Architecture in Vancouver, British Columbia varies widely due to the development of various architectural styles in the city by the Architects in Vancouver. The architecture of the city had its inspirations from the European style and the styles from the US, especially those found all along the Pacific Coast. The city saw the Edwardian style in the 20th Century that continued until the mid-20th century, then followed by a modern and contemporary style.
The city was also the original home to the Aboriginal people for a long period of time until the 19th century, who then left only architectural traces in the city.
Apart from this, the city’s geography is also responsible for the diverse architecture. Vancouver has a scenic landscape with ocean, mountains, and forests, which ultimately displays a different style of architecture in the different landscape settings. A prominent architectural style, known as the West Coast Style, first emerged in Vancouver, which, provided the users with expansive views of the sea, which also blended with the hilly terrain of the sites. Vancouver being the most populous city in the province and the third-largest metropolitan city in Canada continues to grow at a rapid rate with a high demand for housing and infrastructure.
Re-thinking The Future is a global platform for architecture and design. RTF along with our authors has curated a list of top architecture firms in various cities across the globe. Please note that the names of Architects in Vancouver are arranged in random order and are not ranked in any manner.
Formline Architecture | Architectural Firm / Architects in Vancouver
Scope of services: Architecture
Types of Built Projects: Community, Educational, Cultural, Residential, Healthcare, Commercial, First Nations
Locations of Built Projects: Throughout Northwest Pacific Region
Style of work: Sustainability
Website: formline.ca/
This is an award-winning firm that specializes in delivering environmentally friendly and culturally sensitive projects to clients. Their designs are inspired by the local cultural landscape the surrounding natural landscape of the North Pacific region. Their expertise lies in creating innovative wood buildings. The principal architect is the First Nations registered with the Fond Du Lac Nation of northern Saskatchewan Canada.
A A Robins Architect
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Educational
Locations of Built Projects: British Columbia, Japan
Style of work: Green Building Method, Design-Oriented
Website: aarobins.com/
The firm’s principal architect, Tony Robins, is a member of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, Royal Institute of British Architects, and Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. He and his firm have received various awards from Canada to Paris to Japan. Their work has been published in various publications too. The firm’s approach to design is modern and minimal, from their Japanese roots in Western architecture. Tony has also started a prefabrication factory: Perform Construction, due to his interests in green building methods and quality control.
Arno Matis Architecture (AMA)
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Planning, Rezoning, Urban Design, Project Management, Graphic Design
Types of Built Projects: Hotel, Residential, Commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Canada
Style of work: Responsive Architecture
Website: arnomatisarchitecture.com/
AMA has been listed as a top 40 leading global design firm for the 21st century for two consecutive years. Each project is in response to the site, social, economic, and ecological context, hence being unique in all aspects. The firm is committed to building sustainable designs. They have received various awards for their works like the – WL Designers of the Year, American Architecture Prize, Dezeen Awards, AIBC Awards, etc.
Battersby Howat Architects Inc | Architects in Vancouver
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors, Landscape
Types of Built Projects: Houses
Locations of Built Projects: Canada
Style of work: Contemporary
Website: battersbyhowat.com/
The firm practices contemporary architecture extensively that is modest and authentic. They work mainly on residential projects like private and multi-family residences, gardens, art galleries, showrooms, offices, furniture designs, all both in rural and urban areas. Their approach to design is integrating building elements, including the furnishings and fixtures with the surrounding landscape. Their works have been featured in various publications like Dwell: Ideal Island Retreat, Western Living: Poetic Design, Azure: Eppich Return, etc.; and have won awards like the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence, Western Living’s Best in the West Award, etc.
DAE Design Architecture Everyday
Scope of services: Architecture and Interiors
Types of Built Projects: Single family, multifamily, multiplex, townhouse, commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario
Style of work: Communicative Approach
Website: www.everydaydesign.ca
Design Architecture Everyday is an architecture and design firm that is focused on creating spaces and built environments that have a positive impact on people’s life. We are a boutique firm offering a comprehensive architecture and design skill set. We focus on small and mid-sized projects where we can offer our complete attention, providing tailored solutions to our clients. We love a good challenge and even more, finding a great solution! Your vision guides our design. We listen first so we can clearly identify and understand your important needs, goals, and vision before crafting a solution. We then take a rigorous, organized, and communicative approach to the design and construction process, careful to stay within your budget and timeline. We are experienced with multifamily, multiplex, single family, and commercial projects.
