AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

Season 2 is here, design lovers! And I couldn’t be more excited to kick things off with someone who has been such a champion of my work and the Canadian design scene: Anicka Quin. She’s the VP of Content at Canada Wide Media and the powerhouse behind Western Living, Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, BC Living, and TV Week. Basically, she’s the woman keeping Western Canada on the design map — and doing it with serious style.Anicka and I go way back, and this chat feels full-circle. Usually she’s the one interviewing me, but this time the tables are turned. We dive into her unexpected path from music writer to magazine editor, the real secrets of what gets published (and what doesn’t), and of course her very first Design Confession. Spoiler: it involves rain showers and let’s just say…I know many of you can 100% relate!We also talk about the future of design, the rise of layered and lived-in spaces, and why AI can never replace the creativity, connection, and magic that real people bring to the process. Oh, and she shares her design heroes, favorite cities, and what’s on her playlist right now. (Yes, there’s a little George Michael love in there!)In this episode, we talk aboutAnicka’s journey from music journalism to award-winning magazine editor • What makes a home publish-worthy at Western Living • The design trend she secretly can’t stand • Why mentorship and happy accidents can change your career • How Canadian designers are shaking things up on a national stage • Timeless design, Paris cafés, and why George Michael always gets her on the dance floorAbout Anicka QuinAnicka Quin is VP of Content at Canada Wide Media, where she leads the editorial teams behind Western Living, Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, BC Living, and TV Week. Known for elevating Western Canada’s design scene to national recognition, Anicka has been at the helm of Western Living since 2010, guiding its legacy of celebrating architecture, interiors, and culture.Connect with Anicka & Western LivingInstagram: @aniquaWestern Living Magazine: westernliving.ca/subscribeSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsROBINSON Lighting & BathBringing Homes to Life.ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. With 34 showroom and warehouse locations nationwide, they offer Canada’s best selection of design-forward lighting and bath products. Whether it’s a whole-home plan or the perfect statement piece, their design-savvy team helps bring every detail to life.Website: robinsonco.caInstagram: @RobinsonLtgBathFacebook: Robinson Lighting & BathInterior Design Show (IDS)As Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, IDS brings together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent, and key experts in the industry to inspire with the best of the future.Website: interiordesignshow.comInstagram: @interiordesignshowLinkedIn: Interior Design ShowBureauBureau is a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings. We believe that modern workspaces are decidedly unmodern, fixed on out-of-touch, catalogue cliché notions of what it means to make deep and meaningful work. Utilizing data and technology, we design spaces that flex and modulate to the ever-changing, often abstract needs and behaviours of people, furnishing businesses with the tools they need to shape workspaces that work.Website: withbureau.com/caInstagram: @bureau.globalLinkedIn: ⁠@bureau.global⁠Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD PodcastInstagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

For our season finale of AVD Inspire, I’m joined by someone who’s not only curating Canada’s biggest design stage but also shaping where the industry is heading: Will Sorrell, National Director of the Interior Design Show (IDS).Will’s journey is a story of global vision meeting Canadian design. Raised in London by designer parents, he spent 20 years curating and producing exhibitions across 16 countries before making the leap to Canada. Today, he leads IDS Toronto and IDS Vancouver — reimagining what design shows can be and ensuring Canadian talent shines on an international stage.In this conversation, we dive into Will’s London-to-Victoria shift (from high-speed city life to paddleboarding the Pacific), how IDS is evolving to meet the needs of the trade, and the bold moves reshaping the future of IDS. And because you know I love a little spoiler — we're excited to share some exciting news: AVD Inspire Season 2 will be recorded live at IDS Vancouver this fall!In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in London with design in his DNAThe “Gucci to Gore-Tex” lifestyle shift to VictoriaWhat IDS does for Canadian makers, designers, and industryThe boldest changes Will has brought to IDS Toronto & VancouverCurating speakers and installations