Christopher Developments

• story by Tricia Despres
  photos by Vince Klassen

  In business since 1992, Christopher Developments works throughout greater Victoria on high-end residential jobs. Led by company owner and founder Chris Walker, Christopher Developments is known best as a boutique design, build and project management firm dedicated to creating their client’s dream homes.

  “There is nothing I love better than designing contemporary homes,” explains Walker from his offices in Victoria. “The sky is the limit, and there are no traditional rules to follow. I find myself challenged by these kinds of freewheeling concepts, and realizing what it will take to build these designs. I hate to think of the homes that never get built because designers are fearful of the set-up or costs.”

Christopher Developments’ Anya Lane was one of these “sky is the limit” projects. Custom designed by Walker, Anya Lane exemplified all that he enjoys most about his job.
“This was a dream client who trusted me and knew me through a number of testimonials and referrals,” says Walker, who admits to being constantly awoken in the middle of the night with design inspirations. “They were young, internet millionaires that were ready to take a chance.”

  “Working with a homeowner on a project for upwards to a year can sometimes feel like a marriage in a way,” says Walker. “They are spending more money than they ever have, and it can be stressful to come up with a cohesive design that works for everyone involved. But it’s these types of challenges that I find extremely rewarding.”

  Another rewarding feature of this particular project
was the chance to build an environmentally conscious home. In fact, over 2,000 pounds of recycled concrete and glass was used to create the home’s kitchen island.

  Walker utilized cedar from windfallen cedar trees for the exterior of the home. “The cedar really allowed the home to blend into its surroundings beautifully,” he says. “Embracing the wildlife of the area was important to the homeowners. They were focused on this home fitting in with its surroundings and feeling comfortable to anyone who walked through its doors.”

  Beginning his career as a builder of spec homes in existing neighbourhoods, Walker says he thrives in building one-of-a-kind homes in the vast open spaces of Victoria. And while the area has been affected by the rocky economy of late, Walker says that he does see conditions beginning to loosen.

  “We have begun to have quite a robust economy in British Columbia, and I have a feeling this will continue,” says Walker. “Many of our clients come from Alberta and move to Victoria since it’s one of the most beautiful places to live these days. And many of these people come from backgrounds in the oil industry, so the money is most certainly there and ready to be spent.”

  Being able to work and play in Victoria is a blessing to Walker, who spent his childhood moving around Canada with his father, who worked with the Mounties organization.

  “The beauty of my day is that it is so flexible,” says Walker. “With half of my day spent onsite and the other half of my day in the office dealing with invoices or future design work, I really feel like I always have the best of both worlds.”

  See more work from Christopher Developments.

  
  
  

  
  
  July 26th, 2011 | dee | 1 Comment |