Square One Design
Square One Design

About

We know that for a potential client, who we are is as important as what we do.
about our team

“I love helping people create their dream homes to suit them and their building site. Or see the difference that small, strategic changes can have on functionality and a client’s enjoyment of a space. It’s such a pleasure to step inside what were once just drawings.”
– Erin Tett

Our Team

Erin Tett, Building Designer

Lead designer with Square One since 2004, Erin’s education and extensive experience pave the way for a smooth, creative process.

Erin is a graduate of the Environmental Design program at Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD University) and of the Interior Design program at Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology (now Confederation College).

During her time with Square One, she has completed hundreds of residential and commercial designs in a wide range of structures and styles.

Erin is known for:

  • her artistic sensibility, which she combines with her ability to envision concepts and plans in 3D. By imagining herself in a space, she assembles and coordinates the components—factoring in all known project parameters—in a distinctive blend of form and function.
  • her flexibility, including how she uses client feedback to further the creative process. Like a vehicle GPS, without missing a beat she redirects her focus to another possibility to achieve the client’s objective.
  • her relaxed and friendly approach complemented by attentiveness and keen eye for detail

CAD (Computer-aided Design) Draftspeople
Once the conceptual design phase is completed, our experienced CAD (Computer-aided Design) Draftspeople take the project into the construction drawing phase.

These detailed drawings include structural elements, cross sections, and site data required for engineering, building permits, pricing, and construction.

Join our team of CAD Draftspeople.

our approach

Mission:
Engage with our clients in a personal and professional way to produce the most architecturally pleasing, functional, and efficient design to suit their needs and budget.

Our Approach

What are you looking for in a Building Designer?

Every client is a bit different, but decades of experience and client feedback have shown us that it includes someone who listens to your ideas and objectives—really gets it—and makes strategic suggestions that give you the desired result, while supporting you along the way.

We are known for:

  • viewing clients as partners who we co-create with
  • our focus on creating spaces where the people who inhabit them feel in harmony with their inner and outer surroundings
  • creative, insightful, and practical suggestions
  • candid communication, such as letting you know when ideas might not translate as you intend or if they could significantly affect your construction budget
  • our thorough knowledge of building codes and best building practices, which means we can meet or exceed the minimum requirements, depending on your construction budget and priorities
  • our flair for maximizing the potential of a space—we love a challenge!
  • being client-focused and solution-oriented
  • always being mindful that your stamp of approval is needed before City Hall’s
our story

In 2022, Square One moved from its original office into a light-filled, loft-style design studio in downtown Duncan’s historic Cowichan Merchants Building.

Our Story

Square One Design has been serving the Cowichan Valley and beyond since its start in the 1980s—making it the longest-running building design and consulting studio in the area.

Founder, Michael Ker, designed more than a thousand distinctive homes and businesses until his retirement in 2015.

Erin Tett became Michael’s protégé in 2004, and when he retired she was promoted to lead designer to continue the tradition of design and consulting that we are known for.

Our designs have been realized on Vancouver Island (including North Cowichan, Duncan, CVRD, Nanaimo, Victoria, Maple Bay, Chemainus, Crofton, Saltair, Ladysmith, Wellington, Cassidy, Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Honeymoon Bay, Cowichan Bay, Genoa Bay, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Port Renfrew, Sahtlam, Shawnigan Lake, Langford, Colwood, Saanich, and Sooke), Gabriola Island, Salt Spring Island, the Sunshine Coast, and in Whistler.