Skip to content
A red line forms an L-shape, with a vertical line rising from the left side of a horizontal line, forming a right angle. The background is white.Kerr Design Build Logo
  • AboutExpand
    • QUALITY IS BUILT, TRUST IS EARNED

      Our Company
      Our Founder, Doug Kerr
      Our Team
      Giving Back
      Our Blog
      Our Design-Build Process
      The Kerr System
      The Kerr Warranty
      Our Recognitions
      Kerr Renovation Awards
      Media Around North America
      Downloadables
      Guide to Multiple Conversion Dwellings
      Building a Laneway House?
      Six Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home Renovation Budget
  • DesignExpand
    • DESIGN

      Our Design Team
      Our Design Services
      Multiple Conversion Dwelling Design
      Design Visualization Tools
      Our Design Process
      Conceptual Design
      Home Renovation Feasibility Study
      City Hall Permit Process
      Full Home Design Drawings
      Interior Design
      Design During Construction
  • BuildExpand
    • BUILD

      • A modern two-story house with beige exterior and large windows, featuring a spacious backyard. Theres a swimming pool in the foreground, surrounded by lounge chairs and an umbrella. Lush greenery and a clear sky complete the scene.
        Custom Home Builder
      • A modern two-story house with a mix of wood and gray paneling, adjacent to an outdoor swimming pool. There are outdoor chairs and a table on the patio, surrounded by tall trees.
        Home Renovations
      • Modern two-story house with large windows and a flat roof, surrounded by trees. The upper deck features outdoor seating and lighting. A hot tub is situated on the ground level patio. Stairs on the right lead to the main entrance.
        Home Additions
      • A two-story blue craftsman house with white trim features a front porch, balcony, and gabled roof. Surrounded by trees, the entrance is reached via a flight of steps with white railings.
        Mulitple Conversion Dwellings
      • A modern, two-story house with dark gray exterior and white trim. A tall tree stands in front, next to a wooden fence. The house features a garage and several windows, under a partly cloudy sky.
        Laneway Homes
      • Open patio doors lead to a modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, a central island, and two pendant lights. The wooden deck features a wicker chair, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space.
        Basement Renos/ Foundation Repair
      • Modern kitchen with cream cabinets and stainless steel appliances. A blue island with a black faucet stands at the center. A colorful floral rug lies in front of the fridge, and a vase with yellow flowers decorates the countertop.
        Kitchen Renovations
      • Modern bathroom with a large window view of a marina. Features a freestanding bathtub, wooden shelving with stacked towels, a spacious countertop with a sink, and a toilet. Light gray tile floor complements the clean, open design.
        Bathroom Renovations
      • Modern two-story house with illuminated exterior lights at dusk. The facade features a mix of stone and sleek panels, with large windows and a wooden front door. A manicured lawn and walkway lead to the entrance.
        Design-Build Contractor System
  • ProjectsExpand
      • A two-story Craftsman Revival home in green, featuring a porch and balcony, boasts large windows and a lit staircase welcoming guests. Surrounded by trees and a brick pathway, this Dunbar Custom Home rests elegantly against a backdrop of a cloudy sky at dusk.
        Dunbar St.
      • A bright kitchen with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a modern light fixture. The kitchen features a large island, hanging pendant lights, a range, and a brick backsplash. A plant decorates the table, and sunlight streams through a window.
        Adanac St.
      • A two-story blue craftsman-style house with a white balcony and trim. It has a welcoming front porch, large windows, and a blue front door. Surrounding the house are tall trees and a small garden with plants lining the walkway.
        Point Grey Road
      • An indoor/outdoor lap pool with bright blue water is nestled in a modern room with concrete walls and ceiling lights. Towels are neatly placed on a shelf to the left, while a potted plant adds greenery. Steps gracefully lead into the pool, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
        Shaughnessy Indoor/OutdoorPool
      • Bright living room with large windows and a beige sectional sofa. A carved wooden coffee table is in front, with books on a side shelf. In the background, theres a dining area and a modern kitchen. Neutral tones and natural light fill the space.
        Woodhurst Burnaby
      • A modern two-story house with large windows and a balcony on the upper floor. The lower level has a patio with a hot tub. Surrounded by trees, the setting is peaceful and natural, with outdoor seating visible.
        Harbour Deck Addition
      • A two-story house with gray siding and white trim, featuring a large front porch and steps leading to a wooden door. The yard is landscaped with grass and a pathway, and the house is bordered by a wooden fence.
        W. 16th Ave.
      • Modern kitchen with a large island, hanging pendant lights, and white cabinetry. Glass cabinet doors reveal dishes inside. Wooden floors and a patterned rug complete the look in this perfect home. A door with frosted glass is seen to the left.
        W. 39 St.
      • Bright living room with two cushioned chairs and a wooden coffee table displaying a white orchid. A dark wood cabinet complements the decor, hinting at an elegant renovation. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, while framed pictures adorn the walls and wooden floors gleam below.
        Blenheim St. Basement
      • A bright kitchen in a Heritage Home showcases a white farmhouse sink beneath double windows. Light gray cabinets and a marble backsplash are featured, alongside wooden shelves adorned with plants and bowls, completing this charming interior makeover with sleek stainless steel appliances.
        W. 21 St.
      • Modern two-story house with wood and gray paneling, surrounded by trees. A swimming pool is in the foreground, and a patio with an outdoor seating area is visible to the right.
        Crescentview North Vancouver
      • A two-story modern house with a dark exterior and white trim. It features a garage, a prominent white door, large windows, and a tall tree in front. A wooden fence encloses part of the property.
        West End Vancouver Laneway House
      • A two-story house with a modern design featuring a mix of brick and metal paneling. A prominent orange front door is accessed by steps flanked by greenery. Tall trees and a clear blue sky are in the background.
        W. 4th Ave.
      • Modern two-story house with large windows and beige exterior. The backyard features a swimming pool with a small waterfall, surrounded by patio furniture and an umbrella. Lush greenery is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
        West Vancouver Custom Home
      • A modern, two-story house at dusk with illuminated windows and stairs. The front porch features glass railings, plants in pots, and soft lighting on the steps. Trees and a clear sky are visible in the background.
        North Vancouver Home Renovation
      • A modern living and dining area with a coffered ceiling. It features a wooden dining table with a floral centerpiece, a chandelier, a beige sofa with colorful cushions, two armchairs, and a window view. The room has dark wood flooring.
        Shaughnessy Heritage Home Renovation
      • Modern two-story house with warm exterior lighting. Features include large windows, a wooden front door, and a stone accent wall. The yard is landscaped with grass and small shrubs. The sky is overcast, suggesting early evening.
        1940’s Bungalow Reno
      • A two-story suburban house with a gray exterior, large windows, and a central dark front door. The yard is small, featuring a path flanked by bushes, with a surrounding black metal fence.
        Mackenzie Heights