that elevate and inspireWhy design shows must stay trade-first to succeedA sneak peek into what to expect at IDS VancouverWill’s grounding rituals as a Dad, Creative, and Event LeaderAbout Will SorrellWill Sorrell is the National Director of the Interior Design Show (IDS). Over the last 20 years, Will has curated and produced events and exhibitions across 16 different countries, supporting the global design industry and celebrating innovation. Formerly with London’s acclaimed Design Junction (winner of Best UK Tradeshow, 2018), he now leads IDS Toronto and IDS Vancouver, shaping the conversations and connections that define Canadian design today.Connect with IDS & Will SorrellInterior Design Show (IDS): https://interiordesignshow.com/Instagram (IDS): https://www.instagram.com/interiordesignshow/LinkedIn (IDS): https://www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show/Instagram (Will Sorrell): https://www.instagram.com/willsorrell/LinkedIn (Will Sorrell): LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-sorrell-22b2601b/Special Thanks to Our SponsorsROBINSON Lighting & BathBringing Homes to Life.ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. Operating from 34 showroom and warehouse locations, we offer a wide selection of the industry’s best brands to design-conscious homeowners, designers and trades in Canada.Website: https://www.robinsonco.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinsonltgbath/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinsonltgbath/Western Living MagazineA huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription: https://www.westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: https://www.instagram.com/westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the brilliant Laura Noriega — Founder and Creative Director of TRIBUTO, a design brand that celebrates Mexico’s cultural heritage through timeless, handmade objects.Laura’s story is all about leaving, returning, and rediscovering her creative roots. She studied and worked in Barcelona, Milan, and even Kyoto — chasing inspiration all over the world. But when she returned to Guadalajara, she found her true calling: reconnecting with her culture and championing the artisans who keep traditional craft alive.Together with her sister, Laura built TRIBUTO into a brand that’s as much about people and poetry as it is about products. But what really lights Laura up is community, collaboration, and proving that craft is not a thing of the past — it’s the future.In this episode, we talk about:– Laura’s journey from studying abroad to returning home to Guadalajara– How her friend’s simple drawing shifted the entire course of her life– Founding TRIBUTO with her sister and why family makes the best creative partners– Why Mexico’s artisans and workshops are having a global design moment– The challenges (and beauty) of weaving tradition into contemporary design– Measuring real impact and what it means to uplift communities through craft– Guadalajara’s rise as a design destination (and why you need to visit!)– Laura’s rituals that keep her grounded...literally! About Laura NoriegaLaura Noriega is a Mexican designer, thinker, and collaborator with a background in Product Design and Interior Architecture. She is the Founder and Creative Director of TRIBUTO, the brand she launched with her sister to design and produce handmade objects rooted in cultural heritage and traditional local production.Her work has been celebrated globally — from Architectural Digest México’s AD100 Creative Gurus to PHAIDON’s Designed for Life: The World’s Best Product Designers and Salone Satellite: 20 Years of Creativity. Beyond beautiful objects, Laura is passionate about teaching, leading workshops, and creating processes that spark dialogue between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.Connect with Laura & TRIBUTOWant more of Laura’s world of culture, craft, and creative collaboration? Follow her here:Website: tributo.mxInstagram: @tributomx | @laura_noriegaFacebook: TRIBUTOLinkedIn: TRIBUTO MéxicoSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor — Centura TileFrom coast to coast for you! For over 96 years, Centura Tile has brought Canadians the very best in wall and floor coverings—offering innovative, carefully curated products, bespoke solutions, and expert guidance from concept to creation. With 13 branches nationwide, our reliable, friendly service and deep technical expertise help turn every design vision into a one-of-a-kind interior.Website: centura.caInstagram: @centuratileMedia Sponsor: Western Living Magazine A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the inspiring and grounded TJ Edmondson — President & Owner of Windsor Workshop and Co-Founder of Local Made Market. His story is a masterclass in following your gut, taking the leap, and building a life with your hands, your