Vancouver, BC
Heritage Consulting
Advising homeowners, architects, and developers on heritage assessment, restoration planning, and City of Vancouver approvals.
About
Old buildings are like a book. You can open it and read the history of a place, of a people, of a civilization.
— Richard Henriquez
Mitra is a Heritage Specialist based in Vancouver, passionate about connecting people, history, and the built environment.
As a Heritage Commissioner for the City of Vancouver and a designer with experience on large scale civic projects, she bridges the gap between historical preservation and modern design. Her work spans from documenting UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe to Helping design large public infrastructure across British Columbia, offering a global perspective on local architecture.
She loves digging into the history and cultural significance of a site, but she also knows her way around Revit, BIM, and the BC Building Code. Her work involves researching, writing, and analyzing sites, and she is knowledgeable about the practical challenges of conservation projects.
Credentials & Affiliations
- B.A. in Architectural Heritage Conservation
- Heritage Commissioner | City of Vancouver
- Planning Committee Member | BCAHP Annual Professionals Meeting
- Programming Committee Member | Women In Architecture (WIA)
Services
Consulting for owners, architects & the city
Heritage Building Assessment
Evaluating a building's heritage value, condition, and character-defining elements before you plan any work.
Restoration Planning & Permitting
Guiding restoration scope, materials, and approvals through the City of Vancouver's heritage review process.
Conservation Oversight
On-site guidance during restoration to protect original fabric and craft as work proceeds.
Portfolio
Selected projects
Book
Siza Atlas: Filling the gaps for World Heritage | Book
Instituto Universitário de Lisboa | ISTAR Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture Research Centre
Sep 24, 2024
Atlas de Siza : Colmatar lacunas no Património Mundial
More about Siza Atlas
Paper
Liverpool's World Heritage, an Obstacle or a Catalyst for Development? | Paper
Athar Journal · Mar 11, 2023
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Study on Heritage Houses | 5709 Wales St, Vancouver BC
5709 Wales St, Vancouver, BC | Research
Vancouver Heritage Foundation . November 2025
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Study on Heritage Houses | 330 W 15th Ave, Vancouver BC
330 W 15th Ave, Vancouver BC | Research
Vancouver Heritage Foundation . February 2026
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Process
How an engagement works
Initial Consultation
A conversation about your building, your goals, and whether heritage status affects your plans.
Assessment & Documentation
On-site evaluation and a written heritage assessment or impact statement.
Permitting & Approvals
Representing you in the city’s heritage review process.
Restoration Oversight
Ongoing site visits to ensure the work stays true to the building's character.
FAQ
Common questions from homeowners
What does heritage designation mean for renovations?
Designation protects a building's character defining elements, but it doesn't mean you can't renovate, it means changes need to respect what makes the building significant. I help you find what's possible early, before you commit to a design.
How long does a heritage assessment take?
A typical assessment takes 2–3 weeks. A full Heritage Impact Statement for a development application usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on complexity.
Do you work with architect or contractor?
Yes - I collaborate with architects, contractors, and City planners as part of a project team.
Contact
Let's talk
Available for consultation on restoration, heritage assessments, and permitting across Metro Vancouver. I typically respond within 2 business days.
Vancouver, BC