Builder Architect Magazine 2014

Greater Vancouver Spring 2014
Clay Construction Inc
WOMEN IN
CONSTRUCTION
Q&A with
Cynthia Melosky
Energy Modeling
The Colour Road
Map
GRAND GEORGIE AWARD 2013
BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN B.C.

features
2 | Greater Vancouver Builder Architecture Builder Architecture Greater Vancouver | 3
CLAY CONSTRUCTION INC..... 8
By Susan M Boyce
Larry Clay is no stranger to change and innovation. In
fact, you could say that over the years they’ve become
genuinely fond of each other.
It’s been a decade since Larry and change began their
courtship when Larry chose to leave the security of a
17-year teaching career and pursue his passion for
residential construction.
He’s quick to admit, it’s been a bumpy ride at times. Like
all new businesses, Clay Construction Inc had to prove
itself in a highly competitive field. But driven by Larry’s
intense focus on quality and unwavering commitment to
following through on each and every promise he made,
word began to spread and the company prospered.
8 BENEFITS OF GREEN
BUILDINGS.............................. 5
Investing in green buildings reaps big rewards
now and for years to come
Green buildings are more than a fashion statement.
Many architects, builders and clients agree that smart,
sustainable buildings are becoming a necessity.
BUILDERS SHARE SOCIAL MEDIA
STRATEGIES THAT WIN..............6
By Claire Easley
Once mastered, social media can yield dramatic
results. Four builders share how they’ve found success.
Builders know they’re supposed to be on Facebook.
They’ve heard the stats about the largest social
networking site’s more than 800 million users, more
than half of whom are on the site every day. The hard
part is converting those millions of Facebookers into
new-home buyers.
WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION
Q&A with Cythia Melosky...........15
By Susan M Boyce
The year was 1981 when Cynthia Melosky arrived in
Vancouver with a degree from the University of Manitoba
and a passionate desire to practice architecture.
Within days she’d landed a job with a small, local firm
specializing in the rapidly immerging townhouse market.
And so began her life-long love affair with multi-family
housing.
Builder Architecture
Spring
Contents 2014
.......On the Cover
Haebler Construction Group
ENERGY MODELING FINDS BIG
SAVINGS FOR RICHMOND’S
RIVER GREEN COMMUNITY ... 17
Energy modeling allows testing of alternate
design options.
Early in the design stage, Aspac and Cheng enlisted
support from the BC Hydro Power Smart New
Construction Program. That allowed the project to access
funding toward the cost of an energy-modeling study.
“Energy modeling,” says BC Hydro Specialist Engineer,
Bojan Andjelkovic, “allows architects and designers
to test different design strategies through a simulation
of how the building will run, how much energy it will
use. They can see what happens if you use this kind
of heating system combined with that kind of window
glazing, or what happens if you simply move the
building a little to face a slightly different way.”
THE COLOR ROADMAP: YOUR
PALETTE FOR SUCCESS........... 25
These colors aim to dominate the
floorcovering market.
Color enriches and influences every aspect of our lives;
from what we wear to the environments we create.
Of course, floorcovering is an integral foundation for
our environments, and the right colors are critical. The
connection between colors we choose to live with and
where we live is hardwired and always evolving—but
with deep-rooted influences.
departments8
17
BEING POWER SMART MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
Developer Jim Bosa is set to transform a major corner in Burnaby into a hub of residential, office and
commercial activity – all of it built to very high standards of energy efficiency.
While always interested in sustainability, Bosa has never before specifically targeted energy efficiency
as a goal in his developments. But for the Solo District, located at the corner of Lougheed Highway
and Willingdon, engineering firm Integral Group recommended he look at incorporating energy-saving
measures from the ground up.
The result for just the first building, revealed through an energy-modeling study funded by BC Hydro’s
New Construction Program, is an estimated energy savings of 1.16 million kWh per year – which means
it will use about 26 per cent less energy than a similar building built without those energy-saving
measures.
“The engineers pulled out elements I wouldn’t have thought of,” Bosa says. “I thought I knew quite a bit,
but they found more savings than I would ever have on my own. I’ve recommended the New Construction
Program to other developers. I’ve told them, you need energy efficiency for marketability, so you might
as well take advantage of the incentives BC Hydro offers to do an energy study and install the energy-
saving measures.”
Are you looking for new ways to build better? Visit bchydro.com/construction
or call 1 866 522 4713.
A13-508
BUILDING BIG – AND ENERGY EFFICIENT –
IN BURNABY
BEING POWER SMART MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
If you haven’t visited the City of Vancouver’s Creekside Community Recreation Centre yet, you should.
It has a fitness centre, gym, dance studio, on-site childcare, soon-to-be-opened restaurant and
fabulous views of False Creek and the North Shore mountains.
It also achieved the highest LEED® Platinum certification for green design, in large part because of its
terrific energy efficiency.
“Virtually no energy gets wasted there,” says Vladimir Mikler of Cobalt Engineering, “and it has a lot of unique
features – for instance, Creekside is the first building in North America to use a solar absorption chiller in
combination with radiant cooling, which is incredibly energy efficient.”
But Creekside could have easily missed out on such a unique and effective feature if Cobalt had not worked with
BC Hydro’s New Construction Program to complete an energy modeling study during the earliest design phase.
“Energy modeling,” says Mikler, “allows for rigorous analysis of options to reduce energy use and, with BC
Hydro’s support, it’s affordable. We believe all new large construction projects should take the advantage of
this program: the buildings will perform significantly better and the owners will benefit from an immediate
reduction in operating costs.”
Looking for new ways to build better? Visit bchydro.com/construction or call 1 866 522 4713.
A11-588
PlANNING A NEW BUIldING?
Why yOU ShOUld BEGIN WITh
ENERGy MOdElING

