"We're not just drawing lines on paper - we're shaping how people experience their everyday spaces."
Who We Are & What We're About
Krythveil started back in 2012 when three architecture grads got tired of seeing cookie-cutter buildings pop up everywhere in Vancouver. We figured there had to be a better way - one that didn't compromise the environment or people's needs.
Look, we're not gonna pretend we have all the answers. But what we do have is a genuine passion for creating spaces that actually work for the folks who use 'em. Whether it's a family home in Kitsilano or a commercial space downtown, we approach each project like it's our own.
Sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us - it's baked into everything we do. We've seen firsthand how smart design choices can slash energy costs and make buildings way more comfortable to live and work in. Plus, honestly, it just feels right to leave things better than we found 'em.
What Drives Us
We believe buildings should respect their surroundings, not fight against 'em. That means understanding the local climate, the neighborhood vibe, and what our clients actually need - not what some magazine says is trendy this year.
Our team's pretty diverse, which helps a lot. We've got folks who've worked on heritage restorations, others who geek out over passive house certifications, and some who can make a tight urban lot work miracles. Together, we figure stuff out.
Our Journey So Far
Started From Scratch
Three partners, one shared office space, and way too much coffee. We landed our first residential project through a friend-of-a-friend situation - a renovation in East Van that taught us more than architecture school ever did.
Finding Our Voice
Got our first LEED certification and realized sustainable design wasn't just possible - it was actually more interesting. Started focusing heavily on energy modeling and material selection. Moved into a proper studio space on Broadway.
Growing Pains
Expanded the team to 12 people. Took on our first major commercial project - a mixed-use building in Gastown. Almost bit off more than we could chew, but we pulled it off. Won a local architecture award that actually meant something to us.
New Directions
Started a heritage restoration division after saving a 1920s craftsman from demolition. Turns out there's huge demand for preserving Vancouver's architectural history while making old buildings work for modern life. Also survived the pandemic somehow.
Where We're At Now
We've got 18 talented people on the team, projects across BC, and we're finally comfortable in our own skin. Still learning every day, still making mistakes, but also creating some buildings we're genuinely proud of. The journey continues.
How We Actually Work
Listen First
We spend a lot of time just talking with clients before we sketch anything. Understanding how you live or work is way more valuable than jumping straight into floor plans.
Explore Options
There's rarely just one solution. We like exploring different approaches and showing you the tradeoffs. Sometimes the third or fourth iteration is where the magic happens.
Sweat The Details
Yeah, we obsess over door handle heights and window sill depths. Those little things add up to spaces that just feel right, even if people can't always explain why.
Stay Connected
Construction's where things get real. We're on-site regularly, working with builders to solve problems as they come up. It's messy sometimes, but that's part of it.
Want to Work Together?
We're always up for chatting about new projects - even if you're just exploring ideas at this point.
Get In Touch