Our Story
Started Faylare Forge back in 2014 with nothing but a laptop, too much coffee, and this wild idea that architecture doesn't have to choose between looking good and doing good. Yeah, I know - sounds a bit idealistic, right?
But here's the thing... after spending years at bigger firms watching beautiful designs get watered down or sustainable features get cut for budget reasons, I'd had enough. So we decided to do it differently.
Now we're a team of twelve passionate folks who genuinely believe that every project - whether it's someone's first home or a commercial space - deserves thoughtful design that respects both the client's vision and the environment.
We've done over 200 projects across BC, and honestly? Still get excited about every single one. That feeling when a client walks into their finished space for the first time never gets old.
Marcus Faylare
Principal Architect & Founder
Been drawing buildings since I was six (my mom still has those terrible sketches somewhere). Got my M.Arch from UBC in '09, spent five years learning the ropes at bigger studios. Founded Faylare Forge 'cause I wanted to prove sustainable design doesn't mean compromising on aesthetics. When I'm not obsessing over window placements, you'll find me hiking the North Shore trails or attempting to grow vegetables on my balcony.
Sarah Chen
Lead Sustainable Design
Joined the team in 2016 after working on LEED projects across Canada. Got really into passive house design after attending a conference in Germany - came back completely obsessed with energy efficiency (ask anyone, I won't shut up about thermal bridging). Love the challenge of making buildings that basically heat and cool themselves. Outside work? Rock climbing and trying to convince my husband that we need more houseplants.
David Kowalski
Commercial Projects Director
Started as an intern in 2017, somehow ended up running our commercial division. Guess that's what happens when you're the only one who actually enjoys dealing with zoning bylaws. Specialize in adaptive reuse - there's something satisfying about giving old buildings new purpose instead of tearing them down. My thing is finding creative solutions when clients think something's impossible. Coffee snob, craft beer enthusiast, and yes, I own way too many sneakers.
What We Believe
Good design shouldn't cost the earth - literally. We're done with the false choice between beautiful spaces and environmental responsibility.
Every project tells a story - yours. We're not here to force our vision on you. Our job's to listen, translate, and bring your ideas to life.
Details matter - sometimes obsessively so. That extra hour spent perfecting a sightline or optimizing natural light? Totally worth it.
Honesty over ego - if something won't work, we'll tell you straight up. No architect-speak, no runaround. Just real talk about what's possible.
Emma Rodriguez
Interior Space Planning
Obsessed with how people actually use spaces. Came from interior design, which gives me a different perspective on flow and function. Big fan of biophilic design - bringing nature indoors isn't just pretty, it actually makes spaces work better.
James Patterson
3D Visualization Lead
Gamer-turned-architect who realized rendering buildings is more satisfying than rendering game characters. Help clients actually see what we're proposing before construction starts. It's amazing how much clearer decisions become when you can walk through a virtual space.
Rachel Tanaka
Construction Documentation
The detail person who makes sure dreams actually get built correctly. Love the puzzle of translating design intent into buildable documents. Former contractor's daughter, so I know what info trades actually need on drawings - not just what looks impressive.