Check out Ami’s episode on HAVAN’s podcast ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once’
How did you get into the residential construction industry?
Ami: Started working as an interior designer 20 years ago, moved over to doing construction management in-house to make things easier for clients – I felt clients needed that full service from start to finish!
What keeps you in the industry?
Ami: We love taking clients from start to finish, right from the initial construction throughout to construction and final styling. We love the challenge of having new clients, new challenges, new opportunities – and love that I can do that in the world of design as well!
While navigating covid-19, what new opportunities have you discovered?
Ami: During COVID we’ve branched out into offering more comprehensive virtual design services, and we’ve been able to give additional flexibility to our design team to work from home. I’ve learned that we don’t need to be in front of clients all the time, and this has allowed us to schedule around everyone’s busy lives – especially working parents!
It’s 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Ami: Probably a photoshoot… because many of clients are working professionals, we try to work around their schedules – this means weekends are often spent working. When we have time, Don (my partner and construction manager) and try to spend as much time out on the water making the most of BC summer!
What are your hobbies?
Ami: I try to spend as much time with friends and family as I can, and engaging with local charities and philanthropy groups – we are currently designing a women’s shelter which is incredibly rewarding – but what really turns my brain off is getting away from the city and enjoying nature, especially weekend trips to the islands (socially-distant, of course) with my family.
Proudest moment?
Ami: When my kids wrap their arms around my neck, kiss me, and tell me they love me. There’s nothing more satisfying.
What have you done in your community in the last year?
Ami: We designed four kitchens for a women’s shelter, we’re presently designing a house for Home for the Holidays with Kids Helpline, we’re donating over $10,000 to Plastic Bank – to help deal with one of the world’s largest pollution problems, single-use plastic – and mentor women through FWE (Forum for Women Entrepreneurs)
Favourite HAVAN moment?
Ami: This podcast!
Best work perk at your job?
Ami: Air miles!
What inspires you?
Ami: Joyous, authentic human beings – anyone who’s trying to make a difference in the world. I learn so much from people living life to their full potential and trying to make the world a better place – this is one of the reasons I love designing homes, because you really have a chance to know the people you’re working with
What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Ami: Tofino getaway with my sweetie after Thanksgiving
Share an interesting fact about your life?
Ami: I spent three years living in a fire tower in the Rockies in my 20s. I read, painted, did yoga and read every book in the library – living by myself, my closest neighbour more than 40km away, made me really comfortable with myself and my own company
Last piece of advice you have received?
Ami: A friend and client told me “there’s nothing more than this moment right now – nothing that happened yesterday or that happens tomorrow will matter more than this moment right now” – if you focus on the present, you’ll be living life to the fullest
Starbucks order?
Ami: Green tea latte with almond milk
Song on repeat right now?
Ami: Anything by Amos Lee!
Where were you born?
Ami: Niagra Falls, Ontario
Pets?
Ami: I have one lovely cat named Ai (love in Japanese)
Favourite holiday / destination?
Ami: That’s hard… somewhere I haven’t been yet. I love anywhere that’s brand new, and the experiences you only have the first time
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Ami: I couldn’t care less… mealtimes are something to share with the ones you love, so I care more about who’s at the table than what’s on it.
First concert?
Ami: Gowan – it was horrible
Last book read?
Ami: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Fun fact about you?
Ami: I can touch my tongue to my nose!
Netflix guilty pleasure?
Ami: Oh, so many… Right now it’s Ozark – anything that’s so stressful it makes me feel good about my life