B + H
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors, Planning, Landscape
Types of Built Projects: Commercial, Workplace, Healthcare/ Hospitality, Institutional, Residential, Sports/ Recreational, Transportation
Locations of Built Projects: All over the world
Style of work: Modern
Website: bharchitects.com/en/
Bold + Human architects work on projects across the globe to deliver buildings and environments that are inspiring, functional, and contextual. The firm is a member of the Surbana Jurong Group who is the largest Asia-based urban and infrastructure consulting firm with experience of over 70 years. They believe that the power of design transforms spaces, communities, and economics.
Campos Studio | Architects in Vancouver
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors
Types of Built Projects: Houses
Locations of Built Projects: Vancouver, Mexico
Style of work: Contemporary
Website: campos.studio/
Campos Studio was founded in 2015 and works on a variety of projects in architecture, product design, public art, and also in branding. Their architecture projects mostly include a number of houses, and private houses, built in a natural setting. Their approach to design is contemporary and innovative.
Diamond Schmitt
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors
Types of Built Projects: Educational, Cultural, Commercial, Healthcare, Civic, Residential
Locations of Built Projects: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, UK, USA, Russia, Israel
Style of work: Sustainability – of Environment, Individual Wellbeing and Economic Soundness
Website: dsai.ca/studio/
Diamond Schmitt has its offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and New York with over 300 employees. It is one of Canada’s best-managed companies and greenest employers. The firm is inspired by the Canadian landscape, and hence, the employees value nature, respect differences, promote health and safety, and strive for compassion. Their popular projects are Ottawa Public Library, The Senate of Canada Building Ottawa, Transit city Condominium Vaughan, Foreign Ministry of Israel, etc.
Cannon Design
Scope of services: Architecture, Engineering, Lighting design
Types of Built Projects: Healthcare, Educational, Commercial, Recreational & Wellness, Hospitality, Civic, Science & Technology
Locations of Built Projects: Canada, US
Style of work: Project-based
Website: cannondesign.com/
Cannon Design approaches a project by the concept of ‘Living Centered Design’, which means, knowing to design a space for people, it is necessary to address the complex interdependencies that exist between people and communities and the environment. The firm focuses on inclusive, equity, and accessible architecture. The photograph below is of a university that is widely known as the most inclusive higher education buildings in the world. The firm has received various awards for the work.
Amanat Architect
Scope of services: Architecture, Interiors, Planning
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Public spaces, Administration, Educational, Commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Canada, Israel, China, Samoa, Washington DC, California
Style of work: Sensitivity to the Environmental and Cultural Context of Each Project
Website: amanatarchitect.com/
The principal architect of the firm, Hossein Amanat, began his career when he won a national competition in Iran for designing the Shahyad Freedom Monument in Tehran. This achievement provided him with the opportunities to create Iran’s most recognized buildings like universities, libraries, and a town. He then began his practice in Canada and created prestigious buildings like the World Administrative Center of the Baha’i Faith in Israel, university libraries and factories in China, mixed-use high-rise buildings in San Diego, residential condominiums in Santa Monica, a temple in Samoa, religious and cultural centers near Dallas, Seattle and Washington, D.C. and residential dwellings in Canada and California, etc.
Checkwitch Poiron Architects Inc | Architects in Vancouver
Scope of services: Architecture
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Community spaces, Public spaces, Cruise ship Terminal.
Locations of Built Projects: Nanaimo
Style of work: Contemporary
Website: cparch.ca/
CPA is a widely recognized award-winning firm with its offices in Vancouver as well as in Nanaimo. They have received various awards like the – City of Nanaimo Award for Design Excellence Multi-family Residence (Edgewater Apartments), World Architecture News Awards Transport Long List, Canadian Woodworks Awards Best Commercial Wood Design (Nanaimo Cruise ship Terminal Building), etc., and publications of their works.
