We're Not Your Typical Architecture Firm
And honestly? That's kinda the point.
Started back in 2018 in a cramped Vancouver office with way too much coffee and not enough sleep, Ignis Realm Forge came from a simple frustration: why does sustainable design have to look boring? We figured there's gotta be a way to make buildings that don't just sit there consuming resources like yesterday's news.
The "forge" part isn't just some fancy name we threw on there - it's literally how we work. Every project gets heated, hammered, and reshaped until it's something that actually makes sense for the people using it. We've learned the hard way that cookie-cutter solutions don't cut it when you're dealing with Vancouver's weird mix of rain, urban density, and clients who've seen every Pinterest board ever created.
What We Actually Believe In
Buildings Should Work Hard
Not just look pretty in photos. If it's not functioning well for the people inside, we haven't done our job. Period.
Sustainability Isn't Optional
It's 2025, and we're way past the point where green design is some add-on feature. It's baked into everything from day one, or we're not interested.
Honesty Over Hype
We'll tell you when something's not gonna work, even if it's your favorite idea. Saves everyone time and money - plus we sleep better at night.
Context Matters
What works in Yaletown doesn't necessarily work in Kitsilano. We spend time understanding neighborhoods, climates, and the actual humans who'll be using these spaces.
How We Got Here
The story's pretty straightforward, no dramatic origin tale needed.
The Early Days
Our founder spent five years at a big-name firm doing projects that looked amazing but felt... empty. You know the type - all glass and steel, zero soul. After one too many meetings about "maximizing square footage" at the expense of everything else, she quit and started this thing in her apartment.
Building the Team
Turns out, there were a bunch of other architects and designers in Vancouver feeling the same way. We grew organically - people who cared more about creating meaningful spaces than just collecting awards. Don't get us wrong, awards are nice, but they're not why we show up.
Finding Our Voice
The first few projects were rough - we're not gonna lie. Trying to balance environmental responsibility with client budgets while keeping things aesthetically interesting? It's a juggling act. But somewhere around project seven, things clicked. We figured out our process, our style, and most importantly, how to communicate what we're really about.
Where We're At Now
We've got a solid team of twelve, a portfolio we're genuinely proud of, and clients who get what we're doing. Still working out of Vancouver, still obsessed with sustainable contemporary design, still drinking too much coffee. Some things don't change.
Why Vancouver?
Could've set up shop anywhere, but this city gets it.
Vancouver's got this weird perfect storm going on - environmental awareness is high, design standards are climbing, and there's enough diversity in building types to keep things interesting. Plus, designing for this climate isn't for the faint of heart. Rain, earthquakes, dense urban spaces - it forces you to think differently. And that's kinda our jam.
Meet Some of the Team
The folks actually making it happen.
Sarah Chen
Principal Architect
Started this whole thing. Still the one who'll fight for design integrity even when budgets are screaming. Has strong opinions about fenestration.
Marcus Rodriguez
Senior Sustainable Design Lead
The guy who knows everything about passive house standards and can calculate thermal bridging in his sleep. Literally saved three projects from energy disasters.
Priya Kapoor
Senior Project Manager
Keeps the chaos organized. If a project comes in on time and under budget, she's probably why. Master of client expectations and contractor relations.
Want to Work With Us?
We're always looking for projects that challenge us and clients who actually care about doing things right.
Fair warning though - we're not the cheapest option, we ask a lot of questions, and we'll push back if something doesn't make sense. But if you're cool with that and want architecture that actually means something, let's talk.
Get In Touch