Oliver EvansNo one wants to deal with architectural purgatory. Endless revisions, budgets ballooning faster than Vancouver real estate, and a final design that is just terrible—sound familiar?
If it does, you’re not alone. Too many times, people have faced less-than-stellar experiences with architects.
It’s these architectural misfortunes that have led us, the Waterview Vancouver writing team, to seek our architects who stand out. Here is who made it onto our list.
How much does it cost to hire an architect in Vancouver?
It costs at least 125 CAD per hour to hire an architect in Vancouver.
The final cost depends on whether it’s a residential or commercial project, the architect’s fees, and more.
1. RWA Group Architecture LTD.
Address: 355 Kingsway
Contact Details: +1 604-736-8959
RWA Group Architecture LTD creates well-designed buildings, from custom homes to large commercial spaces.
Clients who have renovated older homes praised RWA for seamlessly mixing modern features with the original style of the building. One homeowner specifically loved how RWA used natural light in their new kitchen.
But it’s their commitment to sustainable designs that really impressed us.
Besides having LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, they actively design buildings to maximize sunlight and use local or recycled materials.
Additionally, we appreciate how they work as a team and keep everyone aligned with the project’s goals, from the first ideas to the finished building.
However, some did tell us that their projects took longer than expected because RWA spends a lot of time perfecting the initial plans.
Love their work
“RWA is a well respected firm (for decades) in the Vancouver & surrounding area. Love thier work.”
–JJ Hadley, Google Reviews
Produces amazing urban designs
“Mid-sized firm also produces amazing urban designs. Residential and commercial projects.”
–Holly Monday Janus, Google Reviews
2. Henriquez Partners Architects
Address: 598 W Georgia St
Contact Details: +1 604-687-5681
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Website: http://henriquezpartners.com
Henriquez Partners Architects focuses on designing buildings that benefit the community, which we greatly respect. We like that they don’t just make things look good; they create spaces that serve a purpose.
We’re impressed by the variety of their projects, from cultural centers to apartment buildings. We especially appreciate their work in combining affordable housing with community health services.
They’ve won many awards, like the 2023 World Architecture News Award for their housing designs. Their buildings often feature unique facades, sustainable materials, and layouts encouraging social interaction.
But we’ve heard that sometimes they like to try new and different designs, which can lead to buildings that look a bit unusual. For example, buildings with asymmetrical shapes or facades using unusual textures and materials.
However, we admire that they’re not afraid to experiment. We think this results in truly unique buildings that make you think.
Best architecture
“Best architecture in Canada!”
-Daniel Rodriguez, Google Reviews
I really like this design
“I really like this design I hope to meet you for my upcomming project 450,000 squar feet plot on joint venture with DHA Pak Army on the name of PRIME CITY”
–Muhammad Haroon, Google Reviews
3. JHA Architecture + Interior
Address: 1666 W 75th Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-264-1072
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Website: http://jhainc.ca
JHA Architecture + Interior has impressed us with its award-winning designs and high-quality work. We love that its architects pay exceptional attention to detail in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
We admire their focus on using top-notch materials and skilled craftsmanship. They create beautiful and durable designs, which we confirmed by looking through their portfolio ourselves!
People love how JHA simplifies the entire design process too. They can handle both architectural and interior design services, so clients don’t have to hire multiple contractors. It also makes the overall design more seamless.
We also appreciate how they use new technologies and sustainable practices, including smart home systems and energy-efficient designs.
However, we heard complaints that JHA often has a long waitlist, so it may take several months to begin a project with them.
Highly professional and pleasant to work with
“We had the pleasure of working with John Joy and the team at JHA Architecture for an extensive main-level renovation project. From the very beginning, we found the team to be highly professional and pleasant to work with. They took the time to listen attentively to our ideas and needs, and in turn, they provided us with excellent design ideas that truly exceeded our expectations.
The collaborative approach made the entire renovation process a seamless and enjoyable experience. Their expertise and attention to detail were evident throughout, ensuring that our vision was translated into a stunning reality.
We are absolutely thrilled with the design and functionality of our renovated space, thanks to John and Joy. Their ability to combine our ideas with their professional touch resulted in a space that truly feels like home. We wholeheartedly recommend JHA Architecture to anyone seeking top-notch architectural and design services. They not only met but exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
–Anthony McLaughlin, Google Reviews
Their attention to detail was impeccable
“I had the pleasure of working with the John Henshaw Architect Inc team on a recent extensive renovation, addition & house lift project. Their creative design sculpted a luxurious space for modern west coast living, while still showing compassion to the original home. Their attention to detail was impeccable, proving they are truly passionate about the work they do. I would not hesitate to recommend JHA, or to work with them again.Gareth Jones,
Trillium Project Management.”
–Gareth Jones, Google Reviews
4. Leckie Studio
Address: 397 W 7th Ave #200
Contact Details: +1 604-661-4144
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Leckie Studio is the company to call if you want architecture, landscape, and interior design done right.
We love their innovative use of prefabricated and modular construction. Prefabrication focuses on component creation, and modular construction focuses on full unit assembly.
Both of these methods lead to faster, more controlled building processes with reduced waste and improved efficiency.
Their clients also greatly value their commitment to sustainable design. We like how their architects demonstrate environmentally friendly choices, such as using natural ventilation and recycled wood.
The homeowners we talked to also bragged about how Leckie Studio successfully incorporated features like rainwater collection into their home designs, exceeding expectations for eco-friendly living.
However, their focus on modern, minimalist design might not be the best fit for those who prefer more traditional styles.
Beyond expectations
“It was a pleasure working with Leckie Studio. Their team of architects and designers helped provide a layout to our retail store that was beyond expectations!”
–Longboard Living, Google Reviews
So personable and professional
“Michael and his team are incredible! So personable and professional. They continuously exceed my expectations and it’s always a pleasure to work with them. Highly :recommend.”
–Marielle Proulx, Google Reviews
5. MA Architects Ltd.
Address: 1112 W Pender St SUITE 608
Contact Details: +1 604-780-3243
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Website: http://m-aarchitects.com
We like how MA Architects Ltd. ingeniously navigate constraints to create intelligent designs. This strength is evident in projects like their work with West George Medical Clinic in Vancouver, where they considered functionality and sophisticated aesthetics.
Their work with the Moody Townhouse Development, on the other hand, gives off efficient yet appealing urban living vibes. Clearly, these architects are flexible and adaptable!
We also love that they push beyond convention to achieve unique spatial aesthetics. In their Royal Rowhouse development project, they played around with room proportion sizes, triangular roofing arches, and more.
We like how they contrast natural light and artificial light and how they consider the flow and circulation of a building (how people move through).
We also like how they maintain design quality, meet deadlines, and align with clients’ budgets and visions.
That said, many people told us that they can be difficult to get ahold of at times. Some told us it took at least three business days before hearing back from them.
The best architectural firm that we have worked with
“MA Architects is the best architectural firm that we have worked with. They have been able to consistently address our business needs with their creative and practical solutions on time and on budget. Our people love the thoughtful space design at our head office and as a result we have seen a significant improvements in their productivity.
We’re delighted with the outcome and would happily recommend MA Architects.”
–Beck Markq, Google Reviews
They were a pleasure to work with
“I would highly recommend MA Architects. They were a pleasure to work with, the drawings were done when they said they would be and were approved by the city without any changes required. I will be using them for my next project without any hesitation.”
–Brad Lang, Google Reviews
