About Us - Frosthal Quinth Architecture

Started in a Basement, Now We're Here

Look, we're not gonna spin you some grand origin story. Frosthal Quinth started back in 2014 when two architecture grads realized they were both obsessed with Scandinavian minimalism and couldn't find enough projects that honored that aesthetic in Vancouver. So we thought... why not just create it ourselves?

Fast forward a decade, and we've grown from a two-person operation working out of a Kitsilano basement to a full team of designers, architects, and project managers. But honestly? We still get the same rush when a client "gets it" - when they see how light can transform a space, or how natural materials can ground a home.

Our thing is blending Nordic sensibility with West Coast living. That means clean lines, sustainable materials, and spaces that actually make sense for how people live - not just how they photograph.

Our Journey So Far

The milestones that shaped who we are

2014 - The Beginning

Founded by Sarah Frosthal and Marcus Quinth. First project was renovating a 1960s rancher in North Van - we were terrified and exhilarated in equal measure.

2016 - Breaking Ground

Completed our first ground-up build in West Vancouver. Won a regional design award, which honestly surprised us more than anyone. Hired our first two employees.

2018 - Going Green

Launched our sustainability-focused design approach. Started integrating passive house principles way before it became trendy. Also moved into our first real office space.

2021 - Expanding Horizons

Team grew to 12 people. Started taking on commercial projects. Got featured in Dwell magazine, which was a total pinch-me moment.

2024 - Today

We're now a team of 18, working on everything from laneway houses to multi-unit residential projects. Still learning, still pushing boundaries, still occasionally arguing about the perfect shade of white.

The People Making It Happen

We're a mix of dreamers, detail freaks, and problem solvers

Sarah Frosthal

Co-Founder & Principal Architect

The one who obsesses over sightlines and won't compromise on natural light. Spent three years in Oslo and hasn't shut up about Scandinavian design since. Can sketch a floor plan on a napkin faster than you can order coffee.

Marcus Quinth

Co-Founder & Design Director

The sustainability nerd who actually reads building science journals for fun. If it's not energy-efficient, he's not interested. Believes every project should leave the world a tiny bit better than we found it.

Elena Vasquez

Senior Architect

Joined us in 2017 and basically saved our bacon on a complicated heritage restoration. Has an uncanny ability to solve problems that seem impossible. Also makes the best coffee in the office.

David Chen

Project Manager

The guy who keeps everything on track and on budget. Former contractor who got tired of fixing other architects' mistakes. Now he makes sure we don't make those mistakes in the first place.

Kirsten Olsen

Interior Design Lead

Norwegian transplant who brings actual Nordic cred to our "Nordic-inspired" designs. Has impeccable taste and isn't afraid to tell you when something's off. We're all a bit scared of her, in the best way.

James Park

Architect & BIM Specialist

Our resident tech wizard who pushed us into the 21st century with digital modeling. If there's a plugin or software that can make our lives easier, he's already tried it.

What Actually Drives Us

We're not trying to win awards (though they're nice when they happen). What really gets us up in the morning is creating spaces that just... work. Places where you actually want to spend time, where the morning light hits just right, where things make intuitive sense.

Yeah, we care about aesthetics - a lot. But not at the expense of livability. We've all been in those "statement" buildings that look great in photos but are terrible to actually inhabit. That's not our jam.

And sustainability isn't a marketing thing for us - it's baked into everything we do. Marcus will literally walk off a project if the client isn't willing to consider energy efficiency. We've learned to be upfront about that from the start.

Who We Actually Are