đď¸ Check out Aleemâs episode on HAVANâs Podcast âMeasure Twice, Cut Onceâ
Tell us about yourself & your company?
Aleem: As a Principal at Kalu Interiors I’m responsible in overseeing our Team, while managing a multitude of clients, projects and trades from Residential, Multi-Family and Commercial. For more than a decade, we’ve been known to break barriers in the industry and design award-winning spaces. It’s always been our focus on creating thoughtfully curated interiors that enhance and inspire how our clients live, and people experience the spaces we design.
How did you get into the residential construction industry?
Aleem: I always knew that I wanted to get into the residential spectrum, so in addition to my formal training at the Design Institutions I attended including the Art Institute of Vancouver, Domus Academy in Milan, Central Saint Martins in London and the Art Institute of Chicago… I started small like anyone entering the field, and helped friends, family and also worked retail to get small decor jobs. And then everything developed from there!
What keeps you in the industry?
Aleem: The ability to improve and have a significant impact on the way people live!
While navigating covid-19, what new opportunities have you discovered?
Aleem: Being able to offer our services remotely in other cities
Itâs 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Aleem: Usually headed to brunch with my partner!
What are your hobbies?
Aleem: Fashion/ Shopping, Travel, Sketching, FOOD!
Proudest moment?
Aleem: After practicing in the Industry for so many years, I was honoured to be asked by Gray Magazine and IDS to speak on the Gray Stage at IDS Vancouver to colleagues & consumers of my journey and career.
What have you done in your community in the last year?
Aleem: Writing articles about the industry for magazine and suppliers, taking interns from design programs, mentoring, donating to organizations, volunteering and donating for East Vancouver programs, etc…
Favourite HAVAN moment and why?
Aleem: The Awards Ceremony in 2019 at the Parq Casino -remembering a time we could all gather, celebrate, and had such a wonderful time connecting with friends in the Industry! (And we took home some awards!)
Best work perk at your job?
Aleem: Being my own boss
Last HAVAN member you spoke to?
Aleem: Babak from CondoWorks
What inspires you?
Aleem: Travel + Fashion
What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Aleem: Summer!
Share an interesting fact about your life?
Aleem: I’ve lived in Vancouver, London, Milan and Chicago
Last piece of advice you have received?
Aleem: You won’t (and shouldn’t try to) please everyone.
Starbucks order?
Aleem: Grande Dark Roast
Song on repeat right now?
Aleem: Dua Lipa / Elton John – Cold Heart
Where were you born?
Aleem: Vancouver
Pets?
Aleem: 2x Bengal Cats: Theos + Helios
Favourite holiday / destination?
Aleem: London
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Aleem: YES!
First concert?
Aleem: Spice Girls
Last movie watched?
Aleem: West Side Story
Fun fact about you?
Aleem: I’m an ADVENTURE seeker; from Sky Diving, Paragliding, Deep Sea Snorkeling with Sharks, Hitting the Race Track or Zip Lining in the Jungle… I love a good adrenalin rush!
What do you collect?
Aleem: Gucci Bags
Netflix guilty pleasure?
Aleem: Selling Sunset
