---
title: "John Donkin Architect Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-donkin-architect-inc-pfvwus-pf~185077578
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~185077578.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "John Donkin Architect Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1963583902a87bc4_3239-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "138 Hopewell Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2Z3, Canada"
latitude: 45.4165
longitude: -75.6783
phone: "(613) 730-6918"
website: http://jdarchitect.ca
rating: 4.9
review_count: 11
best_of_houzz_awards: 10
followers: 305
last_updated: 2026-09-05
---

# John Donkin Architect Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [John Donkin Architect Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-donkin-architect-inc-pfvwus-pf~185077578)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Ottawa, ON
- **Serves:** Aylmer, Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Britannia, Chelsea, Deschênes, Gatineau, Gloucester, Hazeldean, Hull, Kanata, Leitrim, Nepean, Old Chelsea, Orleans, Ottawa, Pointe-Gatineau, Quebec, Rockcliffe Park, Shirleys Bay, Templeton, Uplands
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (11 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100,000 Ideabook Saves
- Houzz Research - Insider
- Best of Houzz winner
- Online consultation
- 33 years in business

John Donkin is a licensed architect with nearly thirty years of architectural experience preceded by seven years' work in construction. He is particularly interested in the development of innovative building forms especially suited to unique clients and unusual situations.

After graduating from the School of Architecture at Carleton University, Mr Donkin worked as project architect in two prominent Ottawa architectural firms on a variety of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. He has experience in all aspects of project design, management and construction, including zoning interpretation, architectural design, site planning, budget and cost analysis, construction documentation, the preparation of tender documents and analysis of tenders, contract administration, site review and the certification of payments. John Donkin is also experienced in energy efficient building technology, including LEED and passivhaus energy standards.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Home Restoration
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- 3D Home Design

### Areas Served

- Aylmer
- Barrhaven
- Bells Corners
- Britannia
- Chelsea
- Deschênes
- Gatineau
- Gloucester
- Hazeldean
- Hull
- Kanata
- Leitrim
- Nepean
- Old Chelsea
- Orleans
- Ottawa
- Pointe-Gatineau
- Quebec
- Rockcliffe Park
- Shirleys Bay
- Templeton
- Uplands

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | John Donkin Architect Inc. |
| Address | 138 Hopewell Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2Z3, Canada |
| Phone | (613) 730-6918 |
| Website | http://jdarchitect.ca |
| Followers on Houzz | 305 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/JohnDonkinArchitect
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-donkin/59/392/80b

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [John Donkin Architect Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-donkin-architect-inc-pfvwus-pf~185077578)
- **Website:** http://jdarchitect.ca
- **Phone:** (613) 730-6918

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- OAA - Ontario Association of ArchitectsRAIC - Royal Architectural Institute of CanadaGOHBA - Greater Ottawa Home Builders' AssociationORSA - Ottawa Regional Society of Architects

- **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 11 reviews**

### All 11 reviews

**★★★★★ — T Strauss, June 2019**

> We would highly recommend John to anyone in Ottawa looking for an architect. Working with him was an absolute pleasure. Despite the complexities of our project, he was enthusiastic about problem solving and committed to making it work within our budget. His warmth as a person and his accessible and imaginative approach to providing architecture services also made us entirely at ease and excited about the possibilities for our home in all our meetings and communications. We didn't end up completing the project, as we made plans to move countries midway through the schematic design phase - if not for our own extenuating circumstances, we would have loved to keep working with him!

**★★★★★ — Jim Bonta, June 2017**

> Our renovation project involved the complete finishing of a 2,000 square foot basement. John Donkin and his intern architect, Chris Cormier, worked closely with my wife and I in designing a basement that is functional and beautiful.  John was quick in preparing draft designs and making modifications that arose from our discussions. Chris even prepared a mock-up model of the basement that helped us visualize the final product. The final detailed design was specific in instructing our building contractor and the city building permits and all stages of approval progressed without any problems. John is very pleasant to work with and he was professional in all aspect of his work. We highly recommend John's architectural services whether you have a small or large project.

**★★★★★ — Stephen Murray, Jan. 2017**

> John found a thoughtful way to add a three-piece ensuite bath to a Westboro storey and a half house while remaining within the existing building envelope. I didn't need more space; I needed the space I had to be better organized. The result is brilliant - a jewel of an ensuite bath, excellent closet space, and improved energy efficiency. I truly enjoyed working with John and the team from an architectural standpoint and with an outstanding contractor, Tom Vtipil of Otto and Sons Construction. Fabulous.

