--- title: "sensitive design inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sensitive-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~402698047 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~402698047.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "sensitive design inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c933b91c01c4d36b_2948-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "6362 Douglas St., West Vancouver, British Columbia V7W 2E9, Canada" latitude: 49.3356 longitude: -123.0694 phone: "(604) 781-8437" website: https://sensitivedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 29 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 270 last_updated: 2026-08-20 --- # sensitive design inc. Original Houzz profile: [sensitive design inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sensitive-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~402698047) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** West Vancouver, BC - **Serves:** Vancouver to Whistler, west vancouver - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (29 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2024), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 24 years in business Since establishing Sensitive Design in 1996, Susanne has undertaken numerous design and project management assignments ranging from the very large (house and condominium design and construction) to the very small (kitchen and bathroom renovations). Strong interpersonal skills and a driving desire to provide client satisfaction result in uncompromising attention to detail and a willingness to go the “extra mile”. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! ### 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 - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Home Gym Design & Construction - Dock Design & Construction - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Vancouver to Whistler - west vancouver ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | sensitive design inc. | | Address | 6362 Douglas St., West Vancouver, British Columbia V7W 2E9, Canada | | Phone | (604) 781-8437 | | Website | https://sensitivedesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 270 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.instagram.com/sensitivedesigninc/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [sensitive design inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sensitive-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~402698047) - **Website:** https://sensitivedesign.com - **Phone:** (604) 781-8437 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BEST BATHROOM RENOVATION -WINNER 2019 - BEST HOME RENOVATION 500- 699 K- OVATION WINNER 2015 - BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION OVER 100K - GEORGIE AWARD GOLD 2015 - BEST HOME RENOVATION 800K OVER - GEORGIE AWARD GOLD 2014 - BEST RENOVATION 800K AND OVER- OVATION AWARD WINNER 2014 - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2024), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [Homebuilders Association Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/homebuilders-association-vancouver-pfvwus-pf~470696337) - [IDIBC - Interior Designer's Institute of BC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/idibc-interior-designer-s-institute-of-bc-pfvwus-pf~93416661) - [Italian Design Institute - IDI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/italian-design-institute-idi-pfvwit-pf~1738604824) - [Canadian Home Builders' Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/canadian-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~1797840506) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 29 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Morag, Jan. 2026** > We hired Susanne for a major renovation of our new home, and she was exceptional from start to finish. She brought creative ideas, honest opinions, and valuable suggestions that helped us fully realize our vision for the interior and outdoor living space. Our house, built in the 1950s, revealed numerous unexpected challenges once the interior walls and ceiling were opened. Susanne helped us navigate these complexities with thoughtful, practical solutions. She expertly guided us through the design and permit process and worked skillfully within the constraints of the Streamside Setback and Right-of-Way requirements. She also helped us select a reliable builder, Candane Construction, ensuring the entire project moved forward smoothly and with confidence. We are incredibly grateful for her expertise and support throughout this journey. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you so much Morag , so appreciated and it was such a rewarding project **★★★★★ — jonlee4, Jan. 2023** > Susanne has been great. We built a custom new duplex with secondary suites on an odd shaped lot. Lots of complexity. Her architectural background has been very helpful throughout the process. We brought Susanne on early in the process and she helped us with the interior space layouts as well as exterior finishes. Her interior design drawings were clear and her recommendations for material selection were very appropriate given how picky we are. The overall outcome has been great. