Rufina Wu

Architect AIBC, NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Principal, Vancouver

Born in Hong Kong, Rufina is a city dweller at heart, and is fascinated by the complex variety of needs and programs that compose our shared environment. Rufina recognizes that the end-user is often the silent consumer of architecture, and so has dedicated her career to understanding how the individual naturally inhabits space. Having been native to an environment known for its density, she views space as a precious entity, and she believes that it is the designer’s role to apply a robust design approach to provide spatial solutions that are both tailored and flexible. She is inspired to create spaces that invite the users to play an active role in shaping the environment to suit their unique needs and preferences.

Rufina lives and breathes design. From the self-made, upcycled trinkets she has sitting on her desk to the pet inspired paintings she creates in her free time, Rufina’s desire is to produce extraordinary products from ordinary items is evident in everything she touches.

Nemesis Coffee at Great Northern Way
Designed to create synergy between the architecture, the interior, and the brand, the new Nemesis coffeehouse is destined to be the social hub of the emerging neighbourhood campus.
Designing the Vancouver Studio

“Creativity can happen anywhere, but when a space can inspire and support collaboration and creativity, the possibilities are endless.”

UBC Life Building Interior Renovation
Transforming into the UBC Life Building, the renewal turned the building’s dark bunker-like structure inside-out—introducing daylight to the central core, while balancing it with the strategic use of bold colours and a graphical approach to lighting design.
Perkins&Will Seattle Studio
Rufina lead the design on our new Seattle studio working for perhaps the most difficult client—ourselves!
FUN FACT
Combining her passion for pets and art, Rufina enjoys creating pet inspired paintings in her spare time using acrylic paint on gallery wood panels.

Rufina's Featured Work

A photo of the interior of Nemesis showing the full service counter.
Work
Nemesis Coffee at Great Northern Way
Vancouver, British Columbia
A photo of the front elevation of 161 East 4th Avenue, known as the 'Workshop' with pedestrians and a cyclist.
Work
The Workshop
Vancouver, British Columbia