Coast and Beam Architecture

Modern architecture that
embodies the West Coast.

Our purpose

We create modern architecture that embodies the West Coast.

Coast + Beam was founded in 2014 to honour the spirit of West Coast modern architecture on Vancouver Island. We are an intentionally small architecture firm exclusively dedicated to perfecting the modern family home. We believe every client, every family, and every site is unique. Our approach to architecture is inherently personal and bespoke.

Our architecture is shaped from natural materials such as wood, glass, stone and light. A connection to nature created by blurring the lines between inside and out. Protective places of refuge where roofs have deep overhangs and wide, folding glass partitions beneath. A natural habitat upon which we touch lightly, build respectfully and live fully.

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The Architect

My name is Pamela Ubeda. I was born and raised here on the West Coast and know it like the back of my hand.

I know the weather, the seasons, the topography, the materials, the culture, the economy and the politics. I know the ocean and the forest, the rain and the light. I have seen the world, and I fully understand and appreciate the unique beauty, magic and calm of the West Coast’s embrace; the lure of its ever-changing landscape.

I love modern architecture and I love the West Coast. Where these two meet is where my passion truly lies.

The Practise

I was taught in the West Coast Modern tradition, and my passion is the architecture of home.

I love the scale and intimacy of the family home or cabin. Places where people live their most fulfilling moments. Dinners with family, conversations with friends, fires with lovers and moments of creative pause. Moments in life which are heightened when connected to the surrounding beauty of the West Coast: perched on a mountain, hidden in dense trees or salt-kissed by the ocean.

The surrounding beauty of the West Coast is where I draw the inspiration that shapes each home.

The Approach

I work like an artist. Intentionally, deeply and passionately.

My firm is intentionally small and exclusively focussed on perfecting the family home. We choose our projects carefully and I work directly and personally with each client. My hand draws every drawing, and I attend every meeting. Rigour, the quality of being very thorough, is as inherent to my process as is curiosity. The two go hand-in-hand to create a rich and cohesive architecture that perfectly reflects both the client and the landscape it is built upon.

Being directly involved in every aspect of a home is important to me. Every nuance contributes to its architectural quality and cohesiveness.

Your Project

Every exceptional home begins with a conversation.

Designing and building a custom home is one of life’s great adventures. Done right, it can be the most rewarding and exciting life experience for you and your family. We bring over 15+ years of expertise that spans the length and breadth of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re building a waterfront retreat, a mountain-top cabin, navigating municipal approvals, or reimagining an urban property, we bring deep local expertise and award-winning design to every project.

We would love to talk with you about your project – no pressure, no obligation, just an honest conversation about your dream home and whether we are the right team to help you build it.

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Client Testimonials

Great relationships are the
foundation of great architecture

Carolyn R.
Uplands Residence
“We worked very closely with Pamela for the building of our dream home. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with her. She is an amazing architect and someone who cares deeply about her environment and her community.”
Samantha Weeks
Principal, SWDG Inc.
“Pamela’s professionalism and integrity show through the moment you begin talking. Her passion for architecture and love of the West Coast are evident in each and every stunning home she designs.”
Darren B.
Vic West Residence
“Pamela is a gifted and outstanding professional. She has advised us on numerous occasions with creative, fresh and modern ideas. I would highly recommend Coast and Beam Architecture to anyone.”
Ann Squires Ferguson
CEO, Western Design Build
“I have known Pamela for over a decade and collaborated with her on projects. She is the consummate professional – intelligent and intuitive, with a highly refined aesthetic. Her body of work speaks for itself!”
Stuart B.
Gulf Islands Residence
“Pamela is incredible to work with. Consultative and thoughtful in her approach, she is a great partner to work with on any building project. We can’t wait to work with her on our next project!”