The Yama Way: Darren and Julia's Journey Through Our Process

With their kids grown and flown, Darren and Julia found themselves facing an empty nest - and a world brimming with untapped adventure.

This spirited Albertan couple was itching to dive headfirst into their next chapter: carving fresh lines down powdery slopes, navigating rugged single-track trails, and whipping up gourmet fireside feasts under the stars.

But Darren and Julia aren't just your average outdoor enthusiasts - they're lifesavers by day and off-grid explorers whenever the stethoscopes come off. Between juggling patients and packed schedules, they still find time to chase fresh air and stay active, with Darren kayaking or biking to work every day, making it look effortlessly cool. But even with all that motion, their routine had started to feel a little too... routine.

With adventure on their mind, Darren and Julia brought their vision to Yama Vans for some expert shaping.

Co-Designing a Dream

Enter Yama's five-step co-design process: part science, part art, 100% dedicated to bringing bold ideas to life. With Darren and Julia's wish list, and our adventure van expertise, we collaborated to create a highly-functional, perfectly-tailored van.

"The Yama team really get to know you and your lifestyle before designing your dream." - Darren and Julia

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1. Requirements Call: Every build starts with getting to know our clients on a deeper level. It's not just about ticking boxes - it's about understanding their lifestyle, priorities, and vision for their van. For Darren and Julia, this meant delving into their love of biking, skiing, and cooking, as well as their plans for 1-2 week trips, backcountry weekend adventures, and excursions to Moab.

To support their cycling pursuits, an outdoor washdown station and ample gear storage were must-haves. And as self-proclaimed foodies, they wanted an awning and portable induction cooktop to turn any campsite into an open-air kitchen. With a clear vision of what they needed, they'd come knocking on the right door.

2. Design Consultation: Next, we turn aspirations into actionable plans. At Yama HQ, clients like Darren and Julia choose their finishing materials, get a detailed look at our recommended model, and select the upgrades that will make their van uniquely theirs.

For Darren and Julia, this meant meeting their match made in van heaven: the Robson 53°N model. With a compact 144" chassis, fixed seating and sleeping for two, and a garage space that would make any gearhead swoon, it fit their needs to a T. Add a sprinkle of custom finishes and a dash of extra features and voilà - a powerhouse on wheels.

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"In a world of Instagram-beautiful builds, Yama drills down to the essentials to ensure that your adventure van survives what you throw at it, while delivering comfort and drivability." - Darren and Julia

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3. 3D Renderings: With ideas solidified, we created 3D renderings, bringing Darren and Julia's van to life. These immersive sneak peeks offered a glimpse of both the interior and exterior, letting them see their future van materialize, pixel by pixel - ensuring no surprises.

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‍4‍. Estimate Phase: No plot twists here - just straightforward, itemized lists of everything included in their build. Alongside their lifelike drawings, Darren and Julia reviewed each feature, finish, and upgrade, ensuring crystal-clear transparency and peace of mind.  

5. Technical Design: With all systems go, our team prepared the technical drawings and schematics that would bring Darren and Julia's van from concept to reality. Every detail was nailed down, setting the stage for production to begin.

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From Sketch to the Shop Floor

Next came our six-phase production process, fine-tuned to leverage our team’s strengths and maximize our workshop’s potential. Our goal? To build more adventure vans without ever compromising on quality. Throughout the process, Darren and Julia received regular updates and progress snapshots, giving them a front-row seat as their van evolved from detailed drawings to road-ready reality. 

‍Phase 0 - Pre-Production: We kicked things off by getting all our ducks (and supplies) in a row. From sourcing materials, to managing logistics and drafting project plans, we ensured every detail was organized for a seamless build from the get-go. 

Phase 1 - Shell and Automotive: Time to suit up! We installed all the necessary automotive upgrades and off-road accessories, including a 178L extended range fuel tank (perfect for those long hauls) and a twin compressor onboard air kit (ideal for keeping those bike tires pumped). 

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‍Phase 2 - Cabinet Work: This is when Darren and Julia’s van started to feel like home. Cabinet assembly and installation, along with interior paneling started to transform the bare van into a functional space. 

Phase 3 - Mechanical and Electrical: We equipped their van with a robust off-grid system, including electrical components, plumbing, and heating. We also installed an off-grid AC package to keep them cool throughout the summer months.

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Phase 4 - Finishing: The devil’s in the details, and we love a good detail. Interior finishings were completed, ensuring every nook and cranny was polished, primed, and ready for the road. 

Phase 5 - Completion: Before handing over the keys, their adventure van went through rigorous quality testing to make sure it met Yama’s standards. Only then was it deemed adventure-ready, perfectly suited for Darren and Julia’s explorations.

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"Open and receptive, with a great design team, dedicated mechanics, and cabinet builders - one tour of their facilities will convince you that they are professionals in it for the long game." - Darren and Julia

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Hitting the Road: The Yama Way in Action

Delivery day is always a highlight here at Yama Vans - a grand finale of months of planning, building, and a whole lot of excitement. Each delivery morning, our team gathers to sign the back of a wall panel, adding a personal touch to every van that leaves our shop. 

When Darren and Julia arrived, we took them through an extensive walkthrough of their new van, acquainting them with every gadget and gizmo on board. With keys in hand and confidence in their new van, they set off on their maiden voyage - a 2-3 day field test to get comfortable with all the systems. Up next? Cruising through the Rockies, chasing sunsets in the Utah desert, and sneaking away for weekend escapes whenever the mood strikes.

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But here's the thing, the Yama Way doesn't wrap up at delivery. Our three-level support process ensures that clients feel confident and backed every mile of the journey. To learn more about what comes beyond the build, check out our blog post Beyond the Build: Operating Your Yama Van with Confidence.

If Darren and Julia's journey has sparked something within you, don't wait - experience the Yama Way for yourself. Limited production spots for 2025 are now up for grabs. Ready to hit the road? Let's make it happen - contact us today to start your build.