Tina's Story

As an immigrant to Canada, one of my earliest memories is that of my fearless parents renovating the old and sadly neglected farmhouse we moved to. It was barely habitable then. These memories extend for decades as it seemed that the house consistently needed work, additions, or design updates!  We were always re-decorating rooms, changing floorplans, building additions, and re-arranging furniture. It’s something I carried with me into adulthood, and the many, MANY different homes, in Canada and abroad, that I have lived in since. For me, living and working in a well-designed, well thought out interior space is synonymous with not only self-expression, but also feeling that sense of ease and sanctuary that you are supposed to feel when you are “home”. Personalized and functional interior design can make a positive difference for people - it can lead to living well.

In 2008, I left my stable career with Corel in Ottawa to enter the commercial construction trade. My father and brother both worked the trades, and I needed a change from the corporate, sedentary life I was living. In 2011, I graduated from the Interior Systems, Carpentry, and Acoustic and Drywall program, certified to enter the Union and begin my career in commercial construction. I began taking on small renovation jobs for friends and family, and through word of mouth, by 2014 I had a successful side-business. For me, the best parts of this work are the constant learning – there are always innovations in tools and techniques! – and the satisfaction I can bring to my clients by improving their homes and work spaces.