About Us

“Bespoke Design for Coastal Living”

Design for the Outside, the Inside and the spaces In-Between.

We are vision-driven designers. We infuse every design with natural light and creativity to craft unique spaces that engage the senses and lift the human spirit.

 

Inspired Coastal Design

We infuse every home with natural light, spatial balance, and creative detail, crafting homes tailored for comfort, livability, and connection to the landscape.

Inside, Outside & In-Between

We don’t view a residence in isolation. Our holistic approach seamlessly integrates interior spaces with outdoor living, creating a unified environment that lifts the spirit.

Complete Project Mastery

We take the chaos out of the building process. Leading an extended team of trusted engineers, surveyors, arborists, and municipal specialists, we manage all technical and permit details to keep your build on time, on budget, and stress-free.

Our Award Winning Team is Here to Help.

Innovate Design is an award winning company with a reputation for consistent innovation at the highest level of design.

Villamar Team - Duane
Principle Designer

Duane

Duane is the Lead Designer here at Innovate Design and has done a stellar job at creating a team of people to deliver top notch drawings that not only look good, but that the building officials love to see for their reviews.

Duane’s architectural perspective is grounded in a deep visual arts background, holding an honors degree from the University of Victoria in drawing, photography, and sculpture. His ongoing exploration of painting, music, and creative expression brings a distinct artistic sensibility to every home he designs.

Building Design was one of Duane's passions from a very young age, and when he came to Innovate Design, he developed a Design department to enhance the company’s already excellent profile. Design rapidly grew into a quality handpicked team of talented people to flex some creative muscles in a fresh way for the Island. Quality in the design and the build is an important aspect of our success and Duane has been delivering that to us and in co-ordination with the construction team’s build projects.

Duane also loves adventuring, time in the outdoors and reading. Just ask him about his Mountain biking adventures. There may be a tale or two he could describe to you about that.

Villamar Team - Dennys
Assistant Design & Design Technician

Dennys

Meet Dennys, a dedicated and motivated young man passionate about soccer, fitness, good food, and design (not necessarily in that order). Dennys watches the latest matches and keeps up with the latest news in the sport. He is also a dedicated gym-goer, working hard to maintain his strength and fitness.

His love of good food is equally matched by his passion for design, and he is particularly interested in both architectural and graphic design. With his keen eye for detail and his ability to turn ideas into reality, Dennys is a talented and creative individual who always strives to push himself.

Last but not least, Dennys is a loving and devoted family man, and he places a high value on the relationships he has with his loved ones. With his strong work ethic and positive attitude, he is a true inspiration to those around him. Dennys Rocks!

Villamar Team - Jake
Design Technician

Jake

Jake participates at Innovate Design as a design technician and is involved and various Development Permits, DVP, Subdivision and Building Permit projects. He is another talented individual and loves to face different challenges that would provide learning, upgrade his skills, and develop his career. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail are a real asset for us and we love the time he puts into the design department’s various projects.

Jake spends a lot of his spare time reading books and articles but he also really enjoys playing computer games and watching movies. Jake likes to travel and experience different cultures, spending time with nature and water activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply beach bumming. Be sure to wave at him next time you see him soaking in the rays on a local beach.

Villamar Team - Telsey
Office Manager

Telsey

This is Telsey and she manages our HR, accounts, and office administration teams. She is a master at making people feel comfortable and has an ability to control a car on a racetrack like a pro F-1 driver! She is honest, reliable, capable and firm, and also the best listener around.

Telsey is happy to call Innovate Design her work home and really enjoys the people she gets to work with.

She is a mother of 4 which currently entails being a taxi driver (at normal speeds) and a cheerleader at all extracurricular activities! Being a mom is one of her greatest joys.

Telsey loves reading a good book, getting outside in nature, decorating her home, and traveling when the opportunity arises.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Innovate Design provides comprehensive residential design services for custom homes, renovations, and multi-unit housing projects throughout Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, and British Columbia. From initial concepts through to design development and permit-ready drawings, we guide clients through every stage of the design process with creativity, expertise, and attention to detail.

