James Kerr Architect

In 2014, James Kerr Architect was established in Victoria, BC, with a mission to provide personalized design services focusing on single-family residences and small-scale projects. As a sole practitioner, I am able to engage with each client and project on a deeper level, from design to construction, resulting in more meaningful and successful outcomes. My passion for buildings began at a young age, building driftwood forts on BC's west coast, touring construction sites with my city planner father, and working as a carpenter framing houses during the summer months.

I pursued my passion for architecture at the University of Oregon and became a registered architect in British Columbia in 1988. Over the past thirty years, I have honed my skills at design-oriented firms, including Henriquez & Partners in Vancouver and Merrick Architecture in Victoria. My project experience includes urban mixed-use developments, non-profit housing, heritage building rehabilitation, residential care facilities, schools, and libraries.

Our Attitude and Approach

At James Kerr Architect, we are committed to applying the "Five P" principles to every client-project: Professionalism, Passion, Persistence, Politeness, and Patience. We believe that clear communication with clients, design team members, and builders is essential for informed decision-making and successful project outcomes. Our design approach is guided by the principles of "firmness, commodity, and delight, " as identified by the 1st-century AD Roman architect Vitruvius. We strive to create buildings that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Design Philosophy

Good design has the power to uplift the human spirit by creating special places where people can engage with each other and the natural world. We take a balanced approach to design, considering the client's aspirations, budget, site opportunities, context, structural systems, materials, and regulatory constraints. In the case of additions or renovations, we carefully identify and evaluate the character-defining elements of the existing building-landscape to ensure that new work complements the original structure.

Sustainable Design

As a responsible and environmentally conscious practice, we believe that good design should strive to minimize our footprint on Earth and its finite resources. We advocate for building energy-efficient homes with generous natural light, durable materials, and window-door components. Where practical, we favor natural or passive systems for heating, cooling, and ventilation, and consider on-site energy generation such as photovoltaic cells. Our goal is to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and construction waste, while promoting the use of materials with less embodied energy and more recycled content.

As a Certified Passive House Designer, I provide design and planning services that meet the International Passive House Institute standard, a globally recognized benchmark for energy-efficient and sustainable building design. Our commitment to sustainable design is reflected in every project we undertake, ensuring that our built environments not only serve the needs of our clients but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Services

At James Kerr Architect, we offer a range of services, including design, planning, and project management. We work closely with clients to understand their needs and aspirations, and develop tailored solutions that meet their budget, schedule, and sustainability goals. Our services include:

• Custom residential design
• Additions and renovations
• Sustainable design and consulting
• Passive House design and certification
• Project management and administration

Our Commitment

At James Kerr Architect, we are dedicated to creating exceptional buildings that exceed our clients' expectations while minimizing our impact on the environment. We are passionate about our work and committed to delivering personalized service, innovative design solutions, and sustainable building practices that benefit our clients, the community, and the planet.