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A ‘phoenix’ tale: a stock plan revisited

October 20, 2015 By John Gower Leave a Comment

Ten years ago, we were contacted by a client in California who wanted to buy a modified ‘Purcell’ stock plan from us. After customizing the plan to his specifications, we sent off the drawings. The build went ahead, Craig was installed in his new home, and all was well — or so it seemed. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, home building, Miscellany

At home in the country — for good

October 15, 2015 By John Gower Leave a Comment

Today I spent six productive hours in a workshop focused on strategies for housing the aging population in our rural areas. The event was co-sponsored by Island Health and the CVRD, and was hosted by my home community, Creekside Commons Cohousing.

Many rural homeowners are getting to the point in life where continued upkeep of their properties and buildings is too much work. However, relocating to town would take them away from neighbours, the landscape and a lifestyle that they still love. There’s an obvious need for housing options that embody these rural values through the later-life transition, especially as people lose their ability to drive. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, cohousing, home building, Miscellany, Sustainable Lifestyles

25 Years: A Backward Glance

August 4, 2015 By John Gower 1 Comment

A quarter-century is a significant milestone in one’s working life. This year marks the 25th anniversary of my design practice, and I can’t help reflecting on the long and winding road that brought me to this time and place.

It seems natural that I’d follow in my architect dad’s footsteps, having watched his designers and draftspeople in action when I was a boy. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Miscellany, Sustainable Design

Tiny Tale of a Small House

July 13, 2015 By Danica Leave a Comment

While John’s on the road, I’ve accepted his invitation to do a first-person post. Working in John’s office is a lot of fun – our politics mesh, and fortunately we like the same music! Best of all, I’ve learned much about living well from someone who really walks the talk. My job is a primary influence in the ongoing journey to a more sustainable life.

A year ago, my spouse and I were house-hunting with a view to reducing our overall footprint. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Energy Efficiency, Miscellany, Sustainable Lifestyles

‘Greystoke Seven’ Revisited

July 10, 2015 By John Gower Leave a Comment

A few years ago before relocating to Courtenay we had the opportunity to design a larger-scale urban infill project. Greystoke Seven is a seven-unit townhouse project in a rapidly densifying part of Victoria. It has three units facing the street and four more tucked in behind with vehicle access to garages from a central courtyard. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Miscellany, Sustainable Design

Filberg Lodge: a Gingerbread Fantasy

December 31, 2014 By John Gower Leave a Comment

The 13th Annual Odlum Brown Christmas Village was a fine success again this year. The event raised $14,300, with proceeds shared between the CV Boys & Girls Clubs and the Child Development Association. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Miscellany

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Our Clients Say…

We hired John Gower Design to design an energy efficient Arts & Crafts style home for us. Working with John was an enjoyable and productive experience. He took our ideas and made them a reality. We found John’s strengths to be his sense of space and proportion and his willingness to listen to our ideas. We have lived in the house for two years and are continually amazed at how well the house works and its comfort and beauty.
Ross N.Victoria, 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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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 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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212 - 2459 Cousins Avenue | Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada | V9N 3N6

Tel: 250.871.8765 | Toll-free: 1.877.366.2502

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