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…

The house has become such a place of healing and retreat for us, we love every bit of it… Everything about the function of the house is working just as we had hoped- the indoor and the outdoor spaces seem to easily accommodate the extra people and we lived on the covered part of the patio all summer… I am so grateful for your creative genius in bringing our partly formed hopes and dreams into such a beautiful reality.
Linda F.Courtenay, BC
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Everything is the way it should be.  You designed us an amazing, perfect house which nestles into the landscape and gives us endless opportunities to enjoy this special piece of the world. Thank you!!!!
Mark S. & Laura M.Duncan, 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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It’s a beautiful home… We’ve had lots of comments and a few visitors coming to check it out and the feedback has been very positive – everyone loves it!
Brian R. & Anne S.Crescent Valley, BC
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Thank you John. It has been a pleasure working (by phone) with you! We do appreciate the manner in which you listen – we truly feel that our ideas have been incorporated.
Jed and Helen D.Nelson, BC
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Rod and I are happily settled into our beautiful home… Every day we look around and say, WOW! We might possibly forfeit a trip south this winter just because we love it here so very much!
Rod and Ingrid H.Nelson, BC
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I can only say that I was very content. John is a very professional fellow.
Miro M.Bowser, BC
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Everyone loves our plans and I have referred you to a number of people who are planning to build.
Zoltan & Jane K.Sakinaw Lake, BC
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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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We looked at many house plans over the past few years looking for the one that would fit the property, fit ourselves and had creative style as well. To be frank, your whole line of plans was appealing and our second choice for a house plan was also one in your catalog. Thank you very much for your care, your time and your input.
Mike and Beckie T.Washington
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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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