AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

Season 3 of AVD Inspire continues from the heart of High Point Market. This week, Aly sits down with Juliana Ewer—the award-winning powerhouse behind J Squared Home Designs, President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Houston Chapter, and a 2026 HPMKT Style Spotter.In this lively and insightful conversation, Juliana shares her fascinating pivot from a background in communications to building a thriving, multi-award-winning design firm after a twist of fate involving a hurricane rebuild. Aly and Juliana dive deep into why Market is a life-changing trajectory for designers, the resurgence of individuality and heritage pieces in interior spaces, and why a community-over-competition mindset is the ultimate key to business growth. Whether you’re looking to navigate your first High Point Market or want to inject more personal instinct into your projects, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.About Juliana EwerJuliana Ewer is the Owner and Principal Designer at J Squared Home Designs, a Southwest Houston-based firm founded in 2018. A nine-time National Award-Winning residential interior designer, speaker, and design influencer, Juliana is deeply passionate about curating elevated, livable spaces tailored to her clients' personal aesthetics. Her sophisticated work has been featured in premier publications including Forbes, Architectural Digest, Luxe, Modern Luxury, Kitchen & Bath Design, and Designers Today.An active leader in the design community, Juliana serves as the President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Houston Chapter and sits on the national IDS committee. Vetted as an Architectural Digest PRO, she was named a 2026 Style Spotter for High Point Market. Her industry influence extends across major markets, having served as a High Point Market Insiders Tour Host, a Dallas Market "Style Eye," and a featured panelist at KBIS, ICFF, and Dallas Market. She holds professional memberships with NKBA, IDS, and ASID, and was recently selected to design the prestigious ASID Show House Lanai in River Oaks, Houston.Connect with Juliana EwerWebsite:https://www.j2homedesigns.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/JSquaredHomeDesignsSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsCOSENTINOInnovative Surfaces for Architecture and Design. Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high-value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. As an industry leader, Cosentino imagines and anticipates, together with its customers and partners, design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering, technologically advanced brands that are leaders in their respective segments, such as ÉCLOS®, Silestone®, Dekton®, and Sensa by Cosentino®. From high-performance kitchen and bath surfaces to breathtaking architectural facades, Cosentino brings sustainable luxury, durability, and endless creative possibilities to every modern dwelling.Sign up for a Cosentino trade account or connect with a local showroom to elevate your next residential or commercial project.Website: https://www.cosentino.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosentinocanadaMOE’S HOMEDesign for the Modern Home.Moe’s Home believes your home should be your oasis—a place that reflects your personality and unique sense of style. A family-owned business since 1986, Moe’s focuses on creative expression and quality craftsmanship, designing the majority of their pieces in-house at their Vancouver headquarters. From bold, artful statements to warm, textured neutrals, Moe’s brings style, ease, and flexibility to every modern dwelling.Sign up for your Moe's Home Trade account and use the code AVD10 for your first purchase.Website: https://www.moeshome.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moeshomeFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_avYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesignsWebsite: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com

Season 3 of the AVD Inspire podcast continues from High Point Market! In this episode, Aly is joined by Anastasia Casey—the powerhouse founder and CEO of The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made and Design Camp. Anastasia has dedicated her career to helping interior designers transition from passionate creatives to highly profitable, system-driven CEOs.In this candid conversation, Aly and Anastasia pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to scale a modern design studio. From a sudden corporate firing that catalyzed her entire entrepreneurial journey to navigating the current industry economic shift, Anastasia shares the exact frameworks designers need to thrive today. They dive deep into the power of fixed-rate pricing models, why high-end photography is a non-negotiable investment, and how community and collaboration will always beat out competition.Whether you are looking to find your "business brain," rethink your client proposals, or scale your operations, this episode is an essential masterclass in operational excellence and female financial independence.In this episode, we talk about:The Firing that Sparked a Movement: Anastasia shares her defining moment—being fired just 30 days into a major corporate role—and how it forced an epiphany that led to her matching her annual salary in a single month.Finding Your Business Brain: Why vital business, branding, and operational systems aren't taught in design school, and Anastasia’s mission to champion female financial independence.Navigating the Industry Slowdown: An honest look at the current market shift, why clients are demanding flat-rate pricing, and how to structure fixed-rate proposals that protect your profit margins.The ROI