Our Commitment.

Our design journey begins with our commitment to our clients, our people, our earth, our creative process, and our community. In a world where we are asked to look in many directions at once, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. As a small business we have established ways in which we can be impactful within our industry and profession. These commitments are a part of our language and identity and are the guiding principles we will continue to revisit throughout the life of the business to ensure we are always aligned to our shared vision and goals.

Our Clients.

Successful relationships rely on a mutual level of trust and respect. We are committed to building strong relationships with our clients and industry partners. As you look to evolve and embark on a journey of change, our mission is to create a supportive and long-lasting experience for all. We lead with curiosity and come to the table prepared to explore and define an experience that will resonate with you.

We are strong believers of collaboration and rely on the expertise of each discipline to ensure the success of your project.
We trust that our clients know their business best, and as your partner we come to the table as design experts prepared to listen, explore, ask the necessary questions to best develop the solution most suitable to you.

Our People.

We are shaped by our people- progressive and passionate, engaged and respectful, open minded and joyful. We foster an environment of growth, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. We ensure our designers maintain a healthy work-life balance through access to wellness programs and benefits, flexible work weeks, and a yearly team retreat.

The overarching theme of doing better continuously remains at the forefront of our business planning. We want our people to feel happy, appreciated, challenged, and valued.
As a small business, we have committed to on-going mentorship, a generous vacation and benefits package, a yearly employee retreat, and financial support for educational growth and advancement.

Our Creative Process.

We are what we repeatedly do, and our design integrity remains at the forefront of each project. Whether it’s where you live, work, or shop, we are committed to quality at every step of the creative process, listening to what clients need, and pushing the boundaries to create long lasting design experiences.

As Interior Designers, we believe good design has the ability to influence how people feel, work, and engage in their daily environments.
Design needs to tell a story and connect the end user to an experience and a feeling.
We believe it’s about digging deep, asking the right questions, and listening in an open and thoughtful way.

Our Earth.

Mother Earth gives us life and we honour all it has allowed us to achieve. With a respect for the environment and an understanding of the role the construction industry has on the earth and our health, we strive to have our design solutions align with sustainable best practices. We look to engage with like minded companies to design with the earth and user wellness in mind.

As it relates to our commitment to mother earth and improving the impacts of construction on the environment, we are a LEED and WELL certified interior design firm.

‘Leadership in Energy and Environment Design or LEED is an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership. LEED’s proven and holistic approach helps virtually all building types lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs by prioritizing sustainable practices.’

‘The internal WELL Building Standard requires projects to design to a variety of preconditions and optimizations that improve the health and wellness of the building and building occupants in the following areas – air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sounds, materials, mind, community, and innovation. WELL believes that everyone deserves to live their best, healthiest life and marks your commitment to people-first places.’

From a project perspective, whether clients choose to go through the rigorous certification process or not, we are always referencing best practices from each of these programs and implementing the values and standards as much as possible.

Equity.

We recognize that we do not all start from the same place and i.d.ah. seeks to aid in removing barriers. As a boutique design firm, we have committed to volunteering our time and services to one selected project bi-annually, aimed at improving a community in need whilst also considering a review of professional fees for non-profit organizations requiring interior design services.

As it relates to equity and providing equal access to design services for all, our progress to date includes non-profit projects where we have supported our clients by providing a reduced fee structure.

Diversity & Inclusion.

Historically, the interior design industry has been underrepresented and we believe through early exposure to the profession and access to education and mentorship, we can begin to influence change. We will be working with members of our professional association (IDNS) to host yearly mentorship programs aimed at educating secondary school students about a career in the interior design profession. Through our mentorship program initