--- title: "SOS Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sos-design-pfvwus-pf~1099119043 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1099119043.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "SOS Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5ba36e2a0005e641_4102-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "735 Front Street, Victoria, British Columbia V9A 3Y3, Canada" latitude: 48.4273 longitude: -123.3764 phone: "(250) 858-9224" website: http://sosdesign.ca rating: 3.5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 138 last_updated: 2026-09-09 --- # SOS Design Original Houzz profile: [SOS Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sos-design-pfvwus-pf~1099119043) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Victoria, BC - **Serves:** Bamberton, Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Malahat, Metchosin, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Oak Bay, Port Moody, Rocky Point, Saanich, Saanichton, Victoria, View Royal - **Houzz rating:** 3.5 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Design Services for sustainable architecture SOS Design has completed projects that have resulted in work that is thoughtful and well crafted. In keeping with an evolving profession, SOS Design is technology driven and relies on Revit, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, to procure documents. As part of our “open door policy”, we would invite you to visit our studio and, at the very least, have a great cup of coffee. A healthy life begins with your home. Wish for less. Reduce your impact with good design, and sensible, compact spaces. We are proud to live and work in a community that is rapidly transforming under the guidance of its passionate citizens. Call us today, or better yet, come visit us! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Sustainable Design - 3D Rendering - 3d home design - home restoration - remodeling ### Areas Served - Bamberton - Brentwood Bay - Central Saanich - Colwood - Esquimalt - Langford - Malahat - Metchosin - Nanaimo - Nanoose Bay - Oak Bay - Port Moody - Rocky Point - Saanich - Saanichton - Victoria - View Royal ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SOS Design | | Address | 735 Front Street, Victoria, British Columbia V9A 3Y3, Canada | | Phone | (250) 858-9224 | | Website | http://sosdesign.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 138 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SOS Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sos-design-pfvwus-pf~1099119043) - **Website:** http://sosdesign.ca - **Phone:** (250) 858-9224 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Bermuda National Trust 1999Bermuda Building Design Awards 1999 - 2001 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★ — Yvette Craig, May 2015** > After seeing Peter's lovely modern house many times I decided to hire SOS Design to covert my former Bed and Breakfast into two condo's. In October we met and I paid Peter his deposit and the costs of rezoning the property. I then went South for the winter confident that when I returned the rezoning process would be well in hand. I had to return to Victoria in early Feb to attend to my mother who had a fall. > > I was wondering what was happening regarding my rezoning process so phoned the City of Victoria for an update and found to my surprise nothing had been done to date. In the meantime all I got was another invoice from SOS Designs .... > > I finally got the rezoning but after all the money I paid to SOS Design which did not include any City of Victoria fees I found I didn't even rate building plans ... I found this company very costly for the service provided and would not use them again or refer them to anyone. **★ — dtmp, July 2014** > We do not recommend this designer. In fairness, we were satisfied with our concept plans but the blueprints produced proved to be full of inaccuracies. In attempting to address these errors we found our experience with Mr. Schionning, to say the very least, unsatisfactory. **Comment from SOS Design:** > I wish that some clients could be more correct and factual. > This forum sometimes gives a much skewed view of what actually happened. > In this case Dennis Dale of Fairway Construction has been fully in charge of all aspects of the design and construction of his new personal residence. (New Build, Coastal Home in Saanich, BC) > Unfortunately he was unable to provide important details in a timely manner. SOS Design did the best to provide updated plans as structural and survey information became available. Mr. Dale was never charged for changes and delays as it could be expected. > Fairwest Construction was a small development enterprise that has been constructing simple single family homes for spec sales. Current technologies and building science has never been part of their strategies. > SOS Design strives to promote best building practices and urge our clients to at least consider the long term future of their homes. Unfortunately not all budgets allow for being on the or near the leading edge. With all said and done Mr. Dale’s new home will be lovely and appropriate for his needs. **★ — nicoleshukin, Feb. 2014** > We’re sorry to say that working with SOS Design ended up being a disappointing experience. Peter asked us to write a Houzz review in the early stages of our relationship, and at the time we were happy to comply (although a little puzzled to be asked to provide a review before having final results to base it on). After much deliberation, we’ve chosen to delete that initial review in light of what followed. Throughout the remainder of the process, we had to ask multiple times for important details to be incorporated into our house design; communication was lacking; and at the end of our relationship, we were surprised at Peter's refusal to release PDFs of the construction drawings to ourselves and our builder. Although the relationship began warmly, by the end we’d lost