About Us | Luminar Crest Architecture

Who We Are

Look, we're not gonna pretend we've been around since the dawn of architecture. But what we lack in centuries of history, we make up for in genuine passion for sustainable design that doesn't sacrifice beauty for eco-friendliness.

Based right here in Vancouver, we've spent years figuring out how to design buildings that work with our environment instead of against it. The Pacific Northwest weather taught us a thing or two about moisture management and natural light optimization — lessons you can't just pick up from textbooks.

Our team's made up of folks who actually care about where materials come from, how buildings breathe, and whether your space feels like home or just another Instagram-worthy shell. We've done everything from cozy residential projects to larger commercial builds, and honestly, we love the variety.

The Journey So Far

Every project taught us something new

2018

The Beginning

Started with a tiny office in Gastown and three laptops. Our founder, Maya Chen, spent the first six months convincing clients that sustainable doesn't mean "boring boxes covered in solar panels." First project was a residential renovation that taught us humility — and the importance of good waterproofing in Vancouver.

2019

Finding Our Groove

Brought on two more architects and an interior designer who actually gets what we're trying to do. Completed our first LEED-certified commercial project — a local coffee roastery that still smells amazing every time we visit. Started developing relationships with local suppliers who share our values about sustainable sourcing.

2021

Pushing Boundaries

Pandemic hit but we adapted. Started doing more residential work as people realized they actually needed to like where they lived. Won our first design award for a net-zero townhouse complex. Added urban planning to our services because we got tired of seeing good buildings in poorly planned neighborhoods.

2023

Honoring the Past

Got our first historic renovation project and fell in love with the challenge. There's something special about taking a century-old building and making it work for modern life without erasing its character. Now we're known for blending old and new — turns out sustainability also means not tearing down perfectly good structures.

2025

Where We're At Now

Team of twelve passionate people who still argue about details (in a good way). We've completed over 60 projects across BC and we're just getting started. Still learning, still experimenting, still believing that good design shouldn't cost the planet. Current obsession: finding ways to use local timber that actually makes sense structurally and aesthetically.

Meet the Founder

Maya Chen

Founder & Principal Architect

Started this whole thing because she got frustrated watching beautiful designs ignore basic environmental principles. Spent five years at larger firms before realizing she wanted to build something different — literally and figuratively.

When she's not obsessing over building codes or material specs, you'll find her hiking the North Shore trails or sketching renovation ideas for her own 1920s bungalow. Believes coffee is a food group and that every good building starts with listening to what the site is trying to tell you.

What Drives Us

The principles we actually stick to

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Real Sustainability

Not greenwashing. Actual materials research, energy modeling, and lifecycle thinking that makes a difference.

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Honest Design

We'll tell you if your Pinterest board idea won't work. Better to have that conversation early than pretend everything's possible.

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Community Focus

Buildings don't exist in a vacuum. We think about neighborhoods, public space, and how our work affects everyone around it.

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Practical Beauty

Pretty renders mean nothing if the building doesn't work. Form and function aren't enemies — they're dance partners.

Want to Work With Us?

We're always up for interesting projects, especially if you're willing to push boundaries and try something different. Fair warning though — we ask a lot of questions and we're not shy about challenging assumptions.

Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or just have an idea you want to explore, let's grab a coffee and talk it through.

Get In Touch