  • PortfolioExpand
      • Modern two-story house featured in our portfolio with illuminated exterior lights highlighting stone and white panel walls. Large windows showcase warm indoor lighting. A well-maintained lawn and pathway lead to the wooden front door, set against the evening sky.
        Exteriors
      • A modern kitchen with light cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a center island featuring a dark sink. Colorful floral rugs adorn the floor like pages from a design portfolio, while fresh flowers in a vase add a touch of nature.
        Kitchens
      • Modern bathroom with a large window view of a marina. It features a double sink, a freestanding white tub, wooden cabinets with folded towels, and a vase with purple flowers on the countertop.
        Bathrooms
      • A bright, modern living room features a large beige sectional sofa, wooden side table, and decorative carved coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a lush outdoor view like a live portfolio of nature. A kitchen with a dining area is visible in the background.
        Livingrooms
      • A modern bedroom with open glass doors leads to a spacious balcony featuring lounge chairs and a scenic view of the water, as though nature curated its finest portfolio. The room has wood flooring, a large bed, and artworks on the wall. A stone chimney is visible outside.
        Bedrooms
      • A modern outdoor patio showcases yellow cushioned seating around a central rectangular fire table atop a blue patterned rug. Glass railings frame the scenic view, revealing trees and distant mountains beneath a partially covered roof with skylights—a true portfolio of elegance and comfort.
        Outdoor
      • Modern black bathtub faucet with a handheld shower head, set against a large window. Sunlight filters through trees outside, illuminating a small green plant on the wooden ledge—a perfect scene for any home decor portfolio.
        Details
      • Modern living room featuring a large white sectional sofa, marble fireplace, and mounted TV that showcases a stylish portfolio of decor. Shelves with curated items flank the fireplace. A round coffee table rests on a gray rug, while a large window offers ample natural light.
        3D Renderings
      • A modern bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub perfectly positioned to showcase a marina view. Wooden shelves with neatly stacked towels adorn the right, and a wide countertop with dual sinks on the left completes this elegant portfolio of design. Light gray floor tiles enhance the sleek look.
        Before & After Photos
      • A two-story suburban house with a modern design, featuring large windows and a central dark door. The light-colored exterior resembles an artful portfolio, complete with a chimney on the left. A small front yard with shrubs and a pathway leads to the entrance.
        Before & After Videos
  • Consultation
  • Testimonials
  • ContactExpand
    • Contact Us
    • Career Opportunities
A red line forms an L-shape, with a vertical line rising from the left side of a horizontal line, forming a right angle. The background is white.Kerr Design Build Logo

