Q: What is your background, and why did you go into home building as a profession?

A: As a fifth generation builder, I’ve inherited a love for design and construction. I’m especially excited by the fact that in this business, every day is different from the last. There’s never a lack of challenges, and these challenges demand the expertise of an accomplished builder with many different skill sets. In fact, I would say that people and communication skills are the most important part of that set. On any given day, I may be on a job site reviewing details with sub-trades, discussing a quote with a supplier, meeting with the city planning department, working with a client to meet their design needs, or giving a prospective buyer a personal tour of a show home.

There are so many aspects to building that keep my creative juices flowing. There’s something new to contemplate every hour. It’s an exciting business.

Q: Tell us about Vineyard Developments and your projects over the last few years?

A: We [Craig Mohr and father, Richard Mohr] incorporated Vineyard Developments Ltd. in 2002 to develop and market a 35-unit townhouse development known as Mission Breeze. These executive townhomes are located off Lequime Road in Kelowna, BC’s prestigious lower Mission area.

Once this award-winning development was finished, we worked on a 38-unit townhome development in Invermere, BC. I took the creative lead in every aspect of this project, from site layout, floor plans and exterior elevations to creating compelling promotional materials and a marketing campaign.

Then we [Vineyard] became a participating partner and designed a new four-story condominium project in Penticton known as East 163. Then, of course, there was the 2012 Grand Tommie award for the Sheerwater Home (insert link to the Okanagan Home article when it’s up). Now, we’re working on a 74-unit townhome complex as well as a couple multi-million dollar homes.

Q: In your mind, what are the top reasons for clients to choose you as their builder?

A: I’m very eager to please my clients, and I have an endless supply of fresh new ideas. I keep my company small, so I can offer custom, hands-on service, creative flexibility and attention to detail. That’s what really separates me from my bulky and less client-oriented competitors. I have a youthful, modern vision, coupled with strong construction experience, to complement my design ability.

Q: You say you are eager to please – when have you gone above and beyond for a client?

A: I do that with every client, so it’s difficult to pick one example. Vineyard’s design arm, Creative Source Energy, recently spent an entire year designing a lakefront home to meet the very specific and challenging demands of a client. The result was a home that looks incredible from the outside, yet has an extremely functional interior living space. Projects like this are a testament to the original work we do at Vineyard – we never work by templates.

A great deal of effort goes into creating synergy between a unique-looking exterior and a functional, comfortable interior. The foundation and structure of this particular home was very complicated. It demanded close attention to the lot, evaluation changes and specific engineering methods to ensure structural integrity, while remaining cost-effective.

This project validates and reaffirms our goals at Vineyard – to exceed our clients’ expectations. We believe the best approach is to under-promise and over-deliver.

Q: What top three things should people should do when building a new home?

A: First is functionality. You can have the nicest looking house on the block, but if it’s not functional, you’re not going to enjoy it, and it’s not going to be marketable.

Second is value. Pick the right location; have a strong design; and build it in the right price range. This way, you know your home will always hold its value.

Finally, there is reputation. Do your homework on any builders you are considering. Get references and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you get your answers, make sure they make sense and meet your expectations.

Q: Describe your building process?

A: I call my process the 3Cs: Connect – Create – Construct. First, I connect with my clients and gather all the information I need to make sure I exceed expectations. Then, I create a design that perfectly suits their needs and expectations. Finally, I price and construct the project with the utmost integrity, keeping an eye on even the smallest details.

Q: How do you ensure the homes you build meet the customer’s unique needs?

A: Questions, questions and more questions. I never assume I understand a customer’s needs. I always ask a ton of questions first, until I get a crystal clear picture of their vision. How well you listen directly affects how well you meet their needs and by extension, how much they will enjoy the finished product.

Article from BEST HOME Magazine.

Perched on a mountain slope overlooking British Columbia Lakefront views, this distinctive and picturesque retreat seems to imbibe the whimsy of nature, echoing its forms with a skilled playfulness that captures glances as often and as steadily as the waves molding the shores below.

“It was very important to capture as much of the lake, mountain, and skyline views as possible when designing the home for both style and function,” asserts Craig Mohr of Vineyard Developments. Vineyard is known for exceeding client expectations in creating a synergy between a uniquely beautiful exterior and its functional, comfortable interior. A curved design was utilized to help the home blend into the natural setting, as well as allow viewers different perspectives from each room. The proximity to the lake suggested a nautical theme, which was achieved by the inclusion of four sail shapes designed into the roof, each providing a vaulted ceiling to the master bedroom, great room, dining room, and den. “The home is located below the main subdivision road so the rooflines would be a major focal point and therefore it was integral that they be unique and interesting,” adds Mohr. Large overhangs also keep the house cool and create shaded outdoor living areas with high rake windows for maximum viewscapes.

