Dreams and Concrete Ambitions

My journey with interior design began not with blueprints, but with crayon sketches of dream houses that filled the margins of my notebooks. Though initially captivated by the idea of grand architectural structures and shaping a building's form from the ground up, the grand scale of architecture, while impressive, felt distant.

It was the intricate world of interior design that ignited my true passion. Here, the potential to transform a space and creativity knows no bounds. Walls weren’t just barriers, they were canvases waiting to be adorned. Every detail, from the flow of a space to textures and colors employed, contributed to crafting a captivating story, an experience for those who inhabited it. This intricate dance of functionality and storytelling resonated deeply within me, and this was what truly set my soul and aspirations ablaze.

Manila Mosaic: The Crucible of Creativity

My formal education started with venturing the halls of the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, Philippines. Sparked by a lifelong passion for design, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Interior Design in 2002. This path proved invaluable, laying a strong foundation in design principles and equipping me with a keen eye for the technical know-how to translate abstract ideas into functional realities.

Equipped with my well-earned design skills, my design odyssey began surrounded by richly talented individuals under the roof of Focus Global Inc., who influenced and helped honed my skills as a Senior Sales Designer and Showroom Officer-in-Charge. Curating spaces with premium furnishings from renowned brands like Ethan Allen furniture, SieMatic kitchens, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele appliances. Each project was a puzzle, a challenge to create a space that reflected the client's personality while maintaining a sense of flow and functionality. The joy on their faces as they walked into their transformed havens fueled my passion further. The ability to bridge the gap between abstract ideas into tangible spaces became a hallmark of my approach to every project.

Toronto: A New Canvas, New Horizons

However, life, like a well-designed space, is full of unexpected turns. A move to Toronto, Canada presented new opportunities and design sensibilities.

Upon relocating, I pursued further studies in Interior Decorating at Humber College. This program further honed my skills in hand sketching, manual and computer drafting, digitally generated presentations combined with knowledge of the business aspect and provided valuable insight into mechanical, electrical, plumbing services and building methods essential to launching my career and navigating the Canadian design industry.

While still a student, I gained practical experience working at an esteemed company, Ginger’s as a Sales Associate. Upon graduating with a Diploma in Interior Decorating in 2016, I embarked on a new design adventure as a Kitchen Designer for Porcelanosa, Bellini Custom Cabinetry, and Multiflex Custom Cabinet & Millwork Solutions. These experiences broadened my horizons, exposing me to a diverse range of styles and materials. Each project presented a unique challenge, pushing me to innovate and adapt, further solidifying my design expertise.

Sosna Inc. and the Symphony of Design

Today, I find myself a proud member of the talented team at Sosna Inc.. I am truly inspired being a part of a team so dedicated to exceeding client expectations for seven years now, and still encourage me to continue to explore the boundless possibilities of interior design.

At Sosna Inc., I work in helping my clients who have outgrown their homes fall back in love with them. My design philosophy is centered around collaboration, and at Sosna, the collaborative spirit extends beyond just the clients. Working in unison with a fantastic team of professionals within an environment that allows for constant exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise.

Working with my clients, I believe in the power of open communication, actively listening to my clients' dreams and aspirations. I treat every project as a unique opportunity to tell a story – to capture the essence of the individuals who will inhabit the space, to create a haven that not only functions beautifully but also reflects the soul of its residents. By understanding their lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and functional needs, I explore possibilities with the employment of proper planning and piecing together finishes and fixtures selection to translate their vision into a reality that will bring joy to them as they step into their newly transformed space - this is when I feel most fulfilled, rewarded and keeps me passionate about interior design.

Bringing Expertise to Life

My experience has fostered a wealth of knowledge and expertise, particularly in my current specialization – kitchen and bathroom design. These spaces are the heartbeats of a home, demanding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. I specialize in creating modern, functional spaces that reflect my clients’ unique style and needs.