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much Jonathan, very appreciated it and I know how busy you are. **★★★★★ — HU-817271016, Dec. 2022** > Susanne Doise of Sensitive Design is a very professional individual. She handled our project from Design to Permit stage and beyond to completion. Starting inDec 21 for design submission to Dec22 completion. > We encountered several hurdles of which none were beyond her to negotiate a path forward. With shortages of good available trades we were faced with mistakes galore and often resulted in major costly delays . Susanne managed to keep the project on the go and steer it to completion. She is a trooper. > You can rest assured Sensitive Design will have your best interest at heart. Erika **★★★★★ — Karen Ong, Dec. 2022** > We started our renovation journey in the middle of the pandemic, when there was so much disarray and confusion with the building permit application due to various COVID restrictions and changes to the permit application process. Susanne, however, managed to maneuver through this and thanks to her persistence in following up, she was able to get our permit. > > Susanne definitely has a creative eye and is not afraid to speak her mind and give her opinion. Our renovation project is quite a major one. Susanne's extensive knowledge of architecture and interior design made our meetings with our general contractor very productive and insightful. She worked very well with my general contractor and other trades. Like most projects, the scope of work just got bigger and bigger as walls were torn down and Susanne was able to pivot and adjust to our needs. She redesigned and repositioned our old staircase to build it to code and make it more functional (and fengshui friendly). Another important item on my wish list was to have a larger kitchen which was kind of tricky considering where the old kitchen was situated. But Susanne made it happen. She provided excellent resources and suppliers and would always remind me that we are working within a budget. She respected that I had my personal design preferences but worked with me to make things work. Susanne along with our wonderful general contractor turned our 83 year old house into an almost brand new modern farmhouse. Thanks Susanne for all your hard work and patience throughout this whole project. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much with such a rewarding review, I was such pleasure having you as my client **★★★★★ — Greg Nelson, Dec. 2022** > New garage build in the difficult-to-get-permit -city of Vancouver. Susanne overcame the issues despite Covid hanging around and complicating things. Changes to the design were done without difficulty. Final design was exactly what was requested. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much, it was a fun job and I like the challenge navigating through Vancouver Planning **★★★★★ — Mary Blachut, Dec. 2022** > We hired Susanne to design the complete makeover of our suite. She conceptualized the design, drew up the plans and led us through the permitting process. Throughout the whole process, Susanne was punctual and professional and a pleasure to deal with. She always listened to our needs, wishes and ideas and successfully incorporated them into the plans. The renovation, although still not quite done, is going to be fabulous! **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Very much appreciated you kind words and hope you will enjoy your reno with your family for many years to come **★★★★★ — Nancy Wong, Dec. 2019** > Susanne has been a pleasure to work with on an extensive interior and exterior renovation of our 40+ year old house for the past 18 months. She is easy to talk to, genuinely listens -- is warm, sincere, enthusiastic and above all, honest. She states her vision / opinions clearly, is willing to think outside the box, not afraid to question costs / think of alternatives, rectify mistakes, and makes herself available to consult and provide direction when needed. > > Choosing Susanne first as a designer in our project worked well. She played a critical role in choosing a contractor and being an independent advocate for us as the homeowner. **★★★★★ — Bryan Wong, Dec. 2019** > Susanne has been an exceptional guide during our large scale renovations of our home. Her scope of knowledge and the ideas that she brings to the table have always excelled our expectations. It is certainly hard to find good help and leadership for building projects nowadays in the Lower Mainland; however, with Susanne, you can trust that you are in excellent hands. She has been a fundamental reason for the success of our new home!! **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much Bryan for your great , review, now it is time to start enjoying your beautiful home **★★★★★ — sunnyhillgirl, Dec. 2019** > Susanne at Sensitive Design transformed our outdated 20 year old condo in Vancouver into A modern looking, bright, and welcoming home. She was imaginative in her design and skillful as a project manager. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much for your review, I know it is a busy time for everybody, even more appreciated. Have a wonderful Christmas. **★★★★★ — HU-950026775, Nov. 2019** > We live in a Vancouver Special style house that was built in the 70's. In 2014 Susanne did an amazing job with the design of our renovation upstairs with the open concept which led to contemporary living with new lightings, brand new kitchen and bathroom etc. This year we hired Susanne again to design the basement renovation for an energy efficient living space and a secondary suite. > With the building non conforming challenges of the Vancouver Special house, Susanne was able to problem solve and help us from the application of variance to the approval of the variance from the City of Vancouver. It was her passion and professionalism that convince us to move forward with the project despite of the challenges. We look forward to her help in transforming our outdated basement to a functional and beautiful living space. **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Thank you very much for your review- I love challanges **★★★★★ — T&L Contracting & Custom Homes, Nov. 2019** > As a General Contractor on this project, I had the opportunity to work with Susanne on this new home build in North Burnaby. From the beginning, I could see that Susanne was able to clearly communicate her design intent. She was involved with site visits ,and showed high care level to execute any changes to the design from the clients. In my opinion, Susanne is very professional and shows integrity in her projects. **★★★★★ — Philippa W, Dec. 2018** > We hired Susanne for a major renovation in our new home. Right from the first meeting, we were confident in her design capabilities and her proactive, creative and practical approach. She interpreted our design vision and respected our budget, bringing everything together beautifully in the final product. She was responsive to our many questions and emails, and always solutions focused. Overall, I would highly recommend Susanne and hope to work with her again in the future! **Comment from sensitive design inc.:** > Hello Philippa, > thank you very much for your review , very much appreciated and hope you will enjoy your home for many years to come. ## Selected projects - [Whistler Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whistler-home-pj-vj~7323731) - Location: Whistler, BC - Photos: 32 - Description: GEORGIE AWARD WINNER 2025, BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION UNDER 200K. Homeowner wished to renovate their existing 2 bedroom , 3 bathroom plus loft home into a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom (2 of them ensuites), more defined entry space and most of all a more open spacious living -dining-kitchen interacting space to entertain family and friends for their Recreational Whistler home. With an existing overpowering large fireplace chimney, a sunken living room and a far too small kitchen it created a big design cha… - [Blueridge, North Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blueridge-north-vancouver-pj-vj~6367377) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 30 - Description: The undertaking of a large home renovation resulted in a beautiful modern , bright and open living space, indoor and outdoor with new and better access to the backyard, which was quite neglected due to the difficulty of convenient access from the Upper Living Floor to the rather shady backyard. Empty Nesters , close to retirement , the homeowner decided for a renovation, which would accommodate aging-in-place and adding a secondary suite, possible to move in later, when less mobile, as well as a… - [Bellevue Ave - Condo Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-ave-condo-renovation-pj-vj~2331321) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 21 - Description: Empty-nest couple moving to dated 2-bed-2-bath waterfront condo wants: Simple open sophistication. More-functional kitchen and master-suite. Better ventilation and lighting. Full exploitation of views. Layout for aging-in-place. Result: Creative design-details Non-figure-book-match Anigre-veneer floor-to-ceiling kitchen-wall cabinets and underlit-floating bathroom cabinets. Exotic-marble waterfall-edge island. Pop-up downdraft and electrical preserve sightlines. Proportional Anigre ceiling-drop… - [Whistler Creekside Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whistler-creekside-duplex-pj-vj~6367480) - Location: Whistler, BC - Photos: 17 - Description: Don Stuart Architect , Ringmaster Construction Whistler and Sensitive Design collaborated on a new Built in Whistler Creekside. 1300 Sf per unit , 3 bedrooms w/ Ensuite Bathrooms, Living Room on Upper floor with view towards the mountain. - [Rockridge-West Vancouver, B.C.