For over a decade, Craig has been beautifying Kelowna’s viewscape with his distinctive blend of vision and style. As both a design/build company, Vineyard captures the essence of their client’s dream and translates it into reality, using the latest building products and their best applications to achieve results that speak for themselves. “The foundation and structure of this home were very complicated, so several engineering methods were evaluated to ensure structural integrity was maintained while remaining as cost-effective as possible,” affirms Mohr. As the site was located on a mountain slope, large quantities of rock had to be excavated and substantial retaining walls erected, creating a walkout with elevator access to accommodate guest bedrooms, a recreation room, a gym, and media center. Resolute in his strategy of ‘connect-create-construct,’ Craig’s aim to satisfy client needs with an eye on every detail was carried through to fruition.

Thankful for his client’s trust, that allowed him the creative freedom to develop what he felt was appropriate for their family, home site, and the surrounding area, Craig adds, “They wanted a funky, contemporary concept with great views that would fulfill family needs. It was an exciting project from start to finish, one that was three years in the making.” Featuring 6600 square feet of concrete, steel, and wood, this ultra-custom home required countless hours of planning to achieve an original concept that demanded design vigilance and strategic review.

“I count myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity and freedom to design and build a world-class home for such a deserving family. It was a true labour of love for everyone involved”, recounts Craig, whose artistic background allowed him to derive from the creative side of this venture much personal joy and satisfaction. In retrospect, the project testifies to Craig’s business credo: “The best approach is to under-promise and over-deliver.”

Sheila Chutskoff – Owner of Oranj Fitness

It is my pleasure to write a letter of reference for Craig Mohr of Vineyard Developments. Craig designed and built both of my fitness studio and I cannot begin to describe the professionalism and quality that Craig brings to his work. Craig is upfront with both finances and timelines, he communicates very well and can bring any vision to reality.

The quality of Craig’s work is impeccable and his attention to detail is second to none. Not only was Craig part of the design and construction of my Kelowna studio, he also assisted in my Fort McMurray studio. In Fort McMurray we encountered many unique construction challenges that Craig had to contend with. Craig dealt with these challenges in a timely manner and enabled the studio to be a one of a kind facility.

I would highly recommend choosing Craig for any design and building project. I look forward to working with Craig in the future.

The Okanagan Home Magazine – Spring 2013
Written by Darcy Nybo | Photography by Colin Jewall Photography

The home was designed to look great from the road, 100 feet above. The curve of the driveway and the lines of the home match the curve of the road above and the lake below.

Craig Mohr and Vineyard Developments are well known for their multi-family townhome developments and single-family homes. They recently tackled a project at Sheerwater in Kelowna, BC with a specific task in mind: to ensure all the main rooms of the home had a view of Lake Okanagan.

“I had just finished designing a show home that was really unique,” says Mohr from his Kelowna office. “My business partner took that plan with him on a business trip. His client saw them and was interested in buying those plans; however, I wasn’t ready to sell them.”

The client informed Mohr they had a lot picked out in the Sheerwater development and wanted to build there. He asked Mohr if he could create new plans for that specific lot. “I told them I could design something way cooler within their budget,” laughs Mohr. “I worked on a preliminary design which they liked, and then started working with them on a new design for their property. I took six months to complete the design and another six months to go through the price and permit process. A year after we met, we started construction.”

The build was difficult, as it was located on the side of the mountain. “I worked on site work for six to seven months before we could even pour concrete footings,” says Mohr. “It was very environmentally sensitive so a lot of thought had to go into managing drainage when it rained. We developed a rain harvesting system for irrigation and a large trenching system where the water would filter into three different trenches and then trickle down to the lake. There was a lot of thought and effort involved to make sure we handled the water correctly, that there was no erosion on the mountain, and that water entering the lake would be purified.”

The home itself is a considered a rancher with a walk-out basement; however it goes above and beyond that general description.  The home has four sails, each one covering a major area of the home: the master bedroom, the great room, the kitchen/dining room, and the flex room. The ceilings are 20 feet at their highest point.  As unique as that is, it gets even better. Mohr also designed the house to be round, in order to capture a different view of Lake Okanagan from every room in the house. The sails themselves are rounded at the back, as are all the windows in the home. You can look north to Vernon from the master bedroom and south to Kelowna from the flex room at the other end of the house. Everything in between is pure lake view.

Building a rounded home has its difficulties. “Nothing in this house is straight,” says Mohr. “It’s all angles. I spent months reviewing material and looking at different ways of approaching dealing with a round house. Most of the material was sourced locally from companies out of Kelowna.”

Another difference in this home is that it is 100 feet lower than the subdivision road. Mohr had to make sure the home looked good from above.

“We covered the sails with a raised ridge metal and the flat roof sections have 2-foot by 2-foot paver stones. We needed something that could be taken off easily in case the roof needed repair or replacing.”

The pool at the front of the home follows the natural contours of the house and has a built-in infinite edge spa. Under the trellis area is a cabana with a change area and outdoor shower as well as a sit up bar and a summer kitchen. There’s also a barbeque area with custom stainless steel cabinetry and exterior stone and granite countertops. “We wrapped the decks around the entire lake side of the home,” says Mohr. “The outdoor living space is massive. There are so many different areas to sit and enjoy the views.”

