At Holos Architecture + Design, we create custom homes that respond to Vancouver Island’s raw beauty—homes shaped by forest, rock, and coastline. Our approach combines modern west coast sensibilities with a deep respect for terrain, light, and material. Each project begins with your vision and takes form through collaboration, craft, and context.
Completed single-family and multi-family residential projects.
Island and mountain homes under construction or in the design phase.
Designing for Vancouver Island means navigating unique topographies, microclimates, and vistas. We embrace these complexities with curiosity—sketching early, often, and in conversation with our clients. Whether it’s a waterfront retreat in Ucluelet or a forested home outside Nanaimo, we prioritize thoughtful siting, sustainable choices, and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
Every project at Holos begins with site analysis studies to explore how natural systems—light, topography, views, wind, and vegetation—interact with the land. This process informs the orientation and conceptual direction of the design, allowing us to responsibly harness the site’s offerings.
Every great project starts with a solid plan. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss your vision, understand our process, and gain clarity on the potential for your project.
“There’s something grounding about the Island—the quiet, the texture of the forest, the light off the water. It invites a slower kind of architecture.”
At its core, our holistic approach is guided by biophilic principles—the belief that connecting our homes with the natural world is essential for our well-being.
We deliver this through a process that is personal, transparent, and reliable:
Direct Principal Access
As a small firm, you work directly with our principal architect from start to finish, ensuring a consistent vision and implementation.
Clear Value
Our efficient process and transparent cost structure are designed to provide direct savings and peace of mind.
Proven Build Partners
We ensure a smooth construction phase by collaborating with our established network of experienced builders who understand our design and have the skills to bring it to life.
Here is an overview of our process. We go through it in more detail and how it applies to your project in our initial consultation call.
Pre-design Phase
We start by listening to understand your vision and establish the foundation for your project.
Schematic Design Phase
We bring your vision to life through initial design concepts and sketches, exploring the possibilities for your space.
Design Development Phase
We refine the approved concept, selecting the key materials and details that will define your project’s character.
Construction Documents Phase
We craft a precise and detailed set of blueprints that will guide the builder and secure permits.
Construction Admin Phase
We act as your trusted advocate on-site, ensuring the construction faithfully matches the vision and quality standards.
Interior Design Phase
We curate the final layers of color, texture, and light that make the space feel cohesive and uniquely yours.
Working with an architect is one of the best ways to protect your investment and prevent expensive mistakes down the road. We charge on an hourly basis, but architecture fees usually end up around 10% of the construction budget.
Our process is designed to provide clarity from day one. Our initial consultation is complimentary and focuses on establishing a realistic budget and a clear roadmap.
