Though based in Vancouver, B.C., designer Gillian Segal isn’t beholden to a “West Coast” specific style. Her spaces are fresh, modern, and timeless, and she effortlessly blends luxury with innovation and comfort. Her firm, Gillian Segal Design Inc., has collected many accolades: she’s been recognized by Western Living Magazine at the Designer of the Year Awards, where she was named a finalist for the Robert Ledingham Memorial award. In 2018, National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBABC) named her Bathroom Designer of the Year. Though she started on her own, she now proudly employs four designers–all powerful women under the age of 35. We’re excited to get to know a bit more about the woman behind the designs today.

MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT:
It wasn’t much of a light bulb moment more so a series of moments. I always wanted to be an interior designer and had told my mom in high school – she responded with “you won’t make money being a designer, become a lawyer” it dawned on me after hating all my classes other than art history and planning I knew I needed to be in the creative realm. Post coming home from university, I went to a holiday home tour and met the designer. I was in absolute awe at what she had done. I went in for a long shot and said I wanted to work with her – she kind of laughed and advised me to go back to school. 

I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I am highly caffeinated, and snuggles from my girls.

SUCCESS IS:
Not final. It’s really not measured by one accomplishment but rather an overall feeling of fulfillment in my everyday life in all sectors, whether that’s while I am wearing my business hat or family hat. Success isn’t necessarily financial – within work it is about being a better designer each day, and having happy clients whose lives are enriched by the homes we have designed, and by feeling like our team is creating something bigger than just us.

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
Jewelry. I am always wearing my jewelry. Whether that is all dolled up in heels or even in my pj’s/workout gear, I always have my earrings and rings on! 

MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
As far as a client dream collaboration, it would be with Hailey and Justin Bieber. I am so inspired by her fashion choices, so she would be an amazing muse for a project. I love working with creatives, plus he is a fellow Canadian! My dream collaboration for my personal career goals would be an amazing boutique hotel. 

THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN VANCOUVER:
Although I call Vancouver home, there are many places I would consider “better” than my little bubble here. I am very drawn to Europe and find a lot of my inspiration through their perfect balance of art and history but specifically the romantic, historical, beautiful Italy.  

WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
At the end of an uninspiring day, I like to bring passion back to me by being in my sample room with my team after hours and most often a cocktail (or multiple) in hand to get the creative juices flowing. When I am home, I love turning to iconic glamorous Hollywood movies from the ’60s era to pull inspiration. 

ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Hire a good financial person. Seriously, it’ll save you a lot of headaches! The best piece of advice you can give, but you also learn it on your own, is to know your worth, be confident in the value you bring (in any sector of your life). People can tell you, but sometimes the confidence just comes from life experience. 

IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Living in a house with my husband, two girls and ten pomeranians – kidding, but not really. Find me spending half the year somewhere warmer than Vancouver and working on exciting projects across North America. 

ABOVE ALL ELSE: 
Be kind.