Aleem has completed a 2-year program with the Art Institute of Vancouver, and a Bachelors Degree with the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. As well he has also received training in retail and hospitality design at Central Saint Martins in London, and the Domus Academy of Arts in Milan, Italy.
A young and vibrant soul, Aleem has always followed his passions for design, which inevitably lead him to participating on a reality television hit "From the Ground Up," with Debbie Travis. One of fourteen competitor designers selected from across Canada, he was put through intense design tasks weekly which tested his ability to not only think and work fast, but find design solutions to design problems using his innovative thinking and design savvy.
Aleem continues to dip his hands in many areas of the design industry and world, to always be aware of where design is going in the future. Kalu has become an outlet for him to explore these notions, and as part of a design team he can help clients develop spaces that truly provide them a sense of peace, comfort, and inspiration. This is what he believes to be the greatest return as working as an interior designer.
Favorite Benjamin Moore Color?
When in doubt...I choose "Simply White- OC-117," it goes with just about everything!
LA or New York?
New York, New York- it's the creative brain of the world!
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird, nothing a 'Quad Venti Armericano' can't fix!
City Penthouse or Suburban Mansion?
City Penthouse, i'd be willing to sacrafice the joys of rush hour traffic.
Most inspiring city at the moment?
It would have to be Dubai- it just goes to show that "If you dream it, we can build it!"
Upon completion of a 2-year diploma program with the Art Institute of Vancouver, Phyllis has gained experience and knowledge working with a successful local interior design firm where she worked on a multitude of projects ranging from smaller scale residential projects to high profile showhomes and sales centres.
Phyllis believes that great ideas are not enough. It takes great skill and coordination to pull things together to have that idea become a reality. The biggest enjoyment in being an interior designer is seeing the finished product and having seen your vision come to life.
She believes that continuous learning is key, as trends are constantly evolving. Currently, Phyllis is pursuing her LEED® Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) green building designation. Believing that there are ways to live green without having to sacrifice great design.
Favorite Benjamin Moore Color?
Since gray is the new neutral, I'd have to say "Gray Wisp- CC-670" It's such a pretty gray with hint of blue green in it
LA or New York?
Hmm...if I had to pick just one, LA but only because it is a short drive to New York, New York in Vegas
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Most definitely a night owl
City Penthouse or Suburban Mansion?
One of each would be nice. City Penthouse for the workweek and then a Suburban Mansion for weekend getaways!
Most inspiring city at the moment?
I would have to say Berlin. Because of its history, the city has such a great eclectic mix of old and new architecture.
What We Do - Our Services
Here are just some of the services offered by Kalu:
- Initial concept and inspiration development
- Conceptual interior design - 3D computer generated spaces and hand rendered drawings
- Space planning and AutoCAD drawings
- Millwork drawings and coordination
- Specification & construction packages
- FFE Selections
- Material, color and finish selection
- Furniture selections
- Plumbing and lighting fixture selections
- Assistance in selection of and hiring trades
- Construction and purchasing coordination