About

Different by Design.

We believe good relationships are the foundation of great design. We go beyond designing buildings and shaping landscapes. Our clients love working with us because we are fun, down to earth, and we get the job done. We make a great impression. And so do our buildings.

We design buildings and build relationships.

In our 40+ years of building long-standing relationships with developers and construction professionals throughout Vancouver, Victoria, and Western Canada, we’ve created connections with municipalities, developed processes to get the job done on time and budget, and built a reputation for excellence.

You have a vision. We have the tools and talent to bring it to life.

Creative strategies. Ageless solutions.

While providing architectural, planning, and interior design services from Vancouver and Victoria, we’ve seen many iterations in the evolution of design. Building codes may change and trends evolve, but quality design is here forever.

Built on a foundation of people.

Before we were WA Architects, we were Wensley Architecture Ltd. thanks to our founder B. James Wensley. Known by many as Diamond Jim for his ability to put people at ease, at home and in the office, as well as for the clarity of his foresight. Jim designed, inspired, and influenced much of the Edmonton landscape before moving to Vancouver to start the firm we are today.

Neil Banich was one of Jim’s first hires in Vancouver, and a few years later, Jim hired Barry Weih. The two bought the firm from Jim in 2001, maintaining his vision and ability to hire, train, and keep excellent people in Vancouver and a new office in Victoria. In 2015, two new Principals were appointed: Joel Smith and David Echaiz-McGrath.

Today, as WA Architects, we respect and honour our roots in the communities of BC and Alberta, and continue to work with great people on great projects, and having fun while we do it.

We design smart buildings and work with great people.

Focused on your success.

We’ve been improving skylines from Vancouver and Victoria since 1989, and many of our projects are with repeat clients who appreciate the collaborative, inclusive approach we take to help them shape their vision. We build for and with you.

Our commitment to sustainability.

When we design a structure, our focus goes beyond today’s needs: we plan for the building’s impact on the community for generations to come.

Designed for Excellence.

Our ability to consistently deliver exceptional results and attract outstanding people comes from an unwavering adherence to our Guiding Principles:

Be Generous  We give our full focus to our clients, to our community, and to our work.

Enjoy the Ride  We love what we do and it shows. We aim to share this sense of delight with our clients and our team.

See it Through  We’re committed to the end goal. We stand by both our word and our work and we do what it takes to get it done.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T  Our approach is simple: treat people fairly, listen to their opinions, and respect their contributions.

Stay Curious  We approach every new project with an open mind. Every client’s needs are unique, and so are our solutions.

The WA Experience

  • Incorporate sustainable, responsible design principles
  • Promote construction techniques that reduce energy consumption and waste production
  • Find the right balance between the owner’s budgetary requirements and sustainability goals
  • Provide value to our clients and the communities using their development