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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

Does Pillar Interior Design only recommend specific products, manufacturers, or distributors?

While we have established relationships with preferred suppliers and product lines that have consistently delivered excellence over the years, we remain flexible in exploring all relevant resources and product lines available. This extends to options in the Ottawa area, throughout Canada, and even internationally. Our commitment is to provide you with a wide range of choices to ensure your design vision is met with the best possible solutions.

What if we need to move out of our house during construction?

We can help reduce the inconvenience of this transition by connecting you with movers, storage facilities and real estate agents to make your temporary stay compatible with your routine.

What if I have already started a renovation or new home construction and need more help?

If you are currently working with a builder, architect, or contractor but require additional design services and support, we can work cooperatively with these professionals to complete your project.

What is a client portal?

Recognizing the demands of your busy lifestyle and the challenges of organizing and tracking project documents, we offer a convenient solution. Through our website, you can access your private client portal by entering your unique login and password. This provides you with easy access to all your project documents, such as contracts, drawings, moodboards, product recommendations, specifications, invoices, policies and procedures, as well as communication with the designer—all just a click away.

Which geographical area does Pillar Interior Design cover?

We are an Ottawa, Ontario based firm, so we focus on clients located in Ottawa and the surrounding areas. For locations situated beyond a 35 km radius from our office, a mileage fee applies. However, if you are interested in working with us solely through virtual consultations, email and phone communication, we are delighted to collaborate with you regardless of your location.

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

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