Gravity Architecture Brings Intelligent Design Solutions to British Columbia’s Growing Housing Market
From bustling urban centres to quiet residential neighbourhoods, every community has a tone and tenor all its own. Look closely, and you’ll notice the many facets of a community’s character—the culture, the climate, the flora and fauna, and, of course, the architecture of its homes and buildings.
Since 2006, Gravity Architecture has been doing its part, contributing to the personality and vibrancy of Alberta’s communities through architectural design. With a wide variety of project experience, Gravity has developed a reputation for design that appeals to end buyers, while enhancing the livability of the wider community.
Gravity expanded into the BC market in 2019 to meet the surging demand for housing in the Lower Mainland, the Interior, and Vancouver Island. With well-conceived unit layouts and architectural design, Gravity is helping BC’s developers provide the townhouses, midrise, and mixed-use buildings the market requires.
“Our goal in BC is simple: we want to do good work that’s recognized by our customers and peers as being part of the solution. Affordable housing, sustainability, and density are all top of mind,” says Trent Letwiniuk, Principal and Owner.
From townhouses and multistorey residential buildings to commercial and community-oriented projects like daycares and shelters, Gravity Architecture has always endeavoured to build upon the distinctiveness of each community while keeping the needs of its customers at the forefront. The customer’s project goals always come first.
“We’re unique amongst architects in the sense that many on our team have worked directly for developers. It means that we’re highly attuned to what developers are interested in when they’re developing new products,” says Stephan Barnecut, Principal and Owner. “It’s that kind of insight that distinguishes us from most other firms. It’s the ‘unfair’ advantage we bring to the BC market.”
Gravity’s design approach ensures each project both enhances and harmonizes with the wider community, both from a marketing and regulatory point of view. With keen attention to project requirements, including local Bylaws and building Codes, Gravity’s customers have had notable success promptly advancing their projects from design to build.
“We’ve developed a process for our clients that’s forward-moving and as predictable as possible,” says Barnecut. “By keeping our clients well-informed, they always know where they are in the process. The result is fewer late changes or rework.”
Gravity understands each market has its own unique requirements and challenges. Leveraging local expertise is vital. Consequently, Gravity has broadened its team, hiring Vancouver-based architects who bring substantial experience and understanding of BC’s marketplace.
“Having worked as an architect in Vancouver for over 15 years, I’ve noticed that every new firm has to start somewhere. A lot of them start from zero. Fortunately, in Gravity’s case we’re coming into the market with a ton of transferrable experience,” says Jim Vasto, Principal.
With an extensive portfolio and proven architectural know-how, Gravity has already attracted several BC-based projects and is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to BC’s forward-thinking community of developers.
Gravity’s BC Design Lead, Dan Lenander, has been working as an architectural designer in Vancouver over 10 years. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the market and the benefits it affords a growing architectural firm like Gravity.
“You’ve got to work that much harder to stand out, but Vancouver is simply one of the nicest places to be. It opens all kinds of creative opportunities on everything from sustainable design to materials choices to the ideas that you can present.”
With the requisite technical ability, creativity, and raw horsepower that BC’s builders require, Gravity is well positioned to serve the growing demand for higher density, affordability, sustainability, and mixed-use type developments.
“Increasingly, municipalities are crafting policy to address the pressures of a growing population,” says Letwiniuk. “Whether that results in more zoning for multi-family townhomes or six-story apartment buildings, it’s a space that we really feel comfortable in, and have been successful in.”
In collaboration with its clients, Gravity is working to transform communities and solve some of the greatest challenges faced by growing, dynamic cities.
“It’s a thrill when you get that chance to work with new customers, design projects, and contribute to the character of a city,” says Letwiniuk. “It’s a genuine privilege.”