Kalu By Kassam
Originally co-founded in 2006 (Formally known as Kalu Interiors), KALU BY KASSAM in 2026 underwent a new creative direction under the leadership and vision of our Creative Director & Principal Aleem Kassam. For two decades, our Vancouver-based design firm has been known to break barriers in the industry and design award-winning spaces. Our studio continues to create thoughtfully curated interiors that enhance and inspire how our clients live, while also carrying a distinctive sense of style and unique sensibilities for design, with an undeniable passion for interior design. It is this passion that has led us to understand the importance of personal style for our clients’ homes and spaces. In result our studio has been a leader in the industry for twenty years, and continues to be involved in designing well-known spaces, residential and commercial, both locally and abroad!
Aleem Kassam - Principal
Award-Winning & Renowned Interior Designer, Style Icon, Media Personality and Published Author
Aleem started his path in Interior Design in 2004 by obtaining a formal education at the Art Institute of Vancouver. He soon found himself with a desire for adventure and furthered his education abroad at the Art Institute of Chicago to obtain a bachelor’s degree of Interior Design & Sustainable Interior Architecture. He then also attended the Domus Academy in Milan for Hospitality Design, and the school of Central Saint Martins in London for Retail Design. This Global perspective inspired his taste for design and as well his distinctive personal style. For two decades, he and his team have been creating distinctive residential, multi-residential, hospitality and commercial spaces that are celebrated for their thoughtfully curated designs that elevate how people live, with creativity and personal style at their core. Beyond his design practice, Aleem is also recognized as a philanthropist, media personality, published author, and style icon — named as one of Canada’s Best Dressed by the Globe & Mail.
The Team
Sima Kazemi - Senior Designer
Here to make your design dreams a reality!
Being surrounded by the wonder of structural engineering in Iran inspired Sima’s interest in design. She studied to obtain her Bachelors Degree in Architecture and worked in Commercial High Rise Development for several years before realizing that she wanted to specialize in Interior Design.
Although materials and colours excite Sima, she is most passionate about building meaningful relationships with each and every project she undertakes.
Outside of work you can find her doing yoga, hiking, and enjoying the amazing North Shore with her two beautiful boys and loving husband.
Vanessa Banhaw - Intermediate Designer
Vanessa's fascination with the world of design and all things creative blossomed at an early age, driving her to pursue a career in interior design. After completing her Interior Design Diploma and NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Associate) Certificate at BCIT, she left feeling more confident and inspired to design beautiful and happy homes. Enthusiastic, driven and always willing to learn new things, Vanessa brings a force of creativity and finesse to the Kalu team. Her positive attitude and ability to find humor in every situation (seriously, she laughs at everything!) makes her your go-to gal.
Clare Hardjowasito - Junior Designer
Since she was young, Clare has had an interest in anything to do with art and design, which led her to discover a passion for interior design. She pursued her design education at BCIT, earning her Certificate in Interior Design as well as her Diploma in Residential Interiors (NKBA). Through her travels and fascination with art history, she is constantly inspired by the various cultures, architecture, and natural beauty of the world.
When she's not in the office, Clare enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking with her dog, and sometimes jumping on a trampoline.
Meredith Dent - Junior Designer
Meredith has taken an interest in art and design from a very young age. Always an avid drawer, she pursued art since her childhood and first started taking an interest in interior design at age 12, going so far as to redecorate her bedroom as her first project.
Born and raised in Toronto, she moved to Vancouver to pursue a degree in Psychology and Creative Writing at UBC before enrolling at BCIT to study interior design. After completing her certificate in Interior Design Fundamentals, she followed her passion of creating innovative and welcoming spaces and began working at Kalu as a Junior Designer.
In her free time, Meredith often enjoys drawing, listening to music and hanging out with friends.