John Chislett Architect, AIBC
“Working with Jim Matthew is a consistently rewarding experience. In my 40 years collaborating with designers, technicians and consultants I have found very few as competent, capable and reliable. Jim brings creativity, diligence and efficiency to everything he does, often generating ideas and end results better than the initial objectives.”
I recommend Jim as a first rate Building designer and technician (ed.) who is not only very professional but an enjoyable and fun guy to work with.”
Phillipa Atwood Architect, AIBC
“Jim is a professional in all respects. His years of experience working in architecture firms has given him a thorough understanding of all facets of project design and delivery. His experience is invaluable for dealing with the intricacies of taking a project from conception, through the approvals process and onto successful completion. Jim’s skilled use of Revit produces 3D models that provide full and clear visualization of proposed designs.”
Martin Hagarty Architect, AIBC
“Jim Matthew and I began to work together in 2010 after I had left the firm Dishlevoy and Hagarty and started my own firm. I needed an experienced, capable and professional technician (ed.) to provide contract CAD design documents and CAD Construction documents in REVIT, and field reviews for project under construction ranging in size and complexity from small office building and residential renovations to multi-million dollar projects for Institutional clients. Jim also provided his professional office in Courtenay for client and other meetings.
Jim filled this role perfectly and every project we worked on together turned out well. He seldom missed a deadline. His depth of design and construction knowledge was impressive. I relied on Jim to produce visually sophisticated three dimensional design drawings for client review and detailed and accurate CAD drawings for Building Permit, Tender and Construction.
Some of our larger projects included the exterior renovation of Courtenay City Hall for which we won a WoodWorks Award, the School District 71 Maintenance Building, and recently the K’omoks First Nation Administration Building in Courtenay for which we are applying for numerous awards. Currently we are working together on the exterior renovation of Courtenay Elementary which will transform a tired Fifties School into an in impressive, modern looking building.
I recommend Jim as a first rate Building designer and technician (ed.) who is not only very professional but an enjoyable and fun guy to work with.”
Anne & Chris Farrer – Seaview Road Residence
“Working with Jim to develop our custom build home provided tremendous value. He was able to thoroughly interpret our briefing and generate a design concept that suited our taste, our property and our budget. Jim worked in step with our builders and was always able to provide solutions when changes/details were required. Building a home is challenging, there are so many decisions and so many ways to subtly erode your vision by making compromises along the path. Jim was able to help us navigate the process with calm support and an experienced eye to ensure we maintained our vision. The quality in the detailing of our home is remarked upon by everyone who visits and we are immensely proud of the final result. We asked for a jewel box nestled into the slope and he delivered! We are very grateful and would (and have) recommend him without hesitation.”
Cindy & Chris Speakman – Astra Road, Comox, BC
“Working with Jim was a wonderful experience. His creative vision, eye for detail, use of natural elements and willingness to work with others was first rate.
He was fully committed to creating a home that fit our needs while incorporated the surrounding view, environment and natural light as we requested.
Jim is an excellent problem solver. He creatively resolved the many issues that arose. His patience, flexible, clear and sound advice, reliability and calm, pleasant demeanor was truly appreciated by us. The end result was a beautifully designed unique home we love.”
Phil Diede – Owner of 420 Fitzgerald (Broken Spoke Bicycle building)
“I recently was working with Jim Matthew for [my project in] downtown Courtenay. Right from the first day we met Jim seemed to have some thoughts, after a couple of weeks he had developed a pretty interesting idea of using re-claimed wood for feature walls on the building as well as a straight forward outline of what his costs would be as the project moved forward. Before construction started the Courtenay DCBIA looked over Jim’s comprehensive plans and were so impressed they awarded me all the grant money available for the “2015 facade improvement program”. Jim worked closely with my contractor during construction [and] the building turned out great, everything fits perfect, metal work, lighting, signage, colours, re-claimed wood and has been receiving lots of compliments from the tenants, [passersby] and a couple of write-ups in the local news paper. The building also won an award with the 2016 VIREB commercial buildings awards.
I know Jim’s vision of the finished product, having a strong plan, attention to detail and “hands on” work thru out this project has led to the many compliments and awards! [edited for brevity]”
Kim Sulz – Owner of Vancouver Island Insurance Center building in Parksville
“Jim’s working knowledge of the various processes within the municipal government bureaucracy as well as the construction industry was a tremendous help to guide us through our commercial construction project. Also, Jim’s meticulous attention to detail resulted in a beautiful structure that we, and our tenants are very happy with. We have had very positive feedback from the community as well – it is a building that enhances Parksville’s downtown core.”
Jenifer & Jack Reynolds – House Renovation/Addition, Comox – Part 1
Below is Jenifer’s response to my request for a testimonial. It’s too funny to not share.
“Hi Jim,
In a heartbeat. Jack will write you something, I’ll edit it, and we’ll try to make it believable – but that will be hard because we both think you walk on water!! Very delighted to be asked and to possibly help you out. You have been great to work with in so many ways and we look forward to trying to even the score but we doubt we will be able to.
Jenifer
PS How about “Jim is a good substitute for a marriage counsellor”? Or “Jim saved our marriage?” 🙂
Jenifer & Jack Reynolds – House Renovation/Addition, Comox – Part 2
Here is the actual testimonial from Jack.
“Our renovation is nearing completion; pretty much all that is left is the street-side landscaping. We thought a note expressing our thanks for your help would be in order.
We found you by searching for the designer of another Comox home which we had admired for some time. When we first met, we had the idea of turning our home of quite ordinary style into one with a very contemporary look. You could have just embarked upon that task, but rather you explored with us at some length just what each of us had in mind, our personal likes and dislikes and, quite importantly, where you felt some of our ideas would lead us budget-wise.
Jenifer and I sometimes have different approaches to what emerges as a common goal. We discovered that we would often turn to you to resolve our differences. You would listen, consider and advise us carefully rather than just telling us what you wanted to do. The result is that our home is pretty much exactly what we both wanted. Thanks for your mediation.
As to your design; you worked hard on more than one idea and finally came up with the curved front blended into the existing structure. Along the way, you were able to show us computerized images of the plans and elevations which gave us an immediate look at the change under consideration. During construction, you worked hard with us and the contractor to be sure the plans were interpreted as we had discussed – and they were. The house is stunning and many passersby tell us how taken they are by it. [edited for brevity]”