our trust in this designer. **Comment from SOS Design:** > Nicole, it is of out-most importance that everyone is satisfied with our service and advice. > SOS Design accommodated you in every way possible both with generous time and sound advice. > You have full access to all your plans. However we reserve the right to know where and how the plans are used, as per our agreement. > It is our job to balance your wishes with the limitation of your budget. > In talking with Jay at our meeting today, he did not seem to have any complaints, and seemed generally confused by you strong comments. Please give me a call 250.384.9224 > I have moderated some comments to facilitate a resolution, it is now up to our client to follow suit if they wish. **★★★★★ — mssmith14, Nov. 2013** > Peter's has become my number one go to and his designs endeavour to incorporate the latest in enviroinmentally conscious building/remodelling. Esthetics and functionality are always main concerns and I continue to be amazed at Peter's adviceall on all aspects of the building process. **★★★★★ — Pepe Martinez, Oct. 2013** > I have been working with Peter at SOS design in a renovation project and it has been a great experience and pleasure working with him. If you are thinking about any renovations or building your dream home, search no more and give Peter a call. I highly recommend him. > > Pepe Martinez > Construction Project Manager > 250 5141515 **★★★★★ — Tony Shaw, Sept. 2013** > SOS design created a very special space in our home to take care for a family whose son has developmental disabilities. It was a task taken on by this company and was done with the most sensitive of approaches. The home was completed in January 2007. It was a difficult project on a difficult site; but SOS remained staunchly attached to the project and saw it through to the very end. > > As architectural designers, the care and attention given by Peter and Heather went beyond all our expectations. They can be relied on to provide the utmost care and attention to any building project. **★★★★★ — jpreno2013, Sept. 2013** > We hired SOS Design to design our plans for our home renovation. Peter has been highly professional and fabulous to work with from the beginning of the design phase to the actual build. Our plans are detailed and comprehensive and the creative design reflects the needs of our family. Peter is very experienced and knowledgeable about every aspect of design, green initiatives, local bylaws and construction and has gladly walked us through the whole process. Peter is a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate recommending SOS Design to others! It is an amazing experience to see our dreams come from paper to reality and he has helped us do just that! **★★★★★ — joccoman, Aug. 2013** > Peter Schionning of SOS Design was retained by us to provide plans for a partial basement renovation complete with a new bathroom\[shower/bath,toilet,vanity and linen storage\] as well as a laundry facility and storage space. > . From start to finish, and in spite of this being a small project,Peter was very helpful in presenting a range of options for utilizing the basement space as efficiently and cost consciously as possible. There were height and plumbing issues which had significant cost implications ,but with Peters long experience, we got the necessary approvals As well, from previous projects in the house,Peter referred us to various trades who provided first class service and even surprised our contractor who ended up using them. > From a design perspective ,Peter helped guide us through a myriad of choices from tiles to toilets, from high end to less expensive and explained the relative advantages of each. > We would certainly recommend him to anyone. ## Selected projects - [Westrock - Live Work in Victoria](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westrock-live-work-in-victoria-pj-vj~63128) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 17 - Description: In the summer of 2004, SOS Design opened the door to its new “storefront” office in Vic West, demonstrating a commitment to responsible design by incorporating many green building techniques. This particular project faced restrictions relating to small lot subdivision. Therefore, every effort was made to create a feeling of spaciousness, enhanced by an abundance of natural light within a very small building envelope. By blasting rock on the site, we were able to create an 800 square foot office… - [New build, Coastal Home - Gordon Head, Saanich, Vancouver Island BC.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-build-coastal-home-gordon-head-saanich-vancouver-island-bc-pj-vj~626047) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 2 - Description: Prefabricated panel , low energy - construction - [Modern Farm House, North Saanich, Vancouver Island, BC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farm-house-north-saanich-vancouver-island-bc-pj-vj~626559) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 5 - Description: Prefabricated panel construction, near zero energy home. - [Kings Mill - SECOND LIFE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kings-mill-second-life-pj-vj~80652) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: In a historic neighbourhood, overlooking a golf course on a 2000m² wooded property, sits a 1960’s home in need of some attention. The existing house has little or no insulation but solid bones, and a favourable exposure. The work will include re-skinning all exterior walls to increase the insulation value and meet new energy efficient standards. An additional 81m² of space will improve the program for the family and provide vaulted ceilings in all rooms. - [Ash Mountain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ash-mountain-pj-vj~299138) - Location: Metchosin, BC - Photos: 3 - Description: Built into the hillside and overlooking Sooke Harbour and Matheson