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockridge-west-vancouver-b-c-pj-vj~2817854) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 27 - Description: The client, both European, were looking for a modern touch to their rather traditional home, they like to entertain , a love for cooking and providing a comfortable space for their many guests, mostly visiting from Europe. A large interior renovation for kitchen and 4 bathrooms and various interior spaces and some exterior changes. Adding to the master-bedroom balcony for more unobstructed view without clashing modernism and traditional architecture. The same concept was brought into the interio… - [Age-In-Place New Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/age-in-place-new-home-pj-vj~5952262) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 22 - Description: The existing home has come to its end-of-life and renovating was out of question in order to achieve modern standards, energy efficiency and an Age-In-Place friendly home. Two brothers took the initiative to build a new home for their parents where they can enjoy their retirement with all the comfort to accommodate universal design and easy access. The new house design is also optimized for future value of space and flexibility, considering the rising costs of housing and hopefully investing in… - [Townhouse, West Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/townhouse-west-vancouver-pj-vj~5512865) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 21 - Description: Interior Renovation for a 3 bedroom Townhouse. The clients wish was to create a contemporary timeless environment. "WINNER @OVATION AWARDS 2019 FOR BEST BATHROOM UNDER 35K" The Upper Main Floor with living and kitchen, opening up the space by removing partitions and improving the functional spaces with a better more open floorspace. Large island, walnut build-ins and a "hidden door" to make the existing powder-room near the kitchen less obvious. Remodelling the fireplace to a 3-sided gas firepla… - [Mountain Hwy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-hwy-pj-vj~440092) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 10 - Description: A recent Georgie Award Winner Gold for Best Home Renovation , Category 800K and over. In team work with Shakespeare Homes we overcame all the challenges the lot and the existing house with its Zoning and Streamside Restrictions were present to us. Don't hesitate to asked questions, should you face a similar challenges on the North Shore as a homeowner, since we have plenty of those situations with the new Streamside Guidelines. - [Horseshoebay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/horseshoebay-pj-vj~7100690) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: 22 year old Horseshoe Bay Duplex with view to Mountains and Harbour got a complete makeover with a limited budget to meet. Kitchen, Bathrooms , Flooring, Doors, Fireplace , better Lighting and creating a secondary suite was on the wish list. - [Doran Rd, North Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/doran-rd-north-vancouver-pj-vj~1394296) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 22 - Description: OVATION AWARD WINNER FOR BEST HOME RENOVATION-500- 699K Hockey-focused family wants open, welcoming home that can host their children’s teams. “Bright, magnificent, memorable and explicitly modern, inside and out. Massive, open entertaining space better connected to more-fully-utilized basement with new exercise, storage and wine rooms” was their words when they described to SENSITIVE DESIGN, what they were looking for. Moving to a different house was not an option. Municipal setback/top-of-bank… - [Northwood \_View Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northwood-view-point-pj-vj~2331353) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 16 - Description: Young Family moving to an 8,000-sq-ft compartmentalized and inefficient house design wishing for a more open-family-living, entertainment-friendly layout. Seismic, technology, sustainability and finishings upgrade was on their priority list. New storage, study, entertainment , pool-changing rooms and all bathrooms to be renovated; Above all — bring spectacular sweeping view inside. Result Some Creative Design Details: 27-feet of double-glazed Eclipse-folding-glass doors replaced walls with patio… - [Rosedale Garden Condo renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rosedale-garden-condo-renovation-pj-vj~6367845) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 18 - [Award-Winning Macbeth Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-macbeth-renovation-pj-vj~315069) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: Ovation Award Winner 2013, Best Bathroom Renovation Large Home Renovation, showing renovated Bathroom. For images go to: www.sensitivedesign.com - [Balmoral](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/balmoral-pj-vj~1390267) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 24 - Description: “A renovation for long term for a young family of four, remodeling all three levels with an open modern concept, better advantage of the views, elegant and memorable” was the description for what the client was looking for when they hired Sensitive Design , removing walls, opening up towards the view with large sliding doors, created a more functional kitchen, dining and family room and connecting spaces, the Master-suite was reconfigured , creating a modern and bright spa like feeling inviting… - [In the Forrest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-the-forrest-pj-vj~6246095) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 12 - Description: Clients wish was to create a more open and connected kitchen to the sunny front yard. The house, very close to forests and tall trees, it was important to bring more light and brightness into the space and maintaing pricacy. The scope of renovation was a kitchen, deck extension to the front and bathroom renovations. The challange was to tie in the addition to existing rooflines and making it look like, as if there never was