Philosophy

Quality

Quality of the built environment influences our daily lives. Buildings and the spaces surrounding them, contribute to the urban fabric of of our communities. Each building and space matters as they all contribute to the built environment, interacting with each other and ourselves. When done well, buildings can be iconic, representing the values, emotions, and source of pride for a neighbourhood, city, or nation.

Influence

Influence of the built environment has long term implications. A single building can be an impediment or a catalyst for the future. A well designed building or public space can last for generations.

Borgund Stave Church (built 1150), Norway

Public art

Architecture is a public art. It is more than just functional spaces for activities. It has the power to influence the well being of individuals and the community.

Regionalism

Regionalism Our firm philosphy is regionally based to the temperate rainforest of the pacific northwest. We aim to create a sense of place by being responsive to the site, context, climate, and social traditions. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and our architecture should respect and connect to that natural beauty.

Emotion and the Human Spirit

We believe architecture can create emotion and empower the human spirit. Through the use of light, smell, texture, sound, and form, buildings can be more just than physical structures enclosing functional spaces. They should celebrate relationships, emphasize quality, tread lightly on the earth, and contribute to the public good.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.

Modernism

We believe that materials and methods of construction should reflect its time and place. We also respect successful local vernacular traditions that are time tested, and often achieved in a sustainable manner. We also seek new and innovative methods and technologies that reduce cost, time, and improve sustainability. Our work follows the early pacific west coast modernism with its emphasis on site and regionally appropriate architecture. We value natural daylighting with our diffuse overcast winters, the poetic expression of our abundance of rainwater, the need for large roof overhangs and storm water methods to protect our buildings and sites. Using multi purpose, adaptable or open floor plans to provide flexibility over time. We encourage the connection between indoors and outdoors due to our temperate climate, the use of stone and wood which are in abundance, and take advantage of views and privacy afforded by our rocky terrain. Placing the structure into or lightly onto the landscape rather than building over or disturbing the natural landscape.