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…

I can only say that I was very content. John is a very professional fellow.
Miro M.Bowser, BC
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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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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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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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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 enjoy the house very much and every day we are thankful for the design… We love the open feel and unique design. In fact, passers by are always noticing the house and we have received many compliments.
Jurgen & Shawn B.Midlothian, TX
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John designed our lovely home in 2002. We opted for the full package (highly recommended), including interior design and ongoing support throughout the construction process. We can’t say enough about how pleased we are with our home. Every square foot serves a purpose with a harmonious integration into the landscape. John spent much time with us discussing how we spend our time in our home, taking the concept of custom home to a much higher level. We have referred two of our friends to John–ther… Read more
Crosbie & Helen W. Maple Bay, 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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We’ve been living in it for a year now and are really pleased with the design and the final product. I can’t thank you enough for the extra work you did designing the downstairs living space. It is a perfect floor plan and very roomy. I can’t believe all that we are able to fit in there.  We hope that you are still designing houses when we build our next house!
Patricia B.California
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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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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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