Exceptional homes require both creative flair and absolute regulatory precision. We approach every project through a dual lens: an artistic foundation in Visual Arts that yields effortless light, balance, and proportions, combined with deep technical capability that eliminates municipal red tape before site work ever begins.

Our services include custom single-family home design, home renovations and additions, Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH), townhouse design, rezoning applications, development permits, site planning, Board of Variance applications, professional landscape design, tenant improvements, interior design, and small building design.

To help clients fully understand their projects before construction begins, our digital design process often includes detailed 3D models, realistic visualizations, and virtual camera views that bring the design to life and provide a clear understanding of the finished result.

The timeline for a project depends on its complexity, scope, and the requirements of the municipality where the project is located.

As a general guideline, three months is a reasonable starting point for the design phase of a custom home or renovation project. Once we learn more about your specific goals and site conditions, we can provide a more accurate timeline.

Our process typically begins with an on-site meeting where we review the property, discuss your vision, and determine the scope of work. From there, we usually schedule a design consultation at our office to explore layout options, project priorities, lifestyle requirements, and architectural style preferences.

For renovation projects, we often complete a detailed site measure to accurately document existing conditions. Once the initial design concepts have been developed, we meet with you to review the plans, discuss options, and refine the design together.

Throughout the process, our goal is to provide clear communication and thoughtful design solutions that move your project efficiently toward permit approval and construction.

Third-party consultant fees are not included in our design fees. However, because of our long-standing relationships with many consultants, we are often able to secure preferred rates that we are happy to pass along to our clients.

Depending on the scope and location of your project, consultants may include BC land surveyors, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, arborists, energy advisors, interior designers, biologists, and other specialized professionals required for municipal approvals and permit applications.

During our initial site meeting, we will review your project requirements and identify which consultants may be needed, helping you understand the full project team and associated costs from the outset.

Additional costs not included in our design fees may include municipal application fees, development permit fees, building permit fees, large-format printing costs, and other expenses required by local authorities having jurisdiction.

Our goal is to help you understand all project-related costs early in the process so there are no surprises as your project moves toward permit approval and construction.

We offer a complimentary initial consultation at our office to discuss your project, goals, and design ideas. For on-site consultations within our service area, we charge a minimum fee of $200, which allows us to review your property firsthand and better understand the opportunities and constraints of the site.

To make the most of your consultation, it is helpful to bring any available project information (if it hasn’t already been sent to our office), including a property survey, site plan, existing house plans, realtor floor plans, photographs, or other relevant documents.

We also encourage clients to share inspiration images, idea books, or online collections from platforms such as Houzz and Pinterest. These references help us better understand your design preferences, lifestyle needs, and vision for the project.

Whether you are planning a custom home, renovation, addition, or multi-unit housing project, the initial consultation is an opportunity to explore possibilities, discuss project requirements, and determine the best path forward.

Absolutely. We believe your home should be comfortable, energy-efficient, sustainable, and built to perform well for decades to come.

Our team has extensive experience designing homes that meet and exceed the requirements of the BC Building Code and BC Energy Step Code. We work closely with energy advisors and other consultants to help clients explore options ranging from improved building performance to Net Zero and high-performance home design.

By focusing on building envelope design, insulation, air tightness, window performance, and efficient mechanical systems, we can help create a home that is more comfortable year-round, reduces energy consumption, and lowers long-term operating costs.

Whether your goal is to meet current energy standards or achieve a higher level of sustainability and performance, we can help you make informed decisions that align with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Designing homes that are comfortable today, efficient tomorrow, and resilient for the future.

Absolutely. While we are based in Victoria, we regularly work with clients throughout Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the BC Interior, and beyond.

Our team has successfully delivered custom home, renovation, and residential design projects across British Columbia, as well as internationally, including projects in California and Asia. We are also highly experienced in working with clients who live outside the region or abroad while building their homes in British Columbia.

Using video conferencing, digital plan reviews, screen sharing, and cloud-based collaboration tools, we can efficiently guide clients through every stage of the design process regardless of their location or time zone. From initial concepts to permit-ready drawings, we make communication simple, interactive, and accessible wherever you are.

