Crescent Beach

Project Overview:

This renovation began with a different plan. The original idea was to lift the existing home and build a new basement with added living space. Through early feasibility analysis and pre-construction planning, it became clear that the structural complexity and cost of that approach would be significant. With that clarity, the project shifted to a full house renovation that better aligned with the homeowners’ goals and investment. The scope included a full kitchen renovation, updates to the living areas, new flooring throughout, staircase upgrades, and fully renovated bathrooms. The project was recognized for its quality and execution as a Georgie Awards Finalist for Best Single Family Residential Renovation ($450,000–$750,000), and a HAVAN Awards Finalist for Best Renovation ($400,000–$700,000) and Best Kitchen Renovation ($150,000–$175,000).

What Made This Project Unique:

Change in direction early on

What made this project unique was the change in direction early on. Instead of moving forward with a more complex structural solution, the homeowners were able to evaluate the options upfront and choose a renovation path that made more sense for their goals, budget, and the home itself.

Flow and functionality

The renovation focused on improving layout, flow, and functionality, especially on the main floor, where the kitchen was expanded and the dining area was reworked to create a more cohesive living space.

How We Made It Work:

The success of this project came from early builder involvement and thoughtful pre-construction planning. By assessing feasibility at the beginning, the team was able to guide the homeowners toward a more practical and efficient solution. The result is a well-executed renovation that improved how the home functions day to day, while delivering a stronger overall outcome for the investment.

Timeline:

8 months and a half

Scope:

Full interior renovation, layout reconfiguration, new kitchen, new bathrooms, new flooring, new stairs

Style:

Warm Contemporary with Scandinavian + Transitional influences

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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.