About Us - Shadowbane Architecture

Marcus Shadowbane

Founder & Principal Architect

The Journey That Shaped Us

Look, I won't bore you with the usual stuff about childhood dreams and building blocks. Truth is, I stumbled into architecture after spending way too many nights wandering Vancouver's streets, fascinated by how buildings changed the way people moved, talked, and lived.

Started Shadowbane back in 2012 from a cramped office on Granville - just me, a drafting table, and probably too much coffee. The name? Everyone thought I was being dramatic, but it's really about what architecture does best: playing with light and shadow to create spaces that feel alive.

These days we're a team of twelve passionate folks who actually give a damn about making buildings that don't just look good in photos but work for real people. We've learned that sustainable design isn't some trendy add-on - it's just smart building.

"Every building tells a story. We're just here to make sure it's a good one."

What We're Actually About

01

Our Mission

We're here to push urban spaces beyond the boring box designs everyone's gotten used to. Our thing is creating buildings that respect the environment while still making you stop and take a second look. No greenwashing, no empty promises - just solid architecture that'll still matter in 50 years.

02

Our Approach

We spend more time listening than sketching at first. Every site has its own personality, and forcing a design onto it is just lazy. We dig into the context - the light patterns, the neighbourhood vibe, how wind moves through the space. Then we design something that feels like it belongs there.

THE TEAM

People Who Make It Happen

We've got architects who've worked everywhere from Tokyo to Toronto, designers who can sketch faster than you can describe what you want, and project managers who somehow keep everything from falling apart. What brings us together? A shared frustration with mediocre buildings and a belief that we can do better.

Everyone here has a voice in projects - doesn't matter if you've been with us for ten years or ten weeks. Best ideas don't care about seniority, and neither do we. We're constantly learning, arguing (respectfully), and pushing each other to think differently.

12

Team Members

Diverse backgrounds, shared vision

13

Years Running

Since 2012, still going strong

How We Work

No two projects are the same, but our process keeps things moving forward without losing sight of what matters.

1

Discovery

We listen more than we talk. Understanding your needs, the site, and the possibilities before touching a pencil.

2

Concept

Where ideas start flowing. Sketches, models, and conversations until we land on something that clicks.

3

Development

Getting into the details - materials, systems, sustainability measures. Making sure it's buildable and brilliant.

4

Delivery

Bringing it to life. We stay involved through construction because that's where designs meet reality.

Why Vancouver?

This city's got everything - mountains, ocean, dense urban cores, and heritage neighbourhoods all crammed together. It's a playground for architects who want to work with complex contexts.

Plus, Vancouver's commitment to sustainability isn't just talk - there are actual policies and people who care. That makes our job easier when we're trying to convince clients that green building isn't more expensive, it's just smarter.

Been based here since day one, and honestly can't imagine working anywhere else. The city pushes us to be better, and we're trying to return the favour.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you've got detailed plans or just a rough idea, we're down to chat. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about what's possible and whether we're the right fit for what you need.

Coffee's on us (literally - our office makes a mean espresso).

Get In Touch

Where It All Started