Dai (Yoshito) Ona

Business Development & Project Scoping

Founded Daizen Joinery in 1991

As owner and big picture thinker at Daizen, Dai Ona identifies business opportunities and works with clients to bring their project visions to life. He applies his design and building experience to create final products that are distinct, functional and sustainable.

Dai conveys both passion and resolve to meet any challenge and leads his team in offering exceptional work at every stage of the design, production and installation process. He has fostered respect and camaraderie among his crew members who reflect his work ethic. Dai’s focus on high quality standards and reputation guide decision-making. Dai’s experience has been gained through more than two decades working in the building and timber frame industries in Japan, other parts of Asia and Canada.

He emigrated to Canada from Japan and started Daizen Joinery in 1990 in Parksville, BC, where he focused his efforts on hand timber building and joinery, and exporting frame products to Asian markets. Dai relocated his business to the Interior of BC in 2004 where he expanded his company to meet the growing needs of the timber frame industry in North America.

Today, his company serves a client base from across Western Canada, the US Pacific Northwest, California and Hawaii. His commitment to ongoing professional development and speaking opportunities keep Dai open to new, innovative ideas, and collaboration within the timber frame industry.

We are constantly improving our processes and approach.

"It is what makes us unique."

Interested in finding out more?

At Daizen, we ensure client expectations and understanding of processes are met through all phases of our work, from structural design and engineering to fabrication of timber frames and assembly and installation.