OCEANSIDE, BC – In a small community, where everyone knows your name, Vectis Custom Homes has built an award-winning reputation for excellence.
“Most, if not all of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals. That’s the best indicator of the quality of work we do, and we strive hard to maintain that.” says Dustin Holland, owner of Vectis.
Winner of the Business Excellence Award for Best in Construction on Vancouver Island in 2024, and a runner up in 2025, Vectis has been creating one of a kind, high end homes in the Greater Oceanside area for 30 years. Founded by Tim Rann, the company has stood strong on building trust into every relationship and home.
Dustin Holland and his wife Amanda celebrate a recent award
“My goal is to ensure an enjoyable process from land purchase to design, construction to move in ready,” Holland stresses. “Not only for the homeowner, but also for my team!”
He adds that because Oceanside is such a desirable place to live, the area is seeing a large influx of newcomers looking for custom luxury homes and renovations.
Add to that the referrals Vectis gets from satisfied clientele and there is no shortage of work.
“We’ve got lots of projects on the go and in the works,” he said. “In fact, I just hired my seventeenth employee!”
Whether it is waterfront or mountainside, acreage, or an odd shaped lot, Holland has a talent for visualizing the best placement and design for one-of-a-kind homes
Holland has come a long way, not only with Vectis but also throughout his career in construction. Originally, he sought a degree in accounting at Malaspina University. But, when three friends suggested construction work to make extra money, it didn’t take him long to leave accounting behind and take on the building industry. Initially, he made it into a company that specialized in the commercial sector updating grocery chains across the island.
“It was hard work but a great experience. I learned every aspect of construction from building placement to structural elements, and running a successful business, including how the chain of command works and keeping your employees happy. It allowed me to figure out what I wanted to do.”
Living and working on the Island for over 25 years has given Holland an added edge for creating homes that stand apart
In 2010 Holland began his carpentry relationship with Rann, and over the next 15 years developed a passion and love for building specialty homes. When Rann decided to look for a successor, he didn’t have too far to look for someone willing and able to take over the business.
“Tim let me purchase Vectis over time and since then it has tripled in size in part due to people moving to the Island and because of our well-known knowledge and experience of the area.”
This stunning Madrona Point home shows the incredible attention to detail that Vectis Custom Homes brings to each project
Holland’s confidence in his company’s work is reassuring to clients coming from away. It helps to know that a company well versed in the area is there to create a safe and comfortable home for them.
“We go out of our way to make sure we always find a solution that fulfills client’s expectations,” he said. “Right now, we’re working on homes from Nanaimo to Port Alberni, most of which have specific challenges within the design, building lot, and in multiple municipalities.
Working through these kinds of situations is one of the areas Vectis excels at as these precision details are needed for the design and building of specialty projects.
Living and working on the Island for over 25 years has given Holland an added edge for creating homes that stand apart. He knows the terrain. Whether it is waterfront or mountainside, acreage, or an odd shaped lot, he has a talent for visualizing the best placement and design for one-of-a-kind homes.
From the foundation to the finishing touches of the landscaping, each Vectis home stands apart
“I’m an idea person,” he said. “I hear what the client is looking for and can visualize the best placement aesthetically and structurally for the home on the property. From there I can work alongside any of our designers and then communicate to the client the options and possibilities.”
One of the central themes for Holland when building a custom home or creating a high-end renovation is how that individual or family will enjoy their home over a special holiday or dinner.
“I always envision the home decked out for Christmas. My clients rely on me to deliver an experience that brings a smile to their faces and those of their family and friends, especially over the holidays! I keep that in mind whenever we put together a proposal.” Holland says that it takes a team for the success of each project and he is very proud of the people he works with in the company, and the relationships he has with trades, suppliers, and designers.
“Everyone on my team goes out of their way to make sure there are solutions to clients’ needs and wants. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my crew. Some of them have been with the company for many years. Their enjoyment in every project adds another layer of excellence for our client’s dreams.”
Although both of his boys are still in school, Holland hopes that they too will take an interest in building. Holland’s wife, Amanda, helps with the books and finances and his oldest son is heading to the University of Victoria to study engineering.
Dustin’s wife Amanda is shown here with their sons Mason and Jaxon
“The oldest is looking at structural engineering, which would be great for the company. My youngest son is 15, and hasn’t expressed any specific interest, but he did ask me, out of the blue, what it would take to buy the business from me when he was older!” Holland’s wife and kids have been the backbone of Vectis, especially through the growth years.
“The support from them makes it all worth it.”
Vectis Custom Homes creates luxury in new builds and renovations that capitalize on the location and beauty of the Central Island.
