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 External link opens in new tab or window Architectural Institute of British Columbia (External link opens in new tab or windowAIBC) 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 do have  broad experience and are able to assist clients in need of excellent architectural service in British Columbia.


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 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 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 $650 million worth of construction.

 

Over 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 15-20 active home projects annually.  In recent years, Hearth Architectural has been the architect of record for over 300 house projects.


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, after years of dedicated volunteerism within the Delta School District, as a PAC chairperson, and as a District PAC chairperson, 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 Vice-Chair of the Board, chair of the Audit Committee, represents the Board at the BC School Trustees Association's Provincial Council, sits on the Delta Council and Delta Board of Education Liaison Committee and is the Board representative to the Fraser Valley Regional Library.



ASSOCIATE


Allison Lui 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 Gelson
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.


In the community, Gina volunteers countless hours in school classrooms, libraries and organizing school events. When not working or volunteering, she can be found walking her big dogs on the beach or travelling with her family.



Contact Us TodayContact Us Today