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This month we are very proud to showcase
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GreenEditorial
Green buildings are more than a
fashion statement. Many architects,
builders and clients agree that smart,
sustainable buildings are becoming a
necessity. Why? Because according to
some estimates, buildings account for
almost one-half of the world’s material
and energy consumption, one-sixth
of fresh water use, and a quarter of all
wood harvested. As costs for sustainable
materials and products drop, building
green is really the most cost-effective kind
of design and construction. More and
more, you can’t afford not to build green.
1. Lower Green Building
Costs
Even if you read no further, this
should convince you: Green buildings
save money, starting the very first day of
construction. This is true for green homes
as well as sustainable office buildings,
factories, churches, schools and other
structures.
A 2003 study by the California
Sustainable Building Task Force shows
that an initial green design investment
of just two percent will produce
savings greater than 10 times the initial
investment, based on a very conservative
20-year building lifespan. For example,
$40,000 in green design in a $2 million
dollar project will be repaid in just two
years. Over 20 years, the savings will
amount to $400,000. In other words,
ka-CHING!
2. Improved Productivity
A number of studies -- and common
sense -- indicate that building occupants
who are healthy and comfortable are
more productive. A study of 31 green
buildings from the City of Seattle found
that absenteeism was reduced by 40
percent. Another study, sponsored in part
by commercial real estate giant Cushman
& Wakefield, reported 30 percent
fewer sick days among one company’s
employees, and discovered a 10 percent
increase in net revenue per employee in
another company, after each office moved
to LEED-certified buildings. Companies
in green offices also have an edge in
attracting and retaining great employees.
3. Green Buildings Have
Higher Market Value
Both residential and commercial
buildings retain a high resale value
if they include sustainable design
components. The value to prospective
buyers comes from knowing their utility
and maintenance costs will be lower in
green buildings that outperform non-
green buildings. Occupancy levels are
consistently higher, and vacancy rates
lower, in sustainable office buildings.
4. Healthy Occupants in
Green Buildings
Sick building syndrome is a problem
that has plagued homes and offices
for decades, and costs U.S. businesses
millions of dollars each month. Green
buildings, however, avoid many of these
problems with healthy ventilation systems
and use of non-toxic building materials.
The EPA estimates that indoor air
pollution may be 2 to 5 times worse, and
sometimes more than 100 times worse,
than outdoor air quality. Of 146,400
lung cancer deaths in 1995, 21,100 were
related to the radon gas that’s found in
many buildings. About 20 million people
(and over 6 million children) suffer from
asthma, which can be triggered by the
indoor pollutants that are often found in
non-green buildings.
5. Tax Benefits for Green
Buildings
Recent federal tax incentives have
been enacted to encourage the design
and construction of energy-efficient
green buildings, both residential and
commercial. Many state and local
governments have also passed tax
provisions to encourage energy-efficient
buildings. Ask your accountant or tax
expert about the Economic Stimulus Act
of 2008, PL 110-185 (ESA), the Housing
Assistance Tax Act of 2008, PL 110-
289 (HATA), the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008, PL 110-343
(EESA), and the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009, PL 111-
5 (ARRA) to see if these apply to your
home or commercial real estate.
6. Improved Retail Sales
A California survey of over 100 stores
(all operated by the same retailer) found
that sales were 40 percent higher when
stores were lighted with skylights instead
of electric lighting. Retailers who can use
daylight in their interiors can also lower
their electric costs. All these factors are
further proof that green buildings might
actually make money.
8 BENEFITS OF
GREEN BUILDINGS
Investing in green buildings reaps big rewards now and for years to come
Green Editorial continued on page 7

Builders know they’re supposed to be
on Facebook. They’ve heard the stats
about the largest social networking site’s
more than 800 million users, more than
half of whom are on the site every day.
The hard part is converting those millions
of Facebookers into new-home buyers.
Fortunately, some builders have
figured it out. Take Tamara Lynch,
vice president of sales and marketing
at the Charlotte, N.C., division of M/I
Homes. That builder’s website went from
averaging 5,800 page views per day to
more than 50,000 thanks to a Facebook
pizza giveaway. The bump in traffic took
them from page 5 on Google searches to
page 2.
Heartland Homes’ Facebook page
is driving 4,000-plus unique visitors to
its site every month, says Kevin Oakley,
Heartland’s director of marketing and
sales training.
And Southern Homes saw a 64%
increase in sales in a single year that it
attributes to a revamped social media
campaign.
These builders and more shared their
strategies for Facebook, blogging, Twitter,
and other social media outlets on Friday
morning at a session of the International
Builders’ Show. Here are some of the
ideas they offered.
Facebook
• Make it public. “Social media is the
fastest way to connect with our buyers
friends,” said Jared Weggeland, director
of sales and marketing at Southern
Homes, who pointed out that a buyer’s
friends are likely in the same stage of life,
and therefore, may also be looking for a
new home. After not seeing much success
withitsoldsocialmediastrategy,Southern
shifted to having its salespeople connect
directly with prospects through Facebook
by adding them as a friend as soon as
they visit a home. The salesperson then
follows up on the prospects’ Facebook
page to thank them for stopping by and
posts photos and floor plans for what they
toured. The next year, Weggeland said,
sales from online referrals were up 64%.
• Give and keep giving. M/I’s Lynch said
her company is always doing a giveaway
of some sort or another. The Facebook
pizza giveaway that boosted her division’s
Web views by 44,200 viewsper day ran as
a month-long event, in which participants
would have to visit M/I’s Facebook page
each day to get a clue about the “topping
of the day.” At a random time, an 800
number to call would be posted and
the first person to call in with the day’s
topping won a pizza. As a result, the
company’s Web leads doubled.
• Help those in need. M/I has found
success with campaigns that offer to
donate money to a good cause, such
as disaster relief for victims of Japan’s
devastating earthquake last year, when a
person “likes” their Facebook page. Amy
Cooper, marketing manager at Highland
Homes, also pointed to the importance of
having a “like” option button with each
of the homes displayed on your website
so that if a prospective customer finds
something they like, they can “like” it
right away.
• Have fun. Eight out of 10 home buyers
don’t even consider new-construction
homes. Oakley offers two main reasons
why: They assume the price is too
high, and they think the process is too
difficult, he said. “They’ve all heard the
horror stories.” In order to change that
perception, Heartland Homes focuses on
using Facebook with its current buyers
to make the process look fun by posting
photos and posts about progress and
encouraging the buyers to do the same.
Besides, he said, “you need to be shooting
photos and videos anyway.”
Builders Share Social Media Strategies That Win
Once mastered, social media can yield dramatic results. Four builders share how they’ve found success.
7. Lower Utility Demands in Green
Buildings
One indirect benefit to green buildings is often overlooked:
reduced demand on electric, gas and water utilities means that
these infrastructures can do more with less. This can result in
lower municipal utility costs over the long run as utilities need
not expand and can avoid passing those expansion costs onto
utility customers. And in the case of energy- efficient net zero
buildings and zero energy homes, these buildings actually feed
electricity back into the utility grid, and result in no energy
costs at the end of a year. Most owners of net zero buildings
actually get a check back from their energy company at the
end of a year.
8. Improved Quality of Life
It’s hard to put a dollar-amount value on quality of life.
How much, for example, would you pay to enjoy a less-
stressful day, or to avoid catching the flu? When all of the
aforementioned benefits to green architecture and sustainable
design are added up, the enhanced lifestyles shared by all of
society makes sense, both economically and environmentally.
Again, as we move into an era of smarter technology and
more expensive natural resources, we can’t afford not to build
green.p
By: Claire Easley
• Stay positive. If you get negative
feedback on your Facebook page (or on
any of your social networking platforms),
don’t delete the comment, said Cooper.
Instead, offer a positive and immediate
response in the public forum that steers
the conversation to a private forum,
such as “I’m so sorry you’ve had a bad
experience with the shingles we’ve put on
your home. Here’s my name and number
so we can get this resolved immediately
for you.”
• Get chatty. Twitter is different than
Facebook, Cooper said, in that “you don’t
want to put everything on Facebook,” lest
you should annoy all your “friends.” But
on Twitter, activity is encouraged and
that’s the place you should be posting
about every event, celebrating meeting
sales goals, etc. Blogs should also be
linked to Twitter, so that followers know
when there’s a new post available.
• Keep track. For help tracking where
prospective buyers are coming from,
Cooper recommended doing promotions
that are exclusive to Facebook or Twitter.
Blogs
• Partner up. Heartland Homes opens
its blog up to its supplier partners, which
post on their specialties, such as designing
with paint colors, etc. Heartland also
provides posts for prospective buyers on
how to sell their existing home.
• Look at alternatives. For builders
intimidated by the blogosphere, Tumblr
is like “blogging for morons,” said
Weggeland. It offers a quick and easy way
to post short blurbs as well as videos and
pictures, and it allows you to establish a
report with prospective buyers. “People
trust individuals,” he said. “They don’t
trust the company as much, but they trust
individuals.”
Apps
• Rally the troops. Heartland Homes
has recruited its buyers to be Facebook
ambassadors through an app that awards
them with points if the buyer posts photos
or writes about their new home as it is
being built on their personal Facebook
page. Points can then be redeemed for
an array of prizes, including discounts on
moving or trips to Disney World. The app
also guides the new homeowner through
the process of having their home built.
• Provide tools. “Successful Realtors
work mobily,” said Lynch. “Give them
ways to stay connected and informed
[via smartphones].” To that end, M/I’s
Charlotte division has created an app
for both Realtors and prospective buyers
that works like FourSquare. Users can
check in through the app at different
points around their community and earn
points to be redeemed with the builder.
For Realtors, the app will inform them
if elevated commission rates are being
applied to certain homes or communities,
and it has a geolocator that will bring the
user to the nearest community and offer
information on available homes nearby.
To entice Realtors to download the app,
M/I ran a promotion offering a $100 gas
card to use it at one of their communities.
YouTube
• Broadcast yourself. After Google,
“YouTube is the second largest search
engine,” Oakley pointed out. His
company offers videos on common
warranty questions and other items of
interest to prospective or new buyers.
“Our most popular is how to change the
light bulb in the home’s lamppost out
front.”
• Include keywords. YouTube videos can
be integral for improving your site’s
rankings in searches. Be sure to fill the
video descriptions with keywords. (If you
need guidance on what keywords to use
to target a given buyer demographic, try
using Google’s Keyword Tool.) p
Green Editorial continued