of Photography: Why you must cover your bases in your flat rate to ensure you can invest heavily in top-tier project photography to build your legacy portfolio.Why physical networking and experiencing the quality, scale, and comfort of furniture firsthand is an irreplaceable asset for your design firm.About Anastasia CaseyAnastasia Casey is the founder of The Interior Collective, a leading editorial platform and podcast focused on the business of interior design, and IDCO Studio, a digital agency providing tools, templates, and creative direction for designers building modern firms.With over a decade of experience in the industry, Anastasia has worked alongside some of the most recognized names in interior design while building multiple companies that support designers at every stage of business. Her work is rooted in the belief that strong creative businesses are built through clear systems, intentional positioning, and thoughtful client experiences.Through Design Camp, Anastasia brings a strategic, operations-focused lens to the industry, translating complex business concepts into actionable frameworks that designers can immediately implement.Websites: https://www.idco.studiohttps://theinterior.cohttps://www.design-camp.cohttps://www.kwinmade.comInstagram:Personal: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiacasey_Podcast/Editorial: https://www.instagram.com/theinteriorcollectiveDesign Camp: https://www.instagram.com/design_camp_coDigital Templates: https://www.instagram.com/idco.studioCreative Studio: https://www.instagram.com/kwinmadeDesign Camp 2026: Tickets are available NOW! Head over to their website to secure your spot for the ultimate business-and-operations-focused design retreat.Special Thanks to Our SponsorDIVINE FLOORINGThe quiet luxury beneath your feet.Divine Flooring is a design-driven flooring brand delivering curated, high-quality collections that bring a thoughtful, elevated approach to every space.Website: https://divinefloor.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineflooringFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_avYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesignsWebsite: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com

Season 3 of the AVD Inspire podcast continues live from High Point Market! Aly is joined by Arianne Bellizaire—interior designer, television personality, and co-host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.Arianne's career journey started in marketing strategy before she fell in love with the art and science of creating spaces. Today, she sits at the vibrant intersection of design, business, and media.In this conversation, Aly and Arianne explore what it means to craft elevated, soulful spaces that balance beauty with real-life functionality. Arianne shares her "defining moments" at market, how she curates a focused aesthetic for her clients, and why she believes the future of design lies in preserving human connection in an AI-driven world. A masterclass in building a design business with intention and heart.In this episode, we talk aboutHow Arianne transitioned from marketing strategist to interior designer, blending the science of space-planning with the art of design.Creating highly functional, restorative environments where clients' brains can rest, and spaces can breathe and evolve over time.How attending industry markets helps narrow down your design philosophy, allowing you to curate the perfect solutions for your clientele.Embracing AI and new technology as operational tools without losing the emotional, high-touch heart of the interior design business.Curing Industry Loneliness: The critical importance of building a supportive community, nurturing relationships with trusted trades, and stepping away from the "solopreneur" island.About Arianne BellizaireArianne Bellizaire is the Owner and Creative Director of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors, a boutique design firm recognized for creating elevated, soulful spaces that seamlessly blend luxury, functionality, and personal storytelling. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her work spans residential and commercial projects across the country, each grounded in a thoughtful, client-centered approach that prioritizes both beauty and livability.In addition to leading her firm, Arianne is a co-host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where she brings her design expertise to a national audience. She is a respected voice in the industry, frequently invited to speak at major events including KBIS and High Point Market, and has served as a panelist on topics ranging from business strategy to evolving client expectations. Her work and insights have been featured in leading publications such as House Beautiful, Business of Home, Southern Living, and Parade, positioning her as both a design authority and a trusted industry voice.Connect with Arianne Bellizaire & ABIWebsite: https://www.ariannebellizaire.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariannebellizaireinteriors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArianneBellizaireSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsCOSENTINOInnovative Surfaces for Architecture and Design. Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high-value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. As an industry leader, Cosentino imagines and anticipates, together with its customers and partners, design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering, technologically advanced brands that are leaders in their respective segments, such as ÉCLOS®, Silestone®, Dekton®, and Sensa by Cosentino®. From high-performance kitchen and bath surfaces to breathtaking architectural facades, Cosentino brings sustainable luxury, durability, and endless creative possibilities to every modern dwelling.Sign up for a Cosentino trade account or connect with a local showroom to elevate your next residential or commercial project.Website: https://www.cosentino.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosentinocanadaFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_avYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesignsWebsite: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com

