Distinct Interior Design have been shortlisted for the Living Space – Canada Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about the Owner & Lead Designer below:

Name: Susan Jomha 
Company: Distinct Interior Design 
Position within company: Owner & Lead Designer 
Website: www.distinctinteriordesign.ca

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Having had extensive experience in the furniture industry and after a few years of being a stay at home mum, I decided to go back to school and do something that is self rewarding as well as making people happy.  So I studied Residential Interiors at the University of Alberta and started my own business right after.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My personal style is contemporary modern, with a hint of glamour.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
It comes from nature, from people around me and researching different design ideas from around the globe and adding my own twist to it.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that people are tired of the heavy look, design is becoming more about simplicity, functionality and clean lines.  

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.
Space 
Lines
Proportion and scale 
Colour 
Pattern 

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Go for a classic look, main pieces should be in neutral tones, add colours in pillows, accessories and small pieces that you can change with the change of the season.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It’s very important to me, I feel that the awards add value and trust to my work.  

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on a few custom homes, just finished a modern loft renovation and working on another studio apartment renovation in a historical 115 year heritage building.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
The loft by far has been my absolute favourite project. I was given a free range to select finishes, materials and colours to suit the space.  This project was two lofts that we converted into one, and being able to create my own design and add my own vision and incorporate the clients wishes and needs into this project is what made it fun and a complete success.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
The studio apartment on the 9th floor  in a historical building where we needed to reconnect and replace plumbing lines and fixtures.  We got engineers involved in order to open up the flooring and get things done.  Because we don’t work on heritage buildings regularly, this was definitely something that was challenging as we had to deal with certain building codes as well as aproval from the city and condo board.  

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Anything that I need to create my designs and inspirations, my computer, my rendering program, fabrics and textures samples and design tools.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
With covid holding us back, business plans have been put on hold, however we are committed to providing the best customer service, unique and distinct designs, setting industry standards, and setting new trends.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession? My vehicle 
Your favourite holiday destination? Paris
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Marriot Fallsview in Niagara Falls 
Your favourite book, film & song? Book: Catcher in the Rye, Film: The Green Book, and Sing: I Can See Clearly Now 
Your favourite food and drink? Favourite food is turkey and drink is coffee 
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Read and listen to music
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A Pilot 

Distinct Interior Design shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. 

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