Featured Designers
Darien Wilson
Darien graduated from Algonquin College in the 2-year Interior Decorating Program only to realize her true passion lies in millwork. After receiving her diploma, she went on to tackle another diploma in Kitchen and Bathroom Design. This program has extensive information and detail in the Kitchen and Bath field. After being a Kitchen and Bathroom Designer for over 8 years, Darien has now added another credential to her belt, AKBD (Associate Kitchen Bath Designer.) Darien’s work has won national awards in the industry. She has been published in multiple magazines throughout the region over the last couple of years. Darien was a finalist in the “Designer of The Year” category in the 2020 GOHBA awards. She is well known in the industry and respected by her fellow Colleagues.
My personal taste is transitional and contemporary Design; however, I love different elements of each style. I keep up to date with new trends and I can deliver great and functional design to meet your own personal taste. How I would describe myself in one word, Passionate. One thing you cannot teach is heart. “Once you can completely invest yourself and your talent, you will be successful.” I have always been a competitive person; I like to challenge myself. Kitchen design does just that. I have always had an eye for detail and design, bringing all the finishes together comes naturally. I like to be around people, and I think they always feel comfortable and confident with the outcome throughout the process.
Darien Wilson
Joey Cooke
Joey Cooke is a seasoned Design Consultant with 22 years of industry experience in her arsenal. She graduated from Queen’s University with a BA in Psychology, completed an advanced 3-year diploma at Algonquin College for Interior Design, and earned the NKBA accreditation for Associate Kitchen and Bath Design. Joey’s portfolio is full of custom new-builds and the occasional renovation.
I love all types of design, but have a special passion for working with wholly customized designs and built-ins. Finding solutions for difficult spaces—that’s where I thrive.
Kristen Weese
Kristen went into interior decorating right out of high school in 2013, graduating from that program in 2015. While in school she worked part time at urban barn selling furniture and helping clients with their interior design needs, and also worked with John from HDD Ottawa and Susan at SO interiors.
Once she decided kitchen design was her passion, she studied kitchen and bath design from 2015 – 2016. Deslaurier welcomed her in 2016 and she has been helping clients ever since.
There is no better inspiration than simply learning about who my clients are and how they plan to use their kitchen. You can completely transform someone’s life by giving them a space that functions and benefits them in every aspect.
Vanessa Horwat
Vanessa has over 20 years of experience as a kitchen and bath designer and has worked on a wide range of projects for builders of all sizes, residential homes and commercial spaces. One of her favourite projects to date is the Ronald McDonald House. Her motivation comes from her relationship with her clients: she focuses on understanding their personal needs and style so she can guide them on their renovation journey – from making cabinetry selections to making décor and lighting decisions. Vanessa focuses on educating and empowering clients about how to maximize the functionality of a space while also giving them that ‘wow’ factor they are looking for. Her personal style ranges from modern to traditional to everything in between – she believes the magic is all in the details.
I love how every space – a new home or a 100-year old home has its different challenges. Making that space come alive through all of its inherently unique details is the greatest reward. Vanessa Horwat
Myra Flipsen
Myra was immersed in the design industry from a very early age. Her father was a cabinet maker and she grew up working on the shop floor doing everything from running the edge bander to sanding cabinet doors. She worked in Nutrition Management for 15 years before returning to design to help her father transition to retirement. She’s been an integral member of the Deslaurier team since 2004.
Myra won the SAMMY Best Industry Partner Rep title in 2009 and 2012. She’s also picked up numerous GOHBA awards in the “Kitchen and Bath Design” and “Custom Kitchen and Bath” categories, and, most recently, an NKBA award for kitchen design.
My experience working in the shop with my Dad, combined with my studies and work experience in fashion design and then nutrition management, has put me in a position where I approach each project from a construction, aesthetic, and functionality standpoint. I seek to combine the best of all three for the end user.
Alanna Wharton
Alanna has been in the industry for 5 years, while her family has been in the industry building and selling custom homes her whole life. Her personal style is ever-evolving, and she constantly transforms her clients visions into a bold but refreshing masterpiece.
She gravitates towards California eclectic styles mixed with minimal modern rustic. She love neutral palettes and natural materials, and creating interest through layering patterns and textures.
What I love most about my career is the opportunity to help clients achieve their dream space, while ensuring that the design is as functional, efficient, and beautiful as possible.
Kim Johnson
Amelia Mathieson
Meet the rest of our award-winning design team
Design Consultant, Builders
Design Consultant
Design Consultant, Builders
Design Consultant, Builders
Design Consultant, Builders
Team Lead Design Support
Design Support Specialist
Design Support Specialist