Season 3 is officially here, and we are kicking things off with a bang—live from the High Point Market! I’m hanging out in the gorgeous MOE’S Home Collection lounge with the fabulous Danielle Chiprut, founder of the Long Island-based Danielle Rose Design Co.Danielle is a powerhouse who made the leap from visual merchandising and store design to launching her own firm six years ago, and she is dropping some serious gems in this episode. We dive deep into the "secret sauce" of growth: taking big leaps, embracing the discomfort, and why saying "yes" before you feel 100% ready is actually the best career move you can make.We’re also talking about all things trends! Danielle gives us a peek into the future of design—think rich, warm, and deeply personal spaces. If you’ve been on the fence about wallpaper or jewel tones, this is your sign to go for it. Plus, she shares a sneak peek of her historic Roslyn project (look out for it in the Wall Street Journal!) and reveals the one design pet peeve that drives her crazy. Trust me, we’ve all seen it!In this episode, we talk aboutThe Leap of Faith: Danielle’s journey from store design to running her own successful firm.The Growth Mindset: Why discomfort is actually a catalyst for your next big breakthrough.Future Trends: Why the future of design is colorful, immersive, and all about the wallpaper.Market Favorites: Natural stone, handmade tiles, and why "feeling" a piece in person still beats scrolling online.Community over Competition: Navigating an isolating industry with an abundance mindsetAbout Danielle ChiprutDanielle Chiprut is the founder and principal designer of Danielle Rose Design Co., a full-service interior design firm based in Long Island, NY. Known for creating interiors that are both sophisticated and livable, Danielle blends her background in visual merchandising with a passion for historic preservation and bold, colorful storytelling. Her work has been featured in top-tier publications, showcasing her ability to transform spaces into immersive, personal sanctuaries.Connect with Danielle & Danielle Rose Design Co.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellerosedesigncoWebsite: https://www.daniellerosedesignco.com Special Thanks to Our SponsorsMOE’S HOMEDesign for the Modern Home.Moe’s Home believes your home should be your oasis—a place that reflects your personality and unique sense of style. A family-owned business since 1986, Moe’s focuses on creative expression and quality craftsmanship, designing the majority of their pieces in-house at their Vancouver headquarters. From bold, artful statements to warm, textured neutrals, Moe’s brings style, ease, and flexibility to every modern dwelling.Sign up for your Moe's Home Trade account and use the code AVD10 for your first purchase.Website: https://www.moeshome.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moeshomeFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_avYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesignsWebsite: ⁠https://www.alyveljidesigns.com

Award-winning Vancouver interior designer Kelly Deck joins Aly live at IDS Vancouver to talk tranquil luxury, the renaissance of decoration, and the launch of her new wallpaper brand, Odette by Kelly Deck. They dive into how the best rooms evolve in layers, why “happy accidents” become defining design moments, and how to hold a vision while staying fluid on site. Kelly also shares the career pivot that reshaped her practice and why personalization, story, and textile layering are back in a big way.In this episode, we talk aboutTranquil luxury and how Kelly builds calm, bespoke homes that age beautifullyDecoration without apology, textiles, table settings, and narrative layersOdette by Kelly Deck, small-batch wallpapers printed in the UKHolding the vision, pivoting gracefully, and embracing “happy accidents”Career breakthroughs from HGTV to charting a luxury residential pathFuture of design personalization, AI, and designing teams of true specialistsAbout Kelly DeckKelly is expanding her creative world with Odette by Kelly Deck — a wallpaper house and e-commerce brand debuting with a collection of vintage-inspired patterns printed in England. Her awards and recognition include Western Living Designer of the Year – People’s Choice Nominee, House & Home’s H&H 100, and SBID International Design Awards – Shortlisted. A regular speaker at leading design events, Kelly’s projects span from modern city homes to coastal retreats, all unified by her signature ethos of quiet beauty and intentional living.Website: https://www.kellydeck.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/kellydeckdesignAVD listeners, make sure to take advantage of the exclusive access to Kelly Deck’s brand-new wallpaper collection, Odette!Head over to https://www.odettehome.com and use the code ALYSOIREE to unlock the private preview and pre-order your complimentary samples.Wallpaper sales officially open January 1, 2026, and our code will be valid for 25% off your first order until Valentine’s Day.Special Thanks to Our SponsorsHOMESENSEEndless Possibilities, Perfectly PricedAt HomeSense, you’ll discover a never-ending assortment of quality home décor at exceptional savings. Whether you’re refreshing your space for the season or adding those finishing touches, every visit brings something new - and always perfectly priced. From modern accents to timeless treasures, it’s where inspiration meets discovery.Visit www.homesense.ca/en/storelocator to find a store near you.Instagram: www.instagram.com/homesensecanadaINTERIOR DESIGN SHOWAs Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, we bring together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent and key experts in the industry so you can be inspired by the best of the future.Interior Design Show: https://interiordesignshow.