Design Process

The Kerr Design Build design team has a rigorous process we go through to ensure our clients’ dream renovation becomes a reality.  We use a four-stage design process to ensure the accuracy of our results. 

1.  Conceptual 

We have a first meeting with the client at their home.  If we feel confident that our project consultant has given us enough information about the renovation, we might come to the meeting with a layout drawing to discuss as a starting point and elicit feedback.  If we don’t have this, we start off by looking over the client’s house and discussing the scope of work for their home.  We work out what are the wish list items as well as the core scope of work.  This is important for budgeting.

Once we have a complete ‘conceptual’ understanding of the client’s renovation, we go back to the office and start working on the design. Typically this is a floor plan and, depending on the scope of work, it might also be in 3D.  This first set of design plans and possible 3D images are meant to elicit feedback on layouts and volumes.  At this stage, we stay in black and white.  We don’t add colours and textures to keep the conceptual conversations more simplified. 

We want to know that we have the layouts correct, the volume correct so that we have the basic plan worked out with the client.  In the next phase we will move into colourful renderings!

During this stage, it is our job to share with the client multiple options, sometimes up to three.  One of these options must hit the client’s budget.  During the beginning stages, we discuss the client’s perspective and drive for the project and if they want to see ideas that might push them outside of their budget.  Some do, and some don’t – so we are very careful to be clear and upfront about their expectations. 

At the end of this phase, we will have an agreement on a layout and conceptual budget. 

2.  Design Development and Permitting

At this stage, our objective is to determine the general types of finishes the client pictures for their space so we can start putting together a construction scope of work and budget. As well as to firmly understand the processes and details of construction our team will use.

Early in the process, we bring our construction project managers on board to gain their experience and input to finalize all the details. 

We need to develop the drawings with more information.  The particular project may require permit drawings and in this phase we would prepare them.  If no permit drawings are required, we prepare design development/construction drawings that include information such as electrical (RCP) and window/door details.  

The second piece to this phase is gaining an understanding of the level of finishes and fixtures.  Kerr Design Build has a base level that we assume, and don’t go below – we provide quality!  Some clients want special features or design elements that are additional so it’s our job in this phase to determine what that might be and how they would impact the budget.

We won’t pick the actual tile at this time.  We won’t pick the final faucets and tubs, but we would understand the level of finish that the client is looking for so we can cost it appropriately.  For example, do they want slabs of stone or marble mosaic tiles on the walls or floor?  Do they want a free-standing bathtub with a separate shower? Maybe they love heritage floors so want sand in place flooring?  Or possibly with a very modern design they want no door casings or baseboards and prefer a reveal detail instead?  This will help our estimating department towards making the proper assumptions in the estimating process.

If the renovation requires a building permit, the drawings are done at this stage.  

The client would review the designs and sign the construction contract based on the above.  Then, if needed, we would submit the building permit. 

3.  Interior Design

In this phase, our design team chooses the exact materials for the project.  We would provide the client with up to three options that would be within the budget that was set in phase two. 

Budget is critical so in this phase, the construction contract is our most important reference document, and we ensure that we make all the design details/specs/drawings around what was determined in Phase II.  If changes are made or proposed, they will be assessed for their impact on the budget. 

This is all the lighting, the cabinets, the tiles, the flooring, etc.  

Once done, we review the choices with the client and determine what they like best.  We put these into a 3D rendering and go back and forth, tweaking them until they absolutely love it. 

We finalize the drawing package, detail all the interior elevations, and finalize the electrical layout. 

