Studio

Established in 2017, Waissbluth Architecture Office Inc – WAO – is a Vancouver-based architectural, research and design practice with a reputation for producing well-executed, contextual and contemporary projects within the built environment.

What we do

The philosophy at WAO is one of collaboration, working together clients, consultants, designers and builders can achieve unique results that respond to each project’s challenges and opportunities.

Waissbluth Architecture views itself as a collaborative practice exploring innovative design and building practices that integrate complementary fields of work including new technologies, community development, and the arts. We understand the architectural process as an open dialogue among all team members, where between clients, consultants, designers and builders we can achieve unique results that respond to each project’s challenges and opportunities.

From colour, lighting and furniture layout, to sourcing furniture, fixtures and finishes, our full-service architecture office can help. Our commitment to communication and a team of in-house creative designers allows Waissbluth Architecture to be agile and resourceful in finding (and implementing) creative solutions to help make your space look and feel the way you want it to.

As it becomes harder to meet municipal regulations for existing buildings and empty lots in British Columbia, it is critical to be aware of how municipal building codes, building upgrade regulations, and zoning will impact your project before committing to a site. At Waissbluth Architecture, we work with clients in the pre-design stage to ensure that their objectives agree with the realities of the space. This means a thorough exploration of the feasibility of buildings for rezoning potential, as well as an in-depth investigation of the existing requirements of the building code, an understanding of how by-laws may change over time, and how all of these things could impact your project. 

Who we are

Founded by award-winning architect, Nicholas Waissbluth, WAO is an emerging practice that focuses on residential and commercial projects of all scales. From feasibility studies and interior design to full architectural services, the firm brings over 10 years of local and international expertise to projects.

Nicholas Waissbluth
Nicholas Waissbluth
Principal, Architect AIBC
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Nicholas Waissbluth has over 15 years of local and international experience in the field of Architecture with expertise in design and project management. Prior to establishing WAO, Nicholas started a non-profit organization in South America focused on design-build initiatives in low-income communities. With funding from Rockefeller Foundation and Canada Council for the Art, this organization completed housing projects in Colombia, Peru, El Salvador, and Mexico. Nicholas has been an Adjunct Professor at UBC School of Architecture and external advisor for thesis students, and as is active in local Advisory Design Panels including City of White Rock (2020-2022) and District of West Vancouver (2023 - Present).

Sarah Huguet
Sarah Huguet
Interior Designer
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Sean Wallish
Sean Wallish
Intern Architect
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Spencer Chisholm
Spencer Chisholm
Designer
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Emma Durham
Emma Durham
Designer
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Who we work with

Some of the companies we had the privilege to work with over the years.