Vancouver’s architectural scene is a vibrant blend of West Coast Modernism, sustainability, and innovative responses to urban density, making it a hub for modern residential design. Small, boutique firms are at the forefront, crafting homes that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility in Climate Zone 5’s temperate, rainy context. At Simon Green Works, we admire architects who push boundaries while respecting Vancouver’s natural and cultural landscape. This article profiles three standout firms—Measured Architecture, BLA Design Group, and SHAPE Architecture—highlighting their design philosophies and a signature project each, complete with insights into their contributions to modern living in Vancouver.
Measured Architecture: Transforming Spaces with Situational Modernism
Founded in 2007, Measured Architecture is a Vancouver-based studio renowned for its client-centered, situational modernist approach, blending modern design with interiors and landscapes. Their work, split evenly between new builds and renovations, focuses on residential and vacation homes, creating spaces that are both stimulating and site-responsive. Their philosophy treats client aspirations, site opportunities, and practical constraints as minimum standards, delivering environments that exceed expectations through close collaboration with project teams. Measured’s portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainability and heritage retention, earning accolades like the 2019 AIBC Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture – Merit.
Highlighted Project: Paddock House
In Vancouver’s Southlands, Paddock House reimagines a 1990s structure as a warm, minimal modern refuge. The renovation preserved modernist bones while stripping dated country-style finishes, enhancing connections to private gardens. Vaulting windows and cascading skylights maximize natural light, creating a luminous, open atmosphere. Heavy support beams were removed to amplify spaciousness, and a corten steel façade adds warmth and durability, weathering beautifully in Vancouver’s damp climate. Sustainable features include retaining the original concrete foundation, using locally sourced Vancouver Island cedar, and incorporating locally manufactured windows. The design’s play of light immerses residents in dynamic daylight rhythms, embodying Measured’s ability to modernize with sensitivity to context.
BLA Design Group: Connecting Architecture to Nature
BLA Design Group, an award-winning Vancouver studio led by Jesse Basran and Jerry Liu, specializes in modern single-family homes that seamlessly integrate architecture with nature. Their flexible, imaginative approach draws inspiration from site-specific contexts and client lifestyles, fostering harmonious designs that connect occupants to the outdoors. With a small, experienced team, BLA has garnered international recognition, including the 2019 Bee Breeders Architecture Competition for micro homes, reflecting their innovative, unconventional modernism. Their work embodies lifelong learning, blending creativity with functionality to redefine residential spaces.
Highlighted Project: Collingwood House
Collingwood House, a 3,400 sqft, three-level new build in Vancouver, draws from Craftsman and West Coast Modern traditions. Its textural cedar façade and blackened gable roof blend with the natural environment, adapting to seasonal changes. Large corner windows and a floating staircase flood the interior with light, creating an airy, open feel. The soft, warm wood palette with black detailing fosters a calm ambiance, ideal for Vancouver’s grey winters. Designed for modern living, the layout prioritizes spatial openness and nature connections, showcasing BLA’s ability to craft sophisticated yet humble homes that resonate with their surroundings.
SHAPE Architecture: Sustainable Housing for Community
SHAPE Architecture, a Vancouver firm with over 20 years of experience, is dedicated to addressing the housing crisis through affordable rental housing. Their portfolio spans diverse typologies, with a focus on sustainable, community-driven residential projects that often pursue Passive House standards or LEED Gold certification. SHAPE’s designs integrate environmental performance with humane living spaces, earning awards like the 2013 Canadian Green Building Awards for Sustainable Residential Design. Their commitment to social and ecological responsibility makes them a leader in Vancouver’s push for accessible, high-performance housing.
Highlighted Project: Vancouver Masonic Centre Affordable Housing
This eighteen-storey mixed-income rental building, paired with a four-storey Vancouver Masonic Centre, exemplifies SHAPE’s sustainable vision. Located in Vancouver, the project employs harmonic geometry and classical principles—Firmitas (Durability), Utilitas (Utility), and Venustas (Beauty)—in a contemporary context. A naturally ventilated residential core eliminates heating and cooling needs for common areas, reducing mechanical demands and pursuing LEED Gold certification. The housing offers studio to three-bedroom units, with 31% at affordable rates, fostering community through shared multicultural spaces. This project addresses Vancouver’s housing needs while setting a benchmark for efficient, healthy design.
Vancouver-Specific Considerations
Vancouver’s architectural landscape is shaped by its temperate, rainy Climate Zone 5, seismic activity, and urban density challenges. Modern residential designs, as seen in these projects, prioritize natural light through expansive glazing to counter grey winters, with Paddock House’s skylights and Collingwood House’s corner windows as prime examples. Sustainability is critical, with firms like Measured using local materials and SHAPE pursuing Passive House standards to reduce energy use in humid conditions. Cedar and corten steel, used in Paddock and Collingwood, resist moisture but require maintenance to prevent weathering, aligning with building science principles for durability.
Seismic bracing is a must, per Vancouver’s active zone, influencing structural designs like the timber-framed Masonic Centre. Local bylaws and HOAs often limit heights (e.g., 12 m for single-family homes) and require permits, impacting project scopes. Urban lots demand compact, efficient designs, as seen in Collingwood’s 3,400 sqft footprint, while affordability drives SHAPE’s rental focus. Homeowners should engage architects early, as advised, to streamline compliance and optimize designs. Vancouver’s push for green building supports these firms’ eco-friendly approaches, with potential incentives for LEED or Passive House projects.
Why Simon Green Works?
Simon Green Works collaborates with Vancouver’s leading architects to bring modern, sustainable residential visions to life. Our expertise in high-performance construction ensures your home is built to last in Vancouver’s unique climate. Inspired by these designs? Contact us for a tailored consultation.
Sources
This article draws on insights from a survey note on Vancouver architects specializing in modern residential architecture, supplemented by the following web sources: Measured Architecture (Measured Architecture), BLA Design Group (BLA Design Group), SHAPE Architecture (SHAPE Architecture), “The 6 Best Architects in Vancouver [2025]” by The Best Vancouver (The 6 Best Architects in Vancouver [2025]), “Nanton Residence / BLA Design Group” by ArchDaily (Nanton Residence / BLA Design Group), “Work - Measured Architecture” (Work - Measured Architecture).