What We Do Best
Honestly, we've spent years figuring out how buildings and water can get along. Here's how we make it happen.
Look, coastal architecture isn't just about making something look pretty next to the water. It's about understanding tides, salt air corrosion, wind loads that'd make your head spin, and environmental regs that seem to change every other month.
We've been doing this long enough to know what works and what definitely doesn't. Each project teaches us something new - whether it's a family home on a rocky shoreline or a commercial marina that needs to handle everything from kayaks to yachts.
Our approach? We listen first, design second. Because what works in one location might be completely wrong 50 kilometers down the coast.
Let's Talk About Your ProjectClick any service to learn more about our approach
There's something special about waking up to water views, but designing a home that'll stand up to coastal conditions takes more than just positioning windows correctly.
We've designed everything from compact beach cottages to sprawling oceanfront estates. Each one's different because every family's different, and every shoreline has its own personality. Some sites get hammered by winter storms, others deal with erosion, some have amazing sunset views that you'd be crazy not to maximize.
Marinas are complex beasts. You've got boats of all sizes, facilities that need to work year-round, environmental considerations that are non-negotiable, and community expectations to manage.
We've worked on marina projects from initial concept through to launch day, and there's always something unexpected. Maybe the soil conditions aren't what the survey said, or the local sailing club has concerns, or you need to accommodate larger vessels than originally planned. That's where experience really matters.
Sustainability isn't just a marketing term for us - it's literally how we approach every project. When you're building near water, you can't afford to ignore environmental impact. Plus, clients are getting smarter about lifecycle costs and energy efficiency.
We integrate passive design strategies, renewable energy systems, and resilient building practices that actually make sense for coastal environments. No greenwashing, just practical solutions that reduce your footprint and often save money in the long run.
Let's be real - navigating municipal planning departments and zoning bylaws can be a nightmare. Especially in coastal areas where there are extra layers of regulation from multiple agencies who don't always agree with each other.
We've spent enough time in planning meetings to know how to present projects in ways that address concerns before they become problems. Whether you need a variance, a rezoning application, or just want to understand what's actually possible on your property, we can help sort it out.
BC's coast is dotted with historic buildings that've got stories to tell - old canneries, boat sheds, lighthouse keeper houses. Some are protected heritage structures, others are just too cool to tear down.
Restoration work is part detective story, part puzzle-solving. You're dealing with construction techniques that aren't used anymore, materials that might not be available, and the challenge of updating systems without destroying character. It takes patience and a genuine respect for what came before.
Building near water means you're gonna need environmental assessments. It's not optional, and honestly, it shouldn't be. These studies help us understand what's actually happening on your site and how to protect it.
We work with environmental consultants who know their stuff - marine biologists, geotechnical engineers, habitat specialists. Together we figure out how to move forward with your project while respecting the ecosystem. Sometimes that means adjusting plans, but usually it just means being smarter about how we approach things.
No two projects follow the exact same path, but here's the general flow
We grab coffee (or jump on a call) and you tell us what you're thinking. No pressure, just conversation about possibilities and constraints.
We check out the actual location. Take photos, measurements, notes about sun angles, views, challenges. Get a feel for the place.
This is where it gets interesting. We develop concepts, work through options, refine ideas based on your feedback. It's collaborative.
Permits, construction docs, contractor coordination. We handle the technical stuff and keep the project moving forward.
"We'd worked with another architect before who just didn't get coastal construction. Harbor Quinthyra understood immediately what we needed and what the site demanded. Our home's been through two winter storms now and it's solid as a rock."
- Rebecca M., Tofino Residence