About Us - Jade Venthilora Architecture

Jade Venthilora

Principal Architect & Founder

MAIBC, LEED AP BD+C

The Beginning

Look, I'll be honest - I didn't grow up dreaming about being an architect. As a kid in Vancouver, I was more interested in climbing trees in Stanley Park than drawing blueprints. But there was this old craftsman house on my street that got demolished when I was twelve, and something about watching that beautiful structure disappear just... stayed with me, you know?

Fast forward through undergrad at UBC, where I initially started in environmental science before switching to architecture halfway through my second year. My professors thought I was nuts, but honestly? That background in ecology ended up shaping everything I do now.

"Buildings shouldn't just sit on the land - they should work with it, breathe with it. That's not some romantic notion, it's just common sense we've forgotten along the way."

Finding My Path

After getting my M.Arch, I spent three years at a big commercial firm downtown. Great experience, don't get me wrong, but something felt off. We were designing these massive towers that looked impressive in renderings but felt... soulless? And the sustainability measures were mostly just checkbox exercises to meet minimum codes.

I remember this one project - a mixed-use development where the developer wanted to cut the green roof budget by 60%. I fought hard against it, probably too hard. That's when I realized I needed to do my own thing, work with clients who actually gave a damn about creating spaces that lasted and didn't trash the planet in the process.

The Studio Takes Shape

Started Jade Venthilora Architecture in 2015 with basically just my laptop and a desk in a shared workspace on Granville. First project was a residential renovation for a friend's parents - modest budget, but they trusted me to try some passive solar strategies I'd been itching to implement. That house ended up reducing their heating costs by almost 40%, and suddenly word started spreading.

What I've learned over the years is that sustainable design isn't about expensive tech or fancy certifications (though those have their place). It's about understanding how a building sits in its context - where the sun hits, how wind moves through the site, what materials make sense locally. Sometimes the best solution is also the simplest one.

Journey Milestones

2006

Environmental Science to Architecture

Switched majors at UBC after realizing I wanted to design solutions, not just study problems. Best decision I ever made, even if it meant extra coursework.

2010

Master of Architecture

Graduated with thesis focused on biomimicry in urban design. Spent way too many hours in the studio, survived on questionable amounts of coffee.

2011-2014

Commercial Firm Experience

Worked on large-scale projects downtown, learned the ropes, and figured out what kind of architect I didn't want to be. Also got my LEED accreditation.

2015

Studio Launch

Opened Jade Venthilora Architecture with one desk and a dream. First client was a friend's family - took a chance on my passive solar ideas and it paid off.

2017

First Commercial Project

Designed a small office building in Gastown that actually met our energy targets. Clients became repeat customers and referred three more projects that year.

2019

Team Expansion

Moved to our Granville Street office and brought on two junior architects plus an admin coordinator. Finally felt like a real studio instead of just me and my laptop.

2021

Recognition & Awards

Received the AIBC Sustainability Award for a net-zero residential project. Media attention brought in clients from across BC who actually cared about green building.

2024

Current Chapter

Running a team of six, working on projects that actually make a difference. Still learning every day, still pushing for better solutions. The work's never done, but that's what keeps it interesting.

Our Philosophy

Here's the thing about architecture - it's not about ego or creating the flashiest building on the block. Every project we take on, whether it's a 500 sq ft laneway house or a 20,000 sq ft commercial space, gets the same treatment: thoughtful design that respects both the client's needs and the environment.

Context Matters

We don't do cookie-cutter designs. Each site has its own story, its own challenges, its own opportunities. Our job is to listen to what the land's telling us and design accordingly.

Real Sustainability

Not just slapping solar panels on the roof and calling it green. We're talking passive strategies, local materials, designing for longevity. Stuff that actually makes a difference long-term.

Honest Communication

We'll tell you straight up what's possible within your budget and timeline. No architect-speak or vague promises. If something's gonna cost more or take longer, you'll know upfront.

Timeless Over Trendy

Trends come and go. We're more interested in creating spaces that'll still feel right twenty years from now, that age gracefully instead of looking dated.

Working With Us

Every project starts with coffee and conversation. We want to understand not just what you need, but why you need it. What are your goals? What keeps you up at night about this project? What gets you excited?

From there, we collaborate. This isn't a situation where we disappear for weeks and emerge with THE DESIGN. You're involved throughout - reviewing sketches, discussing options, making decisions together. It's your building, after all. We're just here to help make it the best it can be.

Our team's small enough that you'll actually know everyone's name, but experienced enough to handle complex projects without breaking a sweat. We've got the technical chops, the sustainability credentials, and the project management skills to take things from concept through construction.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you've got detailed plans or just a rough idea, we'd love to hear about it. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a genuine conversation about what's possible.

Get In Touch

Our Story