John Gower Design

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About John Gower Design

Our practice is founded on the belief that good house design can be a truly transformative force in peoples’ lives and for the greater health of the planet. Our projects vary in size from tiny cabins and home renovations to large custom homes and commercial design. We have a particular interest in sustainable home design to create enduring and beautiful homes that live lightly on the earth. To learn more, watch a short video here.

Home design at its best considers the unique opportunities of each site while responding to the distinctive needs and desires of each client. Our design process is “relationship based,” and builds on John Gower’s particular skill in listening to clients and translating their wishes and requirements into thoughtful design concepts. Read more about our design process here.

John Gower Design is based in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, and while most clients are in British Columbia, John Gower works with clients across North America and worldwide.

“Thank you John, for working with us on this home design.  You are so nice to work with, we truly felt important and valued…You helped us solidify our vision into a beautiful home.”
Kathy & David L.
Saanich, BC

 

Meet John Gower

JohnGowerCaring, listening, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of John Gower’s residential design approach. In practice since 1990, John has been immersed in the design world since his youth, when he spent hours watching draftsmen draw up sketches and plans for his architect father.

Later, John attended Carleton University’s School of Architecture in Ottawa, as well as the University of British Columbia, where he studied land-use planning, environmental law, urban geography, and philosophy. Having worked as a builder, John combines practical know-how with a thorough grounding in design theory.

Most recently, John has completed intensive Passive House training in order to expand his expertise in energy-efficient home design. He also continues to develop his proficiency in integrating renewable energy technologies and permaculture principles into affordable house designs.

John lives with his family in a co-housing community, where he continues to learn about the ways in which good design can create connections between neighbours and support a high quality of life. His residential design practice is currently growing to include site planning and design for other developing co-housing communities on Vancouver Island.

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Our Clients Say…

Alice and I really enjoy the space we’ve created together. It didn’t take any time to know that it fits like a glove. We just love it.
Alice and Jack H.Maple Bay, BC
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Your building plans worked fine for us and there were no issues of any size… We moved in here in Dec.2013 and find the house well laid out and easy to live in. Our dealings with your company were straight forward and presented no problems. All in all a good choice for us.
HelmutChilliwack, BC
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John was our house designer for a property on a steep site on the water. We wanted something modern and a bit unusual and he provided that. He was respectful of our needs and our wishes and designed a lovely and functional home. Working with him was a pleasure. He made several site visits and as well we met with him several times at his office. As well he took part in sourcing material that was hard to find. I would recommend him to anyone. We had no problems re deadlines or budget. The house wa… Read more
Kathryn W.Pender Harbour, BC
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We made our final decision to go with your plans based primarily on what we perceived as your ready accessibility and ability to understand our needs. We were not disappointed.
Jim B.New York State
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The drawings have exceeded our expectation.  We are very appreciative of the expertise, the professionalism and look forward to building a beautiful well designed Mountain Cabin. Thank You!
JoeNewport, Washington
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Bud and I wanted to thank you for the plans for our wonderful new home. It was a pleasure to work with you. I was concerned that we might have a difficult time working together with your being so far away. I must admit you made the process very easy. You seem to have a knack for taking what I saw in my mind and making it happen, even better than I could see it.
Bud and Sandy H.Idaho
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Thank you for the final drawings. I must tell you they look really nice. We are very happy with the outcome. I will certainly recommend your services with other people.
Alex G.Puebla, Mexico
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Every time someone asks me about the design for our house, I tell them how great you were to work with and how you took my attempts to change things and made them happen on paper. Thanks so much!
Constance and Lee
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We have been absolutely showered with complements on the outside look of the house and the clever use of space on the inside.  Even the carpenters were constantly praising the design in its efficient use of materials and space.  They offered many times to purchase the house from us (only partly in jest).  And everyone asks who designed the place.
John W. and Traudi G.Jasper, AB
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We spent the night here last night and we absolutely LOVE our place.  It is just gorgeous!  Every square inch of it is well thought out, beautiful, all the views; from lying in bed, from working, from cooking, all the window views, everything is just gorgeous. Thank you so much for your work.  Thanks for your help with colour choices;  it looks great!  You’ve done a fantastic job, I hope this piece is the highlight of your portfolio, or one of the highlights and brings you lots of work.  Its a … Read more
Sam R.Keats Island, BC
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Let’s get started on your dream home.

We have the passion and the expertise
to make it a reality.

Contact Us Today!

212 - 2459 Cousins Avenue | Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada | V9N 3N6

Tel: 250.871.8765 | Toll-free: 1.877.366.2502

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