Who We Are

Metis Design|Build was established in 2000, and founded on the diverse interests and long-standing commitment to collaboration of its founding principal, Erick Villagomez (B. Arch. Sci., M.Arch).

This unique practice began providing both design and construction services to clients who desired to create environmentally sensitive homes on tight budgets. Unlike typical design firms, the construction services included all aspects of the building process from carpentry to finishing and involved forging several partnerships with high-quality trades who could work collaboratively towards common goals. More importantly, however, this period saw the integration of pragmatic construction knowledge and innovative design concepts.

During this period, Erick was also developing a strong academic foundation as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture teaching courses on settlement patterns – the intersection between urban design and architecture. This was further supplemented by a robust knowledge of graphics, information design, and illustration.

Over time, Metis Design|Build became the nucleus of the varied knowledge base attained through these various activities and led to the surprising diversity of projects that currently characterize the practice. These include:

  • Small-scale residential development and construction
  • Residential guideline creation
  • Land Use rezoning and development
  • Adaptive reuse and restoration of existing small buildings
  • Small-scale commercial building design and construction
  • Urban design and Transportation land-use planning
  • Furniture design and construction
  • Information Design and Cartography
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration

Despite their seeming differences, all projects are bound by the ties of collaboration that allow the successful resolution of complex issues.

We believe that the best solutions evolve from team-oriented interactions that foster the creative spirit and encourage the open contributions of those involved. We welcome discussions that build on collective experience, and seek solutions that embrace our clients’ aspirations.

Erick Villagomez, B.Arch Sc., M.Arch
Environmental Designer, Principal