The Story

I would like to work for you! I am a dedicated and talented individual who wants to create beautiful, warm and inviting living spaces for the people I meet. I love the creativity and presentation behind each project. With my hands-on approach and detailed research, clients will have a design they love! Here is a brief introduction to who I am:

WORK EXPERIENCE: I enjoy getting involved in the client’s lives and getting to know their personalities, lifestyle, living habits, likes, and dislikes. I also enjoy following through on the journey from idea to finished project. Some of the projects I have worked on so far include: a video games room, exercise room, home-based movie theatre, day home, outdoor entertaining space, and an audio production space. I have also worked on: a kitchen, living room, dining room, guest bedroom, study, laundry room, and WC. I am excited to work with you on these projects. I also have a keen interest on projects like: dorms; baby nurseries; starter homes; offices; and storage solutions and walk-in closets.

QUALIFICATIONS: I received my Interior Design Diploma from the Interior Design Institute. It meets the educational standards set forth by the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA). This diploma is also globally recognized by: Certified Interior Decorators International (CID); British Accreditation Council (BAC); and the Society of British and International Design (SBID).

STUDY: Aside from my Interior Design Diploma, I’ve also received the following credentials: High School Academic Honor Roll; Fashion Design Diploma; Radio and Television Producers Emergence Program; Certificates and Coursework in Meteorology; Certified Travel Associate Diploma; Daycare Staff Certificate; and I studied Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta.

During my studies in interior design, I learned to understand the principles of design and I have learned how organize, create and dress the perfect space. I can: create mood boards with fabric swatches, colour samples, & furniture styles; take a brief from a client; draft a basic floor plan and its title block using floor plan symbols; produce an internal lighting and electrical design plan using symbols; put together multiple colour schemes using colour harmony groups; identify paint, wallpaper, specialty paint finishes, flooring, ceiling finishes, etc..; incorporate textiles, fabrics, and other decorative accessories like bed linens, rugs, etc...; create harmonious interiors; place beautiful objects into well thought out spaces; and visualize the space for clients, contractors, and others.

I have also gained experience in: conducting client engagement interviews; doing site evaluations; creating design briefs; shopping with clients; purchasing of goods; creating a quote; creating a fee structure and payment schedule; and project management.

PERSONAL SKILLS: I can help clients select colours, lighting, paint, wallpaper, wall finishes, window treatments, furniture, accessories, flooring, carpets, decorative textiles, fabrics, rugs; and help select kitchen, bathroom, and laundry finishes. I can create mood boards, sample boards, and materials boards. I can also professionally organize, space plan, and colour consult.

I also possess the following skills:

Attention to Detail - gives full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made.

Problem Solving – uses logic and reasoning to identify problems, review the strengths and weaknesses of options, and then implement solutions

Organization – able to meet deadlines, manage one’s own time and appreciate the time of others.

Foreign Languages: English (first); Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi (second); Some French (academic grades 1-12).

Some of my transferrable strengths include:

Project Management: involved in all aspects of production; working on projects from inception to completion; pitching ideas; executing them; and presentation.

Promotions: maintaining a social media and web presence with photos, videos, blogging, vlogging; and online content creation.

Communication: public speaking; writing; editing; interviewing; reporting; videography; and photography.

Humanity – a caring person who tells stories of the people in my community and beyond.

Leadership - assigning roles of project to others on the team. Supporting the decisions of the team.

Passion – very motivated in forming a connection with the client.

Concern for Others – being understanding and helpful. Socially perceptive of others' reactions and feelings.

And I am fluent in the following computer software: Microsoft Office Literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook). Cameras, Voice Recording Devices, Two-Way Radio Devices, Basic Web Development. Audio and Video Production Softwares: Quantel, Adobe Audition, Wide Orbit Automation, Music Master, Audacity, Filezilla, FT3 Upload/Download, VoxPro, Photoshop, Word Press, and Internet.

ACHIEVEMENTS: If you recognize me that’s because I am also an on-air radio host and television host who has appeared on multiple channels. I have worked in radio since 2006 and I have worked in television since 2012. I am often recognized for my radio and television work with OMNI Television, City TV Television, and 101.7 World FM Radio. I've worked on many international, multicultural, and multilingual projects. I am also the founder and author of world of fiction for teens about the sometimes funny and serious events in growing up South Asian Canadian from a 14-year-old perspective known as Sumayyah's World Children's Stories Series. The stories are presented and shared in classrooms in elementary and junior high schools once a month and has reached thousands of Canadian students.

I am also one of Edmonton’s finest citizens, winning multiple awards including Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 Award; the CTV/Heritage Festival’s Heritage Hero Award; three Canadian Ethnic Media Awards for Media Excellence; and I was honoured with a seat plaque in Triffo Theatre, Allard Hall, at MacEwan University. I have been able to visit a number of countries. I speak and understand five languages. I’ve ridden on the back of an elephant and a camel; I’ve been kissed on the cheek by a giraffe; and I have explored all of Canada by VIA Rail train. I have also lived in 5 cities. I find a lot of inspiration in travel and I have a particular interest in places of cultural importance, adding cultural influences into my designs.

HOBBIES: One of my hobbies is collecting samples, my home office houses a small collection of fabrics, paint colours, and floor samples that I love. I also paint and collect music.

INTERESTS: My love to create and design started well before I ever thought of making it a career. It started when I was a child and I’d make forts that were highly detailed complete with dishes and furniture, all made out of snow and ice. It continued with my love of decorating for every birthday and celebration my family had, and we had a lot of celebrations! I was also allowed to decorate my own bedroom. My family moved to a new home every ten years which meant I would always have a new palette to imagine with. My parents built their first dream home when I was ten years old. I still remember the excitement I felt visiting show homes every weekend. We also visited many lighting, flooring, and fixture shops while building that home. There, I was introduced to a lot of homes and design styles. I also come from a family of engineers that love to design and build. Some of my earliest memories include watching my father, sketch, design, and build. As I got older, I was constantly updating design elements in my own home and helping my friends with their decorating choices. I love coming up with new designs and ideas. I especially enjoy working with beautiful objects, fixtures, furniture, accessories, fabrics, and art. My current home is a serene place where I can zone out and relax; where I am cool, calm, and totally zen.

As you can see, I have a unique set of skills and experiences through which I have gathered a diverse wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for design. I am educated in a variety of areas, possess various certificates, and have received various awards. I am always continuing to learn by reading books and articles, and watching videos as well as attending classes and workshops. I am also constantly still visiting show homes for new ideas and trends! And I’d love to design for you!

Please visit my LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/naz-sohni/ for more information.