Even the front gate incorporates the home design. If you placed the two columns at either side of the gate together, it would be the same shape and angle of the sails on the home.

Then there is the inside of the home.  The front entrance has a lot of long sweeping lines. Even the chandelier is suspended in a spiral pattern. From the entrance there is a staircase which takes you to the lower level where you will find three guest bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, a pool table, a wet bar and a gym.  “We also built a circular man cave underground (under the driveway) that has a theatre room with a custom built-in couch,” says Mohr. “There’s even a secret entrance built into a curved wall.”

Upstairs, the master bedroom is a sight to behold. Step into the room and you’ll see a feature wall chosen by Jen Szewczyk from Fresh Interior Design and Consulting, that gives added privacy to the sleeping area. Glass sliding barn doors open onto two steps, which lead down into the master ensuite. Again, the same style of feature wall is used to give added privacy to the room. The ensuite has a river rock feature that starts on the floor and then crawls up the walls of the shower. “These are all individually hand-laid stones,” says Mohr. “It took about 10 days complete. The rest of the floor is ceramic tile. As you can see the bathtub is a triangle shape with rounded edges, to match the rounded walls of the home.”

Then there is the kitchen area. The doors for all the cabinetry are made with the same rift cut cherry as the garage and front door. The glass tile mosaic wall behind the gas range is also on a curve, as are the walls for the cabinets.

The centerpiece of the living room is a Montego ribbon flame gas fireplace; approximately 12 feet in length. The fireplace wall has ceramic tile and the hearth incorporates the rift cut cherry wood.

The collaboration of homeowner and designer created this truly stunning home. “In the housing industry, it usually takes a year and then you are on to the next project,” says Mohr. “This one took three years. They gave me a huge amount of artistic freedom and I was able to design what I felt was best for them and for the neighbourhood. As a fifth generation builder, I’m proud of this home. It gives us credibility for larger projects.”

We can’t wait to see what Mohr and Vineyard Developments come up with next.

>View the article with all the magazine images online at the Okanagan Home magazine

By Ross Freak
Special to The Okanagan Saturday
February 2, 2013

Craig Mohr’s journey to building excellence and a grand Tommie started on a drilling rig in Northern Alberta. The fifth generation builder won Home of the Year – one of the four Grand Tommies — and another gold for excellence in a single family detached home over $3 million at the Canadian Home Builders Association gala January 26th.

“My dad offered me his business when I finished high school and even though it took me a few years to figure things out and come back to this industry, I now feel very lucky to be doing something I’m so passionate about. From concept, design and materials – to construction and completion, Vineyard Developments is an extremely satisfying business for me.”

Instead, Mohr studied business, and fine arts and got his first job in Kelowna at Western Star’s marketing department. “I had a dream of putting on a suit and tie, going to the office, which I found I really didn’t like. The pay was good and I’d probably still be there, but fortunately, they closed the plant and I had to head in another direction.”

That direction eventually took him to the drilling rig. “It was 30 below, so I phoned my dad to see if he would help me start a construction business in Kelowna.” His father, who had moved here, had just been offered a piece of property in the Mission on which they would build Mission Breeze, a 35-unit townhouse development.

“My dad said, ‘you’re going to be responsible for it all. You will learn everything that’s involved.’ I dealt with all aspects of that particular project, including selling the units. It hit the market just perfectly because it shot off like a rocket, and I had the means to branch out on my own. I put on water wings and it was sink or swim.”

Mohr needed those water wings when the economy sank shortly after. He was building million-dollar homes, but living in a 28-foot camper. “It’s tough living in a camper during the winter, but I had my hot tub set up.”

While times were tough, he didn’t sell himself out or short. “I’m always creating something unique. I’m more concerned with standing back and asking myself: am I happy with the end product? Does this get my juices going?”

The house that won him the Grand Tommie got his juices going, and he submersed himself in it for three years. “It was the first thing I thought about getting up and the last thing at night.”

While skill and dedication delivered the Tommie, luck got him the job. He had drafted a house plan, which his business partner was looking at on the plane to Edmonton, when someone looked over his shoulder, and was captivated.

“He called me a few days later and said he wanted to buy the plan. When he said he wanted to build in Sheerwater that piqued my interest and when he told me his budget, I said. ‘I can design something way cooler.’”

Mohr spent a year designing the house and another six months working on the site before the footings went in. “It was challenging lot, but the clients gave me a huge amount of freedom.” He had a gut feeling the dream house would pay off in another dream – gold Tommies. He even wrote two speeches, but could only give the one for the Grand Tommie.

“In the first, I wanted to thank my parents because my mom and dad went out on a huge limb for me.”

He’s starting another large project, a 74-unit townhouse complex, and has a few multi-million-dollar homes on the go that might get him back at the Tommie podium.

“I want to make sure I’m meeting my clients’ expectations, to go above and beyond to create something unique. “I want to get up in morning and enjoy what I’m doing. If I can find a nice balance by not working too hard and having free time, that would be success for me.”