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Working Together

meet kristen

Principal Interior Designer and Founder DID, ARIDO, NCIDQ

Kristen embarked on her journey in 2003, when she graduated with honours from the Advanced Interior Design Program at Algonquin College and started her career as an interior design consultant with a residential design firm.  During this time, she observed a common issue in the industry—clients’ ideas and preferences were not always taken seriously, and some designers lacked transparency.

In 2006, Kristen founded Pillar Interior Design to establish a space where clients’ wants and needs are at the forefront. This fosters an open dialogue from start to finish, making for a truly collaborative experience. Kristen has always understood that true magic happens when trust is at the centre of the designer-client relationship. With a tried-and-true design formula and over 300 satisfied clients, Pillar Interior Design has become known for creating spaces that support the architecture of your life.

In an ever-changing industry, Kristen is always on the cutting edge. She earned the title of Interior Designer by completing the NCIDQ examinations and is proud to be a member in good standing with the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario. Through continuous engagement in professional development, Kristen ensures her ability to deliver innovative, personalized spaces.

Partnering with Kristen allows your home to make a statement about who you are, what you love, and what kind of life you want to lead.

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4 Pillars of Design

We adhere to our 4 Pillars of Design formula, which serves as the foundation for all our projects. This approach ensures that all essential elements of a successful design are realized.

Connect

Building a rapport and open communication
Establishing trust and transparency
Understanding clients' lifestyle and preferences

Discover

Measuring with accuracy
Collecting critical information for surveys, building structures, zoning, building codes, etc.
Researching quality products, innovative solutions, new technologies, and style trends

Create

Producing AutoCAD drawings, 3D renderings, and moodboards
Presenting professional concepts, materials, and décor selections
Preparing detailed notes and documentation

Support

Collaborating with engineers, technologists, and other industry partners
Answering clients' questions and providing clarification
Managing projects and problem solving
Styling during post-construction and adding finishing touches
Flat lay iage of pillar marketing materials
Close-up of a person using a tape measure to measure the width of a wooden door frame. The person's hands are holding the tape tightly against the smooth wooden surface, while wearing a blue denim shirt.Interior design concept flat lay on a white marble table featuring material samples, fabric swatches, a blue pyramid-shaped object, a floor plan, and a tablet displaying furniture options. A plant and a mustard yellow chair are partially visible in the background.Interior designer arranging light blue decorative pillows on a neatly made bed with a cream-colored headboard. The bed also features a cylindrical bolster pillow with a striped and velvet texture. The room has a calm blue-green wall, a circular mirror, and natural light coming from an open door.

our bespoke process

Phase 1

Initial consultation

We begin be meeting with clients at their homes to discuss the project scope, functional and style preferences, followed by preparing a flat fee design service estimate for their approval.

Three professionals engaged in a lively discussion over architectural plans laid out on a kitchen counter. A woman in a teal blouse is seated at a laptop, smiling as she explains details to a standing couple—a man in a white dotted shirt and a woman in a cream crochet sweater—pointing at the screen.
Phase 2

Design Concepts

The second phase starts with measuring the space and collecting relevant information, followed by drafting multiple design concepts for presentation. All drawings and documentation are then uploaded to our client portal for easy access and review. Finally, we finalize the layouts, electrical plans, and add architectural details to complete the design.

Hands holding a detailed interior design plan featuring multiple perspectives of a kitchen and living area with blue cabinetry and modern furniture. The design documents are laid out on a table, and a laptop is visible in the background, showing similar floor plans.
Phase 3

Building Material Selections

We assist in selecting and finalizing interior and exterior building materials and finishes, including plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and more. Once selections are made, we prepare final specification documents for distribution to trades.

Flat lay of interior design materials featuring a decorative tile with a floral pattern, fabric and leather swatches, wood samples, a brass drawer handle, and a bundle of dried wheat on a textured rug. The setup is placed on a tiled floor with mosaic accents.
Phase 4

Working Drawings

We coordinate assessments from engineers, technologists, and other industry partners as required, and prepare technical drawings for construction and/or building permits.

Close-up of a detailed architectural floor plan placed on a marble surface with a small part of a green plant visible in the corner. A blue geometric object partially covers the bottom of the blueprint.
Phase 5

Furniture and Décor Selections

We curate furnishings and décor for presentation to clients, finalize selections, and organize quotes and orders.

Modern living room interior featuring an orange armchair, a round white ottoman, and a mid-century style console table with gold accents. The room is decorated with large potted plants, including a snake plant and a banana leaf plant, along with a decorative round mirror above the console. The decor includes a textured area rug and a mix of natural and gold-toned accessories.
Phase 6

Project Management

We consult with general contractors, trades, and suppliers to ensure the design is properly carried out, while also coordinating the delivery and installation of décor products.

Close-up of a worker installing white hexagonal marble tiles using mortar on the floor. A red level tool is placed beside the tiles to ensure proper alignment, and the worker’s hand is visible, wearing a red and black protective glove.
Phase 7

Project Wrap-up

We review the project checklist and complete any remaining design elements, style and photograph the completed projects, and ensure client satisfaction.

