Elena Mystralven
Founder & Principal Architect
Building with purpose since 2009
Where Nature Meets Design
Look, I'm gonna be honest with you - this whole thing started because I was tired of seeing buildings that ignored their surroundings. Like, really tired.
Back in 2009, fresh out of UBC with my Masters and a head full of ideas about how buildings could actually work WITH nature instead of against it, I took the leap. Started Mystralven Quintho in a shared office space on Commercial Drive - just me, a drafting table, and way too much coffee.
The name? Yeah, people ask about that a lot. Mystralven comes from old Norse roots - it roughly translates to "misty harbor," which felt right for Vancouver. Quintho was my grandmother's maiden name. She taught me that good design respects what came before while pushing toward what's next.
What We Actually Believe
Every building tells a story, and honestly? Most of them are pretty boring. We think architecture should respond to its environment - the way light hits at 4pm, how the wind moves through the site in autumn, where the neighbors' kids play.
Sustainability isn't a buzzword for us - it's just common sense. Why wouldn't you design something that costs less to run, feels better to live in, and doesn't trash the planet? Our projects might cost a bit more upfront, but they pay you back in ways that matter.
How We Got Here
2009 - The Beginning
Opened the doors with our first residential project - a laneway house in Kitsilano. Client took a chance on a newbie architect with big ideas about passive solar design. That house still performs 30% better than code requirements.
2012 - Growing Pains
Hired our first two team members. Won our first design award for a commercial project on Granville Island. Started getting called for bigger projects, which was exciting and terrifying in equal measure.
2015 - Finding Our Voice
Moved to our current studio on Granville. Completed our first LEED Platinum project. Started really focusing on what made us different - that intersection of contemporary design and ecological thinking.
2018 - Heritage Calling
Got tapped to restore the old Sinclair Building downtown. That project taught us so much about respecting history while updating for modern use. Now heritage restoration is a big part of what we do.
2021 - Virtual Innovation
Invested heavily in 3D visualization tech. Game-changer for clients who couldn't quite picture what we were proposing. Now every project gets the full immersive treatment before we break ground.
2024 - Today
We're a team of twelve now - architects, designers, sustainability consultants, and visualization specialists. Still in Vancouver, still obsessed with creating spaces that make sense for how people actually live and work.
Our Team
We've got architects who geek out over thermal bridging, designers who can't stop sketching, and sustainability folks who actually understand building science. Everyone here genuinely cares about doing this right.
Our Studio
Come visit us on Granville. We designed our own space (obviously) - lots of natural light, reclaimed materials, and yeah, it's pretty energy efficient. There's always good coffee and usually some interesting debate happening.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you're thinking about a new build, renovation, or just want to chat about making your space work better - we're here.
Get In TouchWhat Drives Us
Projects completed across BC
Years of sustainable design experience
Passionate team members