About Us - Mythic Thornex Architecture | Vancouver Sustainable Design

Who We Are

Started back in 2012 in a tiny office above a coffee shop on Commercial Drive, we've grown into something we're genuinely proud of. Not gonna lie - those first few years were rough. We worked weekends, took on projects that barely paid the bills, but we believed in something different.

See, most firms were (and still are) just cranking out cookie-cutter designs. We wanted to do architecture that actually gave a damn about the planet while creating spaces that don't feel sterile or overly modern-for-the-sake-of-it. That's where the "ancient wisdom" part comes in - old building techniques knew things we've forgotten in our rush to build bigger and faster.

Now we're a team of 15 passionate folks who still get excited about solving tricky design problems over lunch. Vancouver's our home, and we've been lucky enough to leave our mark on this beautiful city.

What Drives Us

Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But here's what gets us out of bed each morning.

Environmental Responsibility

Every project's a chance to reduce carbon footprint. We track it, optimize it, and don't compromise on it. It's not a selling point - it's just how we work.

Honest Innovation

New tech's great when it solves real problems. We blend traditional craftsmanship with smart building tech - not because it's trendy, but because it works.

People First

Buildings are for humans, not Instagram. We design spaces that feel right, that improve daily life, that people actually want to be in. Simple as that.

Built to Last

Throwaway architecture is killing us. We design buildings that'll still be standing strong for our grandkids - structurally, aesthetically, and functionally.

Meet the Team

A bunch of design nerds who actually like each other. We argue about material choices, debate roof angles, and somehow make it work.

Sarah Chen

Principal Architect & Founder

Started this whole thing after getting fed up with corporate architecture firms. Spent 8 years at big firms before realizing she wanted to build differently. Obsessed with natural materials and won't shut up about passive solar design.

Marcus Thompson

Senior Design Director

Joined us in 2014 after working on high-rises he openly admits he hated. Brings the structural expertise that keeps our wild ideas from collapsing. Has a weird collection of vintage building manuals from the 1920s.

Priya Kapoor

Sustainability Lead

The one who calls us out when we're being hypocrites about sustainability. Did her thesis on bio-based materials and hasn't stopped experimenting since. Makes the best chai in the office, which is totally relevant.

James Wu

Heritage Restoration Specialist

Grew up in a century-old house and never got over it. Knows more about Vancouver's architectural history than anyone we've met. Can tell you the story behind basically any old building in the city.

Elena Vasquez

Interior Space Planner

Trained as a psychologist before switching to architecture - which actually makes perfect sense when you see how she designs spaces. Gets genuinely excited about closet layouts and furniture flow. No, seriously.

David Martinez

Landscape Integration Director

Believes every building should blur the line between inside and outside. Used to work in pure landscape architecture before realizing buildings and nature shouldn't be enemies. His projects always have way more green than you'd expect.

Why We Do This

Honestly? Because the built environment is kind of a mess right now. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, most new construction feels soulless, and we're tearing down perfectly good heritage structures for glass boxes that'll be dated in ten years.

That pisses us off enough to keep trying. Every project's a chance to prove there's a better way - that you can have beautiful, functional spaces that don't wreck the planet. That modern design doesn't have to mean cold and impersonal. That innovation and tradition can actually work together.

We're not saving the world or anything dramatic like that. But maybe, one building at a time, we're making it a bit better. That's enough for us.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Recognition & Certifications

We don't chase awards, but we're grateful when our work gets noticed.

LEED Accredited

All senior architects hold LEED AP credentials

AIBC Members

Registered with Architectural Institute of BC

Design Awards

Multiple Vancouver Urban Design Awards

Passive House

Certified Passive House consultants on staff