Modern white kitchen with a large island featuring a marble countertop and built-in stovetop. The room is illuminated by natural light from large windows next to a dining area with upholstered chairs and a dark wooden table. A metallic range hood hangs over the island, and marble backsplash tiles add a sophisticated touch to the cabinetry. A contemporary chandelier and abstract artwork enhance the minimalist design.
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Phase 6
Phase 7
Phase 1

Initial consultation

Meeting with clients at their homes to discuss the project scope, functional, and style preferences, followed by preparing a flat fee design service estimate for their approval.

Two clients, a man in a blazer and a woman in an orange blouse, smiling and looking at a digital tablet being held by a professional during a consultation meeting. They are seated on a light-colored sofa, and the atmosphere is warm and collaborative.
Phase 2

Design Concepts

We begin by measuring the space and collecting relevant information, followed by drafting multiple design concepts for presentation to clients. All drawings and documentation are then uploaded to our client portal for easy access and review. Finally, we finalize the layouts, electrical plans, and add architectural details to complete the design.

Hands holding a detailed interior design plan featuring multiple perspectives of a kitchen and living area with blue cabinetry and modern furniture. The design documents are laid out on a table, and a laptop is visible in the background, showing similar floor plans.
Phase 3

Building Material Selections

We assist in selecting and finalizing interior and exterior building materials and finishes, including plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and more. Once selections are made, we prepare final specification documents for distribution to trades.

Flat lay of interior design materials featuring a decorative tile with a floral pattern, fabric and leather swatches, wood samples, a brass drawer handle, and a bundle of dried wheat on a textured rug. The setup is placed on a tiled floor with mosaic accents.
Phase 4

Working Drawings

We coordinate assessments from engineers, technologists, and other industry partners as required, and prepare technical drawings for construction and/or building permits.

Close-up of a detailed architectural floor plan placed on a marble surface with a small part of a green plant visible in the corner. A blue geometric object partially covers the bottom of the blueprint.
Phase 5

Furniture and Décor Selections

We curate furnishings and décor for presentation to clients, finalize selections, and organize quotes and orders.

Modern living room interior featuring an orange armchair, a round white ottoman, and a mid-century style console table with gold accents. The room is decorated with large potted plants, including a snake plant and a banana leaf plant, along with a decorative round mirror above the console. The decor includes a textured area rug and a mix of natural and gold-toned accessories.
Phase 6

Project Management

We consult with general contractors, trades, and suppliers to ensure the design is properly carried out, while also coordinating the delivery and installation of décor products.

Close-up of a worker installing white hexagonal marble tiles using mortar on the floor. A red level tool is placed beside the tiles to ensure proper alignment, and the worker’s hand is visible, wearing a red and black protective glove.
Phase 7

Project Wrap-up

We review the project checklist and complete any remaining design elements, style and photograph the completed projects, and ensure client satisfaction.

Modern white kitchen with a large island featuring a marble countertop and built-in stovetop. The room is illuminated by natural light from large windows next to a dining area with upholstered chairs and a dark wooden table. A metallic range hood hangs over the island, and marble backsplash tiles add a sophisticated touch to the cabinetry. A contemporary chandelier and abstract artwork enhance the minimalist design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

A professional Interior Designer in Ontario has a minimum of 6 years of combined experience. This includes a formal education from an accredited school or university program in interior design or architecture as well as full-time practice in the industry, under a sponsor. They are then required to pass the NCIDQ examination, which is a rigorous 3-part examination that allows the designer to be legally called a registered interior designer.

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ARIDO is Ontario’s governing association for interior designers. To remain in good standing, members must maintain compliance with ARIDO's professional development requirements, adhere to the code of ethics and practice standards, and keep proof of liability insurance.

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An interior designer has the expertise to design custom homes, revamp existing residences, reconfigure interior walls, plan additions, detail millwork, and create bespoke architectural elements. In certain countries, the term "interior architect" is used interchangeably with "interior designer." Conversely, decorators specialize in furnishing and adorning a space but typically lack formal training in interior design and professional licensing. Decorating is an important stage that adds the finishing touches to the design, and it's worth noting that interior designers typically incorporate decorating into their range of services.

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Where can I meet with the designer?

After the initial in-home visit, we can meet at your home, office, construction site, retail outlets, or showrooms to discuss the designs and selections. We can also communicate through virtual meetings, email, phone and through our client portal.

How does Pillar Interior Design charge for services?

The initial in-home consultation is billed at an hourly rate and payment is due at the end of the meeting.

Subsequently, we provide a design service estimate based on each client’s particular requirements. A deposit is collected, and the remaining fees are billed on a monthly basis on work completed to date.

Does Pillar Interior Design have a trademark style?

Our firm does not have a distinctive style. We tailor the aesthetics to suit the project and your own general style inclinations and we thoroughly enjoy working with a diversity of styles!

Is the designer going to be involved in every decision?

Establishing trust and open communication between the client and designer is key for project success. The designer serves as the primary guide for decision-making, ensuring the successful realization of the overall vision while paying attention to crucial details. However, we prioritize respecting your decisions and are not pushy in our approach. Our comprehensive services include efficient progress meetings and designer involvement from beginning to end, ensuring continuity, effective time management, and attention to detail.

How do I get in touch with skilled contractors or trades?

We have connections with reliable and responsible general contractors and trades to give you quotations and execute the job.

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Let’s create a magazine-worthy space together

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613.298.5344
info@pillarinteriordesign.com
Serving Ottawa and the
surrounding area.

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