COVERFEATURE
COVERFEATURE
Larry Clay is no stranger to change and innovation. In
fact, you could say that over the years they’ve become
genuinely fond of each other.
It’s been a decade since Larry and change began their
courtship when Larry chose to leave the security of a 17-
year teaching career and pursue his passion for residential
construction.
He’s quick to admit, it’s been a bumpy ride at times. Like all
new businesses, Clay Construction Inc had to prove itself
in a highly competitive field. But driven by Larry’s intense
focus on quality and unwavering commitment to following
through on each and every promise he made, word began
to spread and the company prospered.
Larry became known a strong advocate and pioneer in the
field of whole-house home automation systems, he built
dozens of elegant spec homes across the Lower Mainland,
and he developed a solid reputation for honesty, integrity,
and reliability.
Then, in 2008, Larry found himself staring down the
economic black hole of the looming recession. “I knew
I’d come to another crossroads because financially, spec
homes simply weren’t viable any longer,” he says. His
tone is matter-of-fact and unassuming with not a trace
of the drama that’s typically synonymous with this global
meltdown. “So I made a conscious decision to become
excellent at building high-end, custom homes.” And with
that choice, Clay Construction moved to a whole new
level.
CLAY CONSTRUCT ION INC.
by Susan M Boyce
GRAND GEORGIE AWARD 2013
BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN B.C.

“This is the only program I know of that can accurately calculate the cost
to get to various stages like foundations, framing, or lock-up as well as work
from the other direction to establish how far a certain amount will get us,”
Larry says.“It’s like a springboard to manage expectations.”
Even more importantly,it virtually eliminates the nightmare of cost overruns.
“If the budget comes in at $700,000 and the client says they’ve only got
$650,000, we’re able to make informed, collaboratively decisions about
where to cut back before we begin.” With just a few keystrokes, Larry
demonstrates how clients can see the way modifications, even small ones
— perhaps reducing the number of landscape cedars by five percent or
increasing the height of their basement ceiling from the standard eight feet
to nine — impact their bottom line.
“And because the client sees everything I do — every quote, invoice, piece
of correspondence or contract, even how much I make — it’s completely
transparent which keeps me accountable.If I’ve said framing will be $31,500
and it suddenly comes in at $35,000, I’d better have a good reason why.”
COVERFEATURE
Accountable and Transparent
Decision made, Larry found himself once again looking for
ways to differentiate Clay Construction in an ever-more
demanding and sophisticated marketplace. He tackled
the challenge of market analysis with his characteristic
determination and thoroughness, and in no time he’d
identified an undeveloped niche that was a perfect fit with
his skills and business philosophy.
“Let’s face it, the first and foremost concern most people
have is budget: how to create a realistic budget, not going
over budget,and managing the budget during construction,”
he explains.“For me, the excitement of a project’s success
comes in large part from implementing the correct business
systems so a client not only knows exactly where they’re
at financially throughout the actual construction but long
before we even break ground.”
It was the convergence of his natural affinity seeing logical
progressions, past expertise in technology, and years
of teaching math. It took time and patience, but after
many trial runs the result was spectacular: a user-friendly,
computerized business system that’s totally transparent
and keeps the homeowner firmly in the driver’s seat.
Eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, Larry flips open his laptop
to give a demonstration. A typical Clay Construction
proposal appears onscreen.There’s an elegant leanness to
the visual design of the interface. But beneath the headings
and sub-categories, the “engine” is a robust structure able
to instantaneously and automatically crunch raw data and
transform it into a concise, yet ultimately fluid project
overview including up-to-the-minute budget.
COVERFEATURE

Digital Dynamics
Harnessing the power and efficiencies of computerization
seem to come naturally to Larry.He’s meticulous about digital
documentation and says he’s often taken thousands of photos
before the drywall goes on. By the time a job is complete
the number of images would have been inconceivable to a
generation that relied on film.
The resulting library of images and video clips are organized by
room,topic,and date to give a detailed insight into each homes
inner workings. He also provides links to most suppliers and
sub-trades used on the job,government agencies and related
industry associations, plus scanned copies of all permits and
inspections.
As a bonus, he says the system has allowed him to become
100 percent mobile.“I no longer need an office for meeting
with clients,because I can do everything onsite or in a nearby
coffee shop — which is much more convenient for the client.”
Today and For the Future
Clay Construction currently has six projects underway
including an innovative pair of homes in Kerrisdale built in
partnership with KFA Homes.
The short description: take a single, 50-foot wide lot
and subdividing into two 25-foot lots, each now home
to a 2,000-square-foot single-family dwelling. The longer
version is a story of inspired design that meetsVancouver’s
mandate for thoughtfully managed densification.
Priced at less than $2 million each, a figure almost
unheard of in this venerableVancouver neighbourhood
where even a teardown frequently comes with a price
tag of $3 million or more, these homes are showcases
of creative design. One is über modern boasting
industrial loft features like floating tread staircase
with steel and glass balustrade, angular kitchen, and
totally minimalist ambiance. The other feels like a
reinterpretation of the classic French country manor:
antique white kitchen cabinetry, cozy living room,
coved ceilings with concealed rope lights, and even a
sunny, 300-square-foot “attic office” which Larry says
he thinks has “so much more charm and character
than a basement.”
Now waiting final city building approval is a custom
home he says is the most challenging the company has
ever taken on — an R2000 residence for a client with
allergies so severe,they are life-threatening.“Everything
— every fastener,every glue,every proposed cabinetry
or insulation material — is meticulously analyzed and
researched against information on Material Safety
Data Sheets.Then, before we can begin construction,
we place a small piece of the material in her current
home to make sure she doesn’t have a reaction,
because if it’s the wrong product, it could kill her.”
COVERFEATURE
COVERFEATURE

