Laura Killam Architecture is a small interdisciplinary design studio whose work seeks to enrich experience through the spaces we create.
Specializing in custom residential projects situated on remote, wild sites along the BC coast, the studio looks for design solutions that combine function and aesthetics to produce quiet, understated architecture. Project scopes encompass defining a site in the wilderness, planning for infrastructure and access, master planning for today and for the next generation, and designing both the architecture and interiors. LKA strives to make spaces that are deeply connected to their site, that delight in beauty both within and outside of the building, and that respond meaningfully to a client’s needs. Each project aims to engage in a conversation with the unique characteristics of the site that it inhabits. Each design aims to connect the inhabitants to the natural setting through curating the experience of moving through the landscape, exploring the shift of views, light and shadow, and finding a balance of shelter and expansiveness. Influenced by the ethos of Sea Ranch California, the West Coast Modernists, and a vision to conserve the natural environment, the studio aims to design buildings that play second to their natural setting. LKA aims to create spaces where people can breathe.
Laura Killam
Principal, Architect AIBC
Laura grew up between Vancouver, BC and an off-grid island on the BC coast. With a multi-disciplinary background as an architect, exhibition designer, and film set designer, Laura established the small, full service architectural practice of Laura Killam Architecture (LKA) in 2017. Prior to forming LKA, Laura worked as an architect and exhibit designer at PUBLIC Architecture & Communication, an award-winning design firm based in Vancouver, BC. Previous to her time at PUBLIC, Laura was the Head of Exhibit Design and Production at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal. Before that, Laura worked as both an architect and exhibit designer for Gehry Partners in Los Angeles. Returning to her coastal roots, Laura formed the boutique practice of LKA with a niche focus on custom residential projects situated on remote, wild sites.
Laura received her Masters in Architecture from Yale University where she was a Feldman Award Nominee, and her BFA from Concordia University in Montreal. With 20 years of experience in architecture, she is a licensed architect in British Columbia and Washington State and is a LEED AP.
Laura has been an adjunct professor and frequent visiting critic at UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) as well as the Architectural Science department at the BCIT School of Construction. She has also taught in the Design Formation program at Langara College. She is an active member in the architecture community in Vancouver and an AIBC mentor.
Christine Rohrbacher
Intern Architect AIBC
Christine joined LKA in September 2020, bringing a deep passion for material exploration and collaboration. She earned her Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2018 and her Bachelor of Interior Design in 2014. While at UBC, Christine spent four months studying Landscape Architecture at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, where she delved into exploring European housing ideologies. Her master’s research focused on the intersection of public and private spaces, exploring how thoughtful design can improve quality of life and affordability.
With a versatile background, Christine is adept at tackling projects of various typologies and scales. She has worked with several award-winning design firms across Mexico City, Toronto, and Vancouver, specializing in both single-family and multi-family housing projects. In addition to her architectural work, Christine founded Contra Handmade, a fine leather goods brand that allows her to continue her exploration of materials and hands-on design.
Isabella Dominelli
Architectural Intern
Bella joined LKA in September 2024 as a co-op student. She is currently in the process of completing her Master of Architecture Degree at the University of British Columbia SALA. Prior to UBC, she studied Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Victoria, BC. Growing up on the west coast of British Columbia has given Bella a unique appreciation for the importance of using architecture to create a connection between people and the natural environment. Through her work she hopes to continue to foster this connection, as well as explore the use of natural and biogenic building materials and tackle issues of housing affordability. In her spare time she can be found eating her way through Vancouver or enjoying the outdoors via running or biking
Previous Collaborators
Nicholas Perseo
Patrick Mella
Parker Albanese
Andy Grellmann
Patrick Birch
Chris Forrest
Karen Lai
Christien Murphey
Warren Scheske
Chris Sklar
Ross Wood