--- title: "studioDB3 — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studiodb3-pfvwus-pf~688037871 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~688037871.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: studioDB3 category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e9a3101a020cd6fd_1872-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "G - 221 Glacier View Drive, Comox, British Columbia V9M 1G6, Canada" latitude: 49.6866 longitude: -124.9514 phone: "(250) 889-2584" website: http://www.studioDB3.ca rating: 4.9 review_count: 74 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 462 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # studioDB3 Original Houzz profile: [studioDB3](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studiodb3-pfvwus-pf~688037871) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Comox, BC - **Serves:** Bamberton, Brentwood Bay, Campbell River, Central Saanich, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Fair-winds Nanoose Bay, Fulford, Fulford Harbour, Malahat, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, North Saanich, Pender Island, Port Sidney, Saanich, Saanichton, Saltspring Island, Sidney, Sooke, Swartz Bay, Sydney, Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (74 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 45 years in business As an architectural / designer and visual artist Daniel (Dan) Boot has spent his artistic career pushing the boundaries of his practice by working in two-dimensional and three - dimensional realms within a blend of form and mass. Known for his sculptural designs of modern residential designs; his buildings are an ‘art to live in’ using the philosophy of form follows function / indoor flowing seamlessly through to the outside. His designs utilize the latest technologies and sustainability. Using his skills as model builder as an interpretive tool, his designs are known for distinct contemporary functionality, proportion and context. Dan is the president and patent holder of Habiterra Building Solutions Inc. 'Habiterra' has the design and license to use the technology for low cost housing in developing countries on a global scale. Dan is also the president of Small Modern Living that creates small modern and efficient designs for sustainable, affordable dwellings. Principal of Studio DB3 President of SML - Small Modern Living President / Inventor - Habiterra Building Solutions Inc. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - 3D Modeling - Commercial Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Float Homes - Logos / Industrial Designs - Low-Cost Housing (habiterra) - Site Supervision - Small Homes (small modern living) ### Areas Served - Bamberton - Brentwood Bay - Campbell River - Central Saanich - Cobble Hill - Cowichan Bay - Cowichan Lake - Duncan - Fair-winds Nanoose Bay - Fulford - Fulford Harbour - Malahat - Nanaimo - Nanoose Bay - North Saanich - Pender Island - Port Sidney - Saanich - Saanichton - Saltspring Island - Sidney - Sooke - Swartz Bay - Sydney - Tofino - Ucluelet - Victoria ### Typical Job Cost My fees for design vary by my assessment of each project. My fees are based on a percentage of the construction budget or on hourly rates depending on the size and scope of the project. I will be pleased to discuss the best arrangement upon review of the scope of the services required. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | studioDB3 | | Address | G - 221 Glacier View Drive, Comox, British Columbia V9M 1G6, Canada | | Phone | (250) 889-2584 | | Website | http://www.studioDB3.ca | | License Number | 1098 - 001235 | | Followers on Houzz | 462 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — dboot@shaw.ca - LinkedIn — Daniel Boot - Blog — studioDB3.ca ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [studioDB3](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studiodb3-pfvwus-pf~688037871) - **Website:** http://www.studioDB3.ca - **Phone:** (250) 889-2584 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - multi award winning designs - published work in several magazines - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 74 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 46.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Melinda Noble, Dec. 2021** > We approached Dan to design a garden suite and it has been a wonderful experience. Dan’s strong understanding of light and space truly shows. We worked together to achieve the optimal usage of space. Dan truly wants his clients to be happy and is very accommodating throughout the > process. Dan is well connected and well respected in the industry and was able to recommend structural engineer and energy efficiency evaluator. We definitely would recommend Dan for any future projects! **Comment from studioDB3:** > Thank you Melinda! > It is a pleasure to work with you and your family! We met every challenge (bylaws) with patience and the end result is a solution that didn't left any 'stone unturned'! Best wishes! Dan **★★★★★ — HU-339041613, Dec. 2021** > It was a great privilege and pleasure to work with Dan on our design. > Dan is very personable and easy to approach. > He has the ability to capture your ideas and apply his artistry to bring the vision to life. > The 3 D design model he made for us has been a great way to to keep the dream alive while waiting for our project to get off the ground during very challenging times. > We look forward to the finished product and would highly recommend Dan for your next design. **Comment from studioDB3:** > Thank you for your compliments! It was a great experience and challenged with Covid and I am thankful for the use of 'zoom' for our design sessions! Best wishes and Christmas Greetings! Dan **★★★★★ — HU-513971034, Dec. 2020** > We had Dan design our two story, 2700 square foot house. We had a general idea of what we were looking for in a house but Dan's expertise helped us turn that into a gorgeous, modern house with all the design elements we were hoping for. This is our first house build and as such, we had gaps in our design/build knowledge which Dan happily filled by answering our numerous questions in our emails and offering helpful suggestions when appropriate. He was highly