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/idsvancouver/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show-ids-/BUREAUBureau is a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings. We believe that modern workspaces are decidedly unmodern, fixed on out-of-touch, catalogue cliché notions on what it means to make deep and meaningful work. Utilizing data and technology, we design spaces that flex and modulate to the ever-changing, often abstract needs and behaviours of its people, furnishing businesses with the tools they need to shape workspaces that work.Website: https://withbureau.com/ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bureau.globalLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bureauglobal/?originalSubdomain=caFollow Aly Velji Designs & the Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av/YouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

Award-winning Vancouver designer Karin Bohn—founder and creative director of House of Bohn and host of Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge—joins Aly Velji live from IDS Vancouver to talk about creativity, collaboration, and the courage to scale back to move forward. This conversation dives into the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur, creative burnout, and how to build a business with soul.In this episode, we talk about• The evolution of House of Bohn and building a West Coast design brand • The reality of creative design concepts vs. what actually gets executed.• Why “smaller team, bigger impact” can be the smartest creative move • The TikTok-ification of design and how social media warps taste and process • Collaboration, community, and saying yes to projects that stretch your craft • What’s actually on Karin’s playlist and what keeps her grounded • Design heroes from Kelly Wearstler to Ferris Rafauli—and what they teach about rigor and riskAbout Karin BohnKarin Bohn is the Founder and Creative Director of House of Bohn, an award-winning Vancouver-based interior design studio celebrated for its bold, eclectic, and timeless aesthetic. Since launching in 2009, Karin has redefined modern interiors across luxury residential, multi-family, restaurant, and hospitality spaces—establishing House of Bohn as one of Canada’s most influential design firms.Beyond her studio work, Karin is the design host of Netflix’s hit series Restaurants on the Edge, a sought-after keynote speaker at the Interior Design Show (IDS), and a regular voice in publications including The Globe and Mail, House & Home, and Western Living. Through her popular YouTube channel, she offers an unfiltered look into her creative process and entrepreneurial journey, inspiring a global community of design lovers and fellow creatives.Website: https://www.houseofbohn.comInstagram: @karinbohnInstagram: @houseofbohnYouTube: @karinbohnSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsROBINSON Lighting & BathBringing Homes to Life.ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. With 34 showroom and warehouse locations nationwide, they offer Canada’s best selection of design-forward lighting and bath products. Whether it’s a whole-home plan or the perfect statement piece, their design-savvy team helps bring every detail to life.Website: https://www.robinsonco.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/RobinsonLtgBathFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinsonltgbath/INTERIOR DESIGN SHOWAs Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, we bring together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent and key experts in the industry so you can be inspired by the best of the future.Interior Design Show: https://interiordesignshow.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/idsvancouver/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show-ids-/BUREAUBureau is a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings. We believe that modern workspaces are decidedly unmodern, fixed on out-of-touch, catalogue cliché notions on what it means to make deep and meaningful work. Utilizing data and technology, we design spaces that flex and modulate to the ever-changing, often abstract needs and behaviours of its people, furnishing businesses with the tools they need to shape workspaces that work.Website: https://withbureau.com/ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bureau.globalLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bureauglobal/?originalSubdomain=caFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

