Julianna Kaiser launched Studio Kaiser in Spring 2021, a few short months after she moved back to her hometown in the Okanagan Valley.
Her founding of the studio was preceded by a decade of living in various Canadian provinces and territories. Her design foundation comes from a process-driven design education from Toronto Metropolitan University School of Interior Design, where she graduated in 2014. From there, she gained much of her professional experience providing interior design services within an architectural firm in Northwest Territories and working on social housing developments in Nunavut communities. Julianna reflects that returning to the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia was a “Honey, I’m home!” moment and believes her new business is one way to be of service to her community.
In October 2023, Julianna became NCIDQ certified and an Intern Member of the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia. This examination tests a designer’s proficiency in building codes, standards and best practices established to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
“I am very proud of this accomplishment as the study process is quite grueling. The process consists of a 3-part exam that takes eleven hours to complete in total.”
Julianna’s lean toward entrepreneurship began as a side hustle where she provided interior design services to family members. In 2019 she designed an AirBnB suite on a property overlooking a vineyard on the Naramata Bench. Working on smaller projects that were perhaps “too small” for a firm to take on has helped her build experience and skills that she applies today.
“Now that I am back for good, I’d love to do more projects in the wine tourism sector of the Okanagan so am actively engaged with tourism groups to get my name out there!”
Julianna’s combination of work and life experiences outside of the Okanagan Valley region contribute to her ethos related to both business and design.
“I believe that a designer’s work is somewhat personal: a direct reflection of your personal and professional experiences.”
Within the built environment, Interior Design and Interior Designers play a crucial role in creating meaningful spaces. For new construction, Professional or Registered Interior Designers work alongside architects and engineers to oversee details of the human-centric aspects of the space.
When it comes to renovations and tenant improvements projects, Interior Designers add value to businesses and homes. Key benefits can be strengthening a brand’s visual identity through design or a thoughtful renovation and increasing the resale or appraisal value of a home.
An ideal client trusts their interior designer and their process to make thoughtful choices and design decisions. interior designers have a methodology for their work. Clients contribute, are informed, and make decisions throughout. Construction projects are complex and can be long, and interior designers know how to manage processes and trades.
“When a project starts, the designer-client relationship could be 3 months or seven years! It is nice to get the opportunity to work with clients over a span of time. I love working with the same business owners as their companies and ventures grow and providing them with interior design services along the way!”
Julianna believes that Canadian designers should emphasize regionalism and design for the local context of the project. Her intent is to favor local materials and suppliers, supporting small and local businesses and reflects her values for sustainability.
The Okanagan Valley’s population is growing rapidly, with many new people moving in and building new homes and businesses.
Initially, Julianna’s focus is on small-scale commercial projects in workplaces, hospitality, and food and beverage. With the tourism industry being a large driver in the Okanagan Valley, design can support local businesses and create meaningful experiences for residents and those coming to the region to make memories and explore.
“The Okanagan Valley is known for its picturesque mountains, lakes, and vineyards so it is deserving of beautiful buildings to complement its surroundings. My vision is to bring fresh perspective on architecture and design to a newer market.”
While design is an investment for clients, Julianna also notes it should be accessible and affordable for small businesses. She takes this into account when educating clients on the value of design, selecting partners and selecting products. With project objectives and constraints in mind, she aims to create experiences that enhance convenience, comfort, and joy.
“Studio Kaiser’s mission is to create modern interiors that are functional, sustainable, and approachable. Good design is a dialogue between form and function, encompassing the process of creating products, spaces, or experiences that are not only visually pleasing but also highly functional.”
Julianna offers reflections on making connections through networking and the role of mentorship that supported her in starting Studio Kaiser.
Networking and Making Connections:
“I love networking and meeting new people. Throughout my professional career, I’ve had no problem jumping on a plane and going to a conference in a different city. I am very outgoing and have even given out my business card to a perspective business lead on the chairlift while skiing – you never know where you will make a business connection!
It is important to engage with community members both within and outside the design sector, whether that is attending a design trade show or a conference or “chatting design” with someone on the ski hill.
I think it is important to be involved in the community and with that it is integral to support long-tern success through education and networking.”
Mentorship and Gaining Experience:
“I was mentored by two NCIDQ-certified Interior Designers while working at an architecture firm in the Northwest Territories. These two designers signed off on my work experiences hours necessary to complete my application to write the exam.
During this time as a junior interior designer, I really learned a great deal about Construction Administration and high level of community & public engagement to kick start the design process. Project coordination behind government projects in the public sector like education, civic, community halls and workplace design are very complex yet equally rewarding.
Working on projects within a northern context, there is an emphasis on using sustainable materials that are climate-resilient, culturally appropriate, and readily available due to the remote nature of the sites. I would say these were very formative years for me early on in my career and really shaped me to become the pragmatic designer I am today.”
Through entrepreneurship, Julianna is able to leverage her experiences across Canada in both design and business.
Julianna advocates that design can create functional, sustainable, and visually captivating spaces. Her commitment to the Okanagan Valley region, sustainability, and accessibility underscores her ethos as both an entrepreneur and a designer. She embodies the spirit of community and curiosity with adventure will support her success as a new business owner in the dynamic field of interior design.
And if you see her on the ski hill, say hello!