**★★★★★ — fvexler, Sept. 2015**

> We were introduced to John Donkin by our daughter whose new build he had designed and supervised.  After our first meeting we decided to look no further.  He was extremely personable, professional and imaginative.  He readily understood our vision of a 'right-sized' home for the two of us, with plenty of space to entertain and room to welcome visiting children and grandchildren.  John translated this vision into a unique design while maintaining a 'traditional' exterior to match our street and neighborhood.
> John was always available and patient when it came to questions and decisions.  He was also attentive to detail, both during the design and the building process.  We readily endorse his work and recommend him to others.

**★★★★★ — JVLphotography, Jan. 2015**

> I was contracted by John Donkin Architect and RND construction (the builder) to photograph their "Urban Green" project for their portfolio's as well as award submissions (we won 2014's "Green Custom Home" BTW). John's attention to detail and vision of the project translated from the home to the photographs, having a clear idea of what he envisioned and a drive to make it a reality. The open and interconnected spaces of the project let light flood into the home, but clever placement of walls, glass, steel, and wood gave the home an intimate elemental contentedness that was modern, yet rooted in the earth.
>
> John showed no signs of pretense, and was incredibly kind and approachable who, undoubtedly, takes good care of his clients.

**★★★★★ — holmsten, Dec. 2014**

> John's skills as a designer are exceptional on many levels.
> His strongest asset lies in building the bridge needed to translate the clients dreams into remarkable living spaces.
> Our experience regarding the budget building process has always been handled with the utmost discretion to the clients interests.
> John's " hands on" approach to site condition issues always produces results that are complimentary to both builder and client. Never one to step back from protecting the interests of all parties involved in any project we have been engaged in.
> The "smart money" always puts together a good team of people when considering a custom home build.
> Commissioning John Donkin Architects Inc. as your designer is a choice that starts any project in the right direction.

**★★★★★ — 67pinhey, Nov. 2014**

> Our first meeting with John had us confident that the search for our architect was over.
> His ability to be attentive to our vision and respect our budget was spot on.
> He was never short of creative solutions and progressive ideas, and kept us comfortable and motivated during the entire process.
> All deadlines as well as completed applications were met on time, and John made the course clear, professional and friendly.
> We are in love with our new home, and enjoy watching others admire it from the very windows John designed.

**★★★★ — dcollister, May 2014**

> John Donkin was the architect for our new home, which was an infill in downtown Ottawa. John was responsible for the design of the entire project, including exterior and interior and selection of materials. He worked very closely with us to ensure that the design met our needs, and supervised the project to ensure that the general contractor realized our vision. Overall, we were very happy with the design and felt that it captured our desire for an eco-friendly home that functioned as an urban farm/garden/oasis in the city.
> We did have problems with some of our trades, resulting in some substantial areas of work continuing to be incomplete. John has continued to work with us to address these issues, which we appreciate.

**★★★★★ — D.R. De Ridder, April 2014**

> We received a preliminary estimate for the design of a second story renovation from John Donkin Architect, Inc. The principal architect, John, visited our property - twice - and expressed a lot of interest in our stylistic preferences, which were influenced by several years spent living abroad. Importantly, he took time to listen and showed a great deal of enthusiasm and empathy. In the end, we decided not to hire this firm because the proposal centred around a complete rebuild versus an addition to the existing structure. Nevertheless, as far as the initial meetings and proposals were concerned, JDA was thoroughly professional and I would not hesitate to recommend interested parties to contact them.

**★★★★★ — Rachel Inch, Feb. 2014**

> At the beginning of our “house building journey”, John spent hours with us in our backyard getting a feel for the light, the trees, the neighbouring buildings and the neighbourhood. He took the time necessary to understand our lifestyle (and projected lifestyle!), learning our likes and dislikes, needs and wants. There was not much discussion on “how many rooms” or “how many square feet” - yet his design captured our requirements better than we could have ever expressed them.
>
> Thanks to John, we now live in a beautiful, voluminous, light-filled house with not one bit of wasted space. Even after one year in our amazing new home we continue to be delighted with design details that help make our lives easier, and our time with our family more relaxed and enjoyable.