Throughout this phase, we continually update the client and review the budget allowances from Phase 2.  We show them what the budget allowance was, the decisions they are making, the things they picked, and we give them the tally that they’re either on budget, over budget, or under budget.

The client then approves the ID drawings, Specifications Package and Allowance/Budget breakdown, and we are into construction! 

4.  Design Followup

Design meets with the production crew to thoroughly review the ID package and BP set to ensure all details are understood. 

Throughout construction, there is inevitably something that comes up unexpectedly.  Sometimes things need to change, for example, because a wall was opened up and wasn’t as expected.  So a design change is needed and our team is there.

We are also involved with construction when it comes to making sure everything is right.  Our team goes in to check the tiles, the cabinets, the lighting and the finishing details to ensure they are perfect. 

Our team wants perfection for our clients — their dream home made real! To start, fill out our consultation form or call (604) 263-0343.

Facebook Instagram Linkedin YouTube

1676 W. 75 Av.
Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2 Canada
T: 604-263-0343
E: info@kerrdesign.build

Licensed Residential Builder with Provincial Homeowner Protection Office

© 2025 Kerr Design Build. All Rights Reserved.

Call Now
Directions
  • About
    • Our Company
    • Our People
      • Doug Kerr, Our Founder
      • Our Team
    • Our Process
      • The Kerr System
      • The Kerr Warranty
    • Our Recognitions
      • Kerr Renovation Awards
      • Media from Around North America
    • Giving Back
    • Downloads
      • Guide to Multiple Conversion Dwellings
      • Building a Laneway House?
      • Six Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home Renovation Budget
    • Kerr Articles
  • Design
    • Our Design Team
    • Our Design Services
    • Our Design Process
      • Full Design Process Explained
      • Conceptual Design
      • Home Renovation Feasibility Study
      • City Hall Permit Process
      • Full Home Design Drawings
      • Interior Design
      • Design During Construction
    • Multiple Conversion Dwelling Design
    • Design Visualization Tools
  • Build
    • Custom Home Builder
    • Home Additions
    • Home Renovations
    • Basement Renos/ Foundation Repair
    • Multiple Conversion Unit Construction
    • Laneway Homes
    • Kitchen Renovations
    • Bathroom Renovations
    • Design-Build Contractor System
  • Projects
      • A two-story Craftsman Revival home in green, featuring a porch and balcony, boasts large windows and a lit staircase welcoming guests. Surrounded by trees and a brick pathway, this Dunbar Custom Home rests elegantly against a backdrop of a cloudy sky at dusk.
        Dunbar St.
      • A bright kitchen with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a modern light fixture. The kitchen features a large island, hanging pendant lights, a range, and a brick backsplash. A plant decorates the table, and sunlight streams through a window.
        Adanac St.
      • A two-story blue craftsman-style house with a white balcony and trim. It has a welcoming front porch, large windows, and a blue front door. Surrounding the house are tall trees and a small garden with plants lining the walkway.
        Point Grey Road
      • An indoor/outdoor lap pool with bright blue water is nestled in a modern room with concrete walls and ceiling lights. Towels are neatly placed on a shelf to the left, while a potted plant adds greenery. Steps gracefully lead into the pool, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
        Shaughnessy Indoor/OutdoorPool
      • Bright living room with large windows and a beige sectional sofa. A carved wooden coffee table is in front, with books on a side shelf. In the background, theres a dining area and a modern kitchen. Neutral tones and natural light fill the space.
        Woodhurst Burnaby
      • A modern two-story house with large windows and a balcony on the upper floor. The lower level has a patio with a hot tub. Surrounded by trees, the setting is peaceful and natural, with outdoor seating visible.
        Harbour Deck Addition
      • A two-story house with gray siding and white trim, featuring a large front porch and steps leading to a wooden door. The yard is landscaped with grass and a pathway, and the house is bordered by a wooden fence.
        W. 16th Ave.
      • Modern kitchen with a large island, hanging pendant lights, and white cabinetry. Glass cabinet doors reveal dishes inside. Wooden floors and a patterned rug complete the look in this perfect home. A door with frosted glass is seen to the left.
        W. 39 St.
      • Bright living room with two cushioned chairs and a wooden coffee table displaying a white orchid. A dark wood cabinet complements the decor, hinting at an elegant renovation. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, while framed pictures adorn the walls and wooden floors gleam below.
        Blenheim St. Basement
      • A bright kitchen in a Heritage Home showcases a white farmhouse sink beneath double windows. Light gray cabinets and a marble backsplash are featured, alongside wooden shelves adorned with plants and bowls, completing this charming interior makeover with sleek stainless steel appliances.
        W. 21 St.
      • Modern two-story house with wood and gray paneling, surrounded by trees. A swimming pool is in the foreground, and a patio with an outdoor seating area is visible to the right.
        Crescentview North Vancouver
      • A two-story modern house with a dark exterior and white trim. It features a garage, a prominent white door, large windows, and a tall tree in front. A wooden fence encloses part of the property.
        West End Vancouver Laneway House
      • A two-story house with a modern design featuring a mix of brick and metal paneling. A prominent orange front door is accessed by steps flanked by greenery. Tall trees and a clear blue sky are in the background.
        W. 4th Ave.
      • Modern two-story house with large windows and beige exterior. The backyard features a swimming pool with a small waterfall, surrounded by patio furniture and an umbrella. Lush greenery is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
        West Vancouver Custom Home
      • A modern, two-story house at dusk with illuminated windows and stairs. The front porch features glass railings, plants in pots, and soft lighting on the steps. Trees and a clear sky are visible in the background.
        North Vancouver Home Renovation
      • A modern living and dining area with a coffered ceiling. It features a wooden dining table with a floral centerpiece, a chandelier, a beige sofa with colorful cushions, two armchairs, and a window view. The room has dark wood flooring.
        Shaughnessy Heritage Home Renovation
      • Modern two-story house with warm exterior lighting. Features include large windows, a wooden front door, and a stone accent wall. The yard is landscaped with grass and small shrubs. The sky is overcast, suggesting early evening.
        1940’s Bungalow Reno
      • A two-story suburban house with a gray exterior, large windows, and a central dark front door. The yard is small, featuring a path flanked by bushes, with a surrounding black metal fence.
        Mackenzie Heights

