The Construction Source

Prior to teaming up, Steve and Jenna both graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). They started the firm almost immediately after, in 2011. In the beginning, they did mainly commercial work while they built their reputation and established their bona fides. A couple years in, they were given the opportunity to design a custom home in Lakestone, a prestigious master planned community on Okanagan Lake. That job led to another in the area, and another after that, and Uprise grew quickly in size and prestige. “We’ve carried that momentum forward to where we are now,” Steve says. From the start, Steve says the goal was to do the kind of high- end, award-worthy homes they were doing now. In fact, he says both he and Jenna have been dreaming of designing homes froma young age. As early as 4th grade, he remembers studying house plans and coming up with his own elaborate plans on graph paper. Today, with Uprise Design & Drafting, Steve is more than realizing his childhood dream. The firm’s projects can range in value, but many are valued at $2 million or more. They are all different, but their commonalities include challenging sites, unique design elements, and discerning clients. NOVEMBER 2020 “Each house should be designed to the natural advantages of the site. It should respond to the pattern of the sun, wind direction, and views. No professional should ever agree with just building a random house on a lot.”