attentive and easy to work with throughout the whole design process. He even built us a hand made 3D model of our house which we will be finding a place in our home to display. > > We are very happy with the house Dan designed for us and are looking forward to the build being complete. We highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to build their custom home. **Comment from studioDB3:** > ... thank you so much! I am humbled by your comments and it was a mutual experience working with you both! I enjoyed the 'chemistry'! ... i am always available should you have any questions! Sincerely, Dan **★★★★★ — AJM, June 2020** > If you are looking for a brilliant architect with a flair for the artistic, look no further than Dan. His design for our new house is stunning. Dan has designed a home to meet our needs for fitting in to our forested plot with minimal impact on the environment. Our plot presents constraints with regard to house placement and footprint, but Dan has produced a design that fits beautifully. In addition, Dan's extensive knowledge of local building rules is invaluable in helping us navigate the permitting process. We are building on a budget, and Dan is helping us to keep within it with his expertise in materials and structural design. He also brought together a consultancy team that has worked together extremely well and efficiently. Dan's assets are not restricted to the technical, however. He is one of the nicest people we have ever worked with- we consider him a friend- and has shown himself to be highly flexible and creative in accommodating our design criteria. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him on our project, and we can't recommend him highly enough. Thank you Dan! **Comment from studioDB3:** > ... I feel very honoured and privileged to design your new home! Thank you so much! **★★★★★ — Gurb D, March 2020** > Some of the words that describe Dan - Passionate, Creative, Detailed, and Amazing. He turned the planning phase of our new home to be one of the most memorable experiences of our life. He understood our family needs and designed a home that meet needs of every single family member. > > Dan adapted his style and work pace to match our needs and designed our home by creatively combining modern and contemporary elements; and, at the same time captured best practices and new building materials in our home design to make it as passive (energy efficient) as possible without breaking our budget. > > He has an eye for style that wows. Dan, Thank you for designing our home. > > We highly recommend his services. **★★★★★ — Maggie Swann, Oct. 2019** > It is with pleasure that I write this review for studioDB3. Daniel made the process of designing our project so smooth. He met with us frequently, listened to our ideas, made informed suggestions and turned it all into a reality. Not only was he willing to help us through the various permits and variance requirements, he was in frequent contact with us and open to any requests we had. We were really impressed with his design skills but much more than that, he was so knowledgeable about local ordinances, he was truly a professional in a kind and approachable way. We would highly recommend Daniel to anyone looking for a design specialist. **★★★★★ — Edgar Hulatt, July 2019** > I used Dan Boot due to a recommendation from a friend and I have not been disappointed. My project was a small off-grid cabin on an island without services. Although I was aware Dan has designed some pretty deluxe homes he enthusiastically embraced my smaller but still challenging project. I was looking for a practical and functional building and Dan achieved this while incorporating some unique designs to make it very appealing to the eye. The best part was working with Dan who maintained a very professional approach while at the same time making the project fun and enjoyable. Dan is considered family now and welcome to come and visit anytime to see his creation. **Comment from studioDB3:** > ... thank you Edgar! It has been such a great experience working with you and 'the team'! What a fabulous site to create and work with on your remote island in the gulf! ... I enjoyed immensely sorting out the challenges for an 'off the grid' design and sustainable living! **★★★★★ — HU-498585519, May 2019** > DB3 did awesome job modifying a tiny house plan to two structures to meet local building code. Result - superb!! **★★★★★ — Daniel Doore, Jan. 2019** > Dan Boot of DB3 has been very helpful in the planning stage of our home, a unique and challenging water front property. He provided us with an architectural concept that we are happy to move forward with. Throughout the process, I have been impressed with Dan's professionalism, knowledge, work quality and his ability to work with our vision. I look forward to continue working with Dan and seeing our home manifest under his professional guidance and enjoyable presence. **Comment from studioDB3:** > Thank you Daniel Doore! It is a pleasure to assist you!! A compliment such as this is a great way to start the New Year!! **★★★★★ — Carole Carver, Dec. 2018** > Dan's work was exceptional. He came up with creative solutions to the design problems we faced and did so in a prompt, efficient manner. He demonstrated a high ability to work with other professionals and smooth the way for us to interface with them. **Comment from studioDB3:** > Thank you Carol for your kind and supportive words!! ! it is a real pleasure to assist you and I trust that the contractor will be able to utilize the 'building supplies' ... Let me know if you require further assistance! Warn regards and Merry Christmas!!! Dan **★★★★★ — HU-400077468, Nov. 2018** > We appreciated working with Dan on our unique gulf island retreat. After visiting the site, he produced plans that captured our vision for the initial structure. We love his design for our small modern cabin. The living space is functional. The architecture is eye pleasing. We particularly like the burnt cedar siding (shou sugi ban). > We would highly recommend Dan. > > Laurie and Peter **★★★★★ — Barry Zalmanowitz, Oct. 2018** > We have worked with Dan over the past year. Dan designed our new home construction of which is expected to be complete the