  • Portfolio
      • Modern two-story house featured in our portfolio with illuminated exterior lights highlighting stone and white panel walls. Large windows showcase warm indoor lighting. A well-maintained lawn and pathway lead to the wooden front door, set against the evening sky.
        Exteriors
      • A modern kitchen with light cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a center island featuring a dark sink. Colorful floral rugs adorn the floor like pages from a design portfolio, while fresh flowers in a vase add a touch of nature.
        Kitchens
      • Modern bathroom with a large window view of a marina. It features a double sink, a freestanding white tub, wooden cabinets with folded towels, and a vase with purple flowers on the countertop.
        Bathrooms
      • A bright, modern living room features a large beige sectional sofa, wooden side table, and decorative carved coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a lush outdoor view like a live portfolio of nature. A kitchen with a dining area is visible in the background.
        Livingrooms
      • A modern bedroom with open glass doors leads to a spacious balcony featuring lounge chairs and a scenic view of the water, as though nature curated its finest portfolio. The room has wood flooring, a large bed, and artworks on the wall. A stone chimney is visible outside.
        Bedrooms
      • A modern outdoor patio showcases yellow cushioned seating around a central rectangular fire table atop a blue patterned rug. Glass railings frame the scenic view, revealing trees and distant mountains beneath a partially covered roof with skylights—a true portfolio of elegance and comfort.
        Outdoor
      • Modern living room featuring a large white sectional sofa, marble fireplace, and mounted TV that showcases a stylish portfolio of decor. Shelves with curated items flank the fireplace. A round coffee table rests on a gray rug, while a large window offers ample natural light.
        3D Renderings
      • Modern black bathtub faucet with a handheld shower head, set against a large window. Sunlight filters through trees outside, illuminating a small green plant on the wooden ledge—a perfect scene for any home decor portfolio.
        Details
      • A modern bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub perfectly positioned to showcase a marina view. Wooden shelves with neatly stacked towels adorn the right, and a wide countertop with dual sinks on the left completes this elegant portfolio of design. Light gray floor tiles enhance the sleek look.
        Before & After Photos
      • A two-story suburban house with a modern design, featuring large windows and a central dark door. The light-colored exterior resembles an artful portfolio, complete with a chimney on the left. A small front yard with shrubs and a pathway leads to the entrance.
        Before & After Videos
  • Consultation
  • Client Experience
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Career Opportunities