With over a decade of experience in design and architecture, David Longpre brings a distinctive approach that blends intuition, craftsmanship, and human experience. He earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary, focusing on sustainable design, innovative building systems, and the integration of international aesthetics. However, his education extends far beyond the classroom—his experiences in Japan, China, Singapore, and Australia have profoundly shaped his philosophy, reinforcing the belief that architecture should be more than functional; it should be a vessel for the soul.

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David’s time in Japan was particularly transformative. Immersed in a culture where space is treated with reverence, he encountered the philosophy of "kami"—the belief that objects and spaces carry a soul. This perspective continues to influence his work, leading him to design spaces that evoke a sense of stillness, presence, and emotional resonance. Japan also instilled in him a deep appreciation for minimal living, material honesty, and spatial restraint—principles that he applies in Vancouver, where space is often at a premium. His approach ensures that every detail is intentional, every material is authentic, and every design element serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.

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Throughout his career, David has worked with both boutique studios and large-scale architectural firms, leading projects across commercial, institutional, and residential sectors. His work with the Blood Tribe in Alberta for the Red Crow Community College reinforced the significance of land, culture, and ancestral knowledge in design, further strengthening his belief that architecture is not just about aesthetics but about connection, continuity, and community.

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David takes an artisan’s approach to architecture, respecting the role of master craftsmen in the building process. He believes that architecture is never a solo endeavor but a collaboration between architect, builder, and place. Just as the master stonemasons of Europe’s cathedrals worked in harmony with architects to create enduring structures, he sees architecture as a long-term legacy, shaped by those who bring it to life. His firm, Longpre Architecture, is deeply contractor-friendly, cultivating strong relationships with builders and artisans to ensure that every space is realized with precision, integrity, and refinement.

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Beyond his technical expertise, David’s design philosophy is rooted in embodied intuition—the idea that great design is not just thought through, but felt. Neuroscience tells us that our best decisions emerge not just from logic but from deep, instinctual recognition of patterns and emotions. David applies this understanding to his work, integrating the science of spatial psychology, the art of material selection, and the intelligence of sensory experience to create environments that support mental and physical well-being. He believes that our ancestors instinctively understood the importance of nature, light, air, security, and art, and his work seeks to reconnect people with these fundamental truths.

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David’s portfolio spans a wide range of projects, including commercial developments, restaurants, offices, health facilities, colleges, multi-family housing, and heritage building conversions. He is particularly passionate about adaptive reuse and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that architecture remains rooted in its past while embracing the future.

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At Longpre Architecture, David’s mission is simple yet profound: to create spaces that are more than structures—they are living vessels that support and inspire those who inhabit them. For those seeking an architect who designs with intuition, precision, and a respect for tradition, David Longpre offers an approach that is both thoughtful and transformative.