Our Team
We’re Here to Help
With over 26 years of combined experience, we are able to offer a unique selection of architecture, permitting and licensing services. We limit the people you deal with down to us, one group - so you have your time back to focus on your business.
“Sometimes to realize a vision for your business, you need an architect, but not necessarily architecture. We listen to each unique client to ensure our focus is on their highest priorities without inserting our own. This mindset has built lasting relationships and a deep understanding of where our clients are headed—allowing us to find the most effective path to every solution.”
-Jamie Banks, Partner / Founder
James Banks
Partner / Founder
Jamie is a registered Architect AIBC and a member of the RAIC with a foundational belief that supporting the individual visions of people and businesses in spite of centralized planning can lead to better outcomes for our collective well-being. This view has led Jamie to dedicate his formative years in the industry to listening and championing client visions leading to a sense of fulfillment with each successful project launch.
Jamie graduated with two degrees from the University of Waterloo in 2018 with the completion of his award-winning thesis focused on developing free market strategies to provide attainable housing amidst the height of Vancouver’s housing crisis.
Following work experiences in Toronto, Manchester, and Vancouver, Jamie became a key leader at Human Studio, helping grow the firm from inception to a 20-person team. As an Associate, he led six project teams with a combined construction value exceeding three-quarters of a billion dollars. His portfolio includes office and industrial renovations, multifamily housing from townhomes to masterplans, and projects for industry leaders such as BC Housing and Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards.
Jamie brings a deep understanding of both large, complex projects and nimble business-focused renovations. Over the past five years, he has collaborated with hospitality, retail, and office clients to help them secure permits for everything from tenant improvements to occupant loads and patio expansions.
Outside of his business ventures, Jamie is a passionate hiker, skier, and cyclist (but don’t hold that against me). Following past volunteer and educator positions at Arts Umbrella as an architectural instructor to children 4-8 years old, he currently serves on the Vancouver Transportation Committee, continuing his commitment to building a more fun and vibrant city.
Christa Montpetit
Partner / Founder
Christa brings over 17 years of experience in liquor licensing and hospitality consulting to Banks Architecture & Permitting. She is the founder of Blue Diamond Hospitality, a successful firm she blended into Banks Architecture as a natural evolution of her work.
Christa is an expert in navigating complex projects with multi-level permitting and licensing requirements. She regularly liaises with local and provincial governments, lawyers, accountants, and business owners to bring her clients’ projects to life. Her long-standing professional relationships with officials across BC and Canada are a key part of her success.
Her work spans a broad range of hospitality and commercial applications, and she continues to guide clients from application to approval with unmatched clarity. Christa has also served as a board director for the Hospitality Vancouver Association, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the hospitality industry.
Whether it’s a hotel, a franchise chain or a single-location restaurant, lounge or manufacturing facility, Christa helps clients cut through the process with professionalism, persistence, and heart.
