Five Vancouver Designers To Put On Your Radar.
February 05 2025,
Vancouver has long been known to be a city of self-expression and raw, natural beauty. For artists, these qualities have been a great source of inspiration for their work, and it shows on displays in our homes, retail spaces and vibrant public areas.
In the spirit of exploration and creativity, we’ve curated a list of five local designers with vast catalogues featuring everything from illuminating expressions to home gallery-worthy displays.
This round-up of Vancouver’s raw emotion of creativity is not to be missed.
Marrimor
Tanja Breadner and Lauren Bugliarisi of Marrimor infuse spaces with a sense of amusement and refined delight. Their work, distinguished by a nomination in Western Living's Design 25 People's Choice Awards, is a testament to their commitment to playful elegance and thoughtful design.
Meet the Toof Table; a seamless synthesis of functionality and artistry, the Toof Table transcends conventional design. Part table, part poof, its versatile form allows it to serve as an eye-catching accent or a practical seating solution. Available in an exquisite palette of 26 hues, ranging from sumptuous mohair to luxurious Italian wool, each piece is elevated by striking powder-coated metal accents—an invitation to both admire and relax.
Emerging from the unlikeliest source—creative void—Draft Rugs transform discarded ideas into textured masterpieces. Breadner and Bugliarisi reflect, “The founding idea of Draft was born out of a lack of inspiration. Where one might see a pile of crushed blank pages, discarded with frustration and disappointment, we saw texture, elevation, and depth.”
Crafted from plush wool and silk, these hand-knotted rugs feature unique 3D patterns derived from meticulous hand-sketched designs, embodying the evolution from concept to tactile art.
Marrimor’s collections invite not just visual appreciation but an immersive, sensorial experience that redefines the boundaries of contemporary interior design.
Origins
Embodying the Pacific Northwest spirit in their work, Origins co-founders Deagan McDonald and Kelsey Nilsen explore a minimalist approach to texture, light and shadow using mediums of solid wood and beyond. The work of Origins arrives unannounced, but never fails to catch your attention through stunning displays of fine detail.
The 2021 Western Living Designers of the Year winners infuse their art with a meditative essence. Their piece, Surge, is a mesmerizing exploration of movement and rhythm: "Undulating waves radiate from a single point of origin—predictable, constant, unwavering. Breathe in sync with their rise and fall, and find harmony in the flow."
Origins also welcomes commissions, crafting bespoke pieces inspired by their existing works or bringing your unique vision to life.
Propellor
Illumination has guided us since the age of Prometheus, and Propellor continues this legacy, redefining the offering of this gift through ecologically-minded objects. Designers Nik Rust, Pamela Goddard and Toby Barratt are passionate about sustainability and the longevity of design, which appears in every characteristic of their work.
Their work is showcased in numerous public spaces, including 20 custom Sombrio Orb chandeliers illuminating the historic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Rift, a striking architectural screen at Burrard Place and an exhibition for Sex Talk in the City - an Exploration of the History of Sexuality in Vancouver at the Museum of Vancouver.
The Propellor Gallery on Granville Island highlights their original creations alongside works from local guest artists, fostering a vibrant community of design and craftsmanship.
Calen Knauf
It would take someone as talented as Knauf to put into words the extensive portfolio under his belt. The Emily Carr alum is an auteur of self expression and multi-material expert, creating everything from colourful tabletops to primal floor lamps.
Knauf’s collection seamlessly merges function and style in a way that feels both innovative and distinctive. Discover the Fence Light, inspired by a plant growing through a fence in East Vancouver, or the Gravity Bowl, a sculptural piece designed not only as art but also to prevent fruit from bruising and over-ripening. His iconic Sponge Table was recently spotlighted in Azure Magazine.
Explore Calen Knauf’s designs on his website or find them at Adorno Design.
Mah Design Studios
With a background in architectural and furniture design, Jesse Mah’s studio produces a wide breadth of custom cabinetry, case goods, seating and upholstery. Chances are, you’ve seen his work in design-focused brand stores across Vancouver, and for good reason. Mah’s work is laden with expression and practical function that begs interaction.
Some of our favourites include the Haven Oak Lounge, expertly crafted from solid white oak and cushioned with luxurious down for ultimate comfort. The Karl Coffee Table combines sleek design with practicality, featuring hidden storage and a lifting top—perfect for versatile, modern spaces.
Jesse Mah offers high-quality, bespoke design consultation for both residential and commercial projects. Connect with Mah Design Studios here to bring your custom vision to life.
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