Checkwitch Poiron Architects

We are an award winning, design driven, solution oriented architectural firm with offices in Vancouver and Nanaimo.

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Construction is officially underway at Lumiere, a new 76,226-square-foot, 92-unit residential development in Nanaimo, BC.

Designed by Checkwitch Poiron Architects, Lumiere is located on a historic brownfield site rooted in Nanaimo’s mining history and is envisioned as a vibrant, multi-generational community. The residential buildings are organized around a central amenity hub, conceptualized as a hearth or campfire, creating a warm gathering place connected to the surrounding landscape.

These early construction images reveal the structure taking shape and mark another step in bringing community-focused residential architecture from concept to construction.

Aerial Photo credit: https://t.co/ntXRcY4nzZ

Learn more: https://t.co/hJ7upmsHdk

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #bchousing #residentialdevelopment #communitydevelopment

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

The Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal is the foundation of Checkwitch Poiron Architects—the landmark project that put us on the map and shaped who we are today. Working at a breakneck pace, the 14,000 sf facility was designed and constructed in a short 12 months, finishing right on time to welcome the first cruise ship to the Nanaimo harbour. Over a decade and multiple awards later, this building has become a transportation hub that now hosts Helijet and Hullo ferries.

Learn more: https://t.co/h4KmJ09dw8

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #transitplanning #masstimber #sustainableinfrastructure

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Happy Owl House - Vancouver Island
Now listed on the Passive House Database!

A transformative renovation creating a multi-generational family home that embraces the views and context of its coastal site. The design strategy maintained the ocean views from every room in the home; a band of clerestory windows maximizes natural light and passive solar gains. A solar PV array and battery backup provide energy security while a large cistern collects rainwater, significantly reducing potable water demand. Embodied carbon is reduced by reuse of existing foundations. Clad in a muted palette of Shou Sugi Ban and dark metal, the home blends into the surrounding rocks and trees.

Learn more about the project here: https://t.co/XpkSszq449

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #sustainablearchitecture #passivehouse #shousugiban

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

The Ucluelet Primary Care Network Clinic is a 11,250 sq ft healthcare facility designed in response to its coastal rainforest setting. Dark metal cladding and carved cedar volumes echo the textures of tree bark and the surrounding forest.

The building is set into a hillside, allowing the main floor to align with the street while preserving significant trees and introducing rain gardens and pedestrian spaces. Inside, large windows, murals, and skylights connect patients and staff to the landscape.

The clinic provides much-needed primary care, laboratory, and mental health services for the Ucluelet community, with flexibility to grow as local needs evolve.

Learn more: https://t.co/qX3VC6EHhj

Photo Credit: @luke_phillips_photo

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #islandhealth #healthcaredesign #tofino #ucluelet

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Tight urban infill sites demand smart, context-driven design. This 6-storey mixed-use infill project on a prominent Main Street corner in Vancouver brings new homes above active retail, using brick to connect seamlessly with the surrounding historic fabric. Checkwitch Poiron Architects delivers multifamily infill that balances density, livability, and urban character.

Learn more: https://t.co/SVA14b4KHn

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #checkwitchpoironarchitects #multifamilyinfill #urbaninfill #mixedusedesign #mainstreetvancouver #infilldevelopment

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Designing healthcare environments that are calm, durable, and human-centred. From tenant improvements to complete building design, we work with public and private healthcare clients to create spaces that support care, staff, and community.

Learn more: https://t.co/P9mzngQYkc

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #healthcaredesign #medicalfacility #healthcarearchitecture #privateclinic

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Checkwitch Poiron designed a multi-storey, volumetric modular building system with our client Qube, completing the first project in 2020. Modules were delivered to site fully finished, including plumbing, electrical, interior finishes, and exterior cladding. Careful planning and detailing of on-site connections ensured the completed building did not read as “modular.” We continue to innovate and evolve this system with Qube - stay tuned for the next generation!

