About Us - Xylona Rethquinth Architecture

Who We Actually Are

Look, we're not gonna pretend we've been around since the dawn of time. We started this practice about eight years ago in Vancouver because honestly? We were tired of seeing buildings that completely ignored their surroundings.

What began as late-night sketches over too much coffee turned into something real - a studio that actually gives a damn about how structures interact with nature. We've worked on everything from small residential projects to massive urban developments, and yeah, we've learned a lot along the way.

The team's grown too. Started with just three of us cramped in a tiny office, now we're about fifteen people who all share this weird obsession with sustainable design.

What Drives Us

We've always believed architecture shouldn't fight against the environment - that's just stupid. Instead, we try to make buildings that work WITH nature, not against it.

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Sustainability First

Every project starts with one question: how can we make this better for the planet? It's not just about slapping some solar panels on the roof and calling it green.

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Real Innovation

We're constantly testing new materials, new approaches. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't - but that's how you actually move forward.

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Community Focus

Buildings exist for people. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many architects forget that. We design spaces people actually want to be in.

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Long-term Thinking

We're designing for decades ahead, not just what looks trendy right now. That means thinking about maintenance, adaptability, and yeah, climate change.

Featured Projects & Approach

Here's some work we're actually proud of - each one taught us something different

Residential Innovations

Passive heating systems, rainwater collection, locally-sourced materials - we've tested it all in real homes.

Net-Zero Ready

Commercial Spaces

Offices that don't feel like soul-crushing boxes. Natural light, green walls, spaces that actually make people feel human.

LEED Certified

Urban Development

Rethinking entire neighborhoods - bike lanes, green corridors, mixed-use spaces that bring communities together.

Community Focused

Heritage Work

Preserving history while making old buildings work for today. It's tricky but super rewarding when you get it right.

Historic Preservation

Interior Optimization

Making every square foot count without sacrificing comfort. Smart layouts, flexible spaces, natural materials.

Space Efficiency

Building Solutions

From geothermal systems to living roofs - we're always exploring ways to reduce environmental impact.

Carbon Neutral

Our Process (The Real One)

Forget the polished pitch - here's how we actually work:

1. Discovery & Listening

We start by shutting up and listening. What do you actually need? What's the site telling us? What constraints are we working with?

2. Research & Analysis

Site surveys, environmental studies, local regulations - yeah, the boring stuff that actually matters. We dig into climate data, soil conditions, everything.

3. Conceptual Design

Lots of sketches, lots of debates, lots of coffee. We explore multiple directions before settling on the one that feels right.

4. Development & Refinement

This is where the magic happens - or doesn't. We refine, test, adjust. Sometimes we throw out weeks of work because something better emerged.

5. Documentation & Permits

The necessary evil. Detailed drawings, specs, permit applications - we handle it all so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy.

6. Construction Support

We don't just hand off drawings and disappear. We're there during construction, solving problems as they come up (and they always come up).

Why Vancouver?

We're based in Vancouver because, frankly, this city gets it. There's a real appreciation here for sustainable design and urban density done right.

The Pacific Northwest climate also presents unique challenges - lots of rain, moderate temps, seismic concerns. It's forced us to get creative with water management, building envelopes, and structural systems.

Plus, being surrounded by mountains and ocean? It's a daily reminder of why we do what we do - to protect and complement these incredible natural landscapes.

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