Truth Interiors

Ruth has all the qualities I need in a designer. She is an informative and interactive consultant who is wise in the ways of space, time and function and all the mysterious stuff that goes on behind the walls, above the ceiling and below the floor. Ruth really came through for us on the tough subjects of kitchen and ensuite layout, design and organization. I am in awe of how she can whip out a concept drawing on the spot or help you visualize a completely radical option. Leave the style and colour preferences to me, I need to bounce ideas off an honest, knowledgable, professional and Ruth is it!

TimberGuides provides a great design/build service. Our project, extending the eaves and re-roof, came in on time and on budget, without any compromise on quality.

The folks at TimberGuides were the key component to the construction of a timberframe home my wife and I had only hoped for. Well before the building process began, they (husband and wife team Chris and Ruth Koehn) helped with the initial design, facilitated plans and engineering, and provided a wealth of valuable tips to us first-time home builders. When construction time came, they put together an ace team of experienced artisans for the cutting, assembly, and raising of the cypress frame that would become both the strength and interior beauty of our 2400 SQFT home. We were very impressed that the estimates - both in cost and time - were spot on. And we were even more impressed by the craftsmanship. This process took place in 2006, but we still haven't gotten over the fact that we're living in a custom timberframe home. We're very grateful we were put in touch with TimberGuides.

I hired Timberguides to build an addition on my basic "BC-Box" home. I was wanting more space in the kitchen area, and what I got was far beyond what I could have imagined. Ruth has an amazing way of hearing what is unsaid, and of imagining a space to meet the unspoken needs. Instead of simply extending the house, she and Chris designed a 'Great-Room' with clerestory windows up high, and huge windows on three walls. As soon as it was completed, this space became a central gathering place whenever we have company. We moved our eating area out there because is so bright and welcoming. The Great-Room completely transformed the look and feel of the house, moving it up-scale and giving the whole building a contemporary west-coast feel that still surprises me. Ruth also imagined enough storage to deal with the many kitchen items that I was juggling, as well as a great sit-down working desk in the great-room for my children - it is so nice to have them out with us when we are preparing a meal or out in the main living space. Faced with a long wall and a need for a lot of storage, Ruth designed a set of varied cabinets, counters, drawers, desks and counters that is cohesive, functional and attractive - with both variety and continuity in the panels. It is a very very useful addition to the house, and looks stunning. Decisions about flooring and siding, discussions about the removal of two dysfunctional gas fireplaces/stoves and their replacement with wood stoves, discussions about the subsequent roofing issues - all were carefully considered and multiple solutions were offered. The original intent was not to re-roof or re-side the house, and when I suggested this, Chris was particularly good about reining in my enthusiasm, reminding me of the dreaded 'reno creep' that can happen during a complex renovation and striving to keep costs down. I eventually decided that I did want to re-roof and re-side, but I had a clear understanding that I was choosing additional construction that would take me beyond the original cost estimates. I am particularly grateful that both Ruth and Chris are frugal people who were not willing to launch into additional renovations without a thorough discussion. The home, when completed, has increased in value, usability and 'street appeal'. We ended up with something that makes me proud, and a home that is very livable. The quality of the work was high. Ruth and Chris brought their complete attention to numerous details and their knowledge of building design and construction clearly contributed to a successful renovation. A renovation can be a stressful experience, especially if you try to live in the house being renovated. Chris and Ruth helped reduce the stresses, they are very pleasant people to work with, something that cannot be over-stated.