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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

RSAAW

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Architectural practice focused on meticulous and thoughtful design that's responsive to the present

Rafael Santa Ana Architecture Workshop practices with building technologies that adapt to the specific requirements of each program, while fabricating expressive contemporary interventions that contribute to the wider community in a thoughtful and meaningful manner. The workshop believes that all good design is inherently sustainable and aims to guide the client towards incorporating environmental and social stewardship elements into the project. Our core value centres on the goal of anticipating the evolution of need and use of each intervention, thus future-proofing and ensuring maximum sustainability through adaptation. Our design approach is participatory and collaborative, with full and meaningful dialogue between consultants and colleagues in all required disciplines throughout the design process. Innovation is key and we incorporate new systems and technologies into our design while remaining sensitive to opportunities to re-use and reflect the history of place and people.

10/06/2026

Welcoming in the autumn weather with updated renderings of our design for a multi-unit residential project in North Vancouver.

This proposed development of six townhouses consists of a three-storey building plus a rooftop terrace at each unit. The first storey houses a parking garage with space allocated for bicycle storage and the building waste room, and the second and third storeys are programmed as living areas.

The building massing falls in gentle terraces that follow the slope of the land. Setbacks, balconies, and materiality break down the massing further to maintain an agreeable street character. The massing’s muted tones are contrasted by vibrant blues and greens inspired by the natural colour palette of the City of North Vancouver

07/29/2026

Concept design for a new development comprised of twelve 200 sq ft cabins in Fort Alexandria, BC.

Composed of clean lines that seamlessly blend into the natural tapestry of the riverbank, the cabin designs reflects the beauty and simplicity of their surroundings.

07/18/2026

Exterior shots of the combination garage and photo studio designed for a client on the southern tip of Bowen Island. In addition to it’s main functions, the building provides storage space, rain harvesting systems, a woodshop, and terraces overlooking the gardens and forested site.

Photography:
Brett Ryan Studios

07/15/2026

Bisou Bakehouse is located in the heart of Vancouver’s West End and is a beloved spot for freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee.

Designed in collaboration with Barbel Interior Design and brought to life by CDC Construction.

Client: Bisou Bakehouse
Photography: Upper Left Photography

07/09/2026

Construction is underway in the Friedman Building at UBC!

RSAAW is reconfiguring this 1950s auditorium into an accessible and engaging lecture hall. In addition to technical upgrades, the design focuses on improving the experience of the room, including the way students and instructors interact. Vertical acoustic panels bring texture and cadence to the side walls, while also improving the sound quality of the room. Linear lighting is integrated into the wall and ceiling edges to emphasize the depth of the room, guide the eye toward the teaching area, and create a soft, uniform quality of light throughout.

Through improved sight lines, ergonomic seating, acoustic upgrades, and integrated AV systems, the renovation will transform Lecture Theatre 153 into a contemporary learning space that supports teaching, collaboration, and the evolving needs of academic life.

Project team:
Mechanical & Electrical:
Structural:
Construction:
Code: 4Site Consulting
Acoustics and Noise Control: RDWI AIR Inc.

05/28/2026

The Mintara Patio Expansion design has been carefully developed not only to blend with the pre-existing architecture but also to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The architectural massing and its intentionally angled orientation are designed to follow the site’s topography, thereby accentuating the views toward the urban skyline.

This project is under construction.

Client:
Contractor:
Mechanical Consultant:

05/10/2026

Mármara was conceived as a gallery rather than a traditional showroom, inviting visitors to walk through, explore samples, and experience stone as a form of natural art rather than simply a material. The gallery is organized around a rotating stone sample wall that allows each piece’s colours, textures, and veining to be appreciated under both natural and artificial light. This wall can open to bring in daylight and views, or close to create a rich, layered stone surface. The gallery itself remains open and flexible, providing a quiet space that focuses attention on the natural beauty of the material.

05/05/2026

RSAAW designed Mármara Studio’s stone shop as a gallery-like space, rather than a traditional showroom. The goal was to create an open and calm environment where visitors can walk through, explore samples, and experience natural stone as an art piece as well as a material.

An olive tree at the entrance references the Greek origins of the stone, and inside, the main feature of the space is a rotating stone-sample wall that allows visitors to turn each plate and see the colours, textures, and veining under both natural and artificial light.

The wall can open to bring in daylight and views, or close to form a rich layered surface of stone. With minimal furniture and a restrained interior, the space remains flexible, quiet, and focused on the natural beauty of the material.

04/16/2026

For Refine Fitness Studio in West Vancouver, RSAAW designed a wellness space shaped by calm, clarity, and ritual. Within a compact footprint, the project brings together an open studio floor, a welcoming reception area, integrated storage, and accessible support spaces to create a seamless experience from arrival to practice. Warm plaster walls, soft wood tones, and carefully detailed millwork give the interior a grounded, quiet character, while arched elements and custom features add rhythm and, identity.
Natural light animates the front of the studio, and a restrained palette of blush tile, white oak, stone, and soft lighting extends that sense of ease throughout the space. Every element was designed to support movement, focus, and everyday wellness. The result is a studio that feels both refined and functional: a place for community, strength, and restoration.
studio
Mechanical:
Electrical: WGW Engineering Ltd
Workout equipment:
General Contractor:

Photos by: .zolfaghari

Address

1737 W 3rd Avenue, Unit 230
Vancouver, BC
V6J1K7

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16046287881

Website

http://rsaaw.com/

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Western Tree Services Corp.
259 27 Street west, North Vancouver

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