Making Dreams A Reality
The Firm
Our boutique style Architecture Firm is a studio built to allow its size and structure to offer high quality and flexible services. We are able to accommodate our customers, in both design and personal treatment.
Media/Awards
Media Recognition
- Best Small Home 2017: A LEED House on a Small Lot
- Designers of the Year 2015 - Eco Design Westernliving.ca
- 2014 WOOD DESIGN AWARD- Interior Beauty
AWARDS
- 2019 - Wood Design Architect Award
- 2017 - James was a finalist for Architect of the Year with Western Living magazine.
- 2015 - James was named Eco-Designer of the Year for Western Canada by Western Living magazine
- 2013 James was named the One To Watch in the Landscape category for Western Living Magazine.
- 2012 PLANNING INSTITUTE OF British Columbia Award of Excellence, Honourable Mention for Planning Practice, Small Town and Rural Areas
- Arthur Erickson Memorial Award - Finalist
- 2009 JWT Architecture and Planning was the recipient of the inaugural AIBC Emerging Firm Award.
His style combines elements of traditional and contemporary architecture with an emphasis in regionalism, innovation and design excellence.
James Tuer, Principal, AIA MAIBC MBCSLA LEEDap
Education
Landscape Architect - University of Guelph, 1990 (BLA)
Architect - University of Oregon, 1999 (MArch)
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James established his firm in 2006 and is now in his second decade as principal of JWT Architecture and Planning. His design work has won 14 design awards ranging from regional to international in scope. James’ design practice is centered around the use of traditional materials such as wood, concrete and steel - in a poetic and contemporary interpretation to weave the story of the beauty of these regionally available and sustainable materials in the context of “place and space” making in the culture, climate and culture of Canada’ rugged west coast.
James’ work has garnered two BC Wood Design Awards, one for Interior Beauty of Wood for the Hendrichsen Residence in 2014, and one for the Cedar award for the Buddhist International Society’s retreat on Bowen Island in 2016. He has had two residential designs which have garnered the House of the Year award with Fine Home Building magazine. His work has been published in the Vancouver Sun, USA Today, SAB Magazine, Fine Home Building, Cottage Magazine, and Western Living.
As an architect, James specializes is small scale sustainable buildings – including residences, commercial buildings and institutional buildings - which bridge the gap between landscape and architecture. His style combines elements of traditional and contemporary architecture with an emphasis in regionalism, innovation and design excellence.
He is also dedicated to design research, and has been an adjunct faculty member with SALA at UBC. He frequently speaks about his work at universities and for professional organizations.
Sustainability
City Planning
Water Harvesting
Water Harvesting
Sustainability Strategies - City of North Vancouver 100 Year Plan
Water Harvesting
Water Harvesting
Water Harvesting
On the site level, we look to conserve resources
Cluster Housing
Water Harvesting
Cluster Housing
Site Plan - Clustered Housing (Affordable Units)
More About JWT
List of Services
Architectural
- Residential
- Mult-Family
- Mixed Use
- Commercial
Landscape Architecture
- Residential
- Community
- Commercial
Planning
- Urban Design
Sustainability
Upcoming Events
See you at the Fall Vancouver Home Show 2019.
Testimonials
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful it is to be in the space that you designed and Alec built. There are many details yet to finish but it is simply amazing to stand at the centre of the nearly finished room and consider how it interacts with the exterior surroundings. Your vision is translating into an incredible reality.
Chris O
I just wanted to say that I stopped by tonight to see the house and the posts and curved beams. I walked around inside and sat outside on the terrace. The feeling of the structure and its relationship to the big stones, bedrock and stepping stones set within the curve felt perfect to me -- strong and spacious. The warm evening light on the light blond Fir posts made them positively glow like lanterns - I felt like I was standing in a temple. :-)
It is truly lovely.
W. Nielsen
James won us over immediately with his relaxed, attentive approach, and his excellent understanding of what is truly important to people who value their natural environment. I can't thank James enough for giving us this beautiful space that we could never have imagined on our own.
James, wanted to let you know that we have received a lot of comments on our cabin from people on the lake. They all say that we built the most beautiful cabin, absolutely love it.
Dawn & Randy
Since completion of the “makeover”, James Tuer’s work at our home has received much Praise from neighbours and from many passerby. Among other compliments, our home has been called “beautiful, “calming” and “an oasis of quiet”. Remarkably, the new garden, stairs, trees, grasses, flowers and walls have led to a major increase in the bee and hummingbird populations! Thank you James
Alan and Peggy Tupper, Tsawassen, BC
Service Locations
Situated in the lower mainland Vancouver, British Columba Canada
Whistler
Squamish
West Vancouver
North Vancouver
Bowen Island
Vancouver Island
Vancouver
Burnaby
Richmond
New Westminster
Coquitlam
Port Moody
Surrey
Whiterock
Langley
Maple Ridge
Aldergrove
Mission
Abbotsford
Contact our office if you are outside these areas. All locations considered depending on company schedule and availability.
FAQ's
Question 1
What is your style of architecture?
Answer
If you glance through our photo library you will find lots of different style homes. I like to say it takes great clients to build great projects and I approach every project by allowing my clients do the talking and the architect do the listening. What I bring to the table is a sensibility towards creating beautifully proportioned and crafted projects regardless if they are more on the modern side or craftsman side.
Question 2
Do you get involved in the construction project?
Answer
Yes I do depending on client needs. Our drawing sets are highly detailed so if a project is in a remote site it can run itself, but I love to be involved in all aspects of the project. Often opportunities will arise during the construction and I'm always thinking with my design cap on when on site. I've built a few homes for myself and know what it's like to wear a tool belt. I love interacting with trades and here is what a recent client said in a review on Houzz "....moreover, James knows a lot about construction and stayed on top of our project from start to finish. He established excellent working relations with our contractor, his employees and the many subcontractors who worked on our project."
Question 3
Can you recommend a builder?
Answer
Yes, JWT is an established firm with a wide network of contacts. With built projects throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast we have a core group of contractors and subtrades we like to recommend. We are also welcoming of clients who bring on board their own builder.