Interior Designer for Office Space Vancouver BC

Interior Designer for Office Space Vancouver BC

To enhance employee satisfaction and subsequently workplace productivity, it is no longer considered acceptable for commercial offices to be designed like Dunder Mifflin. Unless of course you do an EXACT replica (which would be awesome). Instead, local small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the Greater Vancouver area have realized the importance of investing in an interior designer for their office space. While we could quote the numerous statistics that confirm enhanced interiors do indeed increase productivity and reduce turnover by X and Y percent, respectively, you already know this. What you demand today, is access to a team who will truly make a positive impact within the walls of your business. You’ve come to the right place.

Why Choose Calvert Design Studio for the Interior Design of Your SMB Office Space

Bringing the Luxury Home Touch into Your Office

Our interior design firm is has an impeccable reputation for upgrading the aesthetics and functionality of luxury homes locally (Vancouver) and internationally. In a number of these upscale residential projects we are called upon to design home office spaces and work studios.

We bring this attention to the finest details required for luxury homes into office projects so that everyone who works within feels safe, welcome and appreciated yet enthusiastic and ready to put in a spirited day at the office, every day.

This positive psychological impact is made possible through a variety of interior integrations, including (but not exclusive to) the following (as desired):

  • Increased natural lighting via window and/or skylight expansions and/or installations

  • Removal of original construction barriers that may make your team feel “closed in”

  • Color changes to paints with tones that are known to boost mood and energy levels

  • Replacement of bland flooring and other uninteresting surface materials with more inspired materials and finishes

  • Replacement of bland textiles (on carpeting, drapery, etc.) with more inspired options

  • Addition of furnishing, accents, art, and decor to liven up each and every room in the office

Further, as luxury home interior designers we also have expertise in designing spaces that most offices neglect, such as bathrooms and breakroom kitchens

Designing for Improved Function + flow

Office interior design through Calvert will also (as desired) optimize functionality and layout and encourage collaboration among your staff/team. This is generally accomplished through the integration of intuitive layouts can make it easy for people to navigate your office space. The aforementioned removal of original barriers/constructs typically assist with this goal. 

Designing for Sustainability

Interior design also plays a direct role in attaining and maintaining sustainability goals and reducing your corporate carbon footprint. This can be accomplished via the above-detailed increase in natural light to reduce reliance on costly artificial lighting. Window systems such as Smart blinds and shades also help mitigate heat loss in the cold months and keep spaces cool in the summer, reducing expenses related to heating and cooling. Moreover, we have access to international suppliers, manufacturers, and “makers” who adhere to environmental best practices (i.e. using reclaimed wood, etc.) to assist in hitting your own environmental goals, be they out of personal responsibility or for LEED certification, or both.

Setting the Tone in Entryways, Lobbies, and Reception

Does your office welcome current and prospective customers, clients, and investors (as applicable) in on a regular basis? The interior design of your entryway, lobby, and reception area establishes the all important first impression (which can make or break a deal) in addition to maintaining customer/client/investor confidence on all subsequent visits. Calvert Design understands this, which is why our services have been secured to work on lobbies for strata buildings and the like (see images below of recent work).

Pedigree in Interior Architecture

You may have noticed that some of the enhancements listed above typically require the hands-on work of a general contractor. You are correct! And this is what sets Calvert Design apart from any other interior designer for office spaces in Vancouver. Members of our team have a long and established background in interior architecture that you as a client will greatly benefit from. Learn more here.

Brand Enhancement

We understand the importance of protecting your brand. Or, if the brand has yet to be firmly established we can help you do so with the interior design of your office space. After our initial phone call (a FREE first consult) and a followup official consultation we will cover questions and desires regarding colors and textures (etc.) that are important to existing or desired brand materials and marketing collateral. From here, we can dip into our deep international pool of suppliers and manufacturers to match paints, textiles, furnishings, accents, and materials (wood, stone, steel, vinyl, composites, et cetera) to your brand aesthetic.

Home Offices Too!

Do you and other members of the team often work from home in addition to the commercial space? Create symbiosis between the two environments by having us design you and your team’s home offices as well. View more on our home office interior design service.

Let’s talk about the goals for your office space/s. Reach out to our Vancouver interior design firm today for a FREE 20-minute phone consultation. 

