I designed my own family home to surround my daughter with the most important people in her life. To do this, I created three separate units: two side by side 1,000 square foot units and a 460 square foot laneway house which share a backyard and patio. My familiarity with the local zoning helped me come realize the lot’s potential.

When their kids left for university, this professional couple sought to customize their space to suit their lifestyle. An extensive interior renovation created an enlarged office and living room, new wine cellar, and deck addition. We created an open concept space by removing interior walls and installing folding doors that open onto the patio, as well as a floating stair as a visual anchor for the main floor.

An unfinished basement in this original, 1960s Vancouver Special provided the perfect amount of space for this family to sprawl as their kids mature.  Instead of lifting the house, we brought the ground down to maintain character, draw in light, and connect the family to the backyard garden. The finished basement is now home to a sunken living room and two kids’ bedrooms.