Bob Lewis

Bob Lewis was a prolific builder known for his significant contributions to the West Coast Modern architectural style. While other contemporaries like Arthur Erickson and Fred Hollingsworth are celebrated for their architectural masterpieces, Lewis outshines them all in the number of homes built. West Vancouver's survey of significant homes lists 317 properties, with an impressive 114 of them designed and constructed by Lewis Construction.

His preferred construction method was post and beam, which perfectly suited West Vancouver's rugged mountainous terrain. Unlike his architect contemporaries, Lewis was a builder and ran a successful company with a design team that allowed him to be deeply involved in the practical aspects of construction.

Over the years, Lewis expanded his business, building a vast empire. By 1959, Lewis Construction had already built 400 homes in the Lower Mainland and was constructing over 100 homes annually. His company even vertically integrated by owning its home sales business, Lewis Realty Inc., an unusual move at that time.

Evelyn, his wife, played a crucial role in the company's success, handling invoicing and financial matters. After a successful career, Bob Lewis retired in 1976 at the age of 59. However, in 1987, Lewis Construction faced financial difficulties and entered bankruptcy protection. Despite this setback, Bob Lewis's legacy endures through the numerous homes he built, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape throughout the Lower Mainland and B.C.'s Interior.