CALL 604.924.4034

EMAIL INFO@CALVERTDESIGN.CA

Interior Designer for Beach House in Vancouver BC

Interior Designer for Beach House in Vancouver BC

When most BC residents hear “beach home” they envision a vacation property somewhere along the California coast or maybe even in Hawaii. But in reality, the Greater Vancouver area boasts a large number of oceanfront properties, from Kitsilano and Point Grey to West Van and Tsawwassen and beyond. While proximity to the sea is the largest part of the allure, older properties that have persisted along our shores for decades are often in need of an aesthetic and functional upgrade. As a homeowner searching an interior designer for a beach house you’re among them. You’ll be pleased to know you have just found the most qualified firm in the area to get the job done. Please read ahead to learn more.

Why Consider Calvert Design Studio to Manage the Interior Design of Your Greater Vancouver Beach House

Interior Architecture Expertise for Structural Upgrades

Homeowners in search of a beach house interior designer are in reality seeking the services of an interior architect. Why is the latter more appropriate to your needs?

Older beach houses in the region were not built with expansive windows, nor skylights. Instead they were constructed more like traditional cabins and cottages that you find in the woods. This is frustrating for homeowners who want to enjoy the view of the beach and body of water before them. It also thwarts desires to leverage natural light and reduce reliance on interior lighting. A standard interior designer cannot do anything about this problem, whereas an interior architect can. With our background in interior architecture and general contracting (view more here) and current partnerships with the city’s top subcontractors we are qualified to oversee structural upgrades such as window (and skylight) additions and expansions. If you really want something dramatic we can also take on the project management of wall removals in addition to expansions to make room for beach house sunrooms or solariums.

Access to Materials to Protect Against Salty Air

There’s nothing like waking up to the subtle scent of saltwater in the air, right? Well, many of the structures in your home may not think so. While this issue is certainly most threatening to home exteriors, it can be a problem for those who like to leave the windows and doors open (which is common among beach house homeowners) or for houses with poor exterior facing wall cladding and/or roof insulation.

Over time, the mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl) has a negative impact on certain metals and can even alter wood structures. Heavy concentrations of salt can even impact interior paint (resulting in peeling and fading) when compared to properties not settled along Vancouver’s inlets. This degradation on home interior structure surfaces is slow but gradual, which is likely why you didn’t notice potential for an issue when you first took possession of the home. If you want to protect the integrity of your beach house interior, choose a designer who has international access to materials and finishes that are ideal for flooring, stairways, cabinets, trim (etc.) that are most exposed to salty air. Calvert Design Studio is that firm. View more on this below.

Access to Materials for Natural Beachfront Aesthetics

Above we discussed interior design + architectural enhancements that improve functional elements of your property’s interior. But a big part of what brought you here is the fact that you want an aesthetic upgrade. 

Looking around the other homes along the beachfront, you have come to know what you don’t want. Many have gone all-in on the beach house “vibe” adorning their interiors with the standard nautical blue and adding accents that are more appropriate to the cabin interior of a two-masted schooner. Now if that floats your boat, that’s totally fine. However, modern beach houses are instead graced with organic tones and textures that are more natural to their environment. Calvert Design Studio has partnerships with global manufacturers and suppliers from Mexico to the Mediterranean and beyond. This provides our clients (yourself included) with fabrics, glass, metals, natural stone, textiles, woods, and composites that other interior designers in Vancouver, BC, and Canada do not have access to. 

Contact Calvert Design Studio for your FREE 20-minute phone consultation  regarding the interior design of your beach house.

CALL 604.924.4034

EMAIL INFO@CALVERTDESIGN.CA

Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC

Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC

Do you own or manage a multi-residential strata property? Or do you have one in development? If so, you understand the importance of providing residents and other stakeholders with functionally and aesthetically superior common areas. Of course, it all begins with the space that makes the first impression for all who arrive through the front entrance - the lobby. As a result you’ve got interior design on the mind, which we can tell you firsthand is a very wise investment.

