About Us - Jade Valen Quintho Architecture

Principal Architect

Jade Valen Quintho

So here's the thing - I didn't start out wanting to design buildings. Started in sculpture actually, which probably explains why I'm kinda obsessed with how spaces feel rather than just how they look on paper.

Got my degree from UBC back in 2007, spent a few years working for bigger firms where everything felt... I dunno, sterile? Don't get me wrong, learned tons, but there was always this push to do what's safe instead of what's right for the client. That bugged me.

Started JVQ in 2014 with basically three clients and a rented desk at a co-working space. The goal wasn't to become huge - it was to work with people who actually cared about their spaces, y'know? Folks who wanted their building to mean something, not just exist.

These days we've got an amazing team, and yeah, we've done some projects I'm really proud of. But honestly? The best part is still sitting down with a client over coffee and sketching out ideas that make their eyes light up. That's the good stuff right there.

How We Actually Work

No corporate speak here - just our real approach to making buildings that don't suck

Listen First, Draw Later

Too many architects show up with pre-cooked ideas. We don't do that. First few meetings? We're mostly just listening and asking probably annoying questions. Your space needs to work for YOUR life, not our portfolio. Once we get what you're actually about, then the fun design stuff starts.

Sustainability That's Not Preachy

Look, we care about the planet - who doesn't at this point? But we're not gonna force some ultra-green solution that doubles your budget or makes the building awkward to use. Smart sustainability means finding what actually makes sense for the project. Sometimes that's geothermal, sometimes it's just really good windows.

Context Matters

A building in Gastown shouldn't look like one in Yaletown. We design for where you are, respecting the neighborhood vibe while still doing something fresh.

Budget Reality

We'll never design something you can't afford to build. What's the point? Early on we talk real numbers and stick to 'em. No surprise overruns if we can help it.

Long Game Thinking

Your building should still be awesome in 20 years. We design for durability and adaptability because life changes and your space should be able to roll with it.

Meet The Squad

Sarah Mwangi

Lead Designer

Joined us in 2016, obsessed with natural light and hates clutter. Makes the best models.

Marcus Chen

Project Manager

The guy who keeps everything on track. Former contractor so he actually knows how stuff gets built.

Elena Kowalski

Interior Specialist

Has an insane eye for materials and color. Also somehow knows every supplier in Vancouver.

Dev Patel

Junior Architect

Fresh grad with ridiculous CAD skills. Brings the Gen-Z perspective we didn't know we needed.

Patricia Gomez

Office Manager

Basically runs the show. Keeps us organized, caffeinated, and occasionally in line.

Tom Bjornson

Sustainability Consultant

Part-time with us, full-time green building nerd. Makes eco-friendly stuff actually work.

The Journey So Far

2014

Started From The Bottom

Opened shop with basically just me, a laptop, and way too much confidence. First project was a garage renovation - hey, we all start somewhere.

2016

First Big Break

Landed a heritage restoration project in Strathcona. Scared the hell outta me but it turned out amazing. Got some press, hired Sarah, things started moving.

2018

Real Office, Real Team

Moved into actual office space on West Georgia. Team grew to five people. Started getting commercial inquiries which was wild.

2020

Pandemic Pivot

Rough year for everyone. We adapted, figured out remote collaboration, and honestly came out stronger. Got way better at digital presentations.

2022

Award Recognition

Won BC Architecture Award for a mixed-use project in Kitsilano. Wasn't even trying for awards but it felt pretty damn good to get recognized.

2024

Looking Forward

Ten years in and we're working on our biggest projects yet. Still small enough to care about every detail, big enough to take on serious work. That's the sweet spot.

Why Work With Us?

Honestly? Because we give a damn. Sounds simple but you'd be surprised how rare that is.

✓ We answer emails and calls - shocking, right? But seriously, communication is huge and we don't ghost clients.
✓ No cookie-cutter solutions. Every project gets real thought and custom design work, not templates.
✓ We're straight shooters about costs, timelines, and what's actually possible vs what's Instagram fantasy.
✓ Local knowledge - we know Vancouver's building codes, neighborhoods, and the good contractors from the sketchy ones.
✓ We stick around. Some firms disappear after design phase - we're there through construction and beyond.

Wanna Chat About Your Project?

No pressure, no sales pitch - just coffee and conversation about what you're thinking.

Get In Touch