Further complicating the project is the client’s almost impossibly tight budget.“To make this work,
we had to make compromises about size and finishings,” Larry admits. His voice takes on the firm
ring of a man with a deep-rooted and unshakable commitment.“Yes, there were builders who
weren’t willing to take on this project. But this lady has a need. She’s hurting and someone has to
build her home. I believe I have an ethical and moral responsibility to help, because I’m able to. In
the end it will be a modest house, but it will be hers.”
Looking Ahead
“The thrill of running my own construction company is definitely a dream come true,” Larry
says.“Yes, I’ve had to learn things and get over some humps, but I love what I do, I love who I am,
and I love knowing my business is a leader in the industry. Since the recession, we’ve enjoyed a
100 percent customer satisfaction rate — an achievement I could never had attained without
the collaboration of a very loyal, very talented group of sub-trades and other creative partners.”
Looking to the future,Larry says that while he’d feel a sense of satisfaction growing the company to
a point of having 20 projects per year underway, the core foundation of his corporate philosophy
— make each and every client feel as if they are the company’s number one priority — will
always come ahead of growth.“I believe that if you work hard every day and stay faithful to your
beliefs and ethics today, success will come tomorrow.”
Larry and Clay Construction Inc are found online at www.clayconstruction.ca.
COVERFEATURE
WomenINConstruction
By Susan M Boyce
The year was 1981 when Cynthia Melosky arrived inVancouver
with a degree from the University of Manitoba and a passionate
desire to practice architecture. Within days she’d landed a job
with a small, local firm specializing in the rapidly immerging
townhouse market. And so began her life-long love affair with
multi-family housing.
Vice President Development at Polygon Homes
Women in Construction
Today,Cynthia isVice President Development at Polygon Homes and still looks forward with anticipation to arriving at the office
every morning.This issue she shares some of her thoughts and insights about our dynamicWest Coast development industry.
Q:You’ve been heavily involved in multi-family housing and master planned communities throughout most of your
career. How do you see this home type fitting into the future of housing in the Lower Mainland?
A:There’s definitely a movement back to urbanity that fits the concept of master planned communities far beyond
the fact it’s become fashionable to live somewhere that’s sustainable. People don’t want to live in the middle of
nowhere.They want the infrastructure that let’s them walk to the coffee shop or grocery store, where they have
access to amenities like restaurants, schools, and transit. Master planned communities fulfill that desire.
Yes, owning a single-family house used to be the dream. But now people from every walk of life and every kind of
profession you can image are looking at multi-family homes as a viable, desirable option — young families, single
professionals, seniors, new Canadians, old Canadians, I see them all when I go to an AGM at one of our projects.
Q&A with Cynthia Melosky

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Cover Story for Builder Architecture Magazine
please contact Publisher Dan Muldoon:
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(604) 737-2874
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building and commercial building industry.
If you would like to nominate someone for our
Women in Construction question & answer
series, again, please contact us.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Q: What have you learned about being a woman in the
development industry that would be a surprise if the Cynthia
of today were to meet the person you were when you first
came toVancouver?
A: When I was younger I used to think success was all about
being smart and working hard. But there’s also a need to be
collegial, to build strong relationships because getting on with
people is like the glue. I’ve seen some very good people come
and go because they didn’t understand how important it is to
get along with everyone from your colleagues and co-workers
to suppliers and municipal council members.
A natural extension is that personal integrity is crucial. Even
though there are so many more players now than when I
starting, this is still a small industry. In the end, it’s your good
name you’re taking out there.Tough business people, the ones
who stay in business, don’t lie or cheat — it’s just that simple.
Q: Given that much of what you do is behind the scenes,
how does this ability to communicate with different groups
translate into the day-to-day of working with City Hall and
local citizens?
A:If you’re going to be liaising with council,city planners,and
community groups, it’s key to have answers to the questions
that are most important to each group. In other words, be
prepared to help make their jobs easier by understanding
what their job entails. A hydro technician will have different
concerns than a person from the traffic department who will
have different concerns again from a local homeowner.
It’s also important to maintain open, ongoing conversations
with the local community, because if you want municipal
approval, you need the approval of the neighbourhood. If
dozens of hostile people show up at the council meeting, it’s
unlikely you’ll be successful in gaining a development permit.
Q:How do you manage to keep ahead of the paperwork?
A: Remember that old saying: when you want something
done, give it to a busy person.The reason that’s true is because
someone who’s always busy has learned to compartmentalize so
they’re focused on what needs to be done at the time.Sometimes
that means not looking at the 20 new emails that just arrived in
my inbox until I’m finished a critical,time-sensitive task.But it’s
certainly extremely satisfying to give a sigh of relief when I’m
done with that task.
Q:What’s your advice for young women who want to be part
of the development industry?
A: Get as much experience as you can. There’s absolutely
nothing wrong with starting out at a small company. In fact, it
has some benefits because you’ll probably end up doing a bit of
everything — contract negotiation, sales and marketing, design,
pro formas. When you get to a large company, you’re more
likely going to be part of a collaborative working on one part.
Education is important — get as much of that as you can, too.
But do it for yourself not to please someone else — not even
your parents. Learn about every aspect of the business including
how to negotiate a contract because one day it’s going to be your
raise you’re negotiating.
Be prepared to work outside the nine-to-five and to work
extremely hard — especially in your twenties and thirties —
knowing your forties and fifties will be better income years.
Be passionate about housing. I believe women and development
are a natural fit, because we tend to be detailed oriented and
enjoy the beauty and comfort of homes.When I graduated there
were only three women in my class oft 30 and you never saw
women on a construction — ever.Now,you’ll see women doing
all kinds of jobs — electricians, carpentry, even pipe fitters —
and when you look at post secondary studies,the ratio of women
to men is about 50/50.Which is good for our industry. p
WomenINConstruction
BCHydro
Afocus of excitement during the 2010 Vancouver
Winter Games, the Richmond Olympic
Speedskating Oval also launched a building renaissance in
a forgotten corner of Richmond. The large tract of prime
waterfront land along the Fraser River had for decades
been lying vacant, surrounded by industrial land and
warehouses.
With the start of the River Green development, that
renaissance continues. River Green will encompass 3.4
million square feet of new development over 27 acres by
completion. Phase 1 consists of 458 units in six residential
towers, plus two amenity buildings, designed by Vancouver
architect James K.M. Cheng and developed by Aspac
Developments Ltd.
Energy modeling allows
testing of alternate
design options
Early in the design stage, Aspac and Cheng enlisted
support from the BC Hydro Power Smart New Construction
Program. That allowed the project to access funding toward
the cost of an energy-modeling study.
“Energy modeling,” says BC Hydro Specialist Engineer,
Bojan Andjelkovic, “allows architects and designers to test
different design strategies through a simulation of how the
building will run, how much energy it will use. They can see
whathappensif youusethiskindof heatingsystemcombined
with that kind of window glazing, or what happens if you
simply move the building a little to face a slightly different
way.”
Study reveals nine simple conservation options
and 1.5 million kWh savings
For River Green’s Phase 1 (six residential buildings and
three levels of parking), the energy modeling study revealed
that just nine energy conservation measures would result in
1.5 million kilowatt hours (kWh) a year of energy savings
compared to traditional buildings — enough to power about
150 B.C. homes.
Theenergy-savingmeasuresincludeincreasedroof andwall
insulation, high-performance glazing, interior and exterior
lighting controls, low-flow water fixtures and a high-efficiency
heat pump system. Says Andjelkovic, “It shows what getting
involved in energy modeling early can do. You don’t have to
take a risk on the latest technology; you can build it right, with
proven measures and still have great energy efficiency.”
ENERGY MODELING FINDS BIG
SAVINGS FOR RICHMOND’S
RIVER GREEN COMMUNITY