Benefits of investment in strata condo lobby interior design include the following:

  • Enhanced lobby areas attract condo buyer interest

  • Enhanced lobby areas attract condo renter interest (as applicable)

  • Increased pride and satisfaction for condo property occupants

  • Increased pride and satisfaction for condo property staff (doorpersons and on-site security)

  • Increased resale value for condo unit sellers

  • Increased resale value for strata condo property building

  • Eco upgrades may qualify strata for provincial and federal tax credits and rebates

Ready to move forward with this worthy project? If your building is located anywhere in Greater Vancouver or the BC Lower Mainland there is only one firm to consider; Calvert Design Studio. Here’s why.

WHY CHOOSE CALVERT DESIGN FOR STRATA CONDO LOBBY INTERIOR DESIGN IN GREATER VANCOUVER BC

interior designers + INTERIOR architects

We’re not just interior designers, but interior architects with an extensive international background in general contracting. This means that we’re qualified to advise on, and take on, the project management of structural upgrades and installations that will elevate your aspirations to an entirely higher level. Our partnerships with the Vancouver area’s best subcontractors and renovation experts enable the opportunity to reimagine what’s possible with respect to ceilings, flooring, barriers, walls, skylights, and windows. This is all on top of traditional interior design elements such as furnishing, window coverings, paint colors, art installations, and decor. View more about our interior architecture background right here.

ACCESS TO DISTINGUISHING DESIGN MATERIALS

Our pedigree in international interior design and architecture has also resulted in global partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers of materials that other local firms do not have access to. If you desire access to tiles, textiles, woods, metals, composites, and fixtures that distinguish your strata building from the rest in Vancouver, Calvert Design is your unlimited resource.

PHOTOS OF A RECENTLY COMPLETED CONDO LOBBY INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT

The following project was completed in union with Vancouver’s own Revision Renovations (view their Instagram profile for reference).

Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC
Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC
Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC
Condo Lobby Interior Design Vancouver BC

Contact Calvert Design Studio for your FREE 20-minute phone consultation  regarding the interior design of your strata condo lobby and more.

CALL 604.924.4034

EMAIL INFO@CALVERTDESIGN.CA

Bedroom Interior Designer

Bedroom Interior Designer

Given that the average person sleeps for 8 hours in a day (must be nice) it can be calculated that people sleep through one-third of their lives. That’s about 229,961 hours spent in the bedroom sleeping. Factor in the time spent getting dressed, watching TV in bed, and assorted hijinks (ahem) and you’re looking at an even greater proportion of one’s existence occurring within the walls of their respective chambers. It therefore makes sense that interior design should take top priority in the boudoir. You prescribe to this accurate notion, and as such are searching for a bedroom interior designer near your home. If you rest your head in the Greater Vancouver BC area there is only one firm to turn to; Calvert Design Studio. You can schedule your FREE initial consultation today by emailing info@calvertdesign.ca or read ahead first to learn more.

WHY INVITE CALVERT DESIGN INTO THE BEDROOM OF YOUR GREATER VANCOUVER BC HOME

bedroom interior designers + architects

https://www.calvertdesign.ca/blog/2023/3/28/interior-designer-for-bathroom-remodel-what-you-need-to-know

We’re not just bedroom interior designers, we’re interior architects too. That means we’re qualified to do much more than make recommendations and initiate new lighting installations, paint colors, and window treatments along with carpeting/flooring enhancements and the like. As interior architects we can make structural changes to open up new spaces or add structures (barriers for privacy, etc.) as desired. This sets us apart from all other bedroom interior designers in Vancouver.

Materials and Textiles to Promote Rest and Relaxation

Bedroom Interior Designers Vancouver BC

There are certain textiles and materials employed in interior design that support positive feelings and suppress negative ones (anxiety, stress, etc.) that make people toss and turn at night. These textiles and materials are generally organic, featuring tones and textures that one finds in nature. That being said, every person’s psyche is unique, and may respond differently to certain types of accents. Our team takes the time to get to know you to find a match of materials and textiles that promote rest, relaxation, and positivity. From there, we dive into our international well of suppliers and manufacturers to handpick those that other bedroom interior designers in Vancouver do not have access to.

TEAM YOU CAN TRUST WITH INTIMATE SPACES

The bedroom is the most intimate room in your home. You don’t want a team of individuals and contractors who don’t respect your personal spaces. Further you want a team who is not just professional, but personable, cordial, friendly, and downright enjoyable to be around. The team at Calvert Design checks all of those boxes. We develop friendly and familial relationships with our clients so that we truly get to know what their wants and desires are for their bedroom/s. These intimate domains also include bedroom adjacent spaces, such as walk-in closets and adjoining bathrooms.

