Ep 11 Building Micro Suites for Modern Living

What begins as a simple Google search—"how do you get rich?"—transforms into a thriving family business that's reshaping Ottawa's housing landscape. Van and Maria Shepard share their remarkable journey from necessity-driven entrepreneurs to specialized real estate developers who've found their perfect niche in the market.

After Maria's arrival from Russia in 2011 and the challenges of transferring her medical credentials to Canada, the couple needed additional income to support their family of six. They discovered real estate development, combining Van's engineering background with Maria's eye for beautiful, functional spaces. Their partnership operates with a clear division: "from the paint back" belongs to Van's technical expertise, while "from the paint out" showcases Maria's design sensibilities.

The Sheppards' business revelation came when they noticed half their student housing tenants weren't students at all. This observation, coupled with census data showing one and two-person households had grown from roughly one-third to over 60% of Canadian households between 1961-2011, helped them identify an underserved market. They now focus exclusively on creating micro suites for single and two-person households through infill development—transforming outdated properties on main streets into modern, efficient living spaces.

Despite regulatory hurdles and the inevitable challenges of development, the couple finds profound satisfaction when tenants first see their completed spaces, often expressing surprise and delight at the quality. With 50 units currently in development across seven projects, they've created a sustainable business model built on holding and operating properties long-term rather than selling them.

The conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring developers while showcasing how complementary skills within a partnership can create something greater than its parts. Ready to learn more about innovative housing solutions or perhaps start your own development journey?

Visit shepherdevelopment.ca or follow @shepherd_development on Instagram.