BCHydro
The energy-saving measures include increased
roof and wall insulation, high-performance glazing,
interior and exterior lighting controls, low-flow water
fixtures and a high-efficiency heat pump system.
Says Andjelkovic, “It shows what getting involved in
energy modeling early can do. You don’t have to take
a risk on the latest technology; you can build it right,
with proven measures and still have great energy
efficiency.”
By completing the energy-conservation projects,
Aspac is also eligible for further financial incentives
from BC Hydro to help cover installation costs.
Meanwhile, tenants will enjoy lower ongoing costs to
heat and cool their units.
Energy modeling for subsequent
building phases
Subsequent project phases are using energy
modeling not just to reduce electricity usage, but
natural gas consumption too, allowing access to
FortisBC incentives. “It’s important for us to keep
the River Green community as energy efficient as
possible,” says John Ryan, Aspac’s vice-president
of development, “because we know it’s important
to prospective residents’ buying decisions and their
concerns about the environment.”
The River Green community includes other
sustainability measures such as green roofs, electric
vehicle plug-ins, and a community shuttle to places
such as the Canada Line transit station and local
shopping. A high-efficiency irrigation system outside
the buildings helps reduce water used for irrigation.
A curtain wall system inside the buildings with low
emissivity glass gives the units excellent thermal
and sound insulation, and a highly reflective roofing
material will help to reduce the heat-island effect.
“It’s going to be quite a transformation of this
area,” says Ryan. “I feel privileged to be part of this
change, because we are creating a new community,
not just a place to live, for people to enjoy and feel
good about.”
TofindoutmoreaboutenergymodelingandtheBC
Hydro Power Smart New Construction Program, visit
bchydro.com/construction. p
FIVE TIPS FOR
CHECKING OUT THE
BUILDER OF A NEW
HOME
Checking out the builder is one of your most important
research tasks when you’re thinking about buying or
building a new home.
Thankfully, most home builders in B.C. are reputable
professionals. Homebuyers and real estate professionals
can check out the builder of any new home on the market
with the help of the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO).
Here are five helpful tips to start with:
1.
Ensure the builder is licensed by checking the
Public Registry of Licensed Residential Builders
at www.hpo.bc.ca.
2.
Check out the New Homes Registry at www.
hpo.bc.ca to see if the home is covered by home
warranty insurance and was built by a Licensed
Residential Builder.
3.
Request a list of recently completed homes and
projects, and ask for references.
4.
Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if
any complaints have been registered against the
builder.
5.
Visit www.hpo.bc.ca to see if the builder appears
on the list of B.C. builders who have received
convictions or enforcement actions.
More information can be found in Buying a New Home:
A Consumer Protection Guide, a free download from
www.hpo.bc.ca. p
D & J FLOORING CENTRE LTD.
2558 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam, BC, V3H 1W3
Website: djflooringcentre.com
604 461 2155
Your project will be handled by top-notch
flooring specialists and your new flooring is
backed by our complete
Buyer's Edge Satisfaction Guarantee!
We carry all floor covering products:
hardwood, vinyl, area rugs, carpet, cork,
laminate, ceramic and stone tile, flooring
accessories and much more.
Proud Supplier to Clay Construction.
Congratulations on being awarded
Grand Georgie Award as the Best
Custom Homebuilder in BC.
• Serving builders, developers, architects, interior
designers and homeowners
• Unparalleled personal service, free estimates and
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• Exceptional free standing, straight and curved stair
design and fabrication
• Hand-crafted and built-to-order according to our
rigorous quality standards
• Complete line of stock and made to design custom
shape rails, balusters and posts in wood, glass,
stainless steel and wrought iron with powder coat
finish
• Personal, professional, highly trained, talented and
dedicated staff
• Custom color match and installation for all products,
ensuring consistent quality

Get some answers before you start on your green building
project.
You’ve decided to hire a green builder or architect to work
on your construction project -- good for you. But before
you start to work with a professional,it’s important you
know what their green credentials are.
There’s an old saying in the building trades: A good
project is one where the client talks a lot at the beginning,
and a bad project is one where the client talks a lot at the
end.Speak up early to make sure you decide on the right
green architect or builder.
1. How many green buildings or sustainable projects have you
worked on in the past? Obviously, experience is a great teacher,
and there aren’t many “do-overs” in the construction industry, so
find a builder or architect who isn’t taking on your project as a
learning experience or a “practice session.”
2. What are your professional credentials? It isn’t necessary for an
architect to be a member of the American Institute of Architects,
but it doesn’t hurt. You should also ask about their green
credentials, like LEED Accredited Professional status from the
U.S. Green Building Council or some kind of certification from a
local green building organization.At a minimum, all contractors
should be licensed, bonded and insured.
3. Who in the firm will I be dealing with on a day-to-day basis?
Maybe your architect has sterling green credentials, but in many
firms, the bulk of the work is turned over to a junior staffer. Get
to know all the team players, determine their green credentials,
and find out who your main point of contact will be in the event
of any questions or problems.
4. Can I talk to your prior clients and other references? Ask them
about what green elements were incorporated into their projects
-- and how successful those elements were. Also, find out who
came up with these sustainable design ideas -- the client or the
architect?
5. What kind of contractors and sub-contractors will be used?
A green architect may have the best of intentions, but not all
workers on a building site will be familiar with the concept of
sustainability or energy-efficiency. Professional contractors
with real experience in green design are more likely to
carry out your sustainability objectives than day laborers
picked up in the parking lot of a big-box hardware store.
10 Questions to Ask a
Green Builder or Architect
CM DRYWALLCM DRYWALL
We are pleased to be the company that Georgie
Award Winner Larry Clay of CCI Construction as
well as the Toneguzzo boys of Cordovado
Homes turns to for their specific drywall needs.
We would love to work for other fine
builders such as yourselves.
Please call whether you have a small Reno,
a beautiful one of a kind custom home,
or even a large commercial project as we also
service the BeedieGroup and their specific
needs as a large developer.
Please contact Colin @ 604 825-0848
Or email CMDrywall@live.com10 Questions to ask a Green Builder continued on page 22

