About Us - Gilded Shadow Quest Architecture

The Beginning

Started this whole thing back in 2012, honestly just wanted to design spaces that didn't feel like every other cookie-cutter project out there. Vancouver's got this incredible mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge modern living, and I figured someone needed to bridge that gap properly.

My grandfather was a stonemason who worked on heritage buildings across BC in the '60s - spent summers watching him restore century-old facades, learning that every brick tells a story. That probably stuck with me more than any textbook ever did at UBC's architecture program.

These days we're a small crew of eight passionate folks who genuinely care about what we're building. No massive corporate vibe here - just architects, designers, and heritage specialists who'll actually answer your calls and remember your dog's name.

How We Actually Work

No fluff, just honest architecture

Listen First, Design Later

We're not here to impose some architectural ego trip. Your space, your lifestyle, your story. We just make it look damn good and function even better.

Heritage Isn't Dusty

Old buildings deserve modern lives. We've learned how to keep the soul while adding all the stuff that makes contemporary living actually livable - proper insulation, smart tech, the works.

Sustainability Without Preaching

Yeah, we care about the planet, but we're not gonna lecture you. Passive solar design and responsible materials just make sense financially and practically. Plus your energy bills will thank you.

Real Budgets, Real Timelines

Construction's unpredictable, we get it. But we won't blow smoke about costs or schedules. You'll know what things actually cost and why, with buffer built in for the inevitable surprises.

The Journey So Far

2012

The Solo Start

Opened up shop in a tiny Gastown office. First project was renovating my friend's 1920s character home - learned more from that than three years of grad school, honestly.

2015

Heritage Certification

Got certified in heritage conservation. Started taking on bigger restoration projects around Strathcona and Fairview. That's when things got really interesting.

2018

Team Expansion

Brought on three talented designers who actually gave a damn. Moved to the Burrard Street office where we could spread out and stop bumping into each other.

2021

Design Award Recognition

Won the BC Heritage Award for the Sinclair House restoration. That one nearly killed us with complexity but turned out worth every sleepless night.

2023

Sustainable Focus

Became Passive House certified. Started integrating serious energy efficiency into every project without sacrificing the aesthetic. Game-changer for our residential work.

2025

Present Day

Now we're eight strong, working on projects from West Van to the Fraser Valley. Still the same philosophy though - design stuff that matters, work with good people, don't overthink it.

Why We're Still Here

Because honestly, we love what we do. There's something deeply satisfying about taking a client's half-formed idea or a beat-up old building and turning it into something they'll use and love for decades.

Every project's different - different clients, different challenges, different neighborhoods. Keeps things interesting. We've done modernist glass boxes and 1912 Edwardian restorations, sometimes even combining both approaches in one build.

Vancouver's architecture scene can be pretty stuffy sometimes, lots of people taking themselves way too seriously. We'd rather just do solid work, treat people right, and maybe grab a beer with clients after the final walkthrough.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Our Story