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Kitsilano Transformation

Project Overview:

This project began with a common challenge: a beautiful heritage home in an unbeatable Vancouver neighbourhood that no longer worked for the way the family lived. The layout felt tight and disconnected, the kitchen and bathrooms were outdated, and the homeowners wanted a more open, functional space—without losing the charm that made them fall in love with the house in the first place.
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Paul Crawford

Venture Pacific renovated my 100 + year old Kitsilano house. From start to finish (even during the challenges of COVID) the process was seamless. Mark Van Ek and his team provided professional and sage advice from the planning stage, right through to the completion of the project. Even when I decided to change the entire heating / cooling system mid-way through the project, Mark accommodated the changes and brought in the contractors to complete the work. Mark’s staff were courteous and diligent. His connection to key contractors was a huge advantage. The custom kitchen and cabinetry work is incredible. Venture Pacific uses a software system to keep you informed of the progress of the work. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark and Venture Pacific for any new home construction project or renovation.

What Made This Project Unique:

Preserving Character While Modernizing:

The home’s original features—arched openings, warm millwork, and layered textures—needed to be protected and celebrated, not covered up.

Maximizing Limited Space:

Like many older homes, square footage was limited. We had to reimagine the flow of the main floor and upstairs to create better light, storage, and daily usability—without any major footprint expansion.

How We Made It Work:

Using The Venture Pacific Playbook™, we collaborated with the design team to reconfigure the interior layout, improve natural lighting, and refresh all finishes with a transitional West Coast look that blended old and new. We also worked closely with the homeowners to keep the project within scope, reduce disruptions, and manage the complex permitting process that often comes with heritage-adjacent properties. The end result? A thoughtful transformation that feels both beautifully mode

Timeline:

10 months

Scope:

Full interior renovation, layout reconfiguration, new kitchen, updated bathrooms

Style:

Transitional / West Coast Character

Designer:

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Camila Velasquez

Manager of Business Development

Camila Velasquez brings a people-focused and globally informed perspective to Venture Pacific’s business development efforts. Her background spans real estate, property management, operations, and marketing, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how successful projects come together.

Before moving to Vancouver, Camila worked with international investors in Colombia, managing renovations and overseeing properties from concept through completion. Her experience allows her to connect strategy, design, and execution in a practical way.

At Venture Pacific, Camila leads new business initiatives and builds long-term relationships with homeowners, designers, and architects. She is known for her thoughtful communication, adaptability, and genuine interest in creating meaningful partnerships that support well-run projects.

Shanalisa Keller

Financial Controller

Shanalisa Keller brings over 20 years of experience as a CPA CGA, with a strong background supporting construction companies of varying sizes. Her expertise includes budgeting, financial reporting, tax planning, and compliance.

At Venture Pacific, Shanalisa oversees financial management and ensures accurate cost tracking, timely payments, and compliance with regulatory requirements, including WorkSafe BC. Her work supports the project management team behind the scenes, ensuring projects remain financially organized and transparent.

Shanalisa is known for her precision, reliability, and calm approach. Her oversight plays a critical role in maintaining financial clarity and confidence for both the team and homeowners.

Brandon Whitlock

Senior Project Manager

Brandon Whitlock brings over 23 years of construction experience to Venture Pacific, including 18 years as a Master Electrician. His background gives him a deep technical understanding of how complex residential projects come together and how to keep them running smoothly.

As a project manager, Brandon oversees coordination, scheduling, and day-to-day execution, ensuring details are addressed before they become issues. He is known for his steady approach, practical problem-solving, and ability to keep projects moving forward while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Homeowners value Brandon’s clear communication and calm presence. He brings structure and reliability to every project, helping ensure timelines, budgets, and expectations remain aligned from start to finish.

Doug Harrison

Senior Site Manager

With more than 50 years in the construction industry, Doug Harrison brings a depth of experience that few can match. Over his career, he has worked across all aspects of residential construction, from hands-on framing to overseeing large-scale builds.

Now semi-retired, Doug provides advisory support to Venture Pacific on select projects. His role focuses on mentorship, quality oversight, and guidance in complex or unexpected situations.

Doug’s presence brings reassurance and perspective. His decades of experience help strengthen decision-making and uphold the high standards Venture Pacific maintains on every project.

Zach McMillan

Project Manager

Zach McMillan has over 14 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, with a strong foundation as a skilled carpenter. His hands-on background gives him a sharp eye for quality and a practical understanding of what it takes to execute complex builds on site.

Zach supports Venture Pacific projects by coordinating trades, managing schedules, and maintaining site organization and safety. He is proactive, detail focused, and known for identifying potential challenges early so they can be addressed efficiently.

His ability to balance technical knowledge with clear coordination helps ensure projects progress smoothly and meet the level of craftsmanship Venture Pacific is known for.

Mark Van Ek

Founder and President

With more than 39 years in construction management and building, Mark Van Ek brings steady leadership and deep experience to every Venture Pacific project. His background spans residential, commercial, and large-scale public facilities across British Columbia and Western Canada, giving him a unique ability to guide complex projects with clarity and confidence.

Mark is known for his calm, straightforward approach and his belief that successful projects start with alignment, transparency, and thoughtful planning. He leads with the mindset that construction should feel collaborative rather than adversarial, placing homeowners and the project team on the same side of the table from the very beginning.

At Venture Pacific, Mark’s role is to set the standard for how projects are planned, managed, and communicated, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and confident throughout the building journey.