An ongoing blog series—Meet Our Team: Designer Spotlight—where we introduce you to each team member at the Elmwood Design Centre.
After introducing you to our tried and true kitchen team, we're excited for you to get to know another important designer of ours. Meet Alisson—the interior designer that plays a big part in holding our team together. Specializing in bathroom design, her career is a big passion of hers and she's worked hard to get to where she is today. When she got the "what do you want to be when you grow up" question as a kid, her answer was always an Interior Designer.
Career Beginnings
Alisson's been transforming spaces and bringing design dreams to life for almost 4 years now. She began her journey with the Elmwood Design Centre in 2021, shortly after we opened our doors. This was her first position within the Elmwood Group and she's been passionate about seeing the business grow ever since.
Her focus as a designer is all about detail. From flooring that feels just right, to lighting that sets the perfect mood, she's the expert you want by your side when it comes to renovating your home. But her true passion? Bathroom design. Alisson has a knack for turning even the smallest spaces into stunning, functional retreats—the kind of bathroom you want to spend an extra five minutes in just because it feels so good.
Alisson’s excitement for design started back when she was just a kid (though she didn’t realize it at the time). While other kids were busy drawing superheroes, Alisson was drafting up plans for the home she grew up in, daydreaming about how to make her bedroom bigger (complete with a walk-in closet, of course). Fast forward a few years, and Saturday morning cartoons were swapped for HGTV marathons with her mom—a clear sign that her passion for design was here to stay.
"Once I found out I could actually study Interior Design right in Moncton, there was no looking back for me."
First Project as an Interior Designer
Interestingly enough, Alisson’s first design project wasn’t a bathroom at all – it was a kitchen renovation (talk about diving into the deep end!) Transforming the clients' floorplan was both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. But she took a "SERENITY NOW!" approach (que Seinfeld fans) and navigated those hiccups like a pro.
"We completely transformed the floorplan, which was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Naturally, there were a few hiccups along the way (nothing life threatening) but we quickly resolved any issues. The client was thrilled with the final result, which made it all worthwhile."
Just like with starting anything new, there's always learning curves along the way. But if there’s one thing Alisson wishes she knew back then, it’s the importance of managing client expectations from the get-go. Bringing them "back down to earth" if necessary, setting realistic goals and communicating every step of the way through is key.
Being our only Interior Designer specializing in bathroom design, we were excited to run through some Q&A with Alisson:
Q: If you could go back to one era where you thought interior design was unmatched, which era would that be and why?
A: "As you may know by now based on some previous mood boards share on our socials, I love a bold look. If I had to pick one, I would say Victorian. The Victorian era celebrated craftsmanship and attention to detail. This created spaces that felt luxurious and full of character."
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in interior design?
A: "First, it's important to note that there is a difference between becoming an interior designer and a decorator. While many may confuse the two, becoming a certified interior designer in Canada requires a degree as well as a specialized certification that can be acquired after obtaining your degree. Make sure you are ready to put in a lot of work to get there.
Second, try to get hands-on experience as early as possible. Internships, volunteer work, or assisting established designers can provide invaluable insights into the industry and help you build a portfolio. Stay curious and committed to learning. Interior design trends and technologies are always evolving.
Interior design is a career driven by passion. Stay true to what inspires you, and let that passion fuel your work. It’s the love for design and the glow in your clients eyes after a successful project that will keep you motivated, even when the going gets tough."
Q: Name one design "rule" you love to break and why?
A: "Painting a small room a dark color. Again, I love a statement, and contrary to what most people think, a dark color can sometimes give the illusion of making a room seem larger than it is."
Q: What advice would you give to clients who are taking on a renovation for the first time?
A: "A renovation is an exciting opportunity to transform your space. But as exciting as it can be, it can also be very overwhelming. That’s where the experts can come into play to help lift the stress off your shoulders and guide you along the way. If you're brave enough to take on a renovation yourselves, you may want to plan for more time than expected. Talking from experience—when a 6-day reno turns into a 6-month time investment—ha!"
Q: What inspired you to become a designer?
A: "As mentioned earlier, my love for creating new functional spaces at a very young age stuck with me though life. After a few different jobs as a student, I realized I needed a career that would be both fulfilling and dynamic—where no two days would be exactly the same. I knew that design was the perfect fit, offering the creativity, challenge, and variety I craved. It’s been a rewarding journey ever since."
After learning all about Alisson, it's safe to say that our clients are in capable hands—hands that not only know how to select the perfect tile but also understand the art of balancing needs with wants. So, whether you’re planning on reinventing your bathroom into a spa or need help picking the perfect wall colour, Alisson is your gal. And trust us, with her on board, your home is in for the stunning upgrade you've always dreamed of.
Stay tuned for next weeks introduction to our Exterior Design Consultant. We'll be talking all things siding, roofing and curb appeal—you know... all the fun stuff.
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