What We Actually Do

We're not gonna sugarcoat it - sustainable commercial architecture is complex work. But here's the thing: we've spent years figuring out how to make buildings that work harder, last longer, and don't trash the planet. Let's walk through what that actually looks like.

Each project we take on is different, but there's a method to how we work. We don't believe in cookie-cutter solutions - your building, your site, and your goals deserve better than that.

Commercial building design
01

Commercial Building Design

Look, designing a commercial building isn't just about making it look good - though that matters too. It's about understanding how people move through space, how natural light changes throughout the day, and how the structure sits within its environment.

We start every project by actually listening. What're your operational needs? How do you see your team growing? What's the neighbourhood context? Then we get into the nitty-gritty: energy modeling, material selection, spatial planning that adapts as your needs evolve.

Our Process:
  • Initial site analysis and feasibility study
  • Concept development with sustainability metrics
  • Detailed design and technical documentation
  • Construction administration and site oversight
Sustainability consulting
02

Sustainable Architecture Consulting

Sometimes you don't need a full design - you just need someone who knows their stuff to help figure out where you're headed. That's where consulting comes in.

We've worked with developers, property managers, and building owners who're trying to make smarter decisions about sustainability. Maybe you're exploring whether solar makes sense for your building, or you're trying to reduce operational costs without a complete overhaul. We dig into the data, run the numbers, and give you honest advice - not just what sounds good in a pitch deck.

What You Get:

Energy audits, carbon footprint analysis, material assessments, code compliance reviews, and strategic recommendations that actually fit your budget and timeline.

Urban planning
03

Urban Planning & Development

Buildings don't exist in a vacuum - they're part of neighbourhoods, streets, and communities. Urban planning is where we zoom out and think about how everything connects.

We collaborate with municipalities, developers, and community groups on projects that shape how areas grow. This could be mixed-use developments, transit-oriented projects, or revitalizing underused urban spaces. The goal's always the same: create places where people actually want to be, that support local ecosystems, and that'll still make sense 50 years from now.

Site Planning

Master planning and phasing strategies

Zoning

Navigating municipal requirements

Infrastructure

Utilities, access, and circulation

Community

Stakeholder engagement

Every project starts with a conversation

We're not big on formal proposals right off the bat. Let's just talk about what you're trying to do and see if there's a fit. Sometimes a quick call saves everyone a lot of time.

Get In Touch
Interior space design
04

Interior Space Optimization

You'd be surprised how many commercial spaces are laid out in ways that just don't work. People adapt because they have to, but there's usually a better way.

We look at how your team actually uses the space - not how you think they use it. Where do bottlenecks happen? Which areas sit empty? How does noise travel? Then we redesign the layout to support how work actually gets done. This might mean reconfiguring offices, improving acoustics, bringing in more natural light, or creating flexible spaces that serve multiple purposes.

Common Projects:
Office Reconfiguration Retail Layout
Workplace Strategy Lighting Design
Green building certification
05

Green Building Certification

LEED, BOMA BEST, Living Building Challenge - these certifications aren't just fancy plaques for the lobby. They're frameworks that push projects to perform better, and they often unlock incentives and higher property values.

We've shepherded projects through the certification process more times than we can count. Yeah, there's paperwork involved - lots of it - but we handle that so you don't have to. We integrate certification requirements from day one, track credits throughout design and construction, and make sure documentation's done right the first time.

Certifications We Work With:
  • LEED (all rating systems)
  • BOMA BEST
  • Passive House
  • WELL Building Standard
  • Net Zero Carbon
Renovation and adaptive reuse
06

Renovation & Adaptive Reuse

Here's the truth: the greenest building is the one that's already built. Adaptive reuse is about taking existing structures and giving them new life - and it's some of the most satisfying work we do.

Old warehouses, dated office buildings, underused retail spaces - they've all got potential. We assess structural capacity, upgrade building systems for modern performance standards, and reimagine spaces for entirely different uses. It's trickier than new construction in a lot of ways, but the results have character you just can't replicate.

Heritage Considerations

Respecting historical fabric while meeting modern codes

Systems Integration

Upgrading mechanical, electrical, and envelope performance

Program Adaptation

Transforming spaces for contemporary commercial needs

How We Actually Work

No matter which service you need, our approach stays pretty consistent. Here's the typical journey:

1
Discovery

We meet, we talk, we listen. What're you trying to achieve? What's keeping you up at night? What's non-negotiable?

2
Research

We dig into site conditions, zoning, building codes, precedents. The boring but essential stuff that sets up everything else.

3
Development

This is where ideas start taking shape. We explore options, test concepts, and gradually refine until we've got something solid.

4
Documentation

Detailed drawings, specifications, and technical documentation. This is what contractors actually build from.

5
Execution

Construction starts. We're on site regularly, answering questions, reviewing work, and making sure what gets built matches what we designed.

6
Completion

Final inspections, commissioning, and handover. We stick around to make sure everything's working as intended.

Let's Figure Out What You Need

Not sure which service fits your project? That's totally normal. Reach out and we'll help you figure it out. No obligation, no pressure - just a straightforward conversation about what makes sense for your situation.

Start a Conversation View Our Work

Get in touch:

(604) 555-2847

info@jadevalquinthorin.info

1250 West Pender Street, Suite 804, Vancouver, BC V6E 2S9