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #ModularDesign #SustainableDesign #communitydevelopment

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Lumiere is designed to bring together people of different generations and cultures within a shared community that emphasizes belonging, connection, and resident engagement. It strengthens relationships between neighbours while connecting them to the surrounding natural landscape and Nanaimo’s bicycle network in support of an active lifestyle.

The development is organized around a central amenity space or “hearth” that creates a welcoming gathering place for social interaction. Set within a forested context, the hearth’s warmth is echoed in the surrounding buildings through nuanced, site-responsive materials and colour palette.

The result is a thoughtfully integrated community that strengthens social connections, health, and sense of place.

Learn more: https://t.co/hJ7upmsHdk

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #communitydevelopment #architecturedesign #communitydesign #brownfieldredevelopment #bchousing #checkwitchpoironarchitects #tectonica

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

The Ladysmith Arts and Heritage Hub is more than cultural campus and public gathering space—it is a meaningful step toward Truth and Reconciliation.

This project of profound cultural and community significance was developed in partnership with the Town of Ladysmith, the Stz’uminus First Nation, and the community associations already active on the site. Its core mission is to formalize the area’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, and highlight the long standing presence of the Stz’uminus First Nation.

Our design team included renowned Coast Salish artist John Marston, ensuring the project reflects the cultural and artistic values of the community, as well as PFS landscape architects. The completed Hub will feature an Artists’ Studio and a dynamic public plaza.

Learn more: https://t.co/UABENEdYl6

#architectvancouver #architectvancouverIsland #communitydevelopment #architecturedesign #communitydesign #ladysmithbc #culturalheritage #checkwitchpoironarchitects #pfsstudio #johnmarston

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

We are proud of our work with the non-profit Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) to develop Heart on the Hill, their first housing project: a vital 36-unit assisted living complex.

The LRCA’s mission is to enrich the community, and this project directly supports that goal. Funded by BC Housing, CMHC, the Town of Ladysmith, the Cowichan Housing Association, and many generous local donors, the project maximizes quality of life for residents and the surrounding area.

Key to the design is an multi-purpose space and community kitchen that serves residents and the wider community, supporting the Heart on the Hill focus on partnership and advocacy.

We specialize in resilient, purpose-driven architecture that goes beyond functional requirements to serve profound social needs.

#ArchitectVancouver #ArchitectVancouverIsland #AffordableHousing #BCHousing #CommunityDesign #LadysmithBC #checkwitchpoironarchitects

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Work on our Island Health primary care centre in Ucluelet for is nearing completion.

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Thank you Canadian Architect for announcing the CAGBC Zero Carbon certification of our Discover Montessori project. https://t.co/fbKzYdUZPE
#DiscoverMontessori #ZeroCarbon #CAGBC #SustainableArchitecture #Fast+Epp #Introba #ArchitectVancouverIsland #ArchitectVancouver

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Checkwitch Poiron Architects is currently seeking candidates for a position in our downtown Vancouver office.. Please see here for details on how to apply:
https://t.co/QC95xWyh0s

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Our Discover Montessori School project is the recipient a BC Embodied Carbon Award. Thank you Discover Montessori, Introba, Fast + Epp, CLF Vancouver, ZEIC, ZEBx.
https://t.co/c35749br4J

https://t.co/JWpbZfxm6a
@Introba_Inc
@fast_epp
https://t.co/f8kIudpqyW
@ZEBxchange

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Black Accoya and Western Cedar cladding reflect the forestry and industrial background of the area. #architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Render vs Reality. Office interior in Ladysmith.
#architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Render vs Reality. Office interior in Ladysmith. White Oak by Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber. #architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

LRCA - multifamily housing project under construction in Ladysmith. #architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an open view of the bay. The trees provide an added layer of protection to the building. #architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest

[Checkwitch Poiron Architects @cparch_]

Black Accoya and Western Cedar cladding reflect the forestry and industrial background of the area. #architecture #Ladysmith #vanisle #Nanaimo #pacificnorthwest