We started Area3 from a shared desire to choose the projects we wanted to work on, to be a leader in the design industry, to create our own culture, and to be excited about coming to work every day. With a few awards on our walls, we think we have made some great progress — and we look forward to continued success and growth.
Studio
Our founders had already worked together for 10 years before launching Area3 — they knew their like-minded values and work ethics could lead to something exceptional. What else do you need to know about us? We are members of HAVAN and IDIBC, and offer bi-lingual services.
Brenda Chiu
Principal RID, IDIBC
Brenda’s passion for design bloomed as a teenager as she accompanied her father to architectural meetings. Her father was a developer. Through his influence she was exposed to the business and design process. Brenda has a diploma in Architectural Technology and Interior Design from BCIT. She is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) with IDIBC. Brenda’s experience encompasses 23+ years of multi-family and private residential work, where she has been involved in award winning projects. Her attention to detail and understanding of the construction phase is invaluable to any project. In her spare time you will find her snowboarding, skiing, camping or bicycling with her family.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Sleeping in…. snuggle time with my family, going for brunch with friends and family, and just lounging around in my PJ’s.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
I would start with a cocktail like a Moscow Mule, Sangria, or Margarita. Love a cocktail right now?
Name three words that describe you?
Encouraging
Fashionista
Proud yet humble
Lisa Hansen
Principal
Lisa always knew she would end up in a creative field. She originally studied fashion design, worked for an art gallery, and did visual merchandising before stumbling into the interior design field. Lisa brings over 23+ years of experience in hospitality and multi-family projects. After completing the Interior Design certificate at BCIT she started her career in hospitality design. Lisa has been involved in multiple award-winning projects. She enjoys the conceptual phases of a project and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. She especially likes collaborating with graphics and marketing and getting to see a project’s brand come to life. Lisa is constantly looking for inspiration through her travels and adventures.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Sleeping in, one of my favourite weekend activities. Followed by a good podcast or blog. Planning my next trip?
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
That’s tough you’re asking an ex bartender? If I can only pick one, it would be white wine.
Name three words that describe you?
Fun
Enthusiastic
Optimistic
Rule breaker
Kulpreet A. Warraich
Principal RID, IDIBC, LEED AP
Kulpreet is a Registered Interior Designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and is a LEED accredited professional. She has been practicing Interior Design for over 21 years. The interplay of architectural education with experience in interior design gives her a keen eye for construction details. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong background in design documentation and contract administration that helps bring success to Area3’s projects. At 3 pm she can often be found getting her caffeine fix and a sweet treat.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Enjoying my steaming cup of morning ginger chai and recovering from the party the night before.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
There is always that one good dessert.
Name three words that describe you?
Foodie
Witty
Shoe Lover
Kajal Setpal
Interior Designer - BID
K has always been a very hands-on, creative person. She grew up playing with Lego blocks and putting together puzzles – that translated into her passion for making accessories and artifacts through woodworking. After receiving her Interior Design Diploma in India, K returned to Dubai to begin her Design and Event management career. Wanting to further her education, K decided to move to Vancouver in 2018 to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Design. She is now pursuing her NCIDQ and just became a dog mum. When K is not studying or designing, you can find her exploring BC trails.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Sleeping in, recuperating after my Saturday Hike.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
Whiskey Sour and Calamari
Name three words that describe you?
Adventurous
Vivacious
Great Friend
Diana Ng
Intermediate Interior Designer - BA, DID, NCIDQ
Diana’s interest in interior design developed at an early age, her favorite shopping trips with her parents were to Ikea. After completing a BA in Geography and Asian Language and Culture she went on to receive a diploma in Interior Design at BCIT. Since graduating six years ago, Diana has worked on many multi-family projects and earned her NCIDQ accreditation. With her constant thirst for knowledge, she continues to advance her design skills. When not studying you can find her renovating her island on Animal Crossing.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Waking up super early to decide on lunch plans and then immediately taking a nap until its time to eat.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
Caesar with a burger on a skewer.
Name three words that describe you?
Hardworking
Ambivert
Bubble tea connoisseur
Bannis Chan
Accountant
Bannis got her start in the accounting industry after she graduated with a BA majoring in Economics and Psychology where she interned for an accounting firm. It was here that she learned about her passion for numbers and analytical work. She went on to enroll into the CGA program while working as a controller at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Intracorp Homes and ReMax Cres Realty. When she is not crunching numbers, you will find her training her dog Latte to ride a skateboard.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Enjoying the sunshine with her dog Latte, while drinking coffee.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
Anything spicy and a glass of wine.
Name three words that describe you?
