Honestly, we got into this because someone had to figure out how to design buildings that don't turn into ice boxes when it's minus forty outside. Started in Vancouver back in 2008, and we've been learning every winter since.
Look, designing for the Arctic isn't glamorous work. You're dealing with permafrost that shifts, winds that'll rip shingles off in seconds, and communities that need buildings to last decades - not just a few years. We've spent the last fifteen years making mistakes, learning from elders in northern communities, and figuring out what actually works when the temperature drops below what your weather app even shows.
Founder & Lead Architect
Spent three winters in Iqaluit early in my career and realized southern building codes don't mean much up there. Got my Masters focusing on cold climate construction and haven't looked back. When I'm not drawing plans, I'm probably fixing something at the cabin or arguing about insulation values.
Senior Design Architect
Grew up in Whitehorse, so cold climate design is kinda in my blood. Joined the firm in 2012 and now lead most of our residential projects. I'm that person who'll spend hours tweaking window placements to maximize winter sunlight. My kids say I'm obsessed - they're probably right.
Structural Engineer
I do the math so buildings don't fall down when snow piles up six feet deep. Vancouver-based but I've consulted on projects from Yellowknife to Nunavut. Love solving problems that make other engineers scratch their heads.
Community Liaison & Cultural Consultant
Originally from Cambridge Bay. I make sure we're not just dropping southern designs into northern communities without understanding how people actually live. Been with Tundra Quinthar since 2015 and proud of the relationships we've built.
Sustainability Director
My job's figuring out how to make buildings energy-efficient when heating season lasts nine months. Did my PhD on renewable energy in Arctic environments. Yes, solar panels can work in the North - you'd be surprised.
Project Manager
The guy who keeps everything on track and on budget. Worked construction in Fort McMurray before moving into project management. I know what works in theory versus what actually works when you're building in February.
Junior Architect
Newest member of the team but don't let that fool you. Graduated top of her class at UBC and already bringing fresh perspectives to how we approach design. Coffee enthusiast and CAD wizard.
We're not gonna pretend we're saving the world, but we do think good architecture matters - especially in places where a poorly designed building can literally be dangerous. Northern communities deserve structures that work with the environment, not against it.
Every project teaches us something new. Maybe it's a traditional building technique from an elder, or a new insulation material that actually performs at -50C, or just learning that what works in Yellowknife doesn't necessarily work in Inuvik.
We partner with local builders, listen more than we talk, and we're not afraid to say "I don't know" when we don't. That's honestly how you learn in this field.
Whether you're planning something in the territories or just dealing with harsh winters, let's talk about what's actually possible.