Season 2 of AVD Inspire continues live from IDS Vancouver inside our custom recording booth by Bureau and this one’s a total glow-up! Aly sits down with Matthew McCormick, the brilliant mind behind Matthew McCormick Studio, to talk about all things light, creativity, and collaboration.Known for his sculptural lighting and quietly powerful presence in the global design scene, Matthew opens up about his creative process, career-defining moments, and what it really takes to make lighting unforgettable. This episode is packed with inspiration, humility, and design confessions that will change how you see the light. About Matthew McCormickHe is the Founder/Creative Director of Matthew McCormick Studio, an award-winning lighting design studio based in Vancouver. His sculptural creations explore the intersection of art, architecture, and engineering, bringing depth and emotion to the spaces they illuminate.Matthew’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Wallpaper, Azure, and Vogue Living. From intimate residences to international design exhibitions, his pieces reflect a refined sense of craftsmanship and curiosity that continues to shape modern lighting today.Connect with Matthew Website: https://www.matthewmccormick.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.mccormickSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsMASTERGRAINThe Canadian brand redefining modern living with premium fiberglass entry doors, available across North America.At MASTERGRAIN, we believe a door is more than just an entryway—that's why we're committed to building the best door on Earth. Born from precision tooling expertise, our journey began in 2008 when Weber Manufacturing Technologies in Midland, Ontario, set out to redefine what's possible in entryway design. Every door we create begins with craftsmanship and comes to life through a fully integrated manufacturing process—designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in Canada.The result: architectural doors that combine material integrity, design freedom, and a seamless aesthetic worthy of the spaces they define.EXCLUSIVE PROMO for our AVD listeners! Get a FREE Tedee PRO Smart Lock when you purchase a MASTERGRAIN door system paired with a multipoint lock system (some T&Cs apply). Simply enter the promo code MGTEDEE in the product field when you place your order. All the promo details are included below: https://mastergrain.com/fall-dm-get-a-quote/Website : https://www.mastergrain.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastergraindoors/INTERIOR DESIGN SHOWAs Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, we bring together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent and key experts in the industry so you can be inspired by the best of the future.Website: https://interiordesignshow.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/idsvancouver/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show-ids-/BUREAUBureau is a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings. We believe that modern workspaces are decidedly unmodern, fixed on out-of-touch, catalogue cliché notions on what it means to make deep and meaningful work. Utilizing data and technology, we design spaces that flex and modulate to the ever-changing, often abstract needs and behaviours of its people, furnishing businesses with the tools they need to shape workspaces that work.Website: https://withbureau.com/ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bureau.globalLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bureauglobal/?originalSubdomain=ca

Season 2 is here, design lovers! And I couldn’t be more excited to kick things off with someone who has been such a champion of my work and the Canadian design scene: Anicka Quin. She’s the VP of Content at Canada Wide Media and the powerhouse behind Western Living, Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, BC Living, and TV Week. Basically, she’s the woman keeping Western Canada on the design map — and doing it with serious style.Anicka and I go way back, and this chat feels full-circle. Usually she’s the one interviewing me, but this time the tables are turned. We dive into her unexpected path from music writer to magazine editor, the real secrets of what gets published (and what doesn’t), and of course her very first Design Confession. Spoiler: it involves rain showers and let’s just say…I know many of you can 100% relate!We also talk about the future of design, the rise of layered and lived-in spaces, and why AI can never replace the creativity, connection, and magic that real people bring to the process. Oh, and she shares her design heroes, favorite cities, and what’s on her playlist right now. (Yes, there’s a little George Michael love in there!)In this episode, we talk aboutAnicka’s journey from music journalism to award-winning magazine editor • What makes a home publish-worthy at Western Living • The design trend she secretly can’t stand • Why mentorship and happy accidents can change your career • How Canadian designers are shaking things up on a national stage • Timeless design, Paris cafés, and why George Michael always gets her on the dance floorAbout Anicka QuinAnicka Quin is VP of Content at Canada Wide Media, where she leads the editorial teams behind Western Living, Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, BC Living, and TV Week. Known for elevating Western Canada’s design scene to national recognition, Anicka has been at the helm of Western Living since 2010, guiding its legacy of celebrating architecture, interiors, and culture.Connect with Anicka & Western LivingInstagram: @aniquaWestern Living Magazine: westernliving.ca/subscribeSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsROBINSON Lighting & BathBringing Homes to Life.ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. With 34 showroom and warehouse locations nationwide, they offer Canada’s best selection of design-forward lighting and bath products. Whether it’s a whole-home plan or the perfect statement piece, their design-savvy team helps bring every detail to life.Website: robinsonco.caInstagram: @RobinsonLtgBathFacebook: Robinson Lighting & BathInterior Design Show (IDS)As Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, IDS brings together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent, and key experts in the industry to inspire with the best of the future.Website: interiordesignshow.comInstagram: @interiordesignshowLinkedIn: Interior Design ShowBureauBureau is a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings. We believe that modern workspaces are decidedly unmodern, fixed on out-of-touch, catalogue cliché notions of what it means to make deep and meaningful work. Utilizing data and technology, we design spaces that flex and modulate to the ever-changing, often abstract needs and behaviours of people, furnishing businesses with the tools they need to shape workspaces that work.Website: withbureau.com/caInstagram: @bureau.globalLinkedIn: ⁠@bureau.global⁠Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD PodcastInstagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the brilliant Laura Noriega — Founder and Creative Director of TRIBUTO, a design brand that celebrates Mexico’s cultural heritage through timeless, handmade objects.Laura’s story is all about leaving, returning, and rediscovering her creative roots. She studied and worked in Barcelona, Milan, and even Kyoto — chasing inspiration all over the world. But when she returned to Guadalajara, she found her true calling: reconnecting with her culture and championing the artisans who keep traditional craft alive.Together with her sister, Laura built TRIBUTO into a brand that’s as much about people and poetry as it is about products. But what really lights Laura up is community, collaboration, and proving that craft is not a thing of the past — it’s the future.In this episode, we talk about:– Laura’s journey from studying abroad to returning home to Guadalajara– How her friend’s simple drawing shifted the entire course of her life– Founding TRIBUTO with her sister and why family makes the best creative partners– Why Mexico’s artisans and workshops are having a global design moment– The challenges (and beauty) of weaving tradition into contemporary design– Measuring real impact and what it means to uplift communities through craft– Guadalajara’s rise as a design destination (and why you need to visit!)– Laura’s rituals that keep her grounded...literally! About Laura NoriegaLaura Noriega is a Mexican designer, thinker, and collaborator with a background in Product Design and Interior Architecture. She is the Founder and Creative Director of TRIBUTO, the brand she launched with her sister to design and produce handmade objects rooted in cultural heritage and traditional local production.Her work has been celebrated globally — from Architectural Digest México’s AD100 Creative Gurus to PHAIDON’s Designed for Life: The World’s Best Product Designers and Salone Satellite: 20 Years of Creativity. Beyond beautiful objects, Laura is passionate about teaching, leading workshops, and creating processes that spark dialogue between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.Connect with Laura & TRIBUTOWant more of Laura’s world of culture, craft, and creative collaboration? Follow her here:Website: tributo.mxInstagram: @tributomx | @laura_noriegaFacebook: TRIBUTOLinkedIn: TRIBUTO MéxicoSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor — Centura TileFrom coast to coast for you! For over 96 years, Centura Tile has brought Canadians the very best in wall and floor coverings—offering innovative, carefully curated products, bespoke solutions, and expert guidance from concept to creation. With 13 branches nationwide, our reliable, friendly service and deep technical expertise help turn every design vision into a one-of-a-kind interior.Website: centura.caInstagram: @centuratileMedia Sponsor: Western Living Magazine A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Simone Elizabeth Saunders, one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary textile artists. Her hand-tufted portraits are more than art — they’re powerful statements rooted in Black womanhood, visual storytelling, and ancestral connection.Simone's rise from a decade-long career in theatre to becoming a globally recognized fiber artist is nothing short of inspiring. Her work has been exhibited in major galleries from Toronto to Miami, featured in Forbes, CBC, and Colossal, and now lives inside her stunning new book, Encompass the Galaxy.In this heart-to-heart full of vibes and real talk, we talk about:– The transition from performing arts to contemporary textile art– Centering Black identity, feminine strength, and history in visual work– Tufting, punch needle, and the tactile power of fiber-based storytelling– How Simone curated Noir Nouveau for Contemporary Calgary’s LOOK Gala– Trusting your voice (even when the world doesn’t get it yet)– Creative rituals, spiritual practice, and the role of ancestral wisdom in her art– The reality of being a Black female artist navigating today’s art worldWhether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone seeking creative courage, this episode will remind you that your story is your superpower — and that art is a revolutionary act.Connect with Simone Elizabeth SaundersWant more of Simone’s vibrant, powerful world? Follow her here:Website: simoneelizabethsaunders.comInstagram: @simoneelizabethsaundersYouTube: Simone Elizabeth SaundersSponsored by Bow Valley CollegeBow Valley College is Calgary's College. In 2025, we are celebrating 60 years of launching professional journeys and providing students with opportunities to advance and evolve their careers. As Calgary's largest downtown post-secondary campus, we are a catalyst for change through our students and graduates.Website: bowvalleycollege.caInstagram : @bowvalleyLinkedin : Bow Valley College on LinkedInMedia Sponsor: Western Living MagazineA huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD PodcastInstagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, I’m sitting down with one of my oldest (and most fabulous) friends — Stanley Sun, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Mason Studio.Before he was designing hotels, restaurants, exhibitions, and retail spaces around the world, Stanley was deep in the world of neuroscience. That’s right…he almost became a doctor! But thankfully for all of us, he followed his heart (and his talent) straight into the world of design.In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to bring your whole self into your creative work — your background, your culture, your quirks, all of it. Stanley opens up about discovering your true identity, working with intention, and how community-building is at the center of everything Mason Studio does.