Even among consumers, LEDs are gaining both
recognition and popularity, but in many cases
they’re known only for one thing: energy efficiency.
This certainly isn’t a bad ‘reputation,’ and LEDs offer
excellent benefits to support this:
• They last up to 40 times longer than incandescent
lights, reducing replacement time and costs.
• LEDs use up to 50 percent less energy than CFLs;
75 percent less than halogens and 85 percent
less than incandescent lights.
• They typically realize a return on investment
within two years or less.
• They often have a lifetime that can exceed
50,000+ hours.
And, according to the U.S. Department of Energy,
a 12-watt LED provides the same amount of light
(about 800 lumens) as a conventional 60-watt
incandescent. Annual energy costs for that lamp-
based on two hours of use per day and an energy
cost of $0.11 per kilowatt hour (kWh)-drop from $4.80
for the standard incandescent to $1.00 for an LED
lamp. Not too shabby!
That all said, energy efficiency shouldn’t be the
only priority that building owners, facility managers,
architects, builders or owners focus on when it
comes to choosing LED lighting. Not all LEDs are
created equal, and the thought and attention
put into quality and color consistency can make a
significant difference in the lamp life, functionality,
aesthetics and energy savings.
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working with you on your quality custom homes.
Not All LEDs are Created Equal
By Tammy Impagliazzo
Not All LEDs are Created Equal continued on page 24
6. What kind of cost savings will be achieved? Cost savings are a
key component of sustainable design. Consider not only the
cost of construction, but also the long-term savings from energy
efficiency and other sustainable design elements.
7. What’s the overall design/bidding/permitting/construction
schedule? Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your green building
won’t be, either. It’s critical that you and the green architect or
builder agree upon some kind of time framework or schedule for
completion of the project.
8. How will site work be made sustainable? Being a good neighbor
starts even before ground is broken on the building site. How
much trash will your construction project generate? Will
construction workers separate recyclables from trash? How
will vehicle access to the site, and the accompanying noise and
congestion, be managed? What steps will be taken to minimize
the impact be on air and water quality in the area?
9. Will all these green issues be written into the contract? Casual
conversations about sustainability are easily forgotten over a year-
long construction process. Put as much written detail as possible
into the contract, while also leaving room for improvements and
changes as the project progresses.
10. Are there any other questions or considerations that we should
include in this project? No client can think of every question
or concern, especially in the early stages of a green building
project. Listen carefully to the response that your green builder
or architect gives you -- it will reveal how much they understand
the nature of sustainable building design, how much experience
they have, and how deeply they understand your commitment to
green design. p
10 Questions to ask a Green Builder continued
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COLOR CONSISTENCY
A common complaint with early
LEDs was their cool, or bluish, cast.
Conventional incandescents cast
a relatively warm light, roughly
2700K color temperature and
many consumers, architects,
retailers and facility managers
alike became accustomed to
their warm glow. In the past,
some manufacturers prioritized
high lumen output (the amount
of visible light emitted) over
producing warmer colors, and
thus, those early LED lamps and
fixtures appeared very cool,
operating at 5000K to 6500K. To
clarify, higher color temperatures
mean cooler, whiter light, while
lower color temperatures offer a
warmer glow. Fortunately, those
days of only blue light emitting
LEDs are gone and rapidly
evolving LED technology has
since enabled a variety of colors
and outputs to please even the
most discriminating eye.
The leading LED lamps
manufactured today are
available with high lumen
outputs with much warmer color
temperatures (averaging 2700K)
and can have color rendering
index (CRI) ratings of 85 or more.
A CRI of 100 means that an object
will look the same as it would
when lit by an ideal light source
like the sun or a conventional
incandescent.
PRESERVING THEIR LONG LIFE
Heat is the enemy of LEDs, and
often the main cause of LED
failures and reduced light output.
Managing the heat output by
LEDs is a chief factor in extending
their life.
Inwell-designedLEDlightinglamps
and fixtures, carefully designed
and engineered aerodynamic
heat sinks allow heated air to be
drawn away from the LEDs and
dissipated into the air surrounding
the fixture.
ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
Reduced energy consumption
isn’t the only way that LED lamps
can reduce environmental
impact. LEDs contain no mercury
or lead, reducing disposal costs,
and they can emit up to 70
percent less UV compared to
halogen lamps.
When choosing LED lamps or
fixtures,ownersorfacilitymanagers
should look for lamps that do not
contain harmful UV rays or lead
and that are manufactured using
recycled/recyclable materials.
ENERGY STAR provides
qualifications for the LED
lamps that meet its stringent
specifications, and in fact, LED
lamps helped one of the tallest
buildings in the Rockefeller Center
meetitsgoalofbecomingENERGY
STAR qualified. The retrofit, using
more than 600 of Toshiba’s MR16
and PAR38 lamps throughout the
building, delivered a 79 percent
reduction in kWhs per year and a
return on investment in less than
three months.
LEDs are undeniably the future
of lighting. The Department
of Energy estimates that by
2030, LED lighting will own a 74
percent market share. As LEDs
become the increasingly obvious
choice for any lighting project,
specifying quality, efficiency and
functionality will ensure that each
lamp lives up to its reputation. p
Not All LEDs are... continued
Your Palette for Success
These colors aim to dominate the floorcovering market.
Congratulations to Clay Construction for the well deserved
recognition of their hard work and being awarded the Grand
Georgie for Best Custom Home Builder in BC.
777 Eccounting Systems is extremely proud to be the
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By Annette Callari
The Color Roadmap: continued on page 26
Color enriches and influences every
aspect of our lives; from what we
wear to the environments we create.
Of course, floorcovering is an integral
foundation for our environments,
and the right colors are critical. The
connection between colors we choose
to live with and where we live is
hardwired and always evolving-but
with deep-rooted influences.
It is timely, then, that Color Marketing
Group has adopted a new methodology
of developing its color forecasts. CMG
now holds regional ChromaZone
meetings in key metropolitan areas
across the country throughout the
year. Designers and color professionals
analyze color directions for their part
of the country, and based on that
collective, nationwide information, the
final forecast is derived and announced
at CMG’s annual summit meeting.
The floorcovering industry knows how
valuable this forecast is in determining
its palettes for 2013 and 2014,
because they were well represented
in Miami in October 2012. Among
the contributing color professionals
present were representatives from
Mohawk Flooring, J & J Industries,
Mannington/Amtico, DalTile,
Bigelow Commercial Carpets,
Centiva, Congoleum, Shaw Industries,
Johnsonite and Beaulieu.
The actual names and color formulas
generated by CMG are proprietary
to members only, so I have built a
comparable reference palette that will
give you accurate insights as to the
emerging colors.
Let’s talk about the macro-trends that
helped forge the color directions for
the next two years:
Neo-Geo
There is a radical change in how
we view the physical world. Earth
has evolved from “clean” dirt and
minerals to a stratified mix that now
includes bits of plastics, trash and
shards of glass.
Prints and patterns for carpets will
pick up on this new geology concept.
Look for patterns that simulate colorful
geodes and stone-like patterns.
Contemporary versions will emerge
reflecting neo-geo. Yarns with varying
luster levels will be combined for
interest and colors seem to change
with the light of the day. Tactility will
be even more important—high texture
with a natural look, and luxurious
softness.
Contemporary
Minimalism
Design has been moving toward a
“less is more” concept for several
years now. An austere world economy
has moved this to a macro-trend for
2013-2014. We will continue to
design around what we “need” rather
than clutter our interiors with useless
things. Simplification—but with the
introduction of even more high-
tech comforts—will influence our
environments. Ease of maintenance
goes along with this trend, and
manufacturers of all flooring types will
consider this a priority in their product
development.
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If you know exactly the type of house
you want but can’t seem to find the
development home that fits, then you
are probably considering a custom-built
home. Building your own home can be
a creative, exhilarating experience. It
can be a frustrating, time- and money-
consuming one, too.
How can you make a custom-built
home project run as smoothly and
economically as possible? First, know
where you are going to place your
home. If you have good land, with access
to water and sewer facilities and on a
level lot in a community where you can
build just what you want, you have a
good foundation for your construction
project literally and figuratively. Second,
choose the right architect or custom
builder for you.
An Architect
An architect’s fee will increase the cost
of your new home by about 10 percent,
but you might make that up in resale
value, not to mention your enjoyment of
a well-planned house during your years
living there. By over-seeing your project
carefully, an architect might be able to
get discounts for you on materials.That
alone could save you his 10 percent fee.
You will want an architect who shares
your vision of a home, whether it’s
a Victorian, a sleek stone and glass
contemporary, or a charming Cape Cod.
An architect whose portfolio consists
of homes you cannot identify with is
obviously not on your wavelength —
keep looking.
Talk with some architects in the area
where you are looking. They know the
land, the weather, and any eccentricities
of that area better than one who lives
far away.
If you do not know where to begin
looking for an architect, contact the
British Columbia Institute of Architects
for more information.They can refer you
to a few members in your area.Ask those
you interview for references, of course,
and drive around to those homes not
only to see them but also to talk with
their owners.Are they satisfied with the
finished product?
Once you have chosen an architect,
agreed on an overall design for your
house, and have the drawings and
specifications, you need to solicit bids
from the person who will build that
house — the builder (sometimes known
as the contractor).
Check your local consumer affairs
agency to be certain that the builder
you are considering does not have any
complaints lodged against him.
The Greater Vancouver Home Builders
Association (gvhba.org.) can provide you
with names of local builders. It is best to
get price estimates from three builders,
or even more, and be sure they have
at least five years’ experience building
homes (erecting shopping malls or
condo complexes does not count here).
Should you go with the lowest bid? Not
automatically. The builder could have
written in inferior materials or building
practices that will give the profit he
needs — at the expense of your house.
Just as you did with the architect,ask the
builder for references and contact those
people.Did their home come in on time?
Was it on budget or close to it? Have
any problems surfaced since they moved
in? Did the builder fix them promptly?
Once your building project has begun,
you can hire the architect to oversee the
work, if you don’t have the time to do
it yourself or you are not familiar with
construction.
The architect’s strength is conceptual —
the look of the house, traffic flow, and
so on. The custom builder’s strength
is technical. He knows which screw
works better in which type of wood,
for example. You can get an excellent
custom-built home using either route.
The Custom Builder
Thisisanalternativetogoingthearchitect
route. A custom builder, who does not
have to be an architect — and indeed
almost never is one — can “design”
your home, to your specifications,
on a computer and then construct it.
When you are ready to go scouting
for someone to construct your custom
home, follow all the recommendations
already listed for finding a builder.
Naturally, if you engage a custom builder,
she will oversee the project as part of the
job. Since your builder is also designing
your home, the cost for those plans will
be included in the overall fee. p
by Piper Nichole
The Color Roadmap: continued on page 31
Next Nature
The floorcovering industry has done a great job of
interpreting patterns (example: organic, botanical, aqueous)
from nature into carpet—both broadloom and carpet tiles.
Porcelain tile manufacturers have done the same.
Now, enter “next nature”—patterns that reflect a new
rendered reality. Natural and virtual will combine to
produce fresh new versions of nature. Pixelization, cubed
and triangular shapes that look as if they have jumped off a
computer screen, will all be interpreted into soft surfaces.
Gradiant tones of color (ombre effects) within one carpet
or area rug will be available. Tile will also employ these
new color techniques. Vibrant colors will be interpreted
into luxury vinyl tile with mix-and-match capabilities,
especially useful for contract work (healthcare, education,
hospitality).
Past Meets Present
Nostalgic times are looking pretty good to all of us right
now. Colors from mid-century are optimistic, and these
colors are strongly incorporated in the forecasted palette.
Art Deco influences helped shape the new colors as well.
In certain regions of the country, colors with historical
importance found their way into the palette. These colors
from the past bring with them associations of optimism,
stability and comfort.
Sustaina-blue
Just about every region in the country agreed that America
is pretty “greened-out.” Greens have dominated the palette
for the last five years and we are ready for change. Two
years ago, CMG predicted that blues would be the new
flag-bearer for sustainability, and that has become reality.
Even the new greens are touched with blue. Sustainability
in design is more important than ever. Reuse, re-claim, re-
share, repurpose: This is the mantra for the remainder of
the decade.
See how these trends brought about the projected colors
that earned a place in the new palette for 2013 and 2014:
Greens and Blue-Greens
Julep:Mint Juleps on a hot summer’s day reflect this cool
green that has Art Deco roots.
Techno Green: A mid-toned green that works for interiors
or exteriors.
Caribbean: A perfect balance of deep green touched by
blue. Area rugs will capture this color.
Yellow-Greens
Vibe: Bright and optimistic, this green is a new version of
lime and a bit acidic.
Split Pea: Still keeps green on the light side with this mid-
toned color.
Blues
Nemo: A velvety blue with enough clarity to keep it lively.
Georgian Blue: Definitely a “past meets present” color
drawn from colonial times.A favorite color-to-be, especially
in the Northeast.
Tanzanista: This gem-like blue captures the essence of
tanzanite. Blue kissed with purple.
CrispinBlu: A deep, thoughtful blue that is peaceful and
pairs beautifully with white.
Beyond Midnight: Black has been replaced by this color.
It’s less stark than pure black and also more interesting.
The Color Roadmap: continued
THE
Custom-Built
HOME

