As a formally trained Vancouver Interior Designer, I would like to give some insight regardingthe difference between the two roles by highlighting some of the services each profession can offer you.

Vancouver Interior Design

Interior Design is about understanding people’s needs, behaviours and preferences in order to create functional spaces that are relevant to the location, climate, culture, and the intended purpose of the space. 

Interior Design begins with getting to know the client and the project site by carrying out a thorough analysis of the space. Some of the many subjects of importance in this design analysisare the locations of plumbing and heating, load bearing walls, where the utilities are located that service the property, permits that may be required and budgets.

From here, the Interior Designer turns their findings into a custom design concept specific to the project in response to the overall functioning of the space. 

Once the client approves the design, the Interior Designer is then responsible to coordinate allarchitectural, electrical, mechanical and structural elements of the design based on the layout of the space.

Vancouver Interior Designers

Interior Designers select, specify and create construction drawings and documents for built-in cabinetry, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) in accordance with the architectural elements of the space. 

During the construction phase, Interior Designers perform contract administration which, in general terms, means they oversee the construction of the space and solve any issues that might arise during construction by collaborating with all site-specific Trades, Consultants and Contractors. 

Once construction of the space is completed, the decoration phase begins.

Vancouver Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating means furnishing the space with appropriate furniture and accessories to complement the architectural elements of the interior space. 

Some Interior Designers decorate as an add-on service however, Interior Decorators do not design. 

In summary, Professional Interior Decorators are hired only to focus upon décor aspects of the space, while Interior Designers can offer their services from the beginning phase of the project all the way through to the end, creating functional and aesthetically appealing spaces for home, work, rest and play.

Similarly, many business experts I know started their own business to live a more flexiblelifestyle, earn more money and be their own boss.

Vancouver Architect Firm

I started my own Vancouver Architectural practice to design eye pleasing spaces and contribute signature designs in my favourite cities around the world, with an end goal of bringing people together to enjoy their lives in custom spaces they love.

I had a chance to work for several Architectural Firms throughout North America. Some were Starchitect Firms that created fancy projects around the world and others were niche local architects that focused upon limited tasks. 

What I learned throughout these years is that the world of design is far beyond just creating eye pleasing monuments. In Starchitect Firms, the original design ideas come from the Starchitect. However, it is the Starchitect’s team that is tasked with working long hours for months on end to hit near impossible deadlines and make his or her vision comes to fruition.

I remember working six months on the most astonishing high-end mixed-use towers. My only focus was the parking structure, which meant 6 months of “underground” work to ensure the parking counts would work for a vast operational process. This included hours of operation, security, firefighter access, maneuvering isles and more. No fancy design required by me on this project, but I sure learned to be patient and practical!

When I worked in the smaller firms, the budget was so limited that it left no room for creativity. To satisfy my need for architectural creativity, I learned to look at every square inch of the space with detailed focus, to be efficient, budget savvy, and to create neat memorable spaces that maximized the footprint for the end user.

Today, in my own practice, I learn every day. Always mindful that design is a fragile chance, a breakthrough, and fresh air I take advantage of every time opportunity knocks on the door.

While it is easy to get lost inside the client’s needs, meeting the municipality requirements, height limitations and corridor views, working with building codes and a plethora of other critical details must be realized and executed first. 

The goal to the art of being an Architect is to find this chance, to explore a hidden window, celebrate a small breakthrough, to overcome all obstacles and make a memorable difference.

Vancouver Architects

When Ellie & I started our own practice, m+ Architecture | Interior Design in Vancouver, people would congratulate us and say we were brave. We began with one family project, a beautiful small urban piece of land that presented all possible challenges one can face in Architectural Design.

The land appeared to be a slope hazard, wild fire hazard, creek hazard and had a high-water table, but we moved through it, hitting every challenge straight on, and today this family home sits complete on a beautiful Canyon Height property in North Vancouver. 

This challenging first project was my breakthrough. My dream was realized, and I was about to rise and shine.

Projects began streaming in. 

Houses, offices, a fitness studio, retail spaces, labs, daycares, and restaurants! All with their own set of regulations and challenges. Some surprising. Some difficult. All with a desireddetermination to create visually stunning masses that delivered expectations.

The beauty of running my own Firm is that I wake up every day with a task list, and work with an already pre-planned agenda.

The practice of Architecture taught me critical listening skills which are absolutely paramount to success in this industry. 

Listening to both what a client is saying and not saying, deciphering what they mean, and clearly understanding the responsibility my role plays in breaking down the information, so it makessense when I communicate all expected deliverables, is a huge component to the success m+ Architecture | Interior Design enjoys today.

This skill better helps me understand if m+ Architecture | Interior Design will be a good fit for a project and if the client’s vision aligns with mine.

The practice of Architecture requires discipline, long hours of work and a creative mind. I have learned to be truthful to my vision to avoid burnt out and disappointment. I have learned when to say no, and to set healthy and productive boundaries. I have tremendous gratitude for those who are open minded and trust our talent and skills as this is when true creativity soars, and masterpieces come to life. 

As for work/life balance, well I love what I do but still make sure I find this balance within every project as each offers its own schedule and timeline.

I enjoy networking events, expanding my knowledge through conversation and education, learning more about other businesses, and staying on top of current industry trends so I can always be accountable for what I promise. 

There is always something new to learn and someone new to meet in the practice of Architecture. 

I pride myself on being all eyes and ears for any opportunity to grow and to constantly strive for excellence.