People often ask me, “So, what do you do?”

When I tell them I’ve been in the interior design industry for almost 20 years, the usual response is,

“Wow, that’s cool!”

And then… silence. The conversation just kind of ends.

Does it fizzle out because they think interior design is boring? Or is it because they assume it’s all just picking out pretty things and doing what they saw on HGTV?

In my heart, I think it’s the latter. Most people assume we just choose fabrics and paint colours. And sure, that’s part of it—but just part of it.

Honestly, there’s only so far you can go in a conversation about paint. Aside from a few fun facts like how red dining rooms can suppress appetite because they make the space feel too hot, or how putting a green undertone next to your late-'90s terracotta tile can make it look pink.

So I figured this blog was long overdue.

Here’s the truth about what I actually do.

I’m a designer.
But I’m also a marriage counsellor, therapist, artist, project manager, sustainable design advocate, budget expert, product specialist, engineer (in spirit), and time management extraordinaire.

Some days I come home completely wiped because I’ve had to wear all of those hats, sometimes in the same meeting.

Let’s break it down further for you:

1. Designer

This is the heart of what we do—space planning, custom storage solutions for awkward condos or charming old homes, designing moulding details for grand houses, or figuring out how to squeeze function into a tiny powder room. We thrive in the “thinking outside the box” zone.

We’re brought in to solve problems, like inventing a gadget that’s both a closet stool and a seat, or designing a sleek appliance garage that actually works.
Problem-solving is our happy place.

2. Marriage Counsellor & Therapist

Yes, really. We’re often the ones holding space for couples as they navigate big decisions. We mediate, we listen, and we work to ensure both partners feel heard and seen in their space.

We translate priorities into creative solutions that work for both people. No small feat.

3. Artist

Textures, colours, and balance. We're creating spaces that spark joy, bring calm, and reflect the people who live in them.

One of my favourite parts is diving into my clients’ lives (in a non-creepy way) and imagining how they move through their day so I can design a space that feels like them.

4. Product Specialist

After nearly 20 years, some days I feel like I could write a Trivial Pursuit game on materials and finishes.

From knowing which fabrics are pet-friendly to understanding that wool is naturally flame-resistant and breathable. All my knowledge helps protect your investment.

I know what’s worth the splurge, what has staying power, and what will look sad and even saggy by next year.

5. Order Management Specialist

We manage complex orders, timelines, and shipping logistics from all over the country and beyond. That tile from Portugal? The custom sofa from British Columbia?

It’s on us to make sure everything arrives on time, in the right order, and in one piece. It’s like a high-stakes puzzle every single day—and we’re the ones making sure all the corners match up.

6. Time Management Specialist

Coordinating trades, deliveries, installs, and site visits, while also understanding exactly how long each phase of a project should take, is essential.

One delay can ripple across weeks of scheduling. Our job is to keep everything moving smoothly while shielding you from the stress.

7. Budget Expert

I’ll admit, I love the creative side more. But budgets are non-negotiable.

I track costs, communicate clearly about overages, and help clients spend their money where it matters.

We know what things cost (labour, materials, delivery, all of it) and how to make smart swaps to keep things beautiful and affordable.

8. Drawing and Finishing Specialist

We don’t just whip up pretty 3D drawings to sell a dream. We produce all the technical documentation. From plumbing and lighting locations to the size of your trim and the radius on your arch niche.

Finishing a space takes precision, and this is where we shine.

We account for everything: the depth of the trim for a proper return, the height of the countertops in relation to your light switches, the distance from cabinet hardware to the edge of a door. We think of it all.

And trust me, those little details are what creates the magic in the space.

All of this?
That’s what you get when you hire an experienced interior designer.

We may seem expensive, but we’re worth every penny.

We wear (at least) eight hats so that you end up with a home that feels like you and works for your life.

We love what we do and honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

So next time you meet a designer at a cocktail party, skip the small talk. Ask them what their week was like. You might just walk away with a free design tip and a new appreciation for what goes on behind the paint deck.

What Do I Actually Do for Work? (Spoiler: It’s More Than Picking Paint)