Refined
Foodie
Unconventional
Janice Wright
Coordinator Extraordinaire
Janice comes from a family of artists. Her mother was a well-known watercolor landscape painter, her father a jeweller. Both ignited her artistic talents from a young age. Janice went on to graduate from Emily Carr with a diploma in graphic design. After practicing both graphics and textile printing, she found herself in the interior design industry. Janice’s versatility makes her a valuable asset to Area3. You may find Janice on a job site, coordinating trades or even assembling Ikea furniture. Everyone enjoys her calm optimistic demeanour, and quirky sense of humour.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
In my housecoat with a mug of coffee Facetiming my son and granddaughters in Prague.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
If you manage to drag me out, I would have a glass of Shiraz and crispy brussel sprouts.
Name three words that describe you?
Office Mom
Bird Lady
Bohemian
Queenie Ho
Interior Designer
As a little girl, Queenie would often sit at the foot of her bed trying to re-decorate her room. After receiving a Psychology degree from UBC she realized she no longer wanted to pursue this. Instead took a leap of faith and went back to school to study interior design. This journey confirmed her passion. She graduated from BCIT (with honors) while obtaining a kitchen and bath associate certificate along the way. Queenie would go on to work under the Campus Development department at BCIT as a space planner/interior designer for a few years before joining Area3. When she is not working away in the design world, you can find her traveling once a year or finding some random animals to pet.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Being woken up undesirably because Levi (my cat) is either 1) having the zoomies, or 2) trying to snuggle.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
I can’t confidently answer this question without seeing the menu….but, poutine is always good.
Name three words that describe you?
Musician
Persistent
Cheerful
Darpana Shirur
Interior Designer - BID
Darpana has always been drawn to art, construction, and different cultures. She inherited her creative side from her mom, who used to build Lego sets and draw with her. Living and studying abroad has influenced her design approach. After receiving a design degree in India, she pursued a career in hospitality and residential design. When she is not working, you can find Darpana sketching still life and exploring different cuisines.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
On Sunday mornings you can find me pinning art ideas or cooking a new recipe.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
Yam fries with a chipotle dip and a signature cocktail.
Name three words that describe you?
Adaptable
Personable
Determined
Britney Thompson
CAD Technician
Britney has always had a creative side. At a young age, she could be found drawing floor plans and developing tiny cities on paper. Her organizational skills and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the Area3 team. As a free spirit, you will often find her on a walk or hike exploring nature during her downtime (or every lunch hour).
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Firstly, I am not a morning person. This you might think would be a challenge with a 4-year-old. And oh, it definitely is! Sunday mornings you will find me sleeping until my son has jumped on me enough times until he drags me out of bed.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
You would find me drinking a vodka & juice mix. I would order an appetizer I have never tried before.
Name three words that describe you?
Intuitive
Honest
Free-spirited
Jessie Liu
Interior Designer
Jessie is a quirky girl with a love for design and animals. She comes from a family of artists and originally found interest in fashion design during her teens. When she discovered interior design, she committed herself to learning more and eventually enrolled herself into the design program at BCIT. Over the years, Jessie has amassed experience performing various roles for reputable companies in the design industry. Today, when Jessie is at home, she’s honing her culinary skills being a food lover.
On Sunday mornings you can find me …
Snuggling with my pup on the sofa and a cup of coffee in hand whilst watching a war movie
If we went to happy hour, what would you order …
Coke with light ice
Name three words that describe you?
Personable
Resourceful
Quirky
Latte
Office Dog
When the accountant is too busy to let me sit on her lap, there is a comfy dog bed in the corner of the room which you can typically find me asleep on. When I awake, I roll around and wait for someone to scratch my tummy. I purr like a cat and breathe like a wee pig; people often have a hard time understanding me. In case you would like to know I am a Hungarian with a passport.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings you can find me…..
Waiting to be fed so I can go enjoy the rest of my morning in the sunshine.
If we went to happy hour what would you order?
I will eat anything.
Name three words that describe you?
Cute
Cute
Cute
We shine when creating spaces for…
Multi-Family Developments
We collaborate with developers to design livable interiors for various multi-family projects, which then expands into amenity spaces, presentation centres, and display homes. We create spaces that are functional and timeless.
Hospitality Projects
Our team creates extraordinary interiors that are thoughtful and engaging — the kind of spaces that people can’t help but return to. We work with you to emphasize your brand, resulting in unforgettable experiences.
Commercial Projects
We provide planning, design, and procurement solutions across a wide range of commercial and workplace environments, aligning your company’s vision within budget, timeline, and other requirements.
Our Process
Pre-Design: You will get to know our team as we research the project’s demographics, obtain drawings, review and critique base building plans, and discuss preliminary concepts and budget.
Design & Development: We dig deeper here and get creative — this includes producing design concepts; preparing elevations; selecting finishes, plumbing, equipment, accessories, and lighting; sourcing furniture; and preparing the FF & E budget. Then, we present our ideas to you.
Implementation: With your feedback, we flush out the design details, document the design and finishes for pricing/tender, coordinate with other consultants, prepare sample finish boards for your reference, and launch into procurement.
Construction: We finally get to see the team’s vision come to life as we engage in construction administration, site and consultant meetings, field reviews, on-site merchandising, client walk-throughs, final occupancy, and move-in day — resulting in happy clients.