The Studio

For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to our profession and our clients, and we continue to practice with a sense of civic and social responsibility. We believe that our role is to help our clients to navigate good ideas into good architectural and urban form. An essential part of the practice is to foster a sense of shared purpose and collaboration among clients, design professionals, approval agencies, users, and the public, to produce successful projects.

We engage with individuals, private and public commercial and residential developers, as well as municipal, regional, provincial, and federal government agencies, that are proud to be builders and advocates of smart growth planning, livable cities, and enduring architecture that both serves and inspires.

Dau Studio Victoria BC

HISTORY

Established in 2003 as D’Ambrosio architecture & urbanism with roots dating back to 1990 as the Urban Design Cooperative, our new name DAUSTUDIO expresses an evolution in the firm, with Erica Sangster’s leadership as Partner and the contributions of Senior Associates Michael Barros and Julie Brown. It also reflects the ongoing collaboration of many colleagues and a continuation of the vision of founding Principal Franc D’Ambrosio.

D'Ambrosio architecture and urbanism

ARTISTRY

Programs and sites have the potential for interpreting architectural concepts, expressing function, dialogue with context, and abstracting ideas. These considerations become sources of inspiration and nuance in the making of buildings and places. The affinity between artist and architect is evident in our projects, whether through commissioned public art projects or projects produced in collaboration with artists.

dau studio architecture

Awards

2023 Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)
Best Project Under Five Million: Craigflower Hall (Victoria Highland Games Association)

2022 Urban Development Institute (UDI)
Award for Best of Vancouver Island: Esquimalt Town Square (Aragon Properties) 

2022 Urban Development Institute (UDI)
Award for Innovations in Affordability: Tiny Homes Village (Aryze Developments) 

2022 Commercial Building Awards presented by Urban Development Institute (UDI)
Award of Excellence for Mixed Use: Esquimalt Town Square (Aragon Properties) 

2019 PIBC Awards
Excellence in Planning Practice – City & Urban Areas (Gold Winner) Nigel Valley Neighbourhood Plan 

2019 Victoria Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards
Commercial Office Award for Excellence & Judges’ Choice: 1515 Douglas Street / The Rotunda (Jawl Properties) 

2019 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Platinum Certification: 21515 Douglas Street / The Rotunda (Jawl Properties) 

2016 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Gold Certification: 2950 Jutland Road (Jawl Properties)

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