Construction cost is the biggest factor preventing projects getting to the starting line today. More than ever it takes a measured approach that starts from the very beginning. There are materials and methods that create efficiency, but it all starts with the design. If you want to know how we did it I will share the tips and tricks that worked for us. High value design for under $500/sf in today’s market is not easy to do, but it is possible.
#customhomebuilding #customhomes #architecturalhomes #architects #designerhomes #modernhouses #modernconstruction #finehomebuilding #collaborativedesign #smallbusiness #constructionbusiness #howtobuildahouse #howtodesignahouse #canadiancontractor #constructionbudget #qualityconstruction
We specialize in eating elephants 1 bite at a time.
The only way to figure out how to do something you haven’t before is to start, the rest takes care of itself, oh, and get fresh saw blades, that helps…
WIP for @scottandscottca
#architecturebuilders
If @darcyjonesarchitects wants a pointy roof, @darcyjonesarchitects gets a pointy roof.
Fascia’s are out. Knife edges are in.
#architecturebuilders #detailsdetailsdetails
For @dwellmagazine , (Dream project!) I took a ferry with @kelsie.knauf to Victoria to photograph Aki Kaltenbach @akikaltenbach , René Gauthier @renejeangauthier and Hiro’s home—once a corner store, now something much quieter. Their home, designed by @colin_harper_architect , was exceptionally well considered, thoughtful, and deeply cohesive. Of course, the Pepsi sign had to stay. Link in profile.
“Corner Story” - March 2026
Visuals Editor @alexzcasto
Assistant @kelsie.knauf
Words @stacey_mclachlan
Architect of Record: @colin_harper_architect
Builder: MDRN Built @mdrnbuilt@adamfryatt Pattern Builders @pattern.builders
Structural Engineer: Wicke Herfst Maver Structural Engineers
Landscape Design: Lombard North Group @seanpartlow
Landscape Contractor: Yorkshire Landscapes
Old project from 2019 we did is featured in @dwellmagazine this month.
It’s kinda cool to see your work in print. A younger me would have thought it meant ‘I made it.’ This older me knows it doesn’t matter as much in the long run. Just stick to your standards, keep moving everyday and take care of your people. A magazine feature won’t change the things that matter.
If anyone asks if we can still build for the prices in this article the answer is a resounding ‘f*ck no.’ This project was below market costs when we did it to start with. Another mistake made by a younger me. Now it’s outdated by 7yrs and less than half the real costs in 2026 dollars.
But I digress, any press is good press they say…
Picture a nice tidy @scottandscottca house in this nice tidy excavation.
It’s always exciting to have a fresh start, especially with a great team. Looking forward to pouring over the details and learning some new tricks. Just in time for the seasonal lunch fires!
Also, new places for monthly pub lunch! North Saanich here we come…
Picked up a sleeper truck a couple months ago. 36yrs young. Still goes like a hot damn, not gonna win any awards, but it makes me feel like I still live in an analog world. No bells, no whistles, no computer chips. I love it.
Death Before Cookie Cutter has been my go to slogan for a long time. It felt appropriate for this one. In the trusted hands of @crimsonstudioillustration the slogan takes on a life of its own.
If you see me (or hear me) throw me the ole 2 finger wave!
#deathbeforecookiecutter
This one’s been on the blogs lately.
A little glimpse of what it takes to build a 25’ double cantilever.
Concrete and steel and wood and steel and wood and more steel and more wood and a great dude named Tyler. That’s basically the recipe.
It’s appropriately dramatic. Right up there with the toughest things we’ve ever built.
@tylerjamesleblanc