summer of 2019. Design drawings substantially complete in early 2018. > Took us through the design process transforming our needs and wishes into a home, through conversations, drawings, models and visits to other homes Dan designed. Helped us appreciate the relationship of the home to the elements in which it is located. **Comment from studioDB3:** > ... thank you so much Barry! Your project is coming along very well! Tidman Construction are very professional and its a pleasure working with them from all levels within their group! The weather is really cooperating so that makes a big difference too... the structure is now protected from the elements! ## Selected projects - [Sea-Change](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-change-pj-vj~5373623) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 20 - ['cascadia' - 1580 lands end road - north saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cascadia-1580-lands-end-road-north-saanich-pj-vj~797512) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 61 - Description: The following represents a record of my thinking both visual and verbal in my design process referencing this unique waterfront residence located on Landsend Road in North Saanich. One of the challenges was to overcome a steep rock faced north sloping site rising 30M above the ocean. The concept for this residence was developed by working with the client and preparing a building program. My creative process begins with studying the program and studying the site. Simultaneously, I developed a mas… - [Pavilion Madrona - home of StudioDB3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pavilion-madrona-home-of-studiodb3-pj-vj~797364) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 22 - Description: 'Art to Live' in is the motto designed this creative bespoke 2 BR 3BA 2227 SqFt passive solar home on two levels, with a wonderful roof top patio overlooking the ocean. Polished concrete columns and heated floors are perfectly balanced with extensive use of glass and light - creating a strong connection to the natural elements and outdoor rooms, patios and garden terraces. Main features: Glassed Entry, LR, Kit & DR opening to the heat of the south facing garden (2PC BA, Laundry & Studio are also… - [Neptune - north saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neptune-north-saanich-pj-vj~797933) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 16 - ['sea change' - north saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-change-north-saanich-pj-vj~1001466) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 43 - Description: Sea Change - 'a shelter’ - a musical score A shelter sited along craggy shore and aqua blue Protected by shoal, surrounded by a forest and azure green Approached through the woods along a meandering path, A shelter projecting a morphed sea creature beached on the shore Of three parts with it distinct elements flowing undulating and through A metaphor, a structure of an organism coming to life A crescendo of foam glistening across protected curved roof surfaces Evocative of waves and overlapping… - ['origami' on the beach - saanich - studioDB3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/origami-on-the-beach-saanich-studiodb3-pj-vj~958541) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 22 - Description: I personally want to give credit for this project to Jake Grypma Custom Homes. Jake is an exceptional talented builder who I would highly recommend for unique and challenging structures. Jake can be reached at 250 886 1585 (North Saanich) jgcustomwoodworks@shaw.ca - [Arbutus Ridge - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arbutus-ridge-saanich-pj-vj~797385) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 16 - ['aqua-marine' - north saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aqua-marine-north-saanich-pj-vj~1003847) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 5 - [La Quinta - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-quinta-saanich-pj-vj~797748) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 9 - [Tree House - north saanich residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tree-house-north-saanich-residence-pj-vj~797901) - Location: North Saanich, BC - Photos: 14 - [Carpenter Residence - mattick's wood - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carpenter-residence-mattick-s-wood-saanich-pj-vj~797732) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 13 - Description: Location: This residence is situated in an environmentally sensitive development in close proximity to a golf course and the ocean. The native plants that exist on the lot are considered in respect to the position and orientation of the residence. The buildings’ ecological ‘footprint’ has setbacks referred to as ‘preservation zones’. These encourage and support the growth of native plants. The mature trees that surround the site are: native western cedar, arbutus (madrona), douglas fir and maple… - [Bonair Place - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bonair-place-saanich-pj-vj~797520) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 9 - Description: Dramatic, Modern, Custom 'glass house' with wonderful vistas of the mountains and ocean, this 4bed/4bath 4000 sq.ft home encourages an inside/outside lifestyle. Huge windows, numerous skylights bring in the light while 3 balconies and 3 patios are meant for outdoor entertaining. A custom kitchen, large dining room and living room and a huge light filled family room/studio are for family and friends, whereas the main and upper levels are private. The 10,500 sq.ft lot rises from a quiet cul de sac… - [Thompson Place - central saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thompson-place-central-saanich-pj-vj~797526) - Location: Saanichton, BC - Photos: 7 - [Seamist Lane - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seamist-lane-saanich-pj-vj~797532) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 4 - ['whalebones'](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whalebones-pj-vj~5754161) - Location: Sidney, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: 'whalebones' The name of this waterfront house evolved into ‘whalebones’ … not a metaphor I started with