About Us - Obsidian Valor Architecture

We're not your typical suit-and-tie firm

Look, we started Obsidian Valor back in 2012 because we got tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter buildings pop up everywhere. Vancouver deserved better, y'know? So we grabbed our sketchbooks, way too much coffee, and decided to shake things up.

What drives us? Honestly, it's seeing a client's face light up when they walk into a space we designed. That moment when they realize their building isn't just functional - it actually tells their story. Plus, we're kinda obsessed with making sure our projects don't wreck the planet. Sustainable design isn't a trend for us, it's just how we roll.

We've done everything from turning heritage buildings into modern spaces that respect their roots, to designing commercial spots that actually make people wanna show up to work. Each project's different, which keeps things interesting.

180+

Projects Completed

Years Running

95%

Sustainable Materials

Design Awards

Our Philosophy

Here's the thing - architecture shouldn't just be about making buildings look cool. Don't get us wrong, aesthetics matter, but there's gotta be substance behind it.

Design with Purpose

Every line we draw, every material we choose - it's gotta mean something. We're creating spaces where people live, work, and make memories. That responsibility keeps us up at night in the best way possible.

Sustainability First

We're not gonna lecture you about climate change, but we will design buildings that actually give a damn. Energy efficiency, local materials, green roofs - we've tried it all and we're still learning new tricks.

Meet the Team

Sarah Chen

Principal Architect & Founder

Started this whole adventure after getting fed up with boring buildings. Now spends most days sketching impossible ideas and somehow making them work. Coffee addict, LEED certified, and won't shut up about passive solar design.

Marcus Rodriguez

Design Director

The guy who makes sure Sarah's wild ideas actually stand up. Background in structural engineering means he's saved us from a few "creative" disasters. Obsessed with heritage restoration and finding new life in old bones.

Priya Sharma

Sustainability Lead

Joined us in 2016 and basically revolutionized how we think about green building. If there's a sustainable material or technique, she's tested it. Probably has more certifications than the rest of us combined.

James Peterson

Project Manager

The one who keeps everything running smoothly while the rest of us are lost in design land. Former contractor, so he knows every trick in the book. Can read a blueprint faster than most people read texts.

Elena Kowalski

Interior Design Specialist

Turns empty shells into spaces that feel alive. Got a sixth sense for color, texture, and making rooms flow just right. Constantly battling Marcus about where walls should go, usually wins.

David Kim

Commercial Architecture Lead

Our go-to for anything commercial. Designed some of Vancouver's coolest office spaces and retail spots. Believes work environments should inspire, not drain people. Always pushing boundaries on what commercial buildings can be.

What We Stand For

Honest Communication

We'll tell you straight up if something won't work or if your budget needs adjusting. No BS, no surprises halfway through construction. You deserve to know what's happening with your project every step of the way.

Innovation Without Ego

Sure, we love trying new things, but not just to show off. Every innovative solution we propose has gotta serve the project's actual needs. We're here to solve problems, not win design competitions (though we've done that too).

Collaboration Over Competition

Best ideas come from conversations, not egos. We work with you, not for you. Your input matters - you're gonna live or work in this space, so we wanna hear what you think. Plus, our team debates everything, keeps us sharp.

Long-term Thinking

Buildings should last. Like, really last. We're designing for decades, not trends. That means choosing materials that age well, systems that won't need replacing in five years, and spaces flexible enough to grow with changing needs.

Why Work With Us?

We're not gonna claim we're the only good architects in Vancouver - that'd be ridiculous. But here's what we bring to the table:

✓ Real experience: 180+ projects mean we've seen pretty much everything that can go wrong (and right)
✓ Actual sustainability: Not just slapping solar panels on and calling it green - we think about the whole picture
✓ Local knowledge: We know Vancouver's quirks, codes, and neighborhoods like the back of our hands
✓ Transparent process: You'll always know what's happening, what it costs, and why we're making certain choices
✓ Passion that shows: We still get excited about every project, even after all these years

Our Story, Our People