WESTERN DESIGN BUILD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Owner
- CEO, Senior Interior Designer
Ann Squires Ferguson is a true cross-pollinator, raised off the grid in Northern BC on the banks of the Stikine River. She spent her childhood homeschooled in a log cabin, transiting the winter snows by homemade dog sled. She has twin degrees in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and Interior Design, coming to the design industry via the Canadian Navy, where she specialized in shipboard weapons and the audio engineering field, with a focus on the Asian Karaoke market.
Clode Theriault was born in Montreal and spent most of his childhood in Rouyn Noranda in northern Quebec. The oldest of four, Clode often helped out his mom, as his stepdad frequently worked out of town. Clode entered the workforce at age 12, working at some small construction sites. From there, he pursued numerous other opportunities including working as a projectionist, a prospector, and a logger, until he eventually found his way to Victoria.
After completing an apprenticeship in cabinet making, Clode took a 12-year detour to work in retail, before returning to handyman work. Clode began contracting for Western in 2010, eventually becoming a special part of our permanent team.
"When I'm not working, you'll most often find me at the rink. Hockey is my passion, most especially goaltending. In another life, I'd probably have gone professional :)."
Dhanya Gigi was born in Kerala, India, a stunning state known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters. While she loved the diversity of her country with its different religious and cultural celebrations, tropical variety, and climatic changes, Dhanya eventually decided that she needed to experience more and so she moved on.
Realizing that she had passion for numbers, Dhanya pursued a career in accounting. Dhanya is passionate about what she does, organized in her work, and builds healthy work relationships with care. When not working, Dhanya loves spending time with adorable studio pets Maggie, Georgie, and Boba.
Job Titles:
- Senior Interior Designer & Project Manager
Laura comes to Western Interior Design Group with 4 years of intense experience in interior design with experience in Government office tenant improvements, office move management, Recreation Centre renovations, Cannabis Retailer Rezoning, restaurant and multi-storey senior facilities. Laura has a BA in Interior Design and is presently working on her obtaining her Pilot's licence.
Laura's strengths include strong technical abilities with proficiencies in drafting and 3D modelling, She actively participates in continuing education opportunities, and has obtained her LEED Green Associate designation and is working to complete her designation of LEED AP ID+C within this coming year.
Laura is an adventuresome woman, with a passion for fitness and the outdoors, who can be found Paddle boarding on a lake in the moonlight on her time off.
Rebecca O'Keefe crossed the pond from Aberdaugleddau, Wales, UK at age 10. Missing home, her designer dreams took hold while sketching space plans for castles. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 1988 with a degree in Interior Design and hasn't stopped learning since, always excited to discover creative new solutions for her clients. Rebecca has bestowed her award-winning creativity in a wide variety of sectors across Canada and London, England. She values authenticity in people and in design, working hard to protect the character and history of Victoria's neighbourhoods. Rebecca loves getting outdoors and being near the ocean, a passion she has passed onto her two children, now in university.
"I care about protecting our natural environment. I ride my bike often, use reclaimed materials and upcycle second hand furniture as much as possible. I love having time to indulge in creative efforts, like painting with acrylic, drawing with pen and ink, and playing with lino cuts and block printing. I am always learning. When I'm not dancing my heart out at Hermann's, you can find me exploring new recipes and of course, eating! I value empathy and kindness, no matter what."
Job Titles:
- Studio Manager, Senior Interior Designer
Sara was born in Newfoundland and spent her childhood living throughout Canada. She attended Mount Royal University in Calgary for a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design; after graduating decided that she couldn't be without the ocean, so she moved to Victoria in 2012 and has never looked back. Sara loves working in the design and construction industry, breaking barriers as a female project manager. Sara is passionate about dancing and is a member of a local rhythmical contemporary company called Broken Rhythms. When not in the office, you can find her at the dance studio, camping in the forest with her partner, or out on the water with her paddle board.
"I care about connection: to my friends and family, to nature, and to myself. I care about moving my body and expressing myself through dance and art. I care about inspiring the people around me and continuously working toward becoming a better human. I care about making people laugh and spending time with my cat, chickens, and partner. I love wandering through the dense old growth forest in the rain and listening to the crash of waves on a grey day. I am so grateful to live on this beautiful island, and to have a wonderful community of people and creatures surrounding me."
Job Titles:
- Junior Interior Designer & Project Coordinator
Sarah was born with a foot in two worlds - Colombia and Canada. Born in Bogota, Colombia, to parents from two continents, she learned to bridge two cultures and live in a multi- generational family from day one. After an early childhood in the East Kootenays in the shadow of the Rockies, her family moved to Victoria in 2003 and she has been a Vancouver Island resident since. She tried her hand at Carpentry with Camosun College in 2016, completing her Level 1 without nailing her boots to the floor. She is now a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University's CIDA-accredited Interior Design Bachelor Program and has been a Junior Designer for Western Design Build since May of 2021.
"I care about my long-term friendships which go back to elementary school, and deepening these friendships through regular walks, great food, movies, and laughter. I love to sleep late (when I can on weekends), drink too much coffee, get lost in books, and share time with my beautifully chaotic family. I love fall and winter seasons (except for the rain), and miss real snow that stays and stays. I can't imagine living far from the ocean, whose vastness, salty breezes and soothing tides would be dearly missed if I was inland. I care deeply about the current state of the planet, and want to see more of the world as soon as I can travel again.
Tara was called to the accredited Interior design program at VIU - BID (Bachelor of Interior Design designation) as a mature student. A prairie girl at heart, but unable to resist the temperate coastal weather, mountains and ocean, Tara left Small Town, Saskatchewan for BC in 2008.
She says she thoroughly enjoys being able to use her technical creativity in her work while still learning each and every day. "No project or client is the same, and styles and standards are changing constantly."
Tara thrives on travelling. The food, lifestyle and unique atmosphere gets her creative juices flowing! She also believes in being mindful, leaning into life to experience all moments- whether it's learning a new recipe, participating in sports, surrounding herself in nature, or curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book and cozy blanket.
"I care about making memories with family and friends, near and far. When you think of the heart of the home being the kitchen (which it is, in my opinion!), then family and friends are the heart of the individual community."
Thuy was born and raised in Ontario alongside her sister and two brothers. In 2003, she moved to BC and never looked back! Upon earning her business diploma, Thuy realized her cup was only half full. After some soul searching, Thuy discovered that she had a passion for design, as she has always strived to improve her surroundings by moving furniture around her room.
With this epiphany, Thuy's ambitions leapt forward onto the path of interior design. Thuy has an eye for what feels comfortable, cozy and elevated. She loves working with talented designers and being submerged in an industry that is always presenting exciting reasons to be engaged.
"I am passionate about the projects I work on, sharing a vision with my clients for an overall look and feel. When I'm not working, I love creating special memories with my two children, James and fur baby Maggie. I also care about personal wellness and enjoy going for hikes and walks. If I'm not out on the trails, you might find me baking up something delicious in the kitchen."