Working at the intersection of architecture and communication, narrativist is founded on the principle that meaningful design has the power to sculpt experience and activate imagination.  



Colette Parras
M.Arch, Architect (NL)  BFA (Hons.) SEGD member, RHFAC Technical Subcommittee

Multi-disciplinary by nature Colette brings a broad range of international professional experience to projects. For over a decade Colette worked as an architect and researcher at an office based in the Netherlands before returning to her home city of Vancouver.

Having honed her creative problem-solving skills while working at international architectural practices deeply rooted in design, theory and experimentation, Colette now works as an independent designer and communications consultant since launching narrativist design in 2018. 

Since 2014 Colette has held the position of Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia, teaching in the Bachelor of Environmental Design and the Master of Architecture and Landscape Architecture program. In 2018, Colette accepted an appointment in the Communication Design Essential certificate program at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. 

current clients

       

past clients

        

teaching

    

memberships

   

lectures


2023
Navigating braille and tactile signage
SEGD panel discussion
Vancouver BC, Canada

2023
Accessibility Professional Network (APN) Conference
Emerging Research for Navigable Environments and Wayfinding for Low-Vision Users
Vancouver BC, Canada

2022
BIM-based inclusive navigation pilot project
Canadian Federation of the Blind conference                   
Vancouver BC, Canada 

2019 
StoryTELLING StorySELLING, Interior Design Show
Vancouver BC, Canada

Narrativist Design, StoryTELLING StorySELLING
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
Vancouver BC, Canada

2018    The Value of Design, Dutch Business Group and the Consulate General of the Netherlands, Vancouver BC, Canada
2011     Measuring Success, UNStudio, international design practice, Global Migration of Planning Conference, Leipzig Germany
2011     Urban Taboo, UNStudio, color in the urban environment, Creative Amsterdam Conference, Amsterdam Netherlands
2010     Color and spatial perceptions, Readfield Academy, Undergraduate School of Interior Architecture, Amsterdam Netherlands