BEDROOM INTERIOR DESIGN FOR KIDS rooms TOO

Another thing that sets our team apart from other bedroom designers in Vancouver, is that we’re FUN! And that is one qualification that is absolutely required when it comes to family households with children’s bedrooms. We’ll come up with cool concepts based upon your child’s interests that will have them excited to spend more time in their room. They may even be motivated to keep their awesome new spaces clean (although we can’t guarantee that part).

Note: We also create spaces for new bundles of joy! View more on new baby interior design.

Contact Calvert Design Studio for your FREE 20-minute phone consultation  regarding the interior design of your family home’s bedrooms.

CALL 604.924.4034

EMAIL INFO@CALVERTDESIGN.CA

Basement Interior Designer

Basement Interior Designer

Excuse the crude expressions but basements are often treated like the stepchildren, black sheep, odd-ones-out, and outcasts among spaces within single family homes. But you don’t prescribe to this notion. Or at least you no longer want to. You have come to realize that the lower ground floor can be so much more than the catacomb that it currently is. 

Appraisers and listing agents generally don't count a basement toward the overall square footage of a home, but when calculated it typically accounts for anywhere between 20-30% of the property interior. For those who only us their basement for storage and as a place to layout the cat litter are missing out on 20-30% increase in enjoyable living space. The cat can do his/her business outside. Further, resources such as HGTV, Angie’s List, and yours truly confirm that on average, a finished or remodeled basement will provide a 70% to 75% ROI. In many cases an updated basement can also add around 10% resale value to a home, and may even offer an opportunity for earning revenue (more on this below).

You’re initial motivation for seeking more information on basement interior design together everything above leads to one final question - which firm should you secure to make magic happen downstairs? If your property is located in the Greater Vancouver BC area there is only one place to turn. What sets us apart is that in addition to being basement interior designers, we’re interior architects with expertise in general contracting. As a result we can manage every aspect of your basement project. Email Calvert Design right away for your FREE initial consultation, or read ahead first for further insight.

Why DIY Interior Design is a Really Bad Idea

Why DIY Interior Design is a Really Bad Idea

The proliferation of digital transformation (smartphone apps, etc.) and the swath of instructional YouTube / TikTok videos has made the do-it-yourself (DIY) concept a viable alternative to using professional services in many areas. It can be applied to baking, cooking, crafting, fitness, gardening, and more to great success. But in some areas the DIY concept should not be attempted. This is obvious for medical and dental interventions, but we also suggest that DIY interior design can be a high-risk endeavor. Think we’re exaggerating? Please keep reading!

Why Homeowners Should Never Attempt Do-It-Yourself Interior Design and Why it's More Cost Efficient to Use a Professional

Risk of Structural Damage

It’s important to note that this is not interior decorating that we’re talking about, but interior design which includes elements of interior architecture. A need for interior design work in the home infers the need to make structural alternations. Structural alterations are any changes made to the load-bearing elements of a home, such as walls, foundations, and beams. These changes may seem to be purely cosmetic, but opening up a wall to create a more open floor plan (etc.) can compromise the safety and stability of a house or condo. Unless you or someone in your household is an established interior designer/architect it’s best to leave it to a professional contractor. Otherwise you risk structural damage which will cost you significantly more to repair.

Creating Energy Inefficiencies

The removal or addition of structures, replacement of window coverings, addition of windows or skylights, and installation of lighting systems among other supposed enhancements all impact energy efficiency in the home. It can work for or against your carbon footprint and subsequent annual energy expenditure. Unless you have expertise in how all of these updates interact with natural light, existing HVAC systems, wall cladding and insulation, and so forth, DIY interior design runs the risk of creating energy inefficiencies that can hit you hard in the pocketbook.

Choosing the Wrong Materials for Your Needs

Homeowners attempting DIY interior design generally choose flooring, tiles, textiles, finishings furnishings, and even paints based solely on aesthetics. They don’t realize that materials need to account for the internal environment of the home, considering everything from how exposure to natural light, temperature fluctuations, and occupant interaction all impact the integrity of said materials. A professional interior designer takes a scientific approach to it all, surveying the property and all of its elements, and even occupants to ensure that all materials used in the upgrades merge perfectly with it all. Without doing this, the flooring, tiles, textiles, finishings, and furnishings may need to be repaired or replaced far too often to make it economically pleasing much less aesthetically so.

