I have been a self employed designer and technician in the building design industry and with architectural firms for 28 years.
From my Courtenay office, I design many types of buildings, mostly for the Comox Valley, Gulf Islands, and mid Vancouver Island. After 28 years, my experience includes single and multi-family residential, commercial, resort, industrial and institutional projects among others. I work either by myself or with an architectural firm on both private and public projects, some with values up to $34 million. While design is the heart of my business, I am proficient in all aspects of project design and development. This website provides a taste of what I do.
After studies at the UBC School of Architecture I have designed many small buildings including houses, commercial and industrial buildings but have also played key roles in the design and construction of larger projects. Always having been self employed, I have worked on contract with many Architects over the years including Lea Mathews, Carsten Jensen, Angela Quek, John Chislett, Phillipa Atwood, and Martin Hagarty to name a few.
Working with Architects on larger projects extends my knowledge and experience well beyond that of small building design. I’m proficient in all aspects of the design and construction process from planning and pre-design studies through construction administration. There is no aspect of the design and construction process that I am not very familiar with.
My greatest strength in design is problem solving. A good design challenge forces solutions through the creative process. Without losing sight of functionality, my experience has helped to develop a strong creative ability.
New building at Alberni Highway and Hirst – design and construction
I first developed drawing skills on the drawing board just before the industry became digital. Since then I have kept up with all the latest developments in architectural software including the latest Building Information Modeling*. I use REVIT design software – the highest industry standard – to produce 3 dimensional models of all my designs.
* please note i am primarily a building designer and while that includes providing all forms of drawings and documentation, I do not provide just drafting services.
Good design is necessarily a blend of artistic and technical abilities. I pride myself on both.