• studio INK has been providing quality residential design services to clients in the Victoria area since 2008.
• Gary feels his role is to provide clients with the assistance needed to formulate/compose their ideas while guiding them through the planning, design and building permit process on the way to realizing their dreams and ideas.
Ascot
Ascot – addition and renovation.
The original roof enclosing 2 attic rooms was demolished as well as the original garage that had been converted into a family room. The new design for the upper floor included a new stair, 2 bedrooms and bathroom as well as a master bedroom with ensuite all with a full height ceiling. The former garage was replaced with an addition providing a family room opening to a deck and backyard and mudroom with laundry and entry porch. The renovation of the main floor included a new kitchen open to the dining room, a new stair and entry hall addition.
The result was an attractive modernized home well planned for a young and growing family.
Maddison
Maddison - addition and renovation.
The brief given by my client, an artist, was for an expressive addition that would re-invent the building form of their modest bungalow.  The constraints of the lot did not allow for an expanded building footprint so a second storey was required to provide space for two additional bedrooms and second bathroom.  To incorporate the new stair required a reconfiguration of the main floor creating a child’s bedroom off the master bedroom as well as renovation of the bathroom, kitchen and mudroom.  Currently a studio has been designed to replace the existing carport.
Vantreight

Vantreight - new construction
The view corridor covenant over the site as well as the EDPA zone which occupied lower part of the site above the waterfront influenced the building form and the location
The result was a mostly single story design while a single sloped roof design opened up the west elevation for glazing to take advantage of the ocean views.  This form and the materials chosen for the exterior expressed a contemporary west coast vernacular.

Robertson
Robertson – subdivision for new residences.
A modest 1950's bungalow on a plus sized lot offered this development opportunity for 2 small lot residences.  The property needed to be rezoned via a development permit application which allowed the subdivision into 2 lots.  The application was reviewed by the city of Victoria and required some amendments and negotiation to gain approval.  Each house design included 2 bedrooms, a master bedroom with ensuite and a 3 piece bath on the upper floor with living, dining, kitchen and entry on the main floor.  The basements were designed for a potential suite in the future.  The exterior of the houses were designed to compliment the neighboring arts and crafts houses in this long established Fairfeild neighborhood.  Subsequently this design won a care award for small lot houses.
Victoria Montessori
Victoria Montessori - addition and renovation.
The Vic West Montessori preschool was looking for a new home. After purchasing a Bungalow close the elementary school where they had been located, the new property required rezoning and the building expanded and renovated to meet the needs of the preschool.
The rezoning process required presentations to the community association and city council where the application was supported and approved.
The existing structure was lifted for a ground floor addition while the upper floor was redesigned with a new stair and open learning environment with cubbie area and washrooms. Natural light and connection with the outdoors were essential criteria of the design
Irving
Irving – addition and renovation.
The design concept offered to my clients was to create a second storey master suite allowing the two main floor bedrooms to be given up to their pre-teen boys. The framing layout of the circa 1940 bungalow allowed for a strategically designed second storey addition that minimized additional structural design.  The zoning regulation of 1 ½ storeys allowed for 70% of the main floor footprint to be added and provided the opportunity to use the remaining roof area as deck space.
Kings
Kings - interior and exterior renovation.
 Originally a single story bungalow, this house had been raised awkwardly locating the entry, kitchen and living room on the upper floor, with bedrooms on the ground floor.
Objectives:
Relocate the entrance, living spaces and kitchen to the main floor, and create bedrooms on the upper floor to rationalize the layout of the residence. The second objective was to give the exterior a cohesive appearance and contemporary aesthetic. Several design options were explored and some ingenuity was required to complete the project within budget.
Monterey
Monterey – house lift and addition.
This oak bay residence circa 1930 required a compromised stone and mortar foundation to be replaced.  The owners also wished to add a covered porch and stairs to enhance the front entrance and provide a feature element to address the street.  The basement was developed into additional family space with an expanded garage and access through a terrace to the rear yard and new deck. The existing structure was lifted to provide a 9' ceiling in the basement.
Metchosin
Metchosin - new construction.
St Patrick
St Patrick - addition and renovation.
Prior to renovation the kitchen and living room were on the second floor, a garage and a small basement suite with low ceilings occupied the ground floor. A sunken entry on the ground floor accessed stairs to the second floor. A garage and small suite with low ceilings occupied up the rest of the main floor.
Objectives:
Elevate the second floor bringing the front entry above grade giving it presence from the street. Develop the living, dining and kitchen on the ground floor with a connection to the rear yard. Lifting the second floor allowed for a 10′ ceiling, enhancing the modest main floor living spaces. Pulling the garage forward created space for a mudroom off the kitchen and a balcony at the upper floor.
By investing in their very modest Oak Bay residence, the owners were able to remain in the neighborhood and create the space they desired while staying within their budget.
To achieve this we lifted the house and completely demolished the ground floor. This allowed us to raise the front entrance by 24″ and maintain 8′ ceilings for the entry hall. The living spaces are now enhanced by the added volume of 10′ ceilings throughout the main floor.
Allbay