My Goals as a Sosna Designer: Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives

Camila Tan Best Interior Designer In The GTA

As a Sosna Designer, my primary goal is to understand you—my client—and your unique needs. Whether you’re embarking on a whole home renovation or seeking to renovate a space, my mission is to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your surroundings. Through a collaborative process, I aim to craft designs that are in perfect harmony with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs while ensuring lasting durability. Ultimately, my goal is to help transform your vision into a reality that not only meets your expectations but elevates your everyday life.

 

Main Floor Renovation Toronto

 

Designing with Purpose and Passion

 

One of the things I love most about design is its ability to shape the way people experience their environments. When I hear from past clients that their newly designed spaces have significantly improved their daily lives, it confirms that my work is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something meaningful. This deeply resonates with the core of our Sosna Vision Statement, “Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives.” It fuels my passion for design and drives every project I take on.

To me, good design isn’t just about what looks good on paper. It’s about ensuring the space serves its intended function, creates a sense of comfort, and reflects the personality and values of those who inhabit it. My goal is to bring all of these elements together in a way that’s sustainable, timeless, and most importantly—authentic to you.

 

The Design Process: Collaboration and Transparency

 

Designing a space isn’t just a job—it’s a partnership. It’s a journey we take together to shape your vision into something tangible. While every project is unique, the design process typically follows a set framework that ensures a thorough and thoughtful approach. From our First Design Meeting to the Final Design Approval, I guide you every step of the way.

 

1. Preparation and Discovery

 

The design process starts with preparation. Before our First Design Meeting, I review all relevant files, including any plans, photos, or initial ideas you’ve provided. I want to come to our meeting with an understanding of the space, its current state, and any challenges or opportunities it may present.

The Discovery Meeting, as we at Sosna like to call it, is the foundation of our relationship and the most crucial phase in the design process. This is where I take the time to listen and ask questions that will help me understand your needs, preferences, and the specific challenges you’re facing in the space. I want to know about your likes, dislikes, lifestyle needs, and most importantly—what’s not working for you in your current environment. Whether it’s a lack of storage, awkward traffic flow, or outdated finishes, understanding your pain points is essential in creating a design that will make your space both functional and beautiful.

 

2. Design Concept and Sketch Plans

 

Once I’ve gathered all the information I need, I move into the design concept phase. During our Sketch Plans Meeting, I present a variety of layout options that explore different possibilities for your space. Typically, I provide 2-3 options for you to consider. The first option reflects your initial vision for the space based on the information shared in our discovery meeting. The second and third options are often proposed as solutions to potential problems or inefficiencies I’ve identified in your space, offering fresh ideas and alternative layouts.

This stage is about collaboration. I welcome feedback and make adjustments as we move forward. We explore everything from room flow and storage solutions to ensuring the design aligns with your aesthetic preferences. It’s about narrowing down what will work best for you and fine-tuning the details to get everything just right.

 

Kitchen Sketches Toronto

 

3. 3D Visualizations and Elevations

 

Once a Sketch Plan is selected, I present rough 3D visualizations and elevations to help bring the design to life. These early-stage models offer a clearer picture of how the space will look and feel once the design is implemented. While the visuals are still in progress and subject to change, they offer an opportunity for you to see your ideas in action and provide valuable feedback. Adjustments are expected and welcomed, as this part of the process allows for further refinement of your vision.

 

Kitchen 3D Presentation Toronto

Kitchen Elevation Toronto

 

4. Selection of Finishes and Fixtures

 

A critical part of the design process is selecting the right materials, finishes, and fixtures that will define the look and feel of your space. In our meetings, we focus on everything from flooring materials and tile selections to cabinetry finishes, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. I often invite clients to join me in showroom visits where we can select stones, tiles, and other materials together. This hands-on approach helps ensure that the materials chosen align with both the design aesthetic and your practical needs, creating a cohesive look that feels just right.

 

Renovation Mood Board Vaughan Scaled

 

5. Detailed Design Development

 

As the design starts to take shape, we move into the more detailed aspects of the project. This includes finalizing the electrical plans, finishes plans, and elevation detailing—elements such as cabinetry design, tile layouts, and even custom stair designs. Each detail is considered carefully to ensure that it works seamlessly within the overall design while meeting your functional and aesthetic goals.

We also review everything with our Production Team and Estimator to ensure that the plans are feasible and within budget. If necessary, we work with Engineers to address any structural concerns or modifications. The goal is to ensure that everything is not only visually pleasing but also structurally sound and practical for long-term use.

 

6. Final Design Approval

 

Once all the design elements have been refined and agreed upon, we schedule a Final Design Meeting. This is where we review the complete Design Package and sign off on the final plans. At this point, all the details are finalized, and we’re ready to move forward with handing them to our Estimator to be estimated.

 

In-Between Meetings: Bringing Your Vision to Life

 

While the design meetings are an essential part of the process, much of the work happens in between these sessions. After each meeting, I work diligently with our Production Team, Estimators, and trades to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. I also continue to research and source finishes and fixtures that best suit your needs.

If allowed, I conduct a Home Inspection with the Project Manager, Estimator, and trades to ensure the design is executable in the actual space very early on during the Design Phase. This is often where potential challenges are identified, and we adjust accordingly to make sure everything will proceed without a hitch.

 

Conclusion: A Collaborative, Tailored Process

 

Designing and planning for a renovation is far more than a three-step process—it’s an ongoing, collaborative effort. I strive to look into every detail to ensure that the final result reflects your vision while meeting your practical needs. From the initial Discovery Meeting to the Final Design approval, I’m committed to making your dream space a reality, all while keeping the project on track, on budget, and in line with your lifestyle.

At Sosna, we believe in Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives, and my work as a Designer is a direct reflection of this philosophy. I’m not just designing a space; I’m designing a better quality of life for you and your loved ones.

 

BEFORE

Main Floor Before Renovation Vaughan Scaled

AFTER

Main Floor After Renovation Vaughan Scaled

 

Let’s Talk!

 

Let’s discuss your vision! Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can transform your space.

Author: Camila Tan

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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