I understand that a full kitchen or bathroom renovation can be overwhelming. This is where I step in. Leveraging my design and technical expertise, I can guide my clients through the entire process, from the initial brainstorming session to the final installation. My passion lies in crafting highly personalized spaces that are both beautiful and functional, all within a client's budget.

Technology plays a crucial role in my design process. With my expertise in 2D planning and 3D rendering software, combined with a meticulous eye for detail and a keen assessment of client needs, wants, and budget, I provide design solutions that are not just conceptualized but visualized. Detailed plans, elevations, and 3D renderings help my clients truly envision their dream kitchen or bathroom before committing to a renovation. Staying abreast of the latest industry trends and product innovations is also paramount. This allows me to incorporate cutting-edge design elements while ensuring the functionality and longevity of the space.

My journey, from those childhood sketches to creating lived-in experiences, has been incredibly rewarding. I take pride in translating your dreams into reality, transforming spaces into reflections of the souls who breathe life into them.

The Sketchbook Never Closes

The story doesn't end here. The world of design is constantly evolving, offering new challenges and inspirations. As I continue to learn and grow, my sketchbook remains my constant companion, a testament to the unwavering passion that drives me forward.

This is just a glimpse into the narrative I weave with design. To explore the spaces I create, to witness the stories they tell, and perhaps, to be inspired to craft your own unique narrative within your own walls, I invite you to connect with me on Sosna, Pinterest and Houzz.

Recent Posts by Camila Tan

sosna-web-kitchen-renovation-hero-image
Main Floor Home Renovation in Thornhill

The home that starts out just right for a couple can quickly become cramped when…

Black And Natural Wood Kitchen Cabinets With Gold Accents And Waterfall Wall Lights Luxury Renovation
Kitchen Remodel in Maple: A Stunning Upgrade for Passionate Home Chefs

We at Sosna understand that a kitchen is more than just a place to cook;…

Open Concept Kitchen Renovation Wood And White Cabinets Warm Cozy Home GTA
Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, and Laundry Room Renovation in Toronto

Toronto mornings in a home with two young children can be a whirlwind of activity.…

Open Concept Grey And White Kitchen Renovation
Open Concept Kitchen Remodel in Mississauga

Mississauga Open Concept Kitchen Remodel   Open Concept Kitchen Remodel Cost: $210,000 Designer: Camila Tan…

Split Level Main Floor Renovation
Split-Level Home Remodel in Mississauga

Split-Level Home Remodel in Mississauga Cost: $255,000 Home Remodel Designer:  Camila Tan Project Manager: Roman…

Large Bathroom Renovation With Dark Grey Cabinets Double Sink Vanity And Towers GTA Renovations
Multiple Bathroom Renovation in Etobicoke

Etobicoke Multiple Bathroom Renovation   Multiple Bathroom Renovation Project Price: $135,000 Multiple Bathroom Renovation Designer:…

Enjoy

Before we lift a hammer, you’ll receive a detailed construction schedule that outlines exactly what will happen each day in your home. This transparency ensures you know exactly what to expect and when so you can plan your life around the reno accordingly. 

Our project managers provide weekly updates, address any questions or concerns, and ensure everything proceeds according to plan.

Your project is led by a dedicated supervisor who is on-site every single day from start to finish. Unlike some contractors who juggle multiple projects simultaneously, our supervisors focus solely on your renovation, ensuring your project receives their undivided attention.  This dedication translates into a smoother workflow, fewer errors, and a higher-quality finished product.

Our in-house team of skilled tradespeople is the backbone of our renovation process.  They are not only experts in their respective fields, but they also take immense pride in their work.  They treat your home with the utmost respect, keeping it clean, using only the finest materials and following the highest construction standards. This commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures a beautifully executed renovation that will stand the test of time.

We are renowned for consistently finishing projects on time or even ahead of schedule. This is a rarity in the renovation industry, where delays are all too common.  By meticulously planning every detail upfront and having a dedicated team focused solely on your project, we can avoid unforeseen obstacles and keep your renovation on track.