heart, and a whole lot of sawdust.TJ’s journey began in the world of management consulting, racking up hotel loyalty points and living out of airport lounges. But when the pandemic hit, he swapped boardrooms for the woodshop, taking over one of North America’s most iconic furniture makers and carrying forward its legacy of handcrafted Windsor chairs.His work has been featured in Country Living Magazine, House & Home, Style at Home, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Muskoka Life, Parks Canada, and Kabin Magazine — but beyond the press, it’s his commitment to preserving fine woodworking in Canada, mentoring the next generation of makers, and collaborating with other artisans that makes this conversation so special.In this heart-to-heart filled with craft, community, and real talk, we get into:– The leap from a secure corporate career to owning a heritage woodworking business– How TJ found Windsor Workshop (yes, it involves a “business for sale” listing)– Keeping 300-year-old joinery techniques alive in a modern market– The realities of manufacturing high-quality furniture in Canada– Building community among makers and why collaboration beats competition– Launching Local Made Market and celebrating Canadian craftsmanship– Balancing tradition with innovation to reach new audiences– TJ’s personal grounding rituals (spoiler: sawdust and yoga)Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or someone craving the courage to rewrite your story, this episode will remind you that your “one day” can start the moment you decide to build it.Connect with TJ EdmondsonWant more of TJ’s world of craftsmanship, collaboration, and Canadian-made design? Follow him here:Website: windsorworkshop.com | localmademkt.comInstagram: @windsor_workshop | @localmademktYouTube: @TheCanadianChairmanFacebook: The Windsor Workshop Canada | Local Made MarketLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjedmondson/Sponsored by Lux Windows Lux Windows and Doors offers a complete line of Canadian crafted windows and doors designed to meet the highest standards of durability, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. We continually strive to manufacture the best windows and doors possible, and service our clients with unparalleled care and commitment to quality. Crafted specifically for your home and style, every window and door bears our hallmark attention to detail.Brand Website: luxwindows.comBrand LinkedIn: Lux Windows & GlassBrand IG: @luxwindowsBrand YouTube: Lux Windows ChannelMedia Sponsor: Western Living MagazineA huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD PodcastInstagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com

This week on AVD Inspire, Aly sits down with lighting designer and creative entrepreneur Kate MacNeill, founder of Concord Custom Lighting — the all-female Canadian studio known for crafting bespoke light fixtures for luxury residential and high-end hospitality interiors.In this episode, we dive into:How Kate built a women-led lighting design studio from scratchThe behind-the-scenes process of custom lighting manufacturingHow to turn a design vision into a functional, code-compliant productWhat it really takes to thrive as a female founder in the design industryHow to overcome imposter syndrome and trust your creative instinctsKate opens up about leaving behind a commerce degree and stepping into the world of industrial design, fabrication, and creative business ownership. Her lighting work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House & Home, The Globe and Mail, Dezeen, and The Local Project (Australia) — and we get into the raw, real moments that shaped her journey.Plus, we chat about our recent commercial design collab, why Canadian-made design matters, and the beauty of building a brand that empowers creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.“Sometimes you just need to take the leap… because the pain of living out of alignment becomes too heavy to carry.”Connect with Kate MacNeill & Concord Custom LightingWebsite: thisisconcord.comInstagram: @concordlightsPresented in Partnership With Napoleon FireplacesNapoleon Fireplaces, a Canadian owned and operated manufacturer, combines smart design with standout style, offering gas and electric fireplaces in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. Built for easy installation and long-term performance, their innovative portfolio gives designers flexible, customizable options for any space, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.Website: napoleon.comInstagram: @napoleonfireplaceFacebook: Napoleon ProductsMedia Sponsor: Western Living MagazineA huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribeFollow: @westernlivingFollow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:Instagram: @designs_avYouTube: Aly Velji Designs PodcastsWebsite: alyveljidesigns.com