An Interview With Datum Point Studios
In this series we are getting to know the custom home builders and technical professionals who design the beautiful homes at The Foothills. Today we are talking with Austin Werner, Principal Owner of Datum Point Studios.
The Foothills: Tell us about Datum Point Studios and your primary offerings.
Austin: “Designing Homes That Inspire” ~ Datum Point Studios is an innovative, creative Nanaimo based boutique building design firm providing specialized bespoke single-family residential designs, and solutions to meet and exceed the needs of our decerning clients. Having established a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, high-quality projects and client service, Datum Point Studios can also be your ‘go-to’ resource for that new Foothills forever dream home!
The Foothills: Do you offer design solutions for just single-family homes or all home types?
Austin: We provide a wide range of residential design and complimentary consulting services in accordance with BC Building Code -Part 9 Housing & Small Buildings, as mandated under the provincial Professional Governance Act legislation permitting us to offer and undertake design services that go beyond that of single-family homes. We are also specialists in Multi-Unit Residential (up to 4 dwelling unit buildings), Laneway & Carriage home solutions.
The Foothills: How does Datum Point Studios differ from traditional home design teams/individuals?
Austin: We believe that the spaces we inhabit should serve a purpose, while also reflecting our own personalities and values. The team at Datum Point Studios is dedicated to crafting spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and that are tailored to the specific needs of each client. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, we can create that perfect space for you! Our approach to client engagement is quite simple. We listen intently to what the client envisions. We are here to best advise, collaborate and execute our suite of building design services to exceed our clients’ expectations. To then apply our industry expertise in providing the required "design pathway" for our client's new home to be brought into this world looking sharp, while being energy efficient, safe, and healthy for decades to come. Our tagline really says it all. "We're Making PLANS... For Your Future!"™
The Foothills: What kind of software is used at Datum Point Studios?
Austin: Our workflow is created entirely using Autodesk Revit, and a powerful complimentary BIM (building information modelling) cloud-based software suite for value-added building design analysis, rendering, clash detection, and more! We offer state of the art technical, digital tools that go way beyond simply drafting lines on paper.
The Foothills: When did Datum Point Studios start?
Austin: Datum Point Studios was incorporated and commenced its practice in January 2015.
The Foothills: Tell us about your team?
Austin: I am the principal owner and creative director. Serving as the pivotal point of contact with all client engagement and leads the production team through all aspects of the building design phases.I am supported by a small remote team of highly skilled qualified building design professionals who consistently provide the technical assistance necessary to make our client projects a resounding success.
The Foothills: How did you personally get your start in home design?
Austin: I'm a "creative" type, and from an early age, I found myself internally visualizing and sketching in 3D. It's always been a part of who I am. Getting older, that interest in translating these ideas onto paper naturally led me to drafting classes in middle/high school. After graduation, I formally pursued my passion in building design by applying to BCIT.
The Foothills: What areas do you service? Nanaimo, Central Island or beyond?
Austin: Obviously, our primary market is Nanaimo and the surrounding areas of Lantzville, and Ladysmith. Having stated that, we all live in a digital age, making it possible to connect with clients globally from anywhere in real-time. Having gone through the lockdowns during the pandemic, it’s been proven that working remotely can, and indeed be a preferred means of doing business with virtually endless opportunities
The Foothills: What homes have you worked on, or are currently working on in the Foothills?
Austin: We have had the pleasure of designing and collaborating with past owner/clients on 4 residences in the Foothills. These projects span from Tonnerre Way at the top, to Broad Ridge Pass, and along Spence’s Way. Additionally, we are currently wrapping up another project on Copley Ridge.
The Foothills: Any other homes you want to share details on?
Austin: Since our inception in 2015, we have had the absolute privilege of providing our services to many decerning clients. Some of these homes have been finalists as recognized at the annual(CHBA-VI)VIBE Awards. Others have been featured in publications like Boulevard Magazine. Among them are breathtaking executive residences throughout the mid-island region, featuring diverse styles ranging from seaside Cape Cod, traditional Craftsmen, Contemporary to a few challenging hillside Modern designs, and the list goes on.
The Foothills: When you aren't working, where can you be found?
Austin: Well, my wife and I love to travel, so you might just find us with a boarding pass in-hand waiting to head out somewhere. We are also seasoned musicians with a history on cruise-ships and land, so you may spot me behind my drum kit performing with either a jazz/pop trio, or an 80's rock dance cover band at various venues and corporate events around the island and lower mainland.
