Meet the team behind Christopher Developments

Chris’ wife Joan works behind the scenes to ensure each custom build runs smoothly. Coordinating construction documents, contracts, and invoices, she allows the Christopher Developments team to function as a cohesive unit. Her background working in contracts and administration for the provincial government has prepared her with the organizational skills necessary to deliver documents in a timely manner. Joan also spent several years as a real estate agent, broadening her expertise in the residential construction industry. 

Joan moved to Vancouver Island at the young age of nineteen from a small town in Prairie Manitoba. Coming from a hardworking Ukrainian family, Joan learned the importance of perseverance and self sufficiency. Her values revolve around involvement and participation; everyone had to help out in the garden and the kitchen in the Gandza family. Out of the office, Joan can be found making shots on the tennis court, or playing bridge to hone her mental sharpness. She also finds great joy in hosting her friends and family in the home that herself and Chris have worked hard to foster.

Born and raised in Victoria, Eric began working in construction in 2001. Sensing his potential in the industry, he enrolled at the Camosun College School of Carpentry and graduated in 2006 with top marks in his class. His merit was rewarded with both the Graduating Apprentice Award, and the Carpentry Apprenticeship Award. 

Eric went on to become a journeyman carpenter after his success in school, and has been the owner and operator of a small business since 2008. In addition to his own pursuits, he has built, or been part of thirteen Christopher Developments Projects. Working alongside Chris since 2012, Eric has played an integral role in the Christopher Developments team to produce some of the city’s finest custom homes.

In his spare time, Eric enjoys playing soccer, playing the drums, and camping with his wife and young daughter.

Born and raised in northern British Columbia, Rick moved to port Alberni in his early twenties and made Victoria his home in 2008, where he met Eric Bowes and has worked alongside ever since. Having an interest in wood working, Rick enrolled in the discovery college ELT program and completed his education at Camosun College. Rick has been a part of 10+ projects and site supervisor for 7 years under Christopher Developments. Rick enjoys the challenges and new innovative ways Christopher uses to build his homes. 

In Rick’s free time he enjoys teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu and holds three black belts in different arts, and snowboarding during the winter season.

Anya Walker, daughter of Chris and Joan is currently studying Architecture Technology in B.C. A deep passion for art and storytelling, alongside a family background in building has led her to pursue set design for the film industry. Her studies will prepare her with the skills and knowledge to follow her artistic dreams, and potentially succeed in her father’s footsteps in the residential construction industry.