Our Story
Where passion meets blueprints
Look, we're not gonna pretend we started in some fancy garage with a dream. Raven Oak Quinthold came together because a few of us were frustrated with how cookie-cutter most buildings were getting. Vancouver's got this incredible backdrop of mountains and ocean, but somewhere along the way, architects forgot buildings should talk to their environment, not fight it.
Started about eight years back when three of us - who'd been working at different firms - kept running into each other at sustainable building conferences. We'd grab coffee after and complain about projects that ignored natural light or slapped "green" labels on buildings just 'cause they had a recycling bin in the lobby.
Eventually someone said "why don't we just do this ourselves?" and honestly, that's pretty much how it happened. No grand business plan, just a shared belief that buildings should enhance lives without wrecking the planet in the process.
Here's the thing - sustainability isn't just some checkbox for us. It's literally baked into every single decision we make. Not because it's trendy (though hey, we'll take it), but because we've seen what happens when you design with nature instead of against it.
We've had clients cut their heating costs by 60% just from smart orientation and passive solar design. That's real money staying in people's pockets while also cutting emissions. Win-win doesn't even cover it.
But it's more than just the environmental stuff. We're designing spaces where people actually want to spend time. Open concepts that still feel cozy, natural materials that age gracefully, lighting that changes with the seasons. It's architecture that lives and breathes.
We're a mix of designers, engineers, and problem-solvers who happen to love buildings way too much
Lead Architect
Ten years in, still gets excited about site visits. Specializes in residential design and has this uncanny ability to know exactly what clients want before they do.
Commercial Director
Former structural engineer who switched to architecture because he wanted to do more than just make sure things didn't fall down. Coffee addict, detail obsessive.
Sustainability Coordinator
The one who keeps us honest on the green stuff. Has certifications we can't even pronounce. Knows every eco-material supplier in BC by first name.
Interior Design Lead
Believes interiors and architecture should be designed together from day one. Has strong opinions about lighting fixtures and he's usually right about them.
Projects Completed
First meeting? We listen. Like, actually listen. Not just nodding while thinking about what we wanna design. We need to understand how you live or work, what bugs you about your current space, what you dream about.
Then comes the fun part - we sketch. A lot. We'll go through maybe 20 different concepts before we even touch CAD software. Some architects think we're old-school for this, but there's something about hand-drawing that keeps ideas fluid.
Once we've got the concept locked in, that's when technology takes over. 3D models, environmental simulations, structural analysis - all the technical wizardry. But we'll still drag you through regular site visits because buildings don't exist in computers, they exist in the real world.
And yeah, budgets matter. We've never gone over budget on a project (knock on wood) because we price everything out as we go. No surprises, no "oh by the way" conversations six months in.
Buildings should make life better, not just look good in magazines. They should use less energy than you'd expect, last longer than they need to, and feel like they've always been there.
We're not chasing awards (though we've got a few). We're chasing that moment when a client walks into their finished space for the first time and just gets it. That's what keeps us showing up.
Let's Talk About Your ProjectWe're kinda obsessed with where materials come from and how they're made. Local timber, reclaimed steel, low-VOC finishes - it all adds up. Plus, supporting BC suppliers just feels right.
Natural light changes everything. We've spent embarrassing amounts of time studying sun angles and shadow patterns. Your space shouldn't need lights on at 2pm, that's just wasteful and kinda sad.
We design for 50+ years minimum. That means adaptable spaces, durable materials, and systems that can be upgraded without gutting the place. Your grandkids should love this building too.