**★★★★★ — robmarland, Feb. 2014**

> My wife and I interviewed several architects. What we found interesting about John was his unique approach. We knew we would get his full attention and that was exactly what he delivered. Building an infill is tricky. Maximizing natural light and interesting sight lines was a challenge that John was up for. In the end our home is something that we were thrilled with. With time the small but important design details constantly remind us of how special and talented John is. John Donkin has a unique portfolio and provides individual and focused attention to each project.

## Selected projects

- [Grange Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grange-residence-pj-vj~6825108)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 17
- [Third Ave Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/third-ave-residence-pj-vj~5859764)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 14
- [Pinhey Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pinhey-apartment-pj-vj~5825482)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This project took our previously completed Pinhey Residence and converted the existing basement space into a 1 bedroom unit. The main living space is a combined work-center, living room, and kitchen. Large operable windows throughout the unit provide a bright and airy feel which make the space seem like anything but a basement. There is also a curb-less tile shower and wall-mount vanity in the washroom and in-suite laundry.
- [Loretta Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loretta-residence-pj-vj~1249389)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 19
- [Treasure Box](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/treasure-box-pj-vj~758036)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This family wanted the openness that modernism can bring, but needed space for toys, books, shoes, ornaments and art: all the things that make a house a home. In answer to this need, we developed a flexible, modular storage and display system that climbs three stories through the house, starting as shoe storage in the entry, becoming a guard and storage for books at the ground floor, and finally breaking into display space at the living room and stairs.
- [Leonard House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leonard-house-pj-vj~397266)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 7
- [Stirling House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stirling-house-pj-vj~397277)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 8
- [Pinhey Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pinhey-residence-pj-vj~1249573)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 14
- [Clemow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clemow-pj-vj~399226)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 8
- [Frank House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frank-house-pj-vj~399522)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: An addition and renovation to a single family home in downtown Ottawa
- [Urban Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-green-pj-vj~757946)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Awarded Green Home of the Year by the Greater Ottawa Home Builder's Association, Urban Green was a collaboration with RND Construction (www.rndconstruction.ca/)
- [Cabinets and custom millwork](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabinets-and-custom-millwork-pj-vj~435070)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Custom storage solutions from my portfolio
- [Onslow House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/onslow-house-pj-vj~399292)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 7
- [Westhill Ensuite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westhill-ensuite-pj-vj~2401479)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This project transformed an existing walk-in closet in a post-war single family home into a custom wet-room for the client. Given the extremely tight space constraints, from the onset of the project we imagined this as a type of cigar box construction: compact, finely detailed, and extremely precise.
- [Belmont Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-residence-pj-vj~1589143)
  - Location: Ottawa, ON
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Here are a few photos of a recently completed project in Old Ottawa South. This project was a complete gut and renovate with a small addition on the rear.

[See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-donkin-architect-inc-pfvwus-pf~185077578)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Window size?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the size of the window?
Ceiling height?

A: Hi Marilyn,
The ceiling height is 10' and the windows are 64'Wx16"H and 32"Wx66"H respectively.
Thanks!

**Q: Beautiful kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you please tell me the manufacturer of the kitchen cabinets?  Thank you. Sandra

A: Hi Sandra! They are Ikea cabinets and pulls. - Chris

**Q: European style cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)*

I was told that there is no molding available for high gloss or acrylic covered upper cabinets to be able to fill the gap between them and ceiling. Is this true?

A: We find them more flexible than factory made cabinets, and cheaper than custom cabinets, so thyey make a good mid range choice.  Getting someone who can hack them opens up some good 'custom' installations.

**Q: securement** *(in Photo Questions)*

how are the trellis' secured to the stucco? thanks!

A: Hello Matt,
The trellis' are secured with metal brackets through the stucco to the building sheathing underneath.
\- Chris

**Q: Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hello there

May I ask what floor you used? 
Thamks a lot!
Nicolette

A: Hi Nicolette,

We believe they are site finished pine but the home owner installed them himself so we have no way to know for sure.

Sorry we couldn't be more helpful,

Chris

**Q: bench depth** *(in Photo Questions)*

Wondering what the size of the bench at the end of the shower is? Considering a similar layout and trying to put things together. I know this is an older project so thank you in advance.

A: zzhar,
The bench is 16" high and 16" deep, and about 45 inches long.  If I had a choice (and the room) I might make it 2" wider.

Yours,

John Donkin OAA MRAIC

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*