About Us - Ember at Nova Architecture

How This All Started

Look, we're not gonna feed you the usual "passion for design" speech. Truth is, Ember at Nova came together in 2018 when three of us got tired of watching Vancouver turn into a copy-paste skyline. We were working at different firms, meeting for drinks, and complaining about the same stuff – buildings that look impressive but don't actually work for people, "sustainable" projects that were green in name only, clients being told their vision wasn't "marketable."

So we did something about it. Started small with a residential reno in Kitsilano, then a commercial space in Gastown. Word got around that we actually listened and didn't just impose some predetermined aesthetic. Seven years later, we've got a team of 14 and we're still doing things our way.

We're based right here on West Pender, which means we walk these streets every day. We see what works and what doesn't. That perspective matters more than any award ever could.

47+

Completed Projects

14

Team Members

89%

Referral Rate

What We're Actually Good At

These aren't just services we offer – they're things we've gotten really good at over the years through actual practice, mistakes, and doing the work.

Residential Architecture Design

We've designed homes for young families, empty nesters, and everyone in between. Each one's different because, well, people are different. We spend a lot of time figuring out how you actually live before we draw anything.

Commercial Building Planning

From retail to restaurants to office spaces, we've learned that commercial work is all about understanding the business inside. A coffee shop needs different bones than a boutique. We get that.

Sustainable Design Consulting

This isn't an add-on for us – it's baked into everything. We'll show you where it makes sense to invest in green tech and where it's just greenwashing. Honest advice based on real data.

Urban Planning & Development

Working with city planners and developers on projects that actually fit into Vancouver's evolving landscape. We're pretty good at navigating the bureaucracy while keeping the design integrity intact.

Interior Space Optimization

Sometimes you don't need to knock down walls – you just need to rethink how you're using the space you've got. We've done some pretty creative stuff with "impossible" layouts.

Heritage Building Restoration

Vancouver's got some beautiful old buildings that deserve better than a wrecking ball. We've worked on several heritage projects, finding ways to preserve character while making them functional for today.

Our Philosophy (Without the Pretentious Stuff)

Design for Humans, Not Instagram

Yeah, we want our buildings to look good, but more importantly, they need to work for the people using them every single day. That means listening more than we talk, understanding routines, and not forcing lifestyle changes for the sake of aesthetics.

Sustainability That Makes Sense

We're not gonna slap solar panels on everything and call it sustainable. Real green design means thinking about materials, longevity, energy use, and maintenance from day one. Sometimes the most sustainable choice is the simple one.

Context Matters More Than Ego

Every project sits in a specific place with specific neighbors and history. We're not interested in stamping our "signature style" everywhere. The building should feel like it belongs, whether that's in Yaletown or East Van.

Honesty About Budgets

Nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and realizing the money doesn't add up. We're upfront about costs from the beginning and find creative solutions when budgets are tight – because they usually are.

Featured Work Showcase

Some projects we're particularly proud of – hover to see what made each one special

Kitsilano Passive House

First certified passive house in the neighborhood. Cut heating costs by 85% while keeping that West Coast indoor-outdoor feel.

Net-Zero Ready Passive Design

Gastown Mixed-Use Revival

Turned a 1920s warehouse into modern retail + residential without losing the brick character. Neighbors actually thanked us.

Heritage Restoration Adaptive Reuse

Tech Hub Office Retrofit

Converted a dated office tower floor into a flexible workspace. Natural light everywhere, acoustic balance, and actually works for hybrid teams.

Biophilic Design Smart Systems

Mount Pleasant Laneway Homes

Four laneway units that don't feel cramped. Each one's got personality, natural ventilation, and surprised the city with how well they fit.

Density Done Right Urban Infill

Yaletown Restaurant Concept

Worked with a chef who knew exactly what she wanted in the kitchen. Dining space flows naturally, acoustics let people actually talk. Been fully booked since opening.

Commercial Interior Acoustic Design

East Van Community Hub

Multi-purpose space for the neighborhood. Reclaimed materials, low-maintenance design, built to last decades. This one's got soul.

Community-Focused Reclaimed Materials

Want to Work With Us?

We're pretty selective about projects – not because we're snobs, but because good work requires good fit. If you're looking for someone who'll actually listen, challenge assumptions (including your own), and create something that'll work for years to come, let's talk.

We don't do the hard sell. First meeting's always casual – coffee, site visit, whatever makes sense. We'll tell you honestly if we think we're the right fit or if someone else might be better for what you need.

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