Windareth Quinthos
Principal Architect & Founder
Licensed since 2009, LEED AP accredited. Based in Vancouver but I've worked on projects from Victoria to Whistler.
How This All Started
Look, I didn't get into architecture to draw pretty buildings. I started this practice because I got tired of seeing cookie-cutter homes that ignore how people actually live.
Back in 2012, I was working at a big firm downtown, and we'd crank out these massive residential projects that looked great in renderings but... they just didn't work. Homeowners would move in and immediately start complaining about the layout, the energy bills, the lack of natural light. That bugged me.
So I went out on my own with a simple idea - what if we designed homes around the people who'd actually live in them? Wild concept, right? And while we're at it, what if those homes didn't cost a fortune to heat or cool?
Fast forward to now, and we've completed over 80 residential projects across BC. Some big, some small, but they all have one thing in common - they're built for real life, not just Instagram.
What We're About
Making Sustainability Normal
Green building shouldn't be some luxury add-on. We bake it into every project from day one - passive solar design, proper insulation, materials that'll last. It's just good architecture.
Listening First
You know your life better than I do. My job isn't to impose some grand vision - it's to figure out what you need and translate that into a space that works. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.
Being Honest About Budgets
I'll tell you straight up what things cost and where you can save money without compromising quality. No hidden fees, no scope creep, no surprises six months in.
Building for the Long Haul
Trends come and go. We design homes that'll still feel right in 20 years, using materials and methods that actually last. Your home isn't a fashion statement.
Our Approach (The Real Version)
Every project starts with coffee and a conversation. Sometimes that happens in my office, sometimes at your kitchen table, occasionally on a muddy lot in the rain - whatever works. I wanna understand how you live, what drives you nuts about your current space, what you're dreaming about.
Then comes the fun part - we start sketching. Not final drawings, just rough ideas to kick around. This phase is messy and iterative, and that's exactly how it should be. We'll probably go through a dozen concepts before we land on the right one.
Once we've nailed the design, I bring in the technical side - energy modeling, structural engineering, building code compliance, all that jazz. This is where sustainability gets real. We're running numbers on heating loads, daylighting analysis, material lifecycle costs. Yeah, it's nerdy, but it's how we make sure your home actually performs.
During construction, I'm there. Not micromanaging, but checking in regularly to make sure everything's going according to plan. Builders appreciate having an architect who understands the realities of construction, and you'll appreciate having someone in your corner when decisions need to be made on the fly.
Why Vancouver? Why Now?
I've been in this city for 15 years, and I've watched it grow like crazy. We've got this incredible natural setting - mountains, ocean, forests - but we're also dealing with housing affordability issues, climate targets, and aging infrastructure.
That's where thoughtful residential design can actually make a difference. We can't solve the housing crisis alone, but we can design homes that use less energy, cost less to operate, and adapt to changing family needs over time. It's architecture that earns its keep.
The Team Behind the Work
It's not just me in here. I've got a small but talented crew - two junior architects who handle a lot of the technical drawings and 3D modeling, plus a part-time sustainability consultant who keeps us honest on the environmental side.
We also work with a network of trusted engineers, contractors, and trades people we've built relationships with over the years. Good architecture requires good collaboration, and I'm not precious about working with people who know their stuff better than I do.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you're thinking about a new build, a major reno, or just exploring options, let's have a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a genuine chat about what might be possible.
Get In Touch