About
Workbench is a Vancouver based design-build studio with a focus on architectural design for commercial and residential spaces, furniture and product design, art installations and ephemeral architecture.
We work together with our clients right from the first schematic sketches to offer an integrated solution, including design development, construction documentation, construction coordination services, project management and fabrication.
Our multidisciplinary team allows us to manage projects at different scales from initial concept through completion.
Our commitment is to find unique and creative solutions to any design challenges with an on-going exploration of function, utility, detail, materiality, and character in our projects.
We seek to be challenged by our clients. We love what we do, and that passion pushes us to reach results that are outstanding.
Awards:
2022 Western Living Industrial Designer of the year
2022 Made in Vancouver Award for White Ash wooden bicycle
Mario Paredes
Mario is an architect and industrial designer from Barcelona based in beautiful Vancouver since 2016. He came to Canada in pursuit of expanding his knowledge in wood based design and construction techniques.
A designer that, for many years, has put his hands to work through woodworking, furniture making, tool making, metal working and concrete forming. Lately, he has been exploring the expressive potential of materials like glass or ceramics.
Inspired by design, materiality, texture and fabrication processes, Mario aims to produce work that is honest and has a common denominator: a strong architectural influence.
Tomoki Kaneko
Tomoki was born in Japan and moved to Vancouver at a young age. The two places share a culture of forests and wood construction, which shaped his childhood and continues to influence his work.
He recently completed his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Waterloo where he took on co-ops in cities across North America, in a variety of fields from architecture, metal work to lighting design.
On weekends, you'll find him running or planning the next hiking adventure.