Urban planning is about far more than land, it’s about people, politics, and balancing vision with reality. In the second episode of Behind the Build, Chuck Goddard shares candid insights from decades in planning and development. He reveals the real challenges behind approvals, community expectations, and advancing a project. It’s a thoughtful look at how strong relationships, trust, and leadership shape the way our cities grow.
Siegrist Architecture is a Vancouver-based firm led by Duane Siegrist and Andrew Martins, two leaders focused on turning complex ideas into real, buildable spaces.
Their work spans everything from multi-family apartments and townhomes to high-rise towers, mass timber and concrete builds, senior living environments, and mixed-use communities that bring people, work, and life together.
What sets them apart is experience, not just in design, but in delivery. Years of working alongside clients, consultants, and municipalities have shaped a practical, collaborative approach rooted in relationships and trust. They know what it takes to move a project forward, and get it built well.
At every stage, the focus is simple: strong partnerships, clear communication, and thoughtful design that holds up in the real world. The result? Projects that run smoothly, spaces that work beautifully, and communities that last.
Meet your hosts.
Duane Siegrist, Architect. Builder. Connector.
Duane Siegrist is all about bridging big ideas with real results that work. For over two decades he built a trusted reputation and strong relationships in the building industry. Now leading at SIEGRIST, he’s spent over 25 years shaping multi-family, mixed-use, and community-driven projects - navigating municipal planning and building departments, with a deep understanding of clients and developer needs: creating marketable, well-constructed buildings that are livable, community-focused, and, above all, projects we can all be PROUD of.
He’s known for being as comfortable on-site as he is in the boardroom meetings and presenting design and problem-solving, working alongside teams to turn complex visions into spaces that actually work. Passionate about mentorship and raising the bar in the industry, Duane is driven by one thing: getting great ideas built, and bringing people along with him.
Andrew Martins, Designer. Builder. Leader.
Andrew Martins pairs a sharp, practical mindset with experience in design and construction to deliver practical, efficient solutions. An award-winning BCIT graduate, Andrew has built a reputation for cutting through complexity and maintaining momentum on even the most intricate projects.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Andrew’s unique background—leading both architectural and construction firms—allows him to bridge the gap between design and execution. He is a natural leader who aligns teams, anticipates challenges, and ensures every detail reflects the original vision. Andrew brings clarity and a relentless focus on quality, grounded in the belief that the best results come from doing things right the first time.
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