OUR TEAM
Aleks Zablotni-Schantz | BGS, DID
Owner + Principal Designer
Design Magnet | The balance of original creativity with an academic, analytical approach needed to deliver successful design projects. It keeps me simultaneously inspired and focused.
Inspiration | Problem solving. I love a good design brief to solve with innovative space planning. It’s like architectural Tetris. Material inspirations are driven by research while traveling, fashion, current design periodicals & nature, of course.
Hidden Talent | Getting down a mountain relatively quickly on a pair of skis.
Words to live by | “The eye sees what the mind knows.”
Greatest Adventure | Traveling! Hubby and I have travelled to 20+ countries before having kids & are now excited to explore the world’s hidden corners with our boys, Axel & Bodhi, in tow.
My Fave | Time of day is twilight.
Hometown | Born in Warsaw, Poland & grew up in Canmore, AB.
Silene Verrall I DID
Interior Designer – Lead Stylist
Design Magnet I I am attracted to anything that is hand made, unique, beautifully flawed and has a story behind it. Raw wood, glossy ceramics, carved stone, hand knotted rugs, woven leather….mmm mmm!
Inspiration I Nature and global influences; borrowing and blending styles, materials, and unique pieces from various regions and cultures to create beautifully layered spaces.
Hidden Talent I Rock climbing. I especially love climbing in the sunny desert.
Words to live by I “Nothing in the world is as contagious as laughter and good humor.”
Greatest Adventure I There is nothing better than heading out to a backcountry hut with good friends and family. Far away from technology, sitting next to a warm fire and sharing good food and laughter.
My Fave I Way to travel is being on the road, in my camper, with my husband Sacha, daughter Norah, and dog Mowgli.
Hometown I Born and raised in Canmore, AB. Can’t seem to stay away from this beautiful place for long!
Leia Finbow I ADID
Jr. Interior Designer
Design Magnet I Providing people with beautiful, accessible, useful, cost conscious, stimulating, emotionally aware spaces, balanced with a high regard for the environment and our future.
Inspiration I Problem solving; taking someone’s wants and needs, examining all styles of design, thinking toward the future, and creating something new.
Hidden Talent I Dancer.
Words to live by I “Do, or do not, there is no try.”
Greatest Adventure I is ongoing…
My Fave I Food – crispy tofu. Companion – Bella, my Springer Spaniel. Thing to do on a Saturday – dance parties and karaoke!
Hometown I Born in London, England, I emigrated to Canada when I was 10 and have been here ever since.
Frederique Sanford
Sr. Interior Designer, Casual
Design Magnet I The artistry.
Inspiration I Spaces. All kinds of spaces. They all have great potential, and I love figuring it out.
Hidden Talent I I am a pretty good artist, so much that I wanted it to be my profession when I was younger, but I also come from a down-to-earth & logical family, so I compromised and became an Interior Architect – which is artistic in its own way.
Words to live by I “Breathe in the new, breathe out the old.”
Greatest Adventure I Moving to Canada after getting my Master Degree, staying for 15 years and moving back to France with my husband Scott, dog Grizzly and cat Nikita.
My Fave I Way to spend time is walking in the forest with Grizzly.Hometown I Born in Seattle, raised in France, lived in Canada, moved back to France… I don’t really have one home-town, I have many and hope to have many more!
Mel Brehon
Design Administrator
Design Magnet I I’m not a designer, but I’m drawn to the natural beauty of the mountains and wildlife around us. As a natural problem solver, I’m captivated by finding solutions to challenges.
Inspiration I I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and grace of the women who surround me.
Hidden Talent I Children’s clothing creator with my side hustle Mountain Handmade
Words to live by I “She believed she could, so she did.”
Greatest Adventure I Being a mom
My Fave I Way to show love is cooking for friends and family.Hometown I Born in Banff, raised in Canmore, I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home.