Our philosophy is simple.

You should choose your custom home designer as you would choose a doctor, a lawyer or your builder. Check their reputation, portfolio, and references of course, but be sure to interview them in person as well. You will need to create a rather close relationship with them for several months.
Custom home design is a very personal experience and you must be sure that the team you select will really listen to your needs and desires, and be willing and able to design the home of your dreams, not theirs. You will spend considerable time with your home designer and will share important parts of your life with them, be sure that you like and trust them. Design experience and technical knowledge is extremely important, but a personality and character you can handle and enjoy is almost as important.

First, we encourage you to pay attention to where you live right now. Think about what is working for you, and what isn’t. Keep your eyes open and pay attention to details in homes you see or visit that ‘feel right’ to you. Start compiling your dream file photos, magazine articles and pictures, even sketches on napkins can contribute greatly to the final design. And by all means, call us. We are more than happy to meet or just chat on the phone about what you are thinking…no obligation.
We also have a very detailed questionnaire that will help you continue with the process of defining more clearly what you want your home to be.
We have worked very successfully in long-distance relationships with some of our clients. Video conference calls allow us to keep our clients informed and involved in the entire design process even from a distance.

Our full list of services can be found here.
If you already own a property, we will set up the initial design meeting to start the ball rolling. From there we typically follow these steps:
Conceptual Design
Design Development
Development Permit Drawings (if required)
Construction Drawings
Building Permit submission
We are also happy to assist you in the task of selecting a builder and site supervision. If you have not yet selected a building site, we are also happy to assist you in property selection and evaluation.

Our goal throughout the design process is to keep it about you, the client. We are passionate about what we do and are committed to helping you create a home that truly feels like home to you. We don’t specialize in or promote one particular design style but rather work with you to take the information and ideas you have and put them into a design that suits your personality and lifestyle…not ours.

We do our best to create a positive working relationship by being attentive to detail, accessible to our clients and other consultants, and committed to service.

We have worked almost exclusively with a residential focus, designing single-family inner-city homes, as well as acreage estates. We possess vast experience and expertise in high-end renovation design and have also successfully undertaken a wide variety of multi-family design projects.  We have also had the opportunity to design and collaborate on some exciting resort projects in BC.

In general, yes. However, Ellergodt Design can assist with site selection for those people who have a strong vision for their new home and are not sure which site might best fit their needs.

Most likely.

Interior designers and landscape architects are some of the other specialists occasionally brought into the team on a luxury custom home or multi-family project. This is determined by our client’s budget and expectations. Ellergodt Design often suggests that a structural engineer provide engineering services on most custom and extensive renovation projects. As well, it is sometimes necessary to consult with mechanical engineers, surveyors, soil engineers, and similar professionals. This is determined by the complexity of the project. When required, we will retain the services of an Architect on larger multifamily and commercial projects.

Ellergodt Design works closely with experienced custom home builders during the design of your home, partnering with them to provide estimates for ongoing cost control and for advice on construction insight during the design process. We are happy to work with the builder of your choice, to help you select a qualified builder, or to refer you to someone we would highly recommend.

Residential design expertise & certification
34 years of residential specific experience
Design Satisfaction Guarantee