What Vancouver Reminded Me About Design, Creativity and Building a Business
What stood out most in Vancouver was how naturally everything sits together. Water, forest, and architecture all feel closely connected, creating a rhythm that stayed with me long after returning from a recent trip with the Design Leaders Collective.
Each year, our group of interior design entrepreneurs gathers in person for a few days of honest conversations, business reviews, shared perspective, and accountability that only really happens when you’re surrounded by people who understand the realities of this industry.
This year, two of our Canadian members hosted us in Vancouver and created a few days that moved seamlessly between focused working sessions and time spent experiencing the city.
The trip unfolded as a mix of conversation, design immersion, and perspective that extended well beyond the studio.
Design Inspiration Beyond the Studio
One of the things I value most about travel is the opportunity to experience design outside of project timelines and daily routines. Inspiration often comes from the spaces in between.
We visited Bocci and Ann Sacks as part of our time in the city, moving through both showrooms and spending time understanding the work in more depth.
At Bocci, the lighting was presented alongside the process behind how it’s made, which added a different layer to the visit. Watching the glass being hand-blown and formed brought everything back to the craft behind each piece. Their lighting contributes directly to the atmosphere it creates, which speaks to how thoughtfully it’s designed.
At Ann Sacks, many of us have worked with their materials across projects over the years, so being in the showroom offered a familiar reference point, along with the opportunity to see new collections and material directions in person. Natural stone, tile, and surface variations are especially interesting when you see them at scale. It’s a reminder that material selection is never just about how something looks. It’s about how it feels in a space, the texture, and the way it holds up over time.
Both Bocci and Ann Sacks offered thoughtful, welcoming tours led by their representatives, which reflected a genuine care for how they share their process with clients and visitors.
A City Connected to Nature
What makes Vancouver unique is how closely the city interacts with its surroundings.
The Seawall, Granville Island, and Capilano Suspension Bridge each offered a different way of experiencing the same landscape. The city never feels disconnected from its surroundings. The nature are never far away, and that constant presence shapes how the city is experienced.
As a designer, that balance is incredibly inspiring. The best interiors often work the same way. They feel layered and refined without feeling overdesigned.
The Importance of Community
A key part of the trip was time spent with fellow design professionals, focused on conversation, reflection, and shared perspective around the realities of running creative businesses.
Running an interior design business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating at times. Having space for open discussion around business, finances, leadership, challenges, and growth with people who genuinely understand the industry is something I never take for granted. Some of the best perspective comes from stepping outside your usual environment and learning alongside others who are navigating similar experiences.
There was also something special about gathering in a beautiful home overlooking Vancouver. The setting created space for slower conversations, shared meals, and moments that felt both productive and personal.
This trip was a reminder of how important it is to have a strong community around you.
Experiencing an inspiring city like Vancouver together added another layer to that, creating space for both perspective and genuine connection throughout the week.
I returned home feeling creatively energized, deeply grateful for my community within the Design Leaders Collective, and reminded that building a business feels a little lighter when shared with like-minded people who understand the journey.
When we take on projects, we always place a lot of value on connection and shared perspective.
Our initial consultation is an important part of that process, allowing us to understand the project, ensure alignment, and see whether it feels like the right fit on both sides. After the consultation, we guide you through a 15-step design process, where you’ll have full clarity at every stage of the project.
If you’re building a home or starting a project, we’re always open to having a conversation. Schedule a call with us.
Until next time,
Justine