The Story Behind the Work

Designing spaces that inspire and endure

Kyron Quintaris

Hi, I'm Kyron

Look, I'll be straight with you - I didn't fall into architecture by accident. Growing up in Vancouver, I was always that kid sketching buildings on napkins at dinner, much to my parents' annoyance. What started as doodles became a full-blown obsession with how spaces affect people's lives.

After getting my degree and spending years working under some talented folks, I decided to branch out on my own in 2014. The goal wasn't just to create pretty buildings - anyone can slap together something that looks good in a photo. I wanted to design spaces that actually work for the people using them every day. Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how often that gets overlooked.

These days, our studio focuses on contemporary residential and commercial projects. We've done everything from family homes in West Van to office spaces downtown, and honestly, each project teaches me something new. I love the challenge of balancing what clients need with what the building and site are telling us.

The Journey So Far

2007
Where It All Started

Graduated from UBC's School of Architecture. Honestly thought I knew everything back then - spoiler alert, I didn't.

2008-2013
Learning the Ropes

Worked with some amazing firms across BC. Got my hands dirty with everything from residential additions to large-scale commercial builds. This period was all about making mistakes and learning from people way smarter than me.

2014
Taking the Leap

Founded Kyron Quintaris Architecture. Started small with residential renovations and slowly built up our reputation. Those first few years were rough but incredibly rewarding.

2016
Going Green

Completed LEED certification training. Started integrating sustainable design principles into every project. Climate change isn't waiting around, and neither should we.

2019
Recognition

Won the AIBC Award for Innovation in Residential Design. Cool moment, but more importantly, it brought in clients who really got what we were trying to do.

2021-Present
Expanding Horizons

Grew our team, expanded into commercial architecture, and started tackling bigger challenges. Still learning, still pushing ourselves to do better with each project.

How We Think About Design

Here's the thing about architecture - it's not just about creating something that looks impressive on Instagram. Sure, aesthetics matter, but a beautiful building that doesn't function properly is just an expensive sculpture.

"Good design shouldn't announce itself. It should just make life better, almost invisibly. That's when you know you've done your job right."

We start every project by listening - like, really listening. Not just nodding along while thinking about what we want to build. Understanding how someone actually lives or works in a space tells us way more than any design brief ever could. Maybe they hate wasting time walking from room to room, or they need natural light because they work from home. These details matter.

Then there's the sustainability piece. I'm not gonna preach about it, but we can't ignore that buildings use a ton of energy and resources. We try to design smart - using passive heating and cooling, choosing materials that'll last, orienting spaces to make the most of natural light. It's not about being perfect, it's about being thoughtful.

And yeah, we want our buildings to look good. Contemporary doesn't mean cold or uninviting. It means clean lines, honest materials, and spaces that feel right for how we actually live today. Not some magazine spread fantasy that looks great in photos but feels weird to inhabit.

85+

Projects Completed

10+

Years Experience

92%

Repeat Clients

12

Industry Awards

Our Approach in Practice

Three principles that guide everything we do

Function First, Always

A building can be gorgeous, but if it doesn't work for its purpose, we've failed. We map out how spaces will actually be used before we start drawing pretty pictures. Flow, efficiency, comfort - these aren't extras, they're the foundation.

Context Matters

Every site tells a story. The neighborhood, the climate, the views, the way light hits throughout the day - we're designing a response to all of that. Cookie-cutter solutions don't cut it. What works in Yaletown won't necessarily work in Kitsilano.

Build It to Last

We're not interested in trends that'll look dated in five years. Quality materials, solid construction, timeless design principles - that's how you create spaces that endure. Plus, building well the first time saves everyone headaches down the road.

Collaboration, Not Dictation

You know your needs better than we ever will. Our job is to take that knowledge and translate it into built form. The best projects happen when clients feel comfortable pushing back on our ideas and contributing their own.

Sustainability Without the Sermon

Building responsibly isn't optional anymore. We integrate sustainable practices because they make economic and environmental sense, not because we're trying to win points. Lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact? That's just smart design.

Details Define Quality

The difference between good and great lives in the details. How a door handle feels, how light plays across a wall, how materials meet at corners - we sweat this stuff because it's what you'll experience every day.

Let's Work Together

Got a project in mind? Whether it's a home renovation, new build, or commercial space, we'd love to hear about it. No pressure, just a conversation about what's possible.

Get In Touch