Our Story

Forging Timeless Structures with Ancient Wisdom

Ancient craftsmanship detail

Where Old Meets Now

Look, I'll be honest - when I started this whole thing back in 2011, people thought I was a bit off. Who combines runestone patterns with passive house standards? Turns out, quite a few folks once they see it actually works.

I spent years studying medieval building techniques in Scandinavia, got obsessed with how those structures lasted centuries without modern materials. Then I'd come back to Vancouver and see cookie-cutter developments that'll need major work in 20 years. Something didn't add up.

So we started experimenting. Traditional joinery methods, local stone work, timber framing that's been proven for 800 years - but with today's understanding of thermal performance and environmental impact. Not trying to build museums here, just structures that'll outlive their mortgages by a few generations.

The Philosophy Bit

Ancient builders weren't idiots - they worked with what they had and made it last. We've got better tools now, sure, but we've lost some of that patience and respect for materials.

Every project starts the same way for us: we sit with the land for a while. Sounds a bit woo-woo, but you'd be surprised what you notice when you're not rushing. Where does water naturally flow? Which areas get harsh wind? Where does the morning light hit?

Then we design around that, not against it. Use stone where it wants to be stone. Let timber breathe where it needs to. Work with the site's natural drainage instead of fighting it with concrete and pumps.

Traditional timber framing

Why "RuneForge Quest"?

Gets asked a lot. Runes were how ancient northern cultures preserved knowledge - carved into stone to last. That's basically what we're doing, just with buildings instead of words. Every structure is encoded with knowledge about its place, its purpose, and how to maintain it for the long haul.

The "Quest" part? That's about the journey each project takes. There's no template here - we're constantly learning, adapting, sometimes getting it wrong and having to rethink. It's a quest, not a production line.

Materials We Trust

Local stone that's been sitting in quarries for millennia. Douglas fir and cedar that grow right here in BC. Lime mortars that let walls breathe. Copper that'll patina beautifully instead of needing replacement. We're picky about this stuff.

The Team Reality

We're small on purpose - six core people who've been doing this for years. Then we work with local craftspeople who actually know their trade. No massive crews, no subcontractor roulette. Just folks who care about getting it right.

Heritage Isn't Just Old Buildings

It's the knowledge of how things should be built. We're not stuck in the past - we're bringing what worked forward into the present. Every restoration teaches us something for the next new build. Every modern project honors what came before.

Let's Talk About Your Project
Stone masonry work

What We Actually Do

Heritage Building Restoration

Bringing century-old structures back to life while respecting their original character.

Sustainable Residential Design

Homes built to last generations, not just pass inspection.

Cultural Center Architecture

Public spaces that reflect community identity and traditional building wisdom.

Stone and Timber Construction

Using ancient joinery and masonry techniques with modern precision.

Archaeological Site Planning

Designing visitor structures that enhance without overwhelming historic sites.

Landscape Architecture Integration

Buildings that work with their surroundings, not against them.