Risk of Devaluing Your Property Value

Research shows that professional interior design can result in up to a 16% increase in the value of a home. DIY interior design however can have the opposite effect due to any or all of the above.

Delete any artificial intelligence (AI) driven iDIY interior design apps and unsubscribe to YouTube channels of the same vein. Instead, reap the rewards and return on investment (ROI) that comes with a professional interior design firm with a background in interior architecture. If your property is located in the Greater Vancouver BC area, schedule a FREE initial consultation with Calvert Design Studio today. 

Interior Contractors in Vancouver BC

Interior Contractors in Vancouver BC

You’re a Greater Vancouver BC homeowner and searching for “interior contractors near me”. This particular query infers a sense of knowledge and insight that is generally not employed by the average homeowner. It shows an understanding of the fact that you do indeed need a “contractor” versus a traditional interior designer, the latter of which there is no shortage of in the BC Lower Mainland. Even better, is that you have arrived here at Calvert Design Studio. Below is a breakdown of why our full service firm that you require for your home interior upgrades.

Full Service Interior Design

Full Service Interior Design

What is full service interior design? This is the most important question for Vancouver area homeowners to ask before selecting a firm to enhance their property. While many claim to be “full service”, few actually are in the truest sense of the concept. This can confuse homeowners who have been scrolling through online search results for local firms. Thankfully, you have come across this article prior to booking consultations for your property. Below is a breakdown of what full service interior design really means.

Full Home Interior Design

Full Home Interior Design

As your initial online search for “full home interior design” in Vancouver may have unveiled, there is no shortage of interior designers in the area. However, very few provide for the most important words in your query; full home.

Every space in the home is interconnected to one another, even those that are not technically adjacent. There must be cooperation between the elements of each in order to achieve harmony and symbiosis. When present, this synergy has a positive impact on the psyche of household occupants and guests alike. Conscious and subconscious queues infer a sense of flow that put the mind, body, and soul at ease. With all that aside, we will define what full home interior design really means. In doing so, you can make a more informed decision about which firm to choose to make magic happen in your residence.

Interior Designer for Small Spaces in Vancouver BC

Interior Designer for Small Spaces in Vancouver BC

Do you own a detached house, townhouse, or condo with one or more compact rooms? Perhaps you’ve invested in a tiny-home, a trend that has quickly become a mainstay across the province, country, and continent. Whatever the case may be, you’re on the hunt for an interior designer for small spaces in Vancouver BC. With years of experience in upgrading existing and new construction custom homes, Calvert Design has expertise in enhancing the aesthetic and function of spaces with limited square footage. Contact us today at 604.924.4034 for your FREE consultation, or read ahead first for insight into how interior design will work magic in tight spots.

Can I Afford an Interior Designer?

Can I Afford an Interior Designer?

You’re currently uninspired by the interior design of your house or condo and have decided that it’s time for an upgrade. However, you have no idea what to expect when it comes to the cost to enhance a room or entire home for that matter. As a result, you’re online and asking “Can I afford an interior designer in Vancouver?”. It’s an honest question that we’re glad you inquired because far too many homeowners put off important upgrades because they were afraid to ask. Without further ado, let’s answer your question.

Wine Cellar Interior Design in Vancouver BC

Wine Cellar Interior Design in Vancouver BC

As an oenophile (aka a wine aficionado or connoisseur) you’ve always dreamed of having your own wine room or cellar in the home. It’s now about to become a reality, but you’ve realized that it’s not as simple as installing and filling up a wine rack. You want a place that you can truly enjoy your growing collection, assuming that you curate faster than you sip. As a result, you’re online in search of a wine cellar interior design expert who can turn your dream into a reality. If your home is in Greater Vancouver BC, you’ve arrived at the right place. Reach out today for a FREE phone consultation, or first read below for insight regarding your wine room.

