Who We Really Are

Not your typical architecture firm. We actually care about what happens after the ribbon-cutting.

Our design process

How This All Started

Look, we didn't start Jadecrest Valquinth because we wanted another cookie-cutter firm churning out the same glass boxes everyone else is building. Back in 2011, a couple of us were sitting in a Vancouver coffee shop, frustrated with how disconnected architecture had become from actual living.

We'd seen too many buildings that looked impressive in magazines but felt cold when you walked through them. Structures that ignored their surroundings. Designs that claimed to be "green" but were really just checking boxes for certifications.

So we started small - a residential project here, a small commercial space there. Each time, we asked ourselves: "Would we actually want to spend time here?" If the answer was no, we went back to the drawing board. That philosophy stuck, and somehow, it resonated with people who were tired of the same old approach.

Crafting Tomorrow's Spaces with Nature's Wisdom

Design philosophy

What We Actually Believe In

Here's the thing - sustainability isn't some add-on feature you slap onto a project when the client asks for it. It's gotta be baked into everything from day one. We're not trying to save the planet with one building at a time (though that'd be nice), we're just trying to make sure the spaces we create don't actively make things worse.

Every site tells us something if we're willing to listen. The way light moves through the day. How wind patterns shift between seasons. Where water naturally wants to go. Indigenous communities here in BC have known this stuff forever - we're just finally catching up and incorporating that wisdom into contemporary design.

And yeah, we love modern materials and technology. But not for their own sake. Only when they actually serve the people who'll use the space and respect the environment it sits in.

Context Over Ego

Buildings should fit their surroundings, not scream for attention

Function Isn't Boring

Spaces that work well can still take your breath away

Materials Have Stories

We prefer stuff that ages gracefully and comes from somewhere real

The People Behind the Projects

Team member

Sarah Valquinth

Principal Architect & Co-Founder

Started drafting floor plans on napkins during family dinners as a kid. Now she's the one who makes sure our wild ideas actually stand up and meet code. Has a weird obsession with roof drainage systems that we've all learned to appreciate.

Team member

Marcus Chen

Sustainability Director

Grew up in Richmond and watched too many green spaces disappear. Came back from grad school with a mission and honestly, we're grateful he did. He's the guy who'll suggest seventeen different native plant species before you've even picked a paint color.

Team member

Priya Malhotra

Design Lead

Trained in traditional architecture but always felt something was missing. Found her groove when she realized buildings could tell stories without screaming. Has an uncanny ability to know exactly where morning light will hit six months before construction starts.

Team member

David Kowalski

Heritage Specialist

Spent years restoring old buildings across Europe before settling in Vancouver. Treats every heritage project like it's his own grandmother's house. Will fight you (politely) if you want to rip out original features without good reason.

Team member

Jennifer Tsao

Senior Associate

Project manager extraordinaire who somehow keeps everything on track without making people want to quit. Former contractor, so she knows when we're designing something that's gonna be a nightmare to build. Usually she's right.

Team member

Alex Beaumont

Interior Spatial Designer

Believes that interior spaces should flow like good conversations - natural, surprising in the right moments, and comfortable enough you lose track of time. Studied psychology before architecture, which explains a lot about his approach.

Rooted in Vancouver, Thinking Globally

We've been lucky enough to work on projects from Victoria to Whistler, but our heart's here in Vancouver. This city taught us how to design for rain (lots of it), earthquake zones, and communities that actually give a damn about their environmental footprint.

Working With Us

We're not gonna lie - we ask a lot of questions. Probably more than you'd expect. That's 'cause we've learned the hard way that assumptions lead to buildings people tolerate instead of love.

Expect to be involved. Like, really involved. We'll probably ask you about your morning routine, how you like to entertain, what drives you nuts about your current space. Some clients find it intense at first, but most tell us later it's what made the difference.

We're also pretty honest about timelines and budgets. If something's not gonna work, we'll tell you straight up. No point in designing dream spaces that can't actually get built or that'll bankrupt you.

Let's Talk About Your Project
Client collaboration

Some Things We've Learned Along the Way

Natural Light Is Non-Negotiable

You'd be shocked how many buildings ignore this basic human need. We plan for it from day one, not as an afterthought. Your circadian rhythm will thank us.

Passive Design Works

Strategic window placement, thermal mass, natural ventilation - this stuff's been working for centuries. We just optimize it with modern tools and materials.

Flexibility Beats Perfection

Life changes. Needs evolve. Buildings that can adapt without major renovation? That's sustainable design that actually matters.

Local Makes Sense

Materials from nearby, contractors who know the area, designs that reflect the local climate - it's not just eco-friendly, it's practical and often cheaper.

Want the Honest Truth About Your Project?

We'll tell you if it's feasible, what it'll actually cost, and whether we're the right fit. No sales pitch, just straight talk over coffee.

Schedule a Real Conversation