■ Did you grow up wanting to be in interior designer or did it come about another way?

Growing up, I probably didn’t even know what an interior designer was.  Having grown up in Singapore as a child (my father was transferred there), I have always had a fascination with Asia and after high-school planned to take Chinese studies as a business major with plans to move to China.  That didn’t go as planned…not at all!  I was working at General Paint during this time and was always surrounded by renovators, designers and contractors.  I just fell into it. A colleague at the paint store was taking the Interior Design Technology program at NAIT and I became intrigued.  Next thing you know, I was enrolled and in the spring of 2002, I graduated with Honours from that same program.

​​

■ When you aren’t being creative at work, what keeps you fulfilled?

I am very passionate about cars and travel.  Until December 2020, I was the President of the Audi Club North America Western Canada Chapter, a chartered chapter of the Audi Club North America with over 10,000 members.

 

In 2022, after more than eighteen months of planning, I completed my first custom off-road trailer design and fabrication. I spent three weeks and travelled more than 8400 kilometers in six states exploring on-road and off-road with my wife.      

​

When I'm not travelling and living in Italy in my mind, I work on perfecting hand-crafted gelato in the traditional Italian method.   

 

■ What do you love about your career?

I love being able to help create a physical brick and mortar space for a Client based on a dream and a vision they have had. There is no better feeling to see the emotions a Client has once they step into their new space.  It can be very rewarding to be apart of something so big for a Client.

 

■ Any random facts you could share with us?

I grew up taking French immersion and continue to practice as often as possible.  Design trips to Paris are always a great reason to practice.

​

■ Favorite travel spot?

Italy!!!   have been to Italy more than any other country outside of Canada.  There is something to be said about design in Italy.  The Italian culture itself drives me to be the best designer I can be.

​

■ If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?

I actually have had a change to meet this person, twice in fact.  Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama.  It was his documentary about the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa that has helped me create my personal design philosophy.

​

■ Top three life highlights?

• Buying my first Vespa.

• Marrying my wife in Lago d’Orta, Italy.

• Being able to live in Singapore , this has heavily influenced my love of travel and in turn the travel helps inspire my designs.

 

■ What has been your favorite project?

I would have to say to date, one of my most beloved projects was before I had a chance to found the firm.  While I was at the firm where I started my career, I was able to design a feature staircase in the connecting E-Wing at NAIT to connect the founding original buildings to the new HP Centre.  To be able to design something at the institution where I got my education and see it admired by thousands of faculty, students and visitors each year is quite something!  To leave perhaps a bit of a legacy where I went to school cannot be beat.

​​

■ What is your role?

I am the Founder/Principal and Senior Interior Designer.  I work on much of the Business Development and oversee 100% of all projects within the firm.

​

■ How do you balance your career and family?

When I am not in the office, I get to spend time with my lovely wife.  As she is an active athlete and personal fitness trainer, we spend countless hours being active at the gym and in summer camping and hiking. I believe in a good balance between work and personal life and that we all can have a fulfilled life.

​

■ Before working at Bold Interior Design Inc, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I spent the summer between my two years at NAIT working in Rainbow Lake, AB.  I had four jobs that summer. I worked for Husky Oil in their pipe yard and tool crib.  I started my own truck wash company washing rental trucks at between rentals.  I also worked my father’s oil supply company and lastly, was a welder’s apprentice on a pipe-line break for a weekend. 

​

■ Where is your favorite place to eat in Edmonton for dinner?

Any small hidden gem.  I just love food and especially food with soul.  

​​

■ Where is your hometown?

Edmonton, AB

​

■ What places have you lived in?

• Edmonton, AB

• Kelowna, BC

• Singapore

​​

■ What is your personal design philosophy?

“Design is a push/pull relationship between designer and client.  The best designs are achieved with a strong team approach and a process that achieves an end that exceeds the client’s vision and dreams.”