Dark Bathroom Interior Design

Dark Bathroom Interior Design

It’s not for everyone, but there’s lots to love about designing a bathroom in darker tones. It creates a sense of calm, which is exactly how you should feel in the place that you use to begin and end your day. Dark bathroom interior design also fashions a feeling of intimacy which is ideal when enjoying a bath-for-two, or when alone for that matter. Moreover, we all feel better when looking in the mirror of a setting that is dimmed and not exaggerating every line in our faces. Lastly, darker hued bathrooms feel more luxurious than all other alternatives, which is why you find them in 5-star hotels all over the world. 

However, these advantages may only be realized through thoughtful integrations and installations. You can’t just paint the walls black, brown, or grey and hope for the best. To ensure that you attain the idyllic vision that you have for your bathroom, we have laid out some ideas that we think you’ll adore for your Vancouver home.

White Kitchen Interior Design

White Kitchen Interior Design

The concept of a white kitchen is a contentious one for some, but for others, there’s nothing else that can deliver the same level of crisp, clean, and serene sophistication in the cooking and dining space. However,  the interior design must be managed with care or the end result can come off bland or too polarizing from the rest of the home. To ensure that you end up with the idyllic vision that you have for your kitchen, we have laid out some ideas that we think you’ll adore for your Vancouver abode.

Interior Design for Winter Homes

Interior Design for Winter Homes

Do you spend the months of November, December, January, and/or February in a second home in a place that actually experiences the winter season in all of its glory? If so, you want the property to be more accommodating, comforting, welcome, and enjoyable. This can be accomplished through the magic of interior design. If located in the Greater Vancouver area you can call 604.924.4034 for a FREE 20-minute consultation or first read below for some helpful tips for inspiration.

Interior Design for High Ceilings

Interior Design for High Ceilings

Houses and condos with high ceilings can feel delightfully spacious and allow for more natural light and ventilation. However, these residential spaces also come with their own set of challenges that you hadn’t initially anticipated prior to moving in. These challenges are rooted in the fact that rooms feel empty and vacant, no matter how many furnishings consume the floorspace. As a result, you’re now online and searching for information on interior design for high ceilings so that impacted rooms make your home feel more like…home. Below is a breakdown of concepts that will help you accomplish exactly that. Let’s review!

Interior Design for Waterfront Homes

Interior Design for Waterfront Homes

Greater Vancouver BC is blessed with a dynamic variety of ocean inlets, coves, and other waterways that have attracted residential development for well over a century since the region was incorporated in 1886. To date, there are single family and multi-residential properties alike that overlook the ocean from Deep Cove and downtown Vancouver to Kitsilano and Point Grey to everywhere beyond and between.  

While many waterfront homeowners are content to let their view do the talking, distinguishing ones want their interior design to be as impressive (and possibly reflect) the paradisiacal setting outdoors. You’re among this exclusive group, which is why you’ve come online to search for information on interior design for waterfront homes in the Vancouver area. You’ve docked at the right place. Below are some important concepts to consider for your upcoming upgrade.

New Baby Interior Design

New Baby Interior Design

You’ve got a new baby on the way (congrats!) and you’re I the throes of preparations which includes reimagining everything in your home. You already know to baby-proof your property by sticking baby-numbers on sharp corners, adding covers to electrical outlets, installing gates on staircases, and so forth. These are all essential, of course, but they do not constitute new baby interior design. Instead, you want your home to be more accommodating and stimulating for the newest member of its household. The latter is especially important as 90% of cognitive development occurs before kindergarten. 

You’ve come to the right place. As a family owned interior design firm in Vancouver BC we have insight into today’s important topic. Below are some ideas to consider for your growing family home.

Split Level House Interior Designer in Vancouver BC

Split Level House Interior Designer in Vancouver BC

A split-level house is a style of house in which the floor levels are staggered. There are generally two short sets of stairs, with one running upward to a bedroom level, and another heading downward toward a basement area. While commonly referred to as a bi-level house, it’s important to note the distinction. A split level house features at least three different levels, including the areas referenced above along with the initial level you enter when you first walk in. This middle level typically hosts the kitchen, dining room, and living room, although there are no steadfast rules in modern builds. Meanwhile, as the name infers, a bi-level house features just two levels and is more common to Ranch-style properties. It’s the former that we are focusing on today, as split level houses are commonly found throughout the Greater Vancouver area.