Go here to see our complete Renovation Process

Renovate

Your renovation journey should be exciting, not stressful. Thanks to our detailed planning and skilled tradespeople, there are no surprises at the end—just pure joy. Our clients are often overwhelmed with happiness during the final walkthrough, and we’ve even witnessed a few happy tears! Many tell us they actually enjoyed the renovation process and will miss our team! 

Even after your renovation is complete, our commitment to your satisfaction continues. We offer a 2-year warranty on all our work and take it very seriously. Every non-urgent warranty request is addressed within two business days. This ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently so you can continue to enjoy your beautiful new space without a worry in the world.

Our clients often return to us for future projects because they know we’re there for them long after the job is done. We love hearing from them, even if it’s just for a minor repair—it’s a chance to show you how much we care. 

We aim to “wow” you with our service so you’ll confidently recommend us to your friends, family, and colleagues.

We understand how hard it can be to find reliable help for small jobs, so we go the extra mile for our clients. While we don’t offer these services to the general public, we’ll gladly help you with anything your home needs, even after the warranty expires—whether it’s mounting a picture or fixing a leaky faucet. 

Our goal is for you to enjoy the process, love the result, and have complete peace of mind knowing we’re just a phone call away.

Five years after we remodeled her Thornhill home, one of our wonderful clients told us, “Every day, I come home from work, and I can’t believe this is my house!”  That’s the feeling we strive for with every project.

We want you to feel that same joy and pride in your home now and for years to come.

See for yourself what other homeowners are saying about Sosna – renovation testimonials

Quote

Estimating renovation projects inherently involves some guesswork, but we take steps to minimize it as much as possible. Here’s how:

Crystal-clear Design Drawings: Our meticulous drawings go beyond basic sketches and floor plans. They include precise measurements, elevations, sections, and details with specifications for materials and finishes and clear layouts for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. This level of detail allows us to calculate material quantities and labor hours more accurately.

Upfront Material & Fixture Selection: We work with you to select all materials and fixtures – tiles, flooring, cabinets, countertops, accessories down to the door knobs on your cabinetry – before finalizing the quote. This eliminates the need to estimate costs based on allowances, reducing the potential for surprises later.

Thorough Inspections: Before finalizing the quote, we thoroughly inspect your home’s structure, plumbing and HVAC systems, and electrical wiring. This uncovers potential unseen issues that could impact the project scope, cost, and design. By identifying these issues upfront, we can factor them into the quote, avoiding unexpected cost overruns during construction.

Only after we complete all the above-mentioned steps do we provide a fixed-price quote that we guarantee will not change during construction.

Design

It all starts with a simple, no-pressure conversation – a phone call or Zoom chat. We believe in finding the right fit for both of us. Not every project or homeowner is the right fit for every contractor, and not every house is feasible to renovate. We want to quickly understand your vision, budget, and priorities, and see if we can add value to your project. If not, we’ll happily refer you to a company that might be a better match. If it seems like a good fit, we’ll schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your project in more detail. This is our opportunity to exchange ideas, share our expertise, and offer honest advice on how best to bring your vision to life.

Consult

As the saying goes, “An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.”  We take this philosophy to heart at Sosna. Our designers and construction experts collaborate and work closely with you to create highly detailed plans and renderings, leaving no detail to chance.  We meticulously consider every element of your project, from layout and materials to lighting and fixtures. 

Our designers educate you on the pros and cons of every element or fixture, helping you make the right decisions.

This upfront investment in planning ensures a smooth and seamless renovation experience, free of surprises and last-minute changes.

Go here to see our Design Steps

29 Questions Homeowners should ask
to avoid common mistakes when selecting a renovator
Key Questions

DOWNLOAD NOW!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Buyers Guide

DOWNLOAD NOW!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.