Rafael Santa Ana Architecture Workshop practices with building technologies that adapt to the specific requirements of each program, while fabricating expressive contemporary interventions that contribute to the wider community in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.
The workshop believes that all good design is inherently sustainable and aims to guide the client towards incorporating environmental and social stewardship elements into the project. Our core value centres on the goal of anticipating the evolution of need and use of each intervention, thus future-proofing and ensuring maximum sustainability through adaptation.
Our design approach is participatory and collaborative, with full and meaningful dialogue between consultants and colleagues in all required disciplines throughout the design process. Innovation is key and we incorporate new systems and technologies into our design while remaining sensitive to opportunities to re-use and reflect the history of place and people.
Operations and Services Manager
Designer
Intern Architect AIBC
After growing up in East Vancouver, Lewis completed both his undergraduate and Master's degrees in Architecture at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Exposed to ideas about local and vernacular architecture, he subsequently worked for firms in Vancouver, Halifax, Seattle, Amsterdam, and New Zealand. Having contributed to and learned from a variety of project types around the world, he is particularly interested in how architecture and design can enhance a sense of place and cultural identity.
Project Lead
Associate
Workshop Manager
Practice Advisor
Project Lead
Designer
Jessica Hernández graduated as an architect from Universidad Iberoamericana. She is currently completing her master's degree, focusing on architecture, development, and sustainability.
Her practice focuses on design strategies, construction management, and research across various scales, with a passion for graphic expression and detail. Jessica has collaborated with prominent architectural firms in Mexico City, and beyond enhancing her understanding of contemporary challenges. Committed to innovation, she emphasizes sustainability with a social approach in her work. Additionally, she is a tattoo artist and set designer, enriching her architectural development.
Senior Architect
Dimitri is a registered Architect with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) and a LEED Accredited Professional. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from McGill University. With over 20 years of experience domestically and abroad, Dimitri comes with a robust background in architectural design and extensive experience managing complex projects in academic and cultural settings. He has worked on numerous award-winning projects, notably recipients of Governor General's Medals in Architecture.
As a Senior Architect and Project Lead, Dimitri excels in project management, strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and navigating regulatory environments, consistently delivering projects that meet both functional and aesthetic goals on time and within budget.
Project Lead
Office Admin
Seli holds a bachelor's degree in information technology. After moving here from Albania, he has called Vancouver his home for the last seven years. In his professional endeavours, Seli combines strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. Outside of work, he is passionate about football and basketball, enjoying both playing and watching his favourite teams.
Designer
Fernando holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from the National University of San Juan, Argentina. He brings 16 years of extensive experience in designing residential and commercial projects, with a strong emphasis on functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. In Canada, he has contributed to projects for Indigenous communities, as well as residential, commercial, and retail developments.
Over the past 15 years, he has specialized in designing custom homes, high-rise mixed-use buildings, commercial spaces, and more. His expertise extends to project management, site coordination, and supervision, allowing him to oversee projects from concept to completion.
Operations and Services Manager
Project Lead
Marketing Coordinator
As the Marketing Coordinator at RSAAW, Aoife brings a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for design. Coming from Ireland, Aoife holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Management, and Public Relations, as well as a Master's degree in Digital Marketing Communication and Leadership. She is passionate about digital and print marketing and has an appreciation for the architecture industry. Her goal is to enhance brand awareness and foster meaningful relationships through strategic communication and dynamic marketing initiatives.
Proposal Writer
Isla is a designer and writer with a bachelor’s in arts, an honours degree in visual communications, and a master’s in interdisciplinary design. Coming from a construction and engineering family, she has focused her career on business development and marketing communications. Isla excels in proposal management and has experience in writing and editing diverse materials, alongside a design practice that explores image making and typography. Previously considering a career in architecture, she is eager to engage with the Canadian architectural community and its conventions.
Principal
Designer
Designer
Designer
Associate
Designer
Projects