DAE Design Architecture Everyday Inc. - Vancouver, British Columbia

Richard

My partner and I were extraordinarily fortunate to have been able to work with DAE to turn our first house (a Victorian duplex) into a single family home. They are an extremely thoughtful, hardworking and creative team.
From beginning to end, they showed care and consideration to make sure that our daily lives -present and future- would be reflected in the design. The facade and backbone of the home were preserved while the interior was renovated to be friendly, modern, clean, and incredibly functional. An addition was designed for the rear of the home which visually contrasts playfully with the character of the older structure, and was designed with sensitivity to original building; minimizing construction cost and reflecting a respect for the exiting design. As a team, they balanced management of the ‘big picture’ with the required granularity to ensure no detail was missed. Ours was a large scale project— a complete gut from underpinning the basement to a secret little loft space featuring a pitched roof and double height volume. Looking back on all the communication DAE maintained with our GC, tradespeople, and with us, I am so impressed and grateful for their project management and commitment.. We have many memories of discussIng plans and choices, surely driving them mad, though they never let it on and were always available. Even then we’d still sometimes change our minds(!!) and they remained pleasant and gracious while politely explaining the ramifications on budget and timelines :). While we feel the credit they received for the project in several publications is of course well deserved, what is not often enough represented is how deeply and truly an owner loves their home! We could not be more grateful and appreciative for their hard work and lightness of spirit with which they undertook it.

Carly M.

Part of an architect's responsibility is to be familiar with city building code and help the client navigate this. David held my project hostage for unreasonable and unnecessary requirements that only cost me time and money. David wanted shop drawings for a door, window and railing I installed. This caused me months of delay, as my suppliers did not have shop drawings and in their time in business, had never heard of anyone asking for shop drawings. If I had proceeded with David’s request, it would have cost me over $5,000 in engineering fees, not to mention another month or two of delay. The City Inspector informed me shop drawings are only required on commercial buildings. When I talked to David about my dilemma in trying to make this happen I was answered with a tone that felt very condescending and patronizing. I also faced this dilemma with multiple fire doors and a few other issues on my renovation. None of which was required by City Code.

Furthermore, the city inspector informed me that I did not need an architect to obtain my permit. (This was my first time getting a permit and did not know this). A well-intentioned and ethical professional would have told me as much. Again, I could have saved several thousand dollars and time. Overall. David’s demands and invoices cost me well over $15,000 that was not necessary and delayed my project by several months, not to mention the stress incurred trying to figure all of this out.

Professionals are meant to make our lives easier and assist us in navigating unfamiliar territory. David did not do any of this. I would never recommend him.

Devin M.

Working with David and Shirley at DAE was an absolute delight. Their concept designs and permitting services left a lasting impression with their creative designs, helpful guidance, and meticulous attention to detail.

DAE's designs were well thought out and intuitive that surpassed our expectations. Each concept design presented by DAE left us impressed.

DAE provided invaluable guidance throughout the entire process. They navigated permitting procedures, ensuring a seamless experience. Their knowledge and expertise in dealing with regulations was great, and they acted as partners in every step of the journey.

The firms boutique size fostered open communication and collaboration, incorporating our ideas while offering expert advice. Working with DAE felt like being part of a dedicated team.

In conclusion, I would recommend DAE to anyone seeking a firm that embodies creativity, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail.

Totó Y.

What and incredible experience it was working with DAE. Not only was the design on point for Isetta Cafe Bistro but they took the time to listen and facilitate everything we wanted to see with the design concept which is very rare in today’s industry. Thanks you so much 🙏

ET

Olena S.