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Stanley went from lab research to luxury interiorsThe connection between science, creativity, and emotionThe wild story behind talking to industry pros at a spa…in bathing suitsEmbracing culture and queerness as creative superpowersWhy Mason Studio is more than a design firm — it’s a movementThe power of space to ground, heal, and connect us.Connect with Stanley & Mason Studio:Website: masonstudio.comInstagram: @masonstudioPresented in Partnership With:BRIZO® – Fashion Forward. Lifestyle Focused.BRIZO® is a luxury fittings brand for people who understand that fashion isn’t just about the clothes they wear—but their entire lifestyle. The high-end brand has a strong emphasis on refined style, design and trend, with a large variety of finishes and customization options. Full artistic collections that tell a story.Get inspired and explore: brizofaucet.caSubscribe for design inspiration: brizofaucet.ca/newsletter@brizofaucet | Pinterest | FacebookMedia Sponsor: Western Living MagazineA huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

What happens when you step away from something safe to pursue something soulful? In this inspiring episode of AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Toronto-based contemporary artist Murray Duncan to talk about creativity, courage, and the choice to start again—this time with purpose.After years of running his beloved retail store Hardware in Toronto, Canada, Murray followed an inner pull toward art. That leap turned into a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and deep personal alignment. His work often described as an emotional visual diary—has now been featured in top publications and homes across North America.From his upcoming paperwork collection to collaborations with leading designers and galleries, Murray shares the mindset shift that made it all possible, and the unexpected joy of building a life that finally feels like home.In This Episode:Murray’s journey from retail entrepreneur to full-time working artistHow vulnerability became his most powerful creative toolWorking with designers and architects to tell visual stories through artHis upcoming paperwork collection and what it representsThe shift that happened when he started creating from alignmentWhy leaving something good is sometimes the only way to find something greatConnect with Murray Duncan:Website: murrayduncanstudio.comInstagram: @murray_duncan_studioSPONSORED BY: Divine FlooringDivine Flooring is a design-forward flooring brand known for curating premium surfaces that elevate spaces with style and soul. From luxury hardwood to innovative vinyl, they partner with designers, builders, and homeowners to craft interiors that leave a lasting impression.Aly’s own home features Divine Flooring’s “Cosmopolitan Naked” hardwood in a stunning chevron pattern—because real transformation starts from the ground up.Explore more at divinefloor.comFollow on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/divineflooring/⁠MEDIA SPONSOR: Western Living MagazineA huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!Get your free subscription at⁠ westernliving.ca/subscribe⁠Follow on Instagram:⁠ @westernliving⁠Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast Instagram: @designs_av YouTube: Aly Velji Designs Podcasts Website: alyveljidesigns.com

To launch the AVD INSPIRE Podcast, Aly Velji sits down with none other than Canadian media legend Marilyn Denis — in a heartfelt, full-circle moment that’s as personal as it is powerful.From her 49-year reign across Canadian radio and television to her timeless wisdom on reinvention, legacy, and self-worth, Marilyn opens up like never before. The two dive into everything from therapy and personal check-ins to career pivots, iconic interviews, and their shared Calgary connection — with a few surprises along the way (Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé, and a very memorable birch tree wallpaper).Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Marilyn Denis, this warm, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation will leave you feeling like you just had breakfast with your bestie. Follow Marilyn Denis Stay connected and tune in to The Marilyn Denis Show on CHUM 104.5 (iHeartRadio): Listen live: https://www.iheartradio.ca/chum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilyndenis Website: https://www.marilyndenis.caPresented in Partnership With:Bow Valley CollegeCelebrating 60 years as Calgary's largest downtown post-secondary campus. We are a catalyst for change through our students and graduates.Learn more about the City Maker campaign: inspire.bowvalleycollege.ca/city-maker Website: https://bowvalleycollege.ca LinkedIn: Bow Valley College on LinkedIn Instagram: @bowvalleyMedia Sponsor: Western Living MagazineA huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine! Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow on Instagram: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_avYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns/podcastsWebsite: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com