Pacific West Home Designs was incorporated in 1988 in Duncan, and since that time, designer and owner, Bruce Johnson, has designed many hundreds of homes in the Cowichan Valley and beyond, from 500 square feet to over 4000 square feet.
Bruce offers over 20 years experience in residential and commercial design, and is proud of the many beautiful projects he has completed, and equally proud of the sound foundation of repeat and referral business that he has developed.
Our approach to Custom Designing
-No fee initial consultation to discuss concepts, ideas, architectural style, budget constraints, siting etc, and to give a firm quote for Pacific West’s services. This initial consultation also allows a client to get a feel for Bruce’s quality of work as well as sense of potential “compatibility” which is crucial, considering the importance of the project about to be undertaken, and the fact that many hours could be spent together during the process.
- Site visit to gather information regarding views, solar gain, sight lines, grades, vegetation, services etc. and in some cases, to suggest the services of a surveyor to provide a topographical plan of the site.
-Producing of preliminary design drawings, including floor plans and one or more elevations, which incorporate as many elements as possible as identified on a clients “wish list”, as well as the required creative input by the designer. These preliminary plans follow the requirements of the municipal bylaws regarding height restrictions, floor area ratios, setbacks, building scheme requirements etc.
-The drawings are further refined and revised as required. When the preliminary plan is nearing the point at which it is ready for working drawings, Pacific west always recommends that the client consult with one or more contractors to get a rough estimate of construction costs, and if necessary, the design will be modified to better fit the budget.
-Working drawings are produced, and the client makes a final review prior to printing multiple copies.
-In many instances, structural engineering of the plan is required, which is, in most cases, handled by the contractor, but consulting with the engineer by Pacific West to achieve the desired end result is provided.
Testimonials
Dear Bruce
My wife and I would like to thank you for all your sterling work regarding designing our home, which we are now happily living in.
We have never met anyone who listens to and fully understands what the client wants, and then carries out their instructions to the letter, including many last minute changes which you took in your stride and never once moaned about.
The whole experience was wonderful and your initial lengthy consultation with us totally put us at ease. As novices in this field we were apprehensive and painfully naive as to the choice of designer. Having spoken to several people who had used your services we soon felt that you were the correct man for the job and you proved us right beyond any doubt. To be able to take my wife's crude pencil drawing and turn it into our dream home is truly amazing, everything worked out exactly as we had hoped and we could not be happier. You were very patient with our numerous questions throughout the process and were more than willing to explain the various limitations and design complications.
With this in mind we would have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone who would like to ask us about Pacific West home designs
Many kind regards,
Richard and Vicky
Our new home is now in the finishing stages, to say we are delighted is an understatement, thank you for your help in moving our project from our heads, to a plan and now to the final product. The panorama of the view is captured from every room, the house sits beautifully on the site and the uniqueness of the design is already turning heads. Everyone who has touched the plans has been anxious to see her finished. Bruce you’ve captured the raw beauty that grabbed us the first time we stood on the lot, your design turned the site’s challenges into opportunities and somehow you took the jumbled collection of ideas we had in our heads and converted them into a cohesive plan that will very soon become our dreams realized.
Thanks Again,
Brian and Diana
Dear Bruce,
I am pleased to offer this e-mail as a letter of reference for you and your company Pacific West Home Design Ltd. During your twenty - one years of operation in the Cowichan Valley we have always received clear, concise and code compliant working drawings from your company. Your building plans indicate a broad knowledge of Part 9 of the B.C. Building Code and a professional presentation of these residential house plans.
In addition you have successfully built and completed two of your own residential home projects in the municipality of North Cowichan, which you constructed and contract managed yourself. All applications, review, and inspections were called for and complied with.
We wish you continued success in the future.
Bruce L. Oliphant
Chief Building Inspector
District of North Cowichan
Thank you so much Bruce, for your expertise and efforts these past months, with the realization of our excellent retirement home design.
With our sincere appreciation,
Bill and Denise
Sincerely,
Christa and Andrew.
Copyright 2009 Pacific West Home Design Ltd