David Bryant Lee is the founder of Bryant Design, a Canadian interior design company that specializes in interior design, custom curation of furnishing, art and accessories. With quality at the heart of his projects, he selected Ceratec Surfaces tiles for one of his latest work, Berkeley Gate (see below). Let’s know more about the artist behind the design.
1. What is your professional background as a designer?
My professional background as a designer began with my experience working with Calgary home builders, where I designed show homes and spec homes. In this role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with trade partners and suppliers, which is where the majority of my product knowledge comes from. I worked closely with clients to understand their needs and wants, then curated designs that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I gained a strong foundation in the principles of design, including colour theory, space planning, and drafting, through my education at the University of Calgary, where I specialized in Interior Design in the Visual Design program.
2. Whis is your process when you start an interior design project?
Before starting a project with one of my builder partners, I will spend a lot of time researching the design trends of neighbouring homes in the community that we're building in. Understanding what the general market is interested in and purchasing is a crucial step in designing a space that will appeal to the general majority. Of course, I have some personal design preferences that I integrate into all of my designs to maximize efficiency and overall aesthetic. During the project, I'll complete multiple walkthroughs with our site supervisor and trades, ensuring nothing that's planned gets missed, and looking for opportunities to improve the design along the way.
3. What inspires you?
My two main design inspirations, travel and nature, are often intertwined. I am forever inspired by waterscapes, be it the beaches of Del Mar, CA, the Gulf of Mexico, or Okanagan Lake in my own backyard. The paradox of water's power and serenity is a testament to its beauty. Mother nature is the best designer in my opinion, and her mix of colours and textures make for timeless design. I'm also inspired by buttons, haha, and have based a small handful of projects off of buttons that I've found in little shops around the world.
4. Do you use certain tools or software for your work?
I'm a little old school when it comes to software and technology in design. I like to hand draw millwork designs for kitchens and bathrooms, and layer actual samples to create physical mood boards versus digital ones.
5. How does technology affect the world of design?
Technology has had a profound impact on the world of design, from the way that designs are created to the way that they are presented and consumed. CAD software and 3D printing have revolutionized the way that designs are created, allowing designers to create precise and detailed models of their designs. Technology has also changed the way that people consume design. Social media apps like Pinterest and Instagram allow us all to discover and share design inspiration from all over the world.
6. How do you select the products that you will use?
First and foremost, I only source products and materials that I would use in my own home. It's easy to gravitate towards new and trendy designs du jour coming from pop-up manufacturers that are poorly made or offer no warranty, but if the product is not going to stand the test of time, I don't want it. This is why I love Ceratec products; I know that my clients are getting a top quality product for their homes. Plus, I love supporting Canadian business.
7. How do you collaborate with clients to ensure meeting their vision and needs?
Most of my work is with home builders who give me a lot of autonomy when designing spaces for them.
8. What are the main challenges as a designer?
One of the main challenges for a designer is the rise of AI in interior design. In theory, AI could replace interior designers altogether. AI-powered design tools are already becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they are able to create realistic and aesthetically pleasing designs with the click of a button. The trouble with AI is that it is emotionless; AI cannot build a relationship with clients and pick up on their nuances and quirks that a client wouldn't self-input into an AI generator tool. The best part of being a designer is often the relationship you build with your clients over the course of the project, and even after completion.
9. What are the design trends for the future?
I see the future of design being a blend of traditions and cultures to create new styles. My two favorite design styles, Scandinavian and Japanese, meet in harmony as Japandi style. Shanty Wijaya describes Japandi style as an "East-meets-West design movement, [blending] Japanese artistic elements and wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth or hygge." I think it's beautiful when two styles from opposite ends of the world can come together and create something magical. I expect to see more of this in the future, and the possibilities are truly endless.
10. Where did you get Ceratec products?
There are two amazing groups in Calgary that I work with to source Ceratec products: Crestview Floors and Divine Flooring. Both of these suppliers have incredible showrooms and the best in-house designers that I love working with to bring my design visions to life.
One of David’s project, Berkeley Gate Using Ceratec Tiles
The builder is Fifth Avenue Homes
The installer is Crestview Floors
The furniture staging is by Dezin Group
The photography is by BLKWTR Creative
David’s website : www.bryantdesign.ca
Fireplace: Rock Salt, Green, Matte
Water Closet: Multiforme, Decor Ramage Freddo