Designing an Award-Worthy Dream Home

“We always say, our first home was the one we brought our babies into. And this home is the one we’re going to marry our kids out of,” comments Suky.

A home isn’t just four walls—it’s the backdrop to a lifetime of moments. When Suky and Ranj Bal decided to design their forever home, they turned to Su Casa, having followed our work on Instagram for many years. Their journey—rooted in vision, collaboration, and craftsmanship—has now earned their home a Georgie Awards® nomination, a testament to intentional design and superior craftsmanship.

Finding the Perfect Place to Call Home

The journey began with an unexpected opportunity.

“There was a particular street we were eyeing,” recalls Suky. “Then, out of nowhere, this 1.15-acre property popped up on that very street. It was a whirlwind, one-day transaction, and we thought, “…I guess we’re doing this!’”

With the property in hand, the couple started thinking through their wishlist; they knew they wanted a larger, more private home that could accommodate extended family, and they knew that wanted a home with that special Su Casa touch.

Bringing a Vision to Life—Sketch by Sketch

The excitement was immediate.

“When Andy did the initial sketching—right on the spot, sketching our ideas out—it was like, wow,” Suky says. “His excitement for our home made us excited.”

The collaborative design process allowed their personal ideas to blend seamlessly with Su Casa’s expertise. “A lot of the ideas were ours, and a lot of them were Andy’s, and together, they meshed. We were taken out of our comfort zone on a few design choices, and we’re so glad we went with it.”

Andy Friesen, Su Casa’s Creative Director, always loves the conceptual part of home design too—when the creative juices really flow. “Suky and Ranj were so open; they came with their ideas, yet also allowed us to do our thing—we all were so enthusiastic about the project!”

This synergy between homeowner and designer is part of the magic in a Su Casa home—a space that in the end is functional, deeply personal, and ultimately, breathtaking. The Bal home is a stunning example of Prairie Contemporary design, as characterized by low-pitched roofs, deep overhangs, and vertical stone columns that visually anchor the structure. And the inside? There’s just as much intentionality—and it all begins with light.

Thoughtful Planning

“Design always starts with light,” says Andy. “Where does the sun rise? Where does it set? How will the light travel through the home?”

The south-facing entry and north-facing bedrooms guided the design of the Bal residence. Expansive windows in the front stairwell with a bridge walkway allow for the core of the home to be flooded with natural light from the south, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

“My favorite element?” Andy says, “The stairwell. I’m obsessed with the stone that was brought from the exterior to the inside. It’s really a piece of sculpture within the space.”

Multi-Generational Design

The home also features two distinct wings: one dedicated to the kids’ rooms and another for guests, along with a private suite over the garage. With in-laws on their minds, Suky & Ranj wanted to ensure their home could comfortably accommodate extended family, if needed.

“This home was meant for lots of people—and everyone has their own space,” Andy explains.

The layout perfectly balances connection and privacy, ensuring comfort for years to come. Family is a central value for the Bals, and good design always reflects the unique values of the homeowners.

An Award-Worthy Design Recognized by the Georgie Awards®

The Georgie Awards®, presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC, honour excellence in home building and design. To be nominated is a distinction that places a home among the best in the industry. And the Bal residence? You guessed it—it’s been nominated as a finalist for the 2025 Awards.  

“The house is a real show-stopper and definitely worthy of an award,” Andy says. “It was well executed by Monolith, and architecturally, it’s planned out so well—it just works. It really suits Suky and Ranj and accommodates the lifestyle they were looking for.”

“We got the home we wanted,” concludes Suky. “We’re very happy.”  

Your Dream Home Awaits

At Su Casa, we believe that home design is more than aesthetics—it’s about crafting a space thatis deeply personal, and one that will accommodate the changing needs of your family in the years to come. Whether you're dreaming of an award-worthy masterpiece or a cozy retreat tailored to your needs, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Ready to start your journey?

Let’s talk. We’d love to hear more about your project.