ABOUT US
Integrity, authenticity, sustainability and grace: Values to live by, values that inspire our approach to home design
OUR TEAM
Meet John Gower
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER · PARTNER
Caring, listening, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of John Gower’s approach to residential design. 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. Having worked as a builder, John combines practical know-how with a thorough grounding in architectural theory.
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. His practice continues to evolve to incorporate site planning and design for developing co-housing communities, and to integrate Passive House and energy-efficient designs, and permaculture principles.
John lives with his family in a co-housing community, where he continues to learn about how good design can create connections between neighbors and support a high quality of life. On his days off he can often be found running the trails of the Cumberland Forest or playing traditional music with friends.
Meet Phil Tripp
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER · PARTNER
Phil believes that design is a key element in all projects. Part of his philosophy is that design of a space can have a tremendous impact on its inhabitants, for better or for worse. A well designed space can affect a person’s physical and mental health, and even the relationships with those around us.
During the decade he worked as project manager for a respected custom home builder, Phil always found himself gravitating toward the design aspect of each project. This eventually led to a decision to focus full time on design. Drawing on his knowledge of the industry and best building practices, he is able to design spaces with a good balance of function, aesthetic, and longevity.
Originally hailing from the Canadian Prairies, Phil relocated to the Comox Valley in 2019 with his wife and their two children. From their Cumberland home, with nature at his doorstep, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, skiing and spending time at the lake. When not outside, you can find him baking cookies, listening to records, and caring for his many plants.
We came with a piece of property and hopes and dreams and John designed our fabulous home! With exceptional care and attention to detail, John made our ideas reality. The design process worked us through from requirements to ideas and then a cohesive architecture that captured our vision. John worked seamlessly with our builder and interior designer ... that collaboration led to stunning results. Could not be happier in our piece of west coast heaven.