We’re all about sustainability, innovation, and design solutions that help our customers get the most out of their space.
Find out more about our team, our philosophy, and our process.
Our Team
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Jake Fry
Founding Owner and Partner
jake@smallworks.caJake started Smallworks in late 2005 and became a strong advocate for the introduction of laneway housing. He established Smallworks Studios and Laneway Housing Inc. and worked with the City of Vancouver to help develop zoning by-laws based on his experience and interaction with literally hundreds of potential small home clients. Jake not only wanted to build small but to build sustainable. He brings together a team of dedicated people and develops homes which blend innovative techniques and incorporate modern building science and Flat Pac with hand-built finishes and millwork.
“My desire in starting Smallworks was to build simple, elegant modern homes which, with basic maintenance, would look as good a generation after they were built as when they were new.” In 2012, Jake was one of two founding directors of SmallHousing BC, a non profit society. In 2014 Jake was named Ernst & Young’s (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing.
Today, Jake focuses on finding new ways to broaden the range of housing types in BC to create affordable options for single-family home ownership.
Want to join our team? Check out our latest job postings.
Our Philosophy
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Activate the Lane
We strive to contribute to a “laneway culture” by fostering a sense of place and character within the lane; encouraging outward living by bringing the lane community to life by providing eyes on the lane and plantings at your door, while reserving a private place at the transition point into your lane home, building a sense of security and community along the lane.
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Create Layers of Privacy
It is very important to allow a gradual sense of arrival while making the transition from a public to private space. Our designs create that sense of security as you cross into your private domain from the City lane or approach your Smallworks lane home from the garden.
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Shape the Light
Using our natural light source—the sun—we optimize window location, creating a dynamic play of light throughout the day and providing plenty of light for low energy use during the daylight hours.
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Be Flexible and Adapt
Our incredibly diverse demographic requires flexible, adaptable plans designed to meet the needs of a variety of unique individuals. Our plans allow you to encapsulate in your lane home what is most important to you. Your home becomes an opportunity for expression, meeting your current living needs while keeping in mind that those needs may change over time.
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Salute the Arts
Creating pride in homeownership and in our community is important to us. We believe in shining a “spotlight” on the artisans and crafts people who help create our homes. Each unique lane home is a showcase for those artisans, as well as an authentic expression of the owner.