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Aaron
‎‎ ‎
Whalen
Architectural Designer
SNDBOX & Studio (16-1546)

Area of Expertise

Design Development
Development Permit + Building Permit
Accessory Dwelling Units

Region

British Columbia

Aaron Whalen is a passionate designer with over 15 years of expertise in housing design and architecture. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, Aaron initially focused on designing custom homes in the Muskoka region, before relocating to British Columbia. There, he contributed to the architectural excellence at Dialog Design and Bluegreen Architecture through mid-high-rise multifamily typologies. In 2024, Aaron established his own practice, SNDBOX, where he unifies this experience into forward-thinking, sustainable, and innovative middle-housing solutions, shaping the fabric of infill development.

Throughout his career, Aaron has embraced the uncertainty in all creative work. Through thoughtful questioning and a willingness toward unexpected discoveries, he views architecture as a response to the evolving needs of the community. As the founder of SNDBOX, he infuses this philosophy into every project, crafting designs that are playful, innovative, and deeply contextual.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Aaron is driven by a passion for personal exploration—whether through coffee roasting, climate advocacy campaigns, or venturing into backcountry. He finds inspiration in the intersection of nature, community, and design, always seeking new experiences that inform his creative process and enrich his architectural perspective.

Pick this person if you want to:

  • Better understand the design development and approvals process
  • Brainstorm ideas for what your site can accommodate    
  • Review preliminary design plans    
  • Review site or policy constraints and discuss potential design solutions

This expert is right for you if you are looking for:

  • Site Evaluation
  • Planning Policy
  • Zoning and Rezoning Applications
  • Regulatory Approvals
  • Site Layout Design
  • Sustainability and Innovation
  • Optimizing Building