Vancouver is filled with internationally-renowned design studios responsible for the look and feel of some of our most beloved restaurants and public spaces. However, it’s interesting to note that these talented designers play integral roles in the design of mixed-use and multi-residential projects.
Whether you’re searching for a new home or simply curious about how these innovative studios have made their mark on the real estate industry, here are three interior design collectives to know. 
McKinley Studios
McKinley is one of Canada's most notable design studios known for its unique vertically-integrated structure. It operates as an ecosystem of six studios specializing in strategy, architecture, interiors, branding, art, and furniture. Mckinley prioritizes projects that utilize all of its six studios, resulting in immersive, holistic projects from their collaborative, interconnected process.
McKinley’s recent work includes contemporary private residences and commercial spaces that offer office workers a rare and desirable sense of atmosphere. However, those who fall into neither category but still wish to experience McKinley’s design-led functionality should consider a home at 2550 Garden Drive. With custom storage solutions and handmade ceramic bathroom tiles, this collection of sixty-nine East Vancouver homes has a multitude of thoughtfully designed details that help its residents live better. 
The Mill
Local North Vancouver studio The Mill is revered for its clean, simple designs that pull inspiration from surrounding nature. Founder Janine Wilson believes that “interiors should be an expression of the owner’s personality and should be filled with things that make them happy.”
The Mill’s work is ubiquitous in the residential development space, offering prospective buyers fresh, calming colour palettes to choose from when purchasing a pre-sale home. Current projects include Rove in North Vancouver, a low-rise development with an aesthetic that meshes seamlessly with its North Shore backdrop, and King and Columbia on Vancouver’s Upper West Side, a collection of timeless brownstones with elegant interiors that transition seamlessly to the outdoors.
Ste Marie
Ste Marie’s name is synonymous with the hospitality industry, having made its mark on beloved Vancouver restaurants like Savio Volpe, Pepino’s, Botanist, and Kissa Tanto. However, over the past few years, this award-winning design studio and consultancy has branched out to include mixed-use and multi-residential projects in its impressive portfolio of work.
Ste Marie’s distinct yet versatile aesthetic can be found across multiple rennie projects. With ornate wall panelling and marble throughout each of the 35 luxury residences, Raphael brings a Parisian-inspired aesthetic to the Point Grey neighbourhood. Meanwhile, The Oaks in West Coquitlam offers residents a bright and refined living space that feels modern yet approachable. Those searching for a more vibrant, urban setting will appreciate Century City’s spacious layouts and rich palettes that mirror the lush landscapes of the neighbouring Holland Park in downtown Surrey.
Thoughtful design can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives. These studios are just three of the extensive list of talented designers who make rennie’s projects as beautiful as they are functional. Click here to explore our design-led projects and contact a rennie advisor to begin your search for a new home.
