About
WELCOME TO BIG BEAR DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC.
Designing spaces with purpose
We believe great design is about more than creating beautiful buildings—it’s about designing spaces that inspire, perform, and endure.
We specialize in architectural design, development planning, interior environments, and project visualization for commercial, industrial, recreational, hospitality, and community-focused developments. From large-scale master-planned communities and commercial facilities to custom interiors and wellness-centre spaces, we help clients transform ideas into thoughtfully designed environments.
Meet our Team
A collaborative team committed to designing modern, functional environments that inspire, perform, and endure.
Dan Villanueva
Coordination/Development Consultant
Dan Villanueva is an accomplished Consultant with over 22 years of experience leading successful projects from inception to completion. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for design, Dan has established himself as a leading figure in the field of Building and Development Management.
Dan’s career began with a Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technologists at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, which he completed in 2000. Upon graduation, he joined a prominent Drafting firm in Calgary Alberta, where he quickly rose through the ranks and decided to branch out into his own Design and Drafting Firm.
Throughout his career, Dan has managed a wide variety of projects, including commercial, residential, and institutional buildings throughout Alberta and British Columbia. He has overseen everything from small-scale renovations to large-scale new construction projects, and has worked with a diverse range of clients, from corporate businesses to private developers.
Dan is known for his exceptional organizational skills and ability to keep projects on track and within budget. He is a skilled communicator and is adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and project teams. His dedication to quality and attention to detail have earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results.
In addition to his extensive experience in the Construction Industry, Dan has a strong commitment to Customer Satisfaction. He is dedicated to working closely with his clients to understand theirs needs and deliver solutions that meet their expectations.
Dan’s success as an Building and Development Manager can be attributed to his passion for the field and his commitment to excellence. He is a true leader who inspires his team to strive for greatness, and his clients trust him to deliver exceptional results time and time again.
Alicia Deakin
Lead Interior Designer
As an accomplished Interior Designer, Alicia Deakin has spent over 23 years creating sophisticated and inspired spaces for discerning clients. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of design principles, Alicia has established herself as a respected leader in the industry. She takes a collaborative approach to working with clients, ensuring that their vision is fully realized while incorporating her own design expertise and creativity.
After studying Interior Design in California, Alicia began her career by opening Alicia Deakin Interiors where she quickly gained recognition for her creative vision and meticulous attention to detail. Through this experience she refined her expertise in space planning, color theory, and materials selection, while developing a unique style that seamlessly blends classic and contemporary design elements. Over her career, Alicia has worked on a variety of projects, from residential homes to commercial spaces. She has a keen eye for detail and stays up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
After launching her own design firm roughly 23 years ago, Alicia has decided to branch out and start IO Design Co with Dan Villanueva to be able to offer her clients an even more versatile experience. Including Project Management, Architectural and Branding. With this merge both sides can offer their incredible wisdom on any project they may encounter.
Alicia’s design philosophy centers on the idea that a space should be both beautiful and functional. Whether it is a full-scale renovation or a simple redesign, she is committed to creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
With her extensive experience and creative vision, Alicia provides exceptional design services to all her clients. She believes that a well-designed space can have a positive impact on people’s lives, and she is passionate about helping clients achieve their design goals. Alicia’s design philosophy centers on the idea that spaces should reflect the people who inhabit them. She believes that every project is unique and takes a collaborative approach to working with clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life
Whether it is a complete renovation or a simple refresh, Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project she works on. She is committed to creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and that reflect the personality and lifestyle of the people who use them. With a passion for excellence and an unwavering dedication to client satisfaction, Alicia continues to create extraordinary spaces that elevate the art of interior design to new heights.
TESTIMONIALS
Our company recently had the pleasure of working with Big Bear Development Group to complete a new design and renovation of an existing commercial building. They have a great working relationship with the City of Airdrie and therefore were able to have plans approved for permitting very efficiently. Dan is professional, listens and observes what his clients needs are in order to make the design process seamless. We highly recommend their services.
We hired Big Bear Development Group for our latest HOLY GRILL restaurant build. The space has some challenges that I was worried about from a traffic flow point view. Big Bear quickly offered solutions and turned work around very quickly. They also saved us some money in comparison to previous builds.
I reached out to Big Bear when I was trying to find a structural engineer for my home renovation. Dan has gone above and beyond as he took care of all the engineering items, as well as the blueprints and getting everything sorted out with the City to ensure our permitting process was completely smooth! He took the time to explain each step of the process, and was fully upfront with what it would cost and what that included. And in addition, when we had items on his quote that we didn’t end up needing, he removed them without even a second thought. I would recommend Dan & his team for anyone looking at a large residential renovation.
Our Philosophy
Every project begins with a vision. Through collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail, we work closely with our clients to understand their goals and bring their ideas to life.
We believe successful design balances aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value. By carefully considering how a space will be used, experienced, and maintained, we create environments that are both visually impactful and purpose-driven.