--- title: "Etienne Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/etienne-design-pfvwus-pf~1863036656 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1863036656.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Etienne Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f7232f630303aec6_3326-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1294 Galiano Road, Vernon, British Columbia V1B 3B3, Canada" latitude: 50.2553 longitude: -119.2231 phone: "(250) 702-7854" website: http://www.etiennedesign.ca rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 91 last_updated: 2026-08-21 --- # Etienne Design Original Houzz profile: [Etienne Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/etienne-design-pfvwus-pf~1863036656) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Vernon, BC - **Serves:** Gulf Islands, Kelowna, The Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Vernon - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2019), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves With over twenty-five years of custom design, construction and building experience, our work represents the best of modern west coast home design. We employ the highest standards to design unique spaces which meet the individual needs and dreams of our clients. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Drafting - Handicap-Accessible Design - Barn Design & Construction ### Areas Served - Gulf Islands - Kelowna - The Okanagan - Vancouver Island - Vernon ### Typical Job Cost CAD 1,000,000 - CAD 5,000,000 Most projects are new builds, but we also accept large renovation projects. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Etienne Design | | Address | 1294 Galiano Road, Vernon, British Columbia V1B 3B3, Canada | | Phone | (250) 702-7854 | | Website | http://www.etiennedesign.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 91 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Etienne-Design-1479670832337056/ - LinkedIn — http://ca.linkedin.com/in/etiennedesign/ - Blog — www.etiennedesign.ca ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Etienne Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/etienne-design-pfvwus-pf~1863036656) - **Website:** http://www.etiennedesign.ca - **Phone:** (250) 702-7854 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Finalist in the Vancouver Island Building Excellence (VIBE) Awards. - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2019), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — kbridget, Dec. 2015** > We think Designer Etienne de Villiers is exceptional! > > You can guess from this statement that we had an extraordinary experience building our contemporary oceanfront cottage on one of the northern Gulf Islands of BC. We thought long and hard before writing this review trying to identify the quintessential points to share. Was it the creativity, or collaborative nature of the project, the professionalism or commitment to detail, timelines and budgets? Did we want to highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of Etienne’s building partners – Luc Trepanier and Drew Erickson? Or maybe it was his guidance and suggestions with the details - fixtures, lighting, counter and cabinet materials etc. > > But in the end, it was Etienne’s VISION that was most important. It occurred to us that what he could see from the very beginning, we didn’t fully appreciate until the end. > > We sit in amazement at how beautiful the house is - inside and out; how his vision of integrating the environment and the structure together played out: red fir in and out, ocean views in and out, interesting site lines in and out. > > And so, from our experience, Etienne is an amazing designer! Thanks, Etienne, Luc and Drew and all of the sub contractors, for giving us this beautiful shelter by the ocean. **★★★★★ — nabisoga2001, Nov. 2015** > The service that Etienne provided was outstanding; working with him over several years was the right fit for me to create a stunning multi million dollar west coast timber frame home. > His ability and his creative side is why my house has been featured in two magazines, outstanding job. I would more than recommend him to anyone wanting to build a high end custom home; he is a professional and a first class person to deal with. > B Jefferson **★★★★★ — mouncejack, Nov. 2015** > After my wife and I purchased a rather special waterfront property in 1996, Etienne replaced the existing near-derelict house and cabin with a pair of architectural gems: a low profile 1500 square foot home with French doors opening onto the deck from several of the rooms and a 380 square foot jewel box of a guest cottage/studio. Nearly 20 years later, first time visitors and guests invariably remark on the exterior charm and the interior design of both. The two buildings, separated by a seasonal stream, are connected by a delightful curved bridge, while an attractively designed garden shed completes the scene that Etienne provided. > > In those days, he also involved himself in the actual construction of his designs, and the craftsmanship that he and several members of his current team brought to our project was of the highest quality. We are as delighted with what they did for us as we were at the time. **★★★★★ — lorimcf, Nov. 2015** > We hired Etienne for our house renovation after having seen several of his projects (renovations and a new build) on the Denman Island home and garden tour. Without fail his designs were imaginative and innovative. Additionally everyone commented on how easy and satisfying it was to work with Etienne. He redesigned our main floor (kitchen, living room, dining room, and master bedroom/bathroom) and outside main and side entrances. His design took our ordinary, boxy home and turned it into an oasis. He simultaneously opened and defined the rooms and dramatically improved the sightlines, flow and feel of our space. Etienne is thoughtful, collaborative and a creative genius. He worked with us every step of the way and always listened to our questions. We would highly recommend his services. **★★★★★ — Annie Linnell, Oct. 2015** > As part of our research for building our retirement home, we looked at many houses on Denman and Hornby Islands, and soon realized that the homes we were attracted to were the brainchild of Etienne deVilliers. We wanted a “west coast” home that was sympathetic to the mountainous skyline to the west of Denman, and reflected the colours of the trees, from the orange-brown of arbutus to the grey-brown of Douglas fir. We wanted a house that took advantage of the views of Vancouver Island and captured the warmth of the sunny southwest aspect of our property. We wanted a home that was laid gently upon the slope. We wanted a home that took advantage of local timbers, that was energy efficient, and felt welcoming to be in. > Etienne built the house of our dreams. He is incredibly talented and creative, yet was always respectful of our often naive ideas, and was a delight to work with. He assembled a competent team of local craftsmen to build our beautiful and extraordinary home. Etienne is modest, reliable, professional, and very generous with his time. We are happy to give him our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — Harold Gleusteen, Oct. 2015** > Etienne has outstanding sense of space and feeling and what would please the interest of the owner. He works together with you. My wife and I have nothing but praise for his ideas and the ways that he expresses