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 architectural 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 architectural 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…

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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John has a unique ability to combine intricate elements of aesthetics, functional layout, resilience, and purpose into a progressive design package with minimal environmental impact both in construction and ongoing habitation. His designs are both mindful of the future and accommodating to his customers’ desires and lifestyle requirements. Such a complicated balance of considerations is not easy to achieve and John seems to do it time and time again. We have worked with John on several projects … Read more
Island Timber Frame (Builders)Cumberland, 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 are so appreciative of John Gower’s expertise, creativity and communication skills. The process of designing our new home was very collaborative and enjoyable. His communication skills were especially valuable because we lived out-of-province and much of the planning was done with creative use of email, the internet and an interactive architectural program. He took the time to help us develop an inspired vision for what this home could be for our family. He then designed a great plan for… Read more
Linda F.Calgary, AB
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We worked with John Gower Design on a ‘contemporary craftsman’ style custom waterfront home. His drawings were thorough, well thought out and the assemblies worked well. He responded quickly to our requests for clarification and we collaborated well to refine the specifications as we built. We would be pleased to work with John Gower Designs again.
Kevin F. (Builder)Duncan, 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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Thank you again for a fabulous job on our home design. We absolutely love it! You were definitely able to merge our wish list with the reality of our budget. We love the space configuration.
Anni v.M-BNelson, 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 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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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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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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