As seen in SNAP magazine [ April 2009 ]
Kimberly Williams is among Vancouver Island’s top designers. With great projects like Dockside Green, Long Beach Lodge Resort, features in many publications and a multitude of awards under her belt, Kimberly and the team at her company, Kimberly Williams Interiors is renowned for their beautiful and timeless yet innovative and fresh interior design projects while maintaining their commitment to reducing their impact on the planet.
I met Kimberly last year when she approached Meade Design Group for her graphic design needs. I was so excited to create a new graphic identity and website for one of Canada’s top interior designers. Now that it is nearly complete I am so pleased with her finished product. I think it really evokes Kimberly’s design philosophy.
Iván Meade – "What is your favourite design find?
Kimberly Williams – My greatest design find was the piece of property on which I built my design studio in Brentwood Bay.
Iván Meade – "Why is it important/inspirational to you?"
Kimberly Williams – This piece of property was originally developed by my grandfather in the 1960's and came full-circle when I bought it six year ago. Buying that property represented a huge step in the growth of my company and allowed me to expand into other avenues of design.
Iván Meade - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?
Kimberly Williams – The team and I designed the entire building form the ground up so it definitely reflects my personal style and design philosophy. Because this is where we all work every day, it is a constant source of inspiration - holding all the keys to our design success!
Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?
Kimberly Williams – When I was 13 my mother told me that I could do whatever I wanted with my bedroom. That set the stage for where my career was headed.
Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?
Kimberly Williams – I love the work of Arthur Erikson. It’s contemporary and modern and he really uses light to emphasize space. He makes design look so easy. A lot of my personal inspiration comes from living on Vancouver Island. I’ve lived here all my life and I love it! I really try to bring the beauty of nature into my work.
Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?
Kimberly Williams – West Coast elegance meets casual contemporary.
Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?
Kimberly Williams – I think my greatest strength is my ability to really listen to our clients and determine their design needs. I also draw a lot of strength from my experiences as a mother to my two amazing daughters.
My greatest weakness is that I find it hard to say no, but I’m getting better at it.
Iván Meade – What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?
Kimberly Williams – Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth & When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate and my faithful journal.
Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?
Kimberly Williams – Practicality. Working with clients to create appropriate spaces that meet their needs and budget. It’s also great to be able to provide our commercial and residential clients with Green design options that are no longer the priciest things out there.
Iván Meade – Do you think Victoria is ready for a change? Where do you see design going in the next 10 years?
Kimberly Williams – Victoria is a stylish community with vibrant people. I think that design will move increasingly toward functional design without the excess of times past.
Iván Meade – You seem very passionate about the green movement that is happening in the design world, in what ways are you and your company reducing your impact on the environment?
Kimberly Williams – In our office we have really tried ot make environmental design a priority. After getting on board with Dockside green we dove right in and we’ve learned so much! In our office we now only use 100% recycled paper, we’ve installed a water filtration system rather than bringing in bottles and we’ve set up a composting program. We also make a conscious effort to print less and subscribe to the sample recycling programs offered by most of our suppliers. Not only does it help the environment but it keeps our office tidy too!
Iván Meade – How do you find that technology has impacted design?
Kimberly Williams – It’s a real time saver. We’re able to communicate with clients so quickly and easily now, near or far. We’re also seeing a lot of Smart technology in homes related to environmental control that helps home-owners monitor their energy consumption and increase their comfort. Homes aren’t just shelter anymore they’re an extension of the user.
Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?
Kimberly Williams – Without a doubt it’s the Long Beach Lodge in Tofino – not only because it was an amazing project to be a part of but because I love visiting there – it’s so peaceful. When you’re designing a space you know that it’s going to look good – but when I walked into the great room for the first time it was so much more than furniture and finishes. I thought: “This turned out way better that I ever could have imagined.”
Iván Meade – What is the most unusual request that you have received from a client?
Kimberly Williams – I had a client ask to have a bronze statue of her son made and designed as a fountain to be placed in front of their home.
Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?
Kimberly Williams – I’d love to work with the Breast Cancer Foundation to create a place where women receiving treatment from out of town can stay and feel at home. Going through cancer treatment myself, I know how hard it can be and I can’t imagine having to be away from my home. It would be so rewarding to know that these women could enjoy a bit of comfort during such a trying time in their lives.
Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?
Kimberly Williams – My “dream project” and possibly starting a furniture line.
Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?
Kimberly Williams – To know that I made a difference in people’s lives. That I helped people to achieve that feeling of “being at home” in their space. It could be an office, a hotel room, a private home or a treatment center, if people feel the ease of the space then I’ve done my job.
I invite you to discover Kimberly Williams stunning body of work at her website:
Iván Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com
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