To understand home buyer trends today, it’s almost easier
to look at what is not hot, at what buyers don’t want to
buy. There’s a lot about the 1980s that many people
don’t appreciate such as much of the music -- except for
U2 -- and most of the homes built in that decade. In fact,
homes built from 1970 to 1999 are often passed over
for older or newer homes. All of which means doing your
best Nancy Reagan impersonation and just saying no to:
• Shag carpeting
• Avocado-colored appliances
• Walnut cabinets, baseboards
• Formica counters
• Gold-toned trim
POPULAR STYLES AND AGES OF HOMES
The three hottest trends in homes are:
• Pre-WWII. These homes can be Victorians such as
Italianates or Queen Annes, Arts & Crafts bungalows,
Tudors, Colonials, California Missions, Greek Revivals;
almost any type of architecture with Old-World style,
charm and character. The exteriors are frame and wood,
covered in stucco or brick and stone.
• Mid-Century Homes. I cringe when I hear that term.
Can’t help it. But it’s an accurate term for homes built
between 1945 and 1965. While Cape Cods fall into
this category, the period is better known for its sleek ‘50’s
style, modern homes such as those built by Frank Lloyd
Wright and Wright-inspired builders such as Streng and
Eichler. Many of these mid-century homes have flat or
shallow-pitched roofs, geometric shapes and triangular
windows, cantilevered construction and open floor plans.
• Mediterranean.These homes incorporate Spanish or
Italian details, boast stucco exteriors, tile roofs and are
mostly multiple levels. The entrances are grand and
generally covered. Homes feature archways throughout
and rounded wall corners. Patios sport columns and
are filled with rustic terra cotta pottery. You’ll see lots
of wrought iron accents; interior floors are ceramic or
Travertine; and dramatic staircases are located most
often near the front of the home. Although you will find
these homes constructed in the early 1920s, most often
you will find this style copied by tract home builders after
the year 2000.
KITCHENS
Popular style trends are either original period details: pure and
unspoiled, or totally and completely modern. Herringbone
floors; peach, pink or blue four-inch bathroom or kitchen tiles;
art deco light fixtures and antique Wedgewood or O’Keefe
& Merritt stoves are among the original features buyers crave.
Never the twain shall meet in between, which means no
wallpaper, no blue-and-yellow ducks with white neck-ribbons
parading on borders, and no boxed ceiling lights. Here are
essential items buyers demand in kitchens:
• Professional 6-burner ranges & convection ovens
• Whisper-quiet commercial exhaust fans & range hoods,
ceiling or island mounted
• Top-of-the-line built-in stainless steel dishwashers and Sub-
Zero Refrigerators
• Built-in wine coolers
• Exotic stone, poured cement or granite counters
• Cabinetry with all the storage bells and whistles,
including glass door panels; maple or glazed or ebony
colors are popular
• Kitchen islands with an extra sink
• Apron-front farm kitchen sinks or hammered-copper sinks,
any unique product as long as it costs more than $1,000
• Floor-to-ceiling spice racks
• Towel warmers and warming trays
• Built-in microwaves with matching cabinetry fronts
• Recessed lighting combined with hanging-pendant
fixtures
Hot Home Trend Features and Home Design

