We're not your typical architecture firm

And honestly? That's kinda the point. We've spent years in this industry watching buildings go up that look impressive but don't really connect with how people actually live. So we decided to do things differently.

Our studio space

How we got started

Back in 2017, three of us were working at different firms around Vancouver, and we'd meet up for coffee pretty regularly. We kept talking about the same frustrations - clients who wanted sustainable design but were getting cookie-cutter solutions, heritage buildings being demolished when they could've been restored, urban spaces that looked great in renders but felt cold in real life.

Eventually someone said "why don't we just start our own thing?" and here we are. Kythera Saga started as a way to actually practice architecture the way we believed it should be done - paying attention to context, listening to what spaces need, and yeah, being honest when something doesn't make sense.

We're based on West Georgia Street now, and our team's grown to about a dozen people who all share that same approach. Still feels a bit surreal sometimes.

Meet the team

A mix of designers, planners, and problem-solvers who actually enjoy the technical stuff as much as the creative parts. Everyone here brings something different to the table.

Elena Kovac

Elena Kovac

Principal Architect

Been designing sustainable buildings since before it was trendy. Started in Toronto, moved west for the mountains and stayed for the projects.

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Design Director

Studied at UBC, worked in Singapore for five years. Brings an international perspective but knows Vancouver inside out.

Sarah Whitmore

Sarah Whitmore

Urban Planning Lead

Former city planner who got tired of bureaucracy. Now helps clients navigate the complex stuff while keeping projects moving forward.

James Okoye

James Okoye

Interior Design Specialist

Obsessed with how spaces make people feel. Trained in London, brings a different aesthetic but adapts to what each project needs.

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Sustainability Consultant

The one who keeps us honest on the green building stuff. Has the LEED credentials and practical experience to back it up.

David Morrison

David Morrison

Heritage Restoration Expert

Can spend hours talking about original moldings and structural timber. Saves buildings that others would tear down.

What we actually believe in

Context matters more than style

We don't have a signature look because every site, every neighborhood, every client is different. A building in Gastown shouldn't look like one in Kitsilano. Seems obvious but you'd be surprised.

Sustainability isn't a feature, it's baseline

Every project we take on has to meet high environmental standards. Not because it's trendy or marketable, but because we've got kids and we're thinking about what kind of built environment they'll inherit.

Honest conversations save time and money

If something won't work or doesn't make sense for your budget, we'll tell you upfront. We'd rather have that awkward conversation in week one than in month six when you're already committed.

Team collaboration

Want to work with us?

We're always up for interesting projects, whether it's a small residential renovation or a larger commercial build. Let's grab coffee and see if we're a good fit for what you're trying to do.

Get In Touch