a renovation or addition and maximizing the allowable FSR within the zon… - [Emerald Chalet-Whistler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/emerald-chalet-whistler-pj-vj~2818172) - Location: Whistler, BC - Photos: 9 - Description: The clients wish to add living space and bedrooms to their Whistler Chalet, which served them well while their 3 boys were growing up and everybody in the family is an avid skier or snowboarder. Now all grown more space was need for their partners and spouses. There was certainly some structural issues (see images), which needed serious attention and the biggest challenge for this planned addition was the steep slope and accessibility, but fortunately the existing house was on solid bedrock. It… - [Headland Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/headland-drive-pj-vj~2331417) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 24 - Description: Family of five adults required a more functional and modernized house, updating bathrooms and kitchen to modern standards and technology as well as improving family-gathering focal points and modernization of this kitchen’s interior, making it brighter, more open and better connected with family and great-room. The husband, an amateur member of the “Chaîne-des-Rôtisseurs” chef’s association, wished for a masterchef kitchen. The home’s angular layout had to be accommodated and created challenges… - [Laneway House - Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laneway-house-vancouver-pj-vj~5946303) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: The best recommendation is the one, which comes from a former happy client, in this case, we got recommended to a relative living in Vancouver. The family was in desperate need of a renovation, because the house became unsafe and uninsurable. With the cost of housing rising, selling and moving was not an option. In addition they have two adult daughters, with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, who needed to be cared for longterm. It was very fortunate that the existing house placement and the lot size ga… - [Chalet Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chalet-place-pj-vj~760438) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 13 - Description: GEORGIE AWARD GOLD 2015 FOR " Best kitchen Renovation over 100K" The purpose was an updated interior with more continuity, openness, brightness and natural exposure. A compartmentalized den and kitchen became a family area flowing into living and dining rooms. Careful arrangement around enlarged windows and skylights exploits existing surroundings so new room extends into the "west coast" like setting backyard - [Vancouver Condo Reno- Yaletown](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vancouver-condo-reno-yaletown-pj-vj~316849) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: Vancouver Yaletown Condo Renovation [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sensitive-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~402698047) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Interior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28316855/list/modern-interior) — 25 ideas - [Pandora](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102281593/list/pandora) — 14 ideas - [Whistler](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91127805/list/whistler) — 3 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32550186/list/kitchen) — 7 ideas - [Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20008166/list/details) — 9 ideas - [Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31109083/list/landscaping) — 6 ideas - [Fun Stuff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19136018/list/fun-stuff) — 4 ideas - [Energy Efficient Homes Idea's](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11768402/list/energy-efficient-homes-idea-s) — 6 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/susannedoise) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks A: Thanks for asking, but why and what for? **Q: Love This!** *(in Photo Questions)* This is really a beautiful kitchen. Would you mind sharing the make/color of the flooring? I just love it and hope to use something similar in my home. Thank you!!! A: Hi there, whoever you are or where you are, happy to hear you like this project. The kitchen cabinets are a glossy white finish, cannot recall the exact counter top name, but it is quartz and the floor tile is from Ames Tile called Word-Up, good luck, Susanne **Q: what is the floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* Trying to find something similar. Had concrete in our old house but won’t work now. A: This tile is from Ames, 24x24" Word-Up Series. All the Best **Q: bifold window** *(in Photo Questions)* which company is this bifold window from please? what kind of countertop material also please? and finally is there any problem with air tightness A: all the Best, Susanne **Q: glass door materials** *(in Photo Questions)* Was the door custom made or ordered someplace particular? Thanks! A: This is a custom door by Kolbe Windows and doors **Q: Where did you find the gorgeous chandelier?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Oh, that was easy, Vancouver at Robinson Lighting --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-20.*