projects use reclaimed

Built to Last

In the Nordic tradition, you build something once and build it right. We choose materials that'll outlast us—natural stone, properly treated wood, metals that develop a patina instead of corroding. Durability is sustainability.

100+ year design lifespan

Recent Win: Whistler Eco-Lodge

LEED Gold

Certification

-82%

Energy Use

100%

Net Zero Ready

94%

Local Materials

This 12-unit lodge was a challenge—harsh alpine environment, limited road access, and the client wanted net-zero energy. We used cross-laminated timber from Kelowna, geothermal heating, and a building envelope so tight you could pressurize it like a submarine. Two winters in, and they're producing more energy than they use.

Where We're Headed

2026 Goals

Carbon Neutral Operations: We're offsetting everything—from the gas in our trucks to the coffee in our studio. Already down 60% from 2023 levels.

All Projects Net-Zero Ready: Every single design leaving our office will be capable of net-zero operation, even if clients don't implement it immediately.

2028 Vision

Material Library: We're building a public database of vetted sustainable suppliers in Western Canada. Too much good info is locked away in proprietary systems.

Zero Waste Construction: Working with builders to hit 95% waste diversion rates. It's doable, just takes planning and better communication between trades.

Long-Term Commitment

Honestly, we're just trying to leave things better than we found them. Every project is a chance to prove that sustainable design isn't a luxury or a compromise—it's just better design, period. We're in this for the long haul, learning as we go, and sharing what works.

Let's Build Something Lasting

Got a project in mind? Whether you're starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing building, we'd love to talk about how Nordic design principles can work for you.

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