CORPORATE IDENTITY
Architects are regulated by the Architects Regulation under the Professional Governance Act (BC). The act is "intended to provide a consistent framework for governance of self-regulated professions, and to ensure those professions are regulated to protect the public interest." In order to practice architecture, individuals and their firms must meet the stringent educational, experience and professional conduct requirements defined and governed by their architectural associations in their provinces or states. In British Columbia, Canada, the 
Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) has been given this mandate. Only those who have met the requirements of the AIBC can practice architecture in BC and present themselves to the public as architects. Architects can be identified by the designation “Architect AIBC” after their name.
Hearth Architectural Inc. is a boutique size architectural firm located in Vancouver, BC. The firm of Hearth Architectural practices primarily in particular market sectors, but does have broad experience and is able to assist clients in need of excellent architectural service across many project types.
At Hearth Architectural Inc. we pride ourselves on our professionalism. We continually strive to to serve our clients in the most responsible manner. The architects' mandate is first and foremost the Protection of the Public. We accomplish this by acknowledging the seriousness of all building endeavours from site diligence to construction. It is solely our job to deliver great, responsible design that is a reflection of our clients wishes and budgets and takes into account the increasingly complex variables, such as Building Codes, Zoning Bylaws and other regulatory devices, that shape buildings.
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Joe Muego is a registered architect in BC. He holds a BA in western architectural history and earned his Master's degree in architecture from UBC, with special recognition for his achievement in Building Structures, and since then has dedicated his career to residential and commercial architecture. Over that time, Joe has focused on the development of all areas of practice, including project delivery, site services, and firm promotion and management.
On the project level and as a practice leader, Joe has amassed broad experience through in-depth involvement in countless projects throughout Greater Vancouver and through the prairies in his capacity as a senior architect and project administrator. Under his purview Joe’s firms have been the architect-of-record for over $750 million worth of construction.
About twenty five percent of Hearth Architectural practice is devoted to single family residential, and this project type is core to Joe’s practice. Custom homes have been the foundation of Hearth since its inception. Currently, the practice still has over 10-15 active home projects annually. In recent years, Hearth Architectural has been the architect of record for over 300 house projects. The rest of the residential practice is devoted to various other typologies including small scale multi-unit housing and mid-sized multi-family development. The balance of practice is generally commercial and planning, with projects ranging from restaurants and childcare facilities to new construction landlord work on the commercial side to residential subdivisions and studies on the planning side.
Outside of his practice, Joe is also active in municipal committees. Recent appointments include:
Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee 2011, City of Delta
Zoning Advisory Group 2015, 2018, City of Delta
Advisory Design Panel 2016, 2017 and 2018, City of Delta
Making Room Advisory Group 2018, City of Vancouver
Advisory Design Panel 2020, 2021 and 2022, City of White Rock
Beyond committee work, Joe is an active professional mentor to architect candidates entering the profession as part of their registration process, and also acts as an Oral Examiner at the culmination of that process.
Outside of architecture, Joe was elected by the citizens of Delta as School Trustee on the Board of Education in 2022. In this role, along with his fellow Board members, he helps guide the vision of Delta public schools and manage a substantial annual budget.
Joe is the currently the Chair of the Board of Education and Chair of the Audit Committee. He has represented the Board at the BC School Trustees Association's Provincial Council, and sits on the Delta Council and Delta Board of Education Liaison Committee. He is also the Board representative to the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
ASSOCIATE
Allison Lui is an Architectural Technologist AIBC. She holds a Building Technology Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management. Allison has been with Hearth Architectural for many years, and in that time has worked on a broad range of project types in the commercial and residential sector. Her commitment to Hearth and its ideals make her a valuable member and representative of the practice.
Allison is involved in all project phases from pre-design, right through to construction contract administration. Allison's current projects include childcare facilities, character retention and multiple conversions dwellings, multi-family developments and commercial projects generally.
When not working Allison can be found diving, running marathons and triathlons or eating her way around the world.
ADMINISTRATION
Gina Muego is the Hearth Architectural office administrator. Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC and a Publishing Certificate from SFU. She has many years of administrative experience in the private sector, including a long tenure at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), but also has experience in more creative venues including styling in print publications. Gina has brought this diverse experience to Hearth.
Suite 1100 - 1200 West 73rd Avenue, Vancouver BC V6P 6G5
604-266-4677 | info@hearthworks.ca
We are grateful for the privilege to locate our offices in the traditional, unceded territories of the the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.