Lake. - [Reiter Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reiter-residence-pj-vj~71055) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 1 - Description: This 2200ft² home is located on a hill top in a heavy wooded area in Saanich near Victoria All living is on one floor with garage below. Construction is scheduled to be concluded in the fall of 2012. - [Renovation and Addition in Fairfield](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renovation-and-addition-in-fairfield-pj-vj~63039) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 19 - Description: In an effort to maintain the integrity of the streetscape in this neighbourhood at the foot of Moss Rock Park, the existing house was renovated, and then expanded with a significant addition towards the back of the property. The renovation was extensive, and included new plumbing, new wiring, new exterior walls and new roof, allowing for a more comfortable 9′ ceiling and unobstructed open floor plan. Changes to the original layout were dramatic – the main entrance and stair were relocated to the… - [Tideway, Bermuda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tideway-bermuda-pj-vj~64242) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - Description: This new construction project was designed as a vacation home for a family of five who all enjoy socializing with their friends. This large waterfront property features a 10,000 ft² “high-tech”, hurricane proof house, covered porches, horizon pool, extensive landscaping, dock-side kitchenette and bathroom, marina including floating teak dock. The complexity of the main house “Tideway” requires full-time supervision and maintenance. Tideway Cottage was designed as modest 1,500 sf. accommodation f… - [Walker House - In-fill home in Vic. West](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walker-house-in-fill-home-in-vic-west-pj-vj~71274) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 2 - Description: 2000ft² - 3 bedrooms on 3 floors. Designed as a pre-fabricated home on a small lot in a traditional neighborhood. Construction to begin in the fall 2012 - [Waterfront Home, Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterfront-home-nanoose-bay-vancouver-island-pj-vj~64244) - Location: Nanoose Bay, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: Two separate, self-contained homes were created that are bridged by a shared entry pavilion. A storm water culvert that passes directly through the site was managed and transformed to create a water feature that cascades down the sloping site, pausing in a pool which passes beneath the entry pavilion, before finally spilling over a cliff and into the ocean below. The placement of buildings on the site was carefully considered to provide living spaces which extend into the garden as well as captu… - [Garden Suite v2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-suite-v2-pj-vj~2152821) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 3 - Description: Prefabricated, factory built. Can be trucked to site - [Garden Suite v1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-suite-v1-pj-vj~2862066) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Prefabricated - [Eagle River](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eagle-river-pj-vj~2152766) - Location: Anchorage, AK - Photos: 3 - [Harrison Ave., Salt Spring Island, BC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrison-ave-salt-spring-island-bc-pj-vj~1464722) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Prefabricated panel construction, near zero energy - [Town House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/town-house-pj-vj~1979820) - Location: Victoria, BC - Photos: 6 - [Buena Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/buena-vista-pj-vj~1808530) - Location: Metchosin, BC - Photos: 20 - Description: Modest in its size, and highly crafted, this home blends into the surrounding natural mountain side on a 10 acre lot, with jaw-dropping views of the Juan de Fuca Strait, Olympic Mountains and the Sooke Basin. SOS Design was engaged to design a new home for clients downsizing and relocating from out of province. This steep and ecologically fragile hillside above Matheson Lake in Metchosin BC provided inspiration for a home that is light on the land. In order to minimize site impact, the 2100 ft²… [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sos-design-pfvwus-pf~1099119043) ## Community Q&A **Q: Wall color?** *(in Photo Questions)* What paint color is used on the walls? I've struggled to find a gold tone that works with my fir floors and like this a lot. A: The paint we used is no longer available. POLYMYX, waterbase P2L-C1157 It is a spray application **Q: Smart wall** *(in Photo Questions)* Just wondering how your experience was, working with Pacific Homes and if the wall system is affordable. Really like the home. Silver on black looks amazing. Any chance to see a floorplan. Thanks, Steve A: Steve, I would love to share my experience with you. I imagine that you are in our area? I have designed several homes, using the Pacific Homes Smart wall system. The initial cost might be higher, but the benefits fare outweighs the cost. Better materials, precision, speed, better insulation, air infiltration, I can go on and on. You are welcome to call me. **Q: MORE photos ...** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Catherine, I will call you tomorrow. Please email me at peterole@sosdesign.ca to let me know, what time works for you. Peter **Q: Hey Veeery nice. Can you ballpark the $ per sq ft & builder** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The house was built in 2004. 6 month from blasting to occupancy. Builder was SOS Design. Cost $/ft² = 175. **Q: Please can you tell me where the table and chairs come from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It was bought in High Point North Carolina **Q: Great house! Dont you love Vancouver Island** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I do! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-09.*