No matter where your project is located, our goal is to provide a seamless design experience and exceptional service from start to finish.

Yes, we can help you rebuild.

If you have experienced a home fire or other significant property damage, we provide the experience and guidance needed to support you through the reconstruction process. We regularly assist clients in working with insurance providers and help clarify scope, documentation, and design requirements during this challenging time.

Our services include either accurately re-drawing your original home or developing a completely new custom design that better suits your current needs and future goals.

We also coordinate the necessary engineering and consulting services to support a smooth municipal approval and permitting process, helping move your project forward efficiently and with as little stress as possible.

Our goal is to provide clear direction, practical solutions, and steady support from the initial assessment through to permit-ready drawings.

The design process consists of:

01 / Initial Consultation: Discovering your vision, budget, and project goals.

02 / Project Kick-Off: Aligning on details, scope, and initial timelines.

03 / Research & Concept Design: Exploring site possibilities and drafting your first floor plans.

04 / Refinement & Revisions: Fine-tuning the layout based on your feedback.

05 / Design Finalization: Locking in the approved concept before moving to technical drafting.

06 / Permit & Working Drawings: Creating the engineering-backed blueprints required for municipal approval.

Not at all.

We provide a full-service design experience, which means that we handle the technical and administrative aspects of the permitting process on your behalf so you can stay focused on the bigger picture.

From initial zoning and site feasibility research through to municipal permit coordination, engineering integration, and submission support, we guide your project through the approval process from start to finish.

Our role is to manage communication with consultants and municipalities, ensure all required documentation is complete and coordinated, and help move your project efficiently through the permitting and regulatory process.

While we keep you informed at key milestones and design decisions, we do all the complexity behind the scenes so you don’t have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself.

Led by building designer Duane Ensing, Innovate Design Collective has been delivering custom home design excellence across the Greater Victoria area since 2016. Celebrating 10 years of service with our own independent boutique design firm, we provide a seamless, full-service home and building design experience. Our expertise includes custom residential design, municipal permit coordination, and specialized subdivision and rezoning plans, taking your project smoothly from initial concept to final approval.

Absolutely. A great design deserves a great build, which is why Innovate Design Collective maintains strong collaborative relationships with trusted general contractors and local builders throughout British Columbia.

Whether your project is in the Greater Victoria area, the Gulf Islands, or the Lower Mainland, we can connect you with reputable construction teams who have a proven track record of bringing our custom home designs to life.

We differentiate ourselves through a distinct blend of transparent communication, technical expertise, and forward-thinking architectural design. Here is what defines our approach:

  • A Foundation of Transparency: We prioritize open, honest communication with our clients and maintain exceptional working relationships with local municipal planning departments across BC to ensure a smooth, predictable project flow.

  • Modern, Holistic Architecture: We specialize in custom contemporary home design that solves complex site puzzles. Rather than chasing passing trends, we design for long-term well-being and functionality.

  • Future-Proof Living Standards: We believe your home should protect and nurture your family. We intentionally design beyond the standard building code by integrating:

    • Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements, light, and views to create peaceful, healthy indoor spaces.

    • Energy Efficiency: Utilizing sustainable building practices to reduce your environmental footprint and lower long-term utility bills.

    • FireSmart Principles: Designing with wildfire resilience in mind to actively safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind.

Ready to experience the difference? Contact Innovate Design Collective today to discuss bringing your vision to life.

In British Columbia, custom single-family homes and duplexes do not legally require a registered architect; Niether are they required for buildings up to a Fourplex (or 4 dwelling units in one building). They do require an expert residential building designer – such as us.

Innovate Design Collective specializes exclusively in custom residential buildings, municipal permit coordination, and space planning. We collaborate closely with structural, geotechnical, and civil engineers when required by local building codes, offering a seamless, full-service design experience tailored specifically to residential construction which  includes landscape and interior design.

Yes, solving complex site puzzles is our passion. Rocky terrain, steep topography, and sensitive waterfront environments are common across coastal BC, and they require a specialized architectural approach.

We design custom homes that respond organically to the land rather than fighting against it. This not only creates stunning, unique architectural moments but also helps optimize structural engineering and excavation costs.