but one which evolved with solving the constraints of the site and the owner’s desire to create courtyards and interchangeable interior spaces. The shoreline on the west side of our peninsula is worn into sandstone, white shell beaches and rugged arbutus and cedar trees rising up out of the rocks and crevices … given this, it was natural that the house be conceived of the land and water. The… - [3D Renderings and Concepts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-renderings-and-concepts-pj-vj~909879) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Habiterra - eco-village - mexico](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/habiterra-eco-village-mexico-pj-vj~968401) - Location: Mexico City, CDMX - Photos: 8 - [Okanagan Lake Retreat - vernon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/okanagan-lake-retreat-vernon-pj-vj~985189) - Location: Vernon, BC - Photos: 25 - [Peacock Residence - saanich](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peacock-residence-saanich-pj-vj~979829) - Location: Saanich, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: Mattick's Wood is a highly sought-after, architecturally designed enclave of custom homes. 2002 Dan Boot designed West Coast masterpiece is tucked away for privacy yet offering the best ocean, mountain & golf course views! Contemporary quality home offers fabulous open concept, 2,600+ sq.ft., 3 BD/3 BA, w/ master retreat on the main, home office, guest & family rooms down. Meticulously cared for by original owners & built to exacting standards w/ hand-crafted, millwork & finishing, over-height v… - [SML (small modern living) - esquimalt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sml-small-modern-living-esquimalt-pj-vj~968750) - Location: Esquimalt, BC - Photos: 10 [See all 73 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studiodb3-pfvwus-pf~688037871) ## Ideabooks - ['green' sustainable designs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123905143/list/green-sustainable-designs) — 10 ideas - [renovations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83634715/list/renovations) — 22 ideas - ['concrete-habitat' structure](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83443507/list/concrete-habitat-structure) — 6 ideas - [gables etc.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83290526/list/gables-etc) — 11 ideas - [black and white](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83091265/list/black-and-white) — 31 ideas - [gates / fences / enclosures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50308738/list/gates-fences-enclosures) — 16 ideas - [sculpture - public art](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50103650/list/sculpture-public-art) — 22 ideas - [acts of kindness - sustainable / off the grid - designs for the future](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47408529/list/acts-of-kindness-sustainable-off-the-grid-designs-for-the-future) — 20 ideas - [landscape features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47401672/list/landscape-features) — 18 ideas - [Asian Fusion - home tour of japan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46803122/list/asian-fusion-home-tour-of-japan) — 25 ideas - [library addition - normandy coast of france - a contrast of 'old and ne](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46760078/list/library-addition-normandy-coast-of-france-a-contrast-of-old-and-ne) — 11 ideas - [Out of Africa (zuid)](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46692980/list/out-of-africa-zuid) — 49 ideas - [exterior cladding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45226475/list/exterior-cladding) — 121 ideas - [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45275346/list/stairs) — 57 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45523821/list/fireplaces) — 28 ideas - [light fixtures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45928477/list/light-fixtures) — 15 ideas - [pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45148052/list/pools) — 57 ideas - [washroom / spa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45491847/list/washroom-spa) — 17 ideas - [studios / galleries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46313778/list/studios-galleries) — 15 ideas - [maison moderne](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45601498/list/maison-moderne) — 11 ideas [See all 32 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/danielboot) ## Community Q&A **Q: Sewer** *(in Photo Questions)* How is sewage dealt with in these float homes? A: ... thanks for your note. The sewer is pumped through a system and emptied in the municipal sewer. Daniel Boot **Q: Hi Dan, is the vertical siding the burnt finish cedar. Thanks Brough** *(in Photo Questions)* A: good question! ... the was stained and in a wooded cut d' sac site (matticks wood) one of my earlier homes. It is board and batten siding using cedar 'cant' strip. We can chat about this ... you are welcome to have a look at this next time you are at Cordova Bay shopping centre. Dan **Q: Great views! Who is the manufacture of the windows and doors?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: ... these window frames are units assembled on site and available through 'Westec'. **Q: What windows/doors were used on this project?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your query! The windows are anodized aluminum by 'Westec' (I believe they are also referred to as 'Western' ... at any rate, these are your typical commercial window frames. Are you currently thinking of building? Sincerely, Daniel Boot **Q: Love the colours! Is that painted cement in blue? Wood cedar or paint?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: thanks for your comment ... the colours of the 'tree house are: galvalum metal cladding (horizontal) application and 'copper penny' corrugated vertically applied ... the concrete poured in place is a natural aggregate. I trust this answers your queries. Daniel Boot **Q: no question just comment** *(in Photo Questions)* Just wanted to tell you this is beautiful and inspiring. A: thank you jennifer! ... have you seen this residence? it's located in cordova bay --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*