The Color Roadmap: continued
Yellows
Moonray: A true neutral, this is a warm
beige with a miniscule touch of green.
Haystack: Natural, warm and golden in
tone with a slight undertone of orange.
Dijon: Yellow goes deep with this
hue. The color of pure egg yolks, it’s
definitely one of the optimistic colors.
Reds
Luscious: Pinks and reds are important
and well-represented for the next two
years. They reflect health and well-
being. Luscious has pink undertones
and lightens red to a livable interior
color.
Statement: Lipstick red and interiors
can wear it with confidence. A great
accent color.
Velvet Rose: Picture a freshly painted
New England barn trimmed in crisp
white.
V-8: Orange is not gone, but
reconfigured wearing a coat of red.
Warm Neutrals
Changes: This is the color you’ve been
waiting for, a complex mid-toned
neutral that harmonizes with just about
everything. Every floorcovering type
will pick up on this color because it is
timeless and easy to live with.
Sweet Cocoa: Just as it sounds, it’s a
rich, but neutral, brown.
Brooding: Another alternative to black,
Brooding is deep and grounded, but
with a touch of brown.
Rich Brew: Even darker than Brooding,
black has some new competition.
Cool Neutrals
Whisper: Grey is stepping back from its
current huge presence in interiors. But
Whisper represents grey well, with a
“whisper” undertone of soft green.
NeoGeo: Not black, not grey, not
green, it’s a blend of all three producing
a chameleon color that is mineral-like.
Metallic
Metallica: We are ready for a
new metal color that hasn’t been
overdone. Metallica is a hybrid that
defies an accurate label. Picture
bubbling champagne that is a no-
color color. Special finishes with
color flecks will give it glimmer and
substance. Carpet manufacturers
will enjoy playing with this color and
varying luster levels. Tile and LVT
manufacturers will love it as well.
Since these are emerging colors,
you will see some new product
introductions wearing these hues in
the very near future. It’s exciting to
watch colors of the future come to
life before your eyes.
Most of these colors won’t appear
until later in the new year or into
2014, but they are on the way. The
forecast colors bring energy and
a message of new beginnings to
interiors. The new color harmonies
that can be created are a break-
away from what we’ve seen the last
few years. The muted, grayed-down
colors are waning and making way
for crisp, clean hues.
It’s all about new beginnings and
colors will be our roadmap to the
future. p
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
B.C. Hydro Powersmart................. Inside front cover
Precision Stairs......................................... Page 18
D&J Flooring Centre.................................. Page 19
Vanderberg Landscape Design................... Page 20
CM Drywall............................................. Page 21
Allright Sprinklers...................................... Page 22
Coast Form Rentals.................................... Page 22
Coast Spray Form..................................... page 22
Neale Engineering.................................... Page 23
Eccounting.............................................. Page 24
4 Seasons Insulation.................................. Page 25
Multivista.................................. Outside back cover
BATHROOMS
• Buyers want lots of glass and stone
• Vessel sinks of all shapes and sizes are mounted into
antique dressers or Asian-inspired vanities
• Brushed nickel replaces chrome options
• Double-handle faucets are mounted on the walls and
vanities float from the floor
• Dual rain showerheads & hand-held sprayers for cleaning
showers
• Power-assisted, low-rise toilets and bidets
• Motion light sensors
COLORS
Earth-tone, soft colors. Lots of blues, greens, browns -- bringing
the outdoors inside. Sharp contrasts with brilliant hues of red
or orange accent walls.
SPECIALTY ROOM TRENDS
• Open floor plans combining family rooms with kitchen
and dining areas
• Media rooms
• Playrooms for kids
• Wine cellars
• Work-out rooms
TRENDS IN FLOORS, WALLS AND WINDOWS
Buyers are moving away from carpeting, even in the bedrooms.
If carpeting is used at all, it’s used sparingly. Walls are either
plaster, trowel textured or completely smooth. There is a purist
movement to retain original windows from pre-WWII homes,
refinishing, reglazing and replacing counter-weights or sash
cords. Otherwise, the windows are dual pane. Here are popular
flooring types:
• Travertine, 16-inches or larger
• Bamboo
• Wood and exotic hardwoods such as Brazilian cherry
• Cork p

32 | Greater Vancouver Builder Architecture
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LEGEND
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