Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Interior Designers in Vancouver
Keate & Co. & Co. is an award-winning, full-service interior design firm established in 1947 on Vancouver's West Side. As a third-generation studio, we specialize in creating comfortable, custom residential interiors for both newly built and heritage homes. Our approach prioritizes reflecting homeowners' personalities while harmonizing with architectural styles. Margot Keate & Co. & Co. West, principal designer with 15 years of experience and a background in architectural conservation, leads projects informed by her deep understanding of Vancouver's regional architecture.Richard Keate & Co. & Co., founder and designer emeritus, established the firm's reputation over 40 years and continues to consult while serving as Vancouver Heritage Commission chair. Our legacy combines generational expertise with contemporary design sensibilities, focusing on personalized solutions that honor both client needs and architectural integrity.
Services
Residential Interior Design
Heritage Home Renovations
Custom Home Design
Architectural Conservation
Space Planning
Client-Centric Design Solutions
Vancouver Style Specialization
New Construction Design
Period-Appropriate Restoration
Interior Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- Third-generation firm with 75+ years of Vancouver residential design experience
- Principal designer holds architectural conservation credentials from University of Edinburgh
- Specialized expertise in Vancouver's regional architectural styles
- Heritage Commission chair consultation for historically sensitive projects
- Award-winning approach blending tradition with contemporary functionality
Services
Residential Interior Design
Creating personalized living spaces that reflect homeowners' lifestyles while respecting architectural context. Our process begins with understanding client needs and spatial constraints, followed by developing cohesive design concepts that enhance functionality and aesthetics. We specialize in integrating modern comforts with period-appropriate details for both new constructions and heritage properties.
Heritage Home Renovations
Preserving architectural character while modernizing heritage homes. Our team combines technical expertise in traditional building methods with contemporary design solutions to maintain historical integrity. We navigate municipal heritage requirements while implementing energy-efficient upgrades and modern amenities that respect original design intent.
Architectural Conservation
Specialized approach to maintaining and restoring architecturally significant elements. This service involves detailed documentation, material analysis, and period-appropriate restoration techniques. Our conservation work ensures historically valuable properties retain their cultural significance while meeting current living standards.
Custom Home Design
Creating bespoke living environments tailored to specific client requirements. From initial concept development to final detailing, we focus on spatial flow, natural light optimization, and material selection that complements the home's surroundings. Our designs prioritize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for modern living.
Space Planning
Optimizing spatial configurations for improved functionality and flow. We analyze existing layouts to develop efficient zoning solutions that enhance usability while maintaining visual harmony. This service includes furniture arrangement, traffic pattern analysis, and storage optimization to maximize available space.
People
Margot Keate West
Principal Designer
15 years of residential design experience with architectural conservation credentials from University of Edinburgh. Leads projects combining heritage sensitivity with modern functionality.
Richard Keate
Designer Emeritus
Founded firm in 1973 after apprenticeship at William Switzer Assoc. Holds Interior Architecture degree from University of Oregon. Served as Vancouver Heritage Commission chair for 10 years.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Vancouver and surrounding neighborhoods including Point Grey, Spanish Banks, Collingwood, and Bowen Island.
Do you work on heritage homes?
Yes, we have 75+ years of combined experience with heritage property renovations and conservation projects.
How do you approach new construction projects?
Our new home designs prioritize architectural harmony, natural light optimization, and personalized spatial solutions tailored to client lifestyles.
What makes your firm unique?
Third-generation expertise combining architectural conservation knowledge with contemporary design sensibilities for both heritage and modern homes.
How do you handle client collaboration?
We begin with detailed consultations to understand lifestyle needs, followed by concept presentations and iterative design refinements throughout the project.
Can you work with existing architectural elements?
Yes, we specialize in integrating new designs with existing structures while maintaining architectural integrity and enhancing functionality.
