A Visionary Eco-Architect: e Sequel

by Brad Ferguson

Nearly five years ago, in May 2018 we published the inaugural issue of @ Home on the Coast magazine. Some of you may recall that one of the featured articles in that fi rst issue introduced an up-and-coming Bowen Island architect named James Tuer. We were so impressed with his iconic landmark building, the ‘Buddhist Meditation Centre’ that it was prominently featured on the front cover of that fi rst issue.

In his formative years on Bowen Island, James designed and oversaw the complete transformation of the lower cove and was responsible for creating the master plan for the overall village redevelopment, which is just now nearing completion.

His many contributions to the community included designing a major addition to the historic ‘Old General Store, which houses the ‘Hearth Gallery’ and ‘Bowen Island Library’. He was also responsible for the redesign and restoration of ‘ e First Credit Union Building’, A whole foods grocery store, as well as the ‘Bowen Island Pub’ and mixed-use complex. e challenges of designing and building a dream home on a difficult steep lot that had sat vacant for 60 years was nothing new to James. As this quote from that original article makes clear, James is no stranger to danger when it comes to challenging building sites.

Fast forward to March 2023 and James has relocated to the Sunshine Coast. is time to take up permanent residency in his latest project, a spectacular new landmark home overlooking the marina high on the bluff in Gibsons that he has just completed.

“ James fi rst came to the coast in 1991 and purchased five acres of waterfront land in Narrows Inlet where he hand-built a rustic cedar cabin” e article goes on to say, “Over the years

James has designed and overseen the construction of some of the Sunshine Coast’s most unique and progressive homes. He embraces the challenge of working in this rugged coastal environment”

With the completion of his new home on Skyline Drive James skillfully navigated balancing a sense of privacy while embracing the spectacular views and creating usable outdoor space with easy access on a challenging property.

Currently, James is keeping busy designing several new homes, and in keeping with his practice of giving back to the community, has recently joined Habitat for Humanity’s Land & Resources Committee as a volunteer to help promote affordable housing options here on the Coast.

His current satellite projects include a family compound in Yosemite National Park and the five-star ‘Bliss Hotel’ with an adjacent post-secondary school for the hospitality industry.

James oversees JWT Design Ltd which in addition to offering architectural design services also specializes in high-end interiors, landscape architecture, planning and urban design.