those ideas in the building. We have been living in this house for some 20 years and we still enjoy every minute of it. **★★★★★ — paisleya, April 2014** > We love our house! Etienne took our unimaginative paper napkin “box design” and transformed our wish list into a beautiful, functional home. He spent a lot of time talking with us about our needs and wants and truly heard us. He also spend time walking our property and situated the house ideally into its environment. Etienne was with us throughout our building journey, supporting, explaining and adjusting as the build progressed. He came highly recommended to us and we agree, he is the best!” **★★★★★ — Island TimberFrame Ltd., March 2014** > We have worked with Etienne on many projects and it is always a pleasure. His ability to produce clean and functional, yet inspiring home designs is equal to many of Canada's more renowned architects while his demeanour is humble and unassuming. His creations are the embodiment of the West Coast Contemporary style, using modern lines and functional layouts, accentuated by native elements and detailing to suit the environment and lifestyle of his client. > > We recommend Etienne DeVilliers to our customers at every opportunity and the result of the projects we create together is always exceptional. ## Selected projects - [Bridge House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridge-house-pj-vj~5346919) - Location: Denman Island, BC - Photos: 11 - [Falling House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/falling-house-pj-vj~514336) - Location: Denman Island, BC - Photos: 24 - Description: The owners of this house wanted a structure that took advantage of both the views of Vancouver Island and the warmth of the sunny southwest aspect here. This building uses beautiful local timbers to create a home that is both energy efficient and striking. - [Eagles Aerie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eagles-aerie-pj-vj~460668) - Location: Courtney, BC - Photos: 18 - Description: "On a spectacular oceanfront acreage with unobstructed Coastal Mountain views, the endless details of Eagles Aerie are designed to play with perspective and invite wonder. Wherever the eye lands, there are elements that cry out for a closer look. Roof lines thrust skyward like the wings of some great bird. A bridge beckons you to the entryway through posts that seem to float on water. The motif on the door echos gently throughout, from front gate, to railings, to kitchen bar. Extensive landscapi… - [Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-pj-vj~1278124) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Island Reach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-reach-pj-vj~472439) - Location: Denman Island, BC - Photos: 14 - Description: This contemporary residence is located on beautiful Denman Island, BC. With a youthful edge, the functional home is light and comfortable. Ivory walls, timber floors and high ceilings create a style as timeless as the breath-taking, ocean and mountain view. The calming vistas, captured through the extensive use of glass, make this home uniquely spectacular. The house reflects the personality and taste of those accustomed to the best in quality design, finishes, and lifestyle. - [Seaside Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-reno-pj-vj~457396) - Location: Denman Island, BC - Photos: 5 - [Country Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-getaway-pj-vj~573227) - Location: Bowser, BC - Photos: 6 - [Marsh House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marsh-house-pj-vj~648587) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Eagles Aerie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eagles-aerie-pj-vj~1539000) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: 2016 VIBE Awards Finalist Sited on a rare ocean front acreage with spectacular views of the coastal range, this stunning home is truly a one of a kind West Coast residence. The architecture is a perfect example of contemporary luxury. Fine craftsmanship and artistic detailing enhance almost endless architectural perspectives. Despite a complex appearance at first glance, the home exudes thoughtfulness and simplicity in all elements of design. View a full profile of this project in YAM Magazine:… - [Seaside Timber Frame Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-timber-frame-renovation-pj-vj~1545864) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: A quaint home on one of the nicest beach-front properties Denman Island has to offer, this project entailed the construction of a hybrid timber frame addition onto an existing conventional structure. Designed by Etienne DeVilliers, vaulted ceilings with large timber trusses and exquisite wood detailing presents a showcase of true craftsmanship. The hand-crafted timber stair that leads up to the second floor from the entry is a show-piece in this home. Hand cut, clear, edge grain Douglas fir mate… - [Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carriage-house-pj-vj~7603401) - Location: Courtenay, BC - Photos: 9 - Description: A delightful modern carriage house, designed by Etienne Design in Collaboration with Elysia O'Donnell. - [The Winged Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-winged-cottage-pj-vj~5415328) - Location: Denman Island, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: Two bedroom, 2 bathroom home on the coast overlooking Hornby Island and the Mainland. - [The Winged Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-winged-cottage-pj-vj~5381700) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This stunning contemporary hybrid timberframe home features a fully structural timberframe roof system supported by conventional framing. Situated on a beachfront point, the location offers a breathtaking view of Hornby Island across the Lambert Channel from the living area through a wall of windows and from the large deck outside. Etienne de Villiers designed this home to suit the views and the location perfectly. The owners wanted a well built, but modestly sized home that would be comfortable… [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/etienne-design-pfvwus-pf~1863036656) ## Ideabooks - [Bedroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56373919/list/bedroom-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ecsdevilliers) ## Community Q&A **Q: Beautiful yet minimalist! A bit of a retro feel to it. How many sqft?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Jean, thanks for the question! This house is 1,425 sqft. **Q: Lovely home. what is the sq. ft.? the length vs width?** *(in Photo Questions)* This is a beautiful home. Can you please tell me what the sq. ft. is? also the length and width of the house? A: Hi, Thank you so much. The house is 4,135-square-foot timber-frame structure. **Q: Love the fireplace wall. What is the material?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's a product called Friendlywall from Finium. Friendlywall is a prefinished, decorative hardwood wall-covering that comes in panels. Contemporary and versatile, we like the rich level of detail it adds to the fireplace surround shown here. **Q: What is this floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The floor here is stamped concrete over an in -floor radiant heating system. The concrete has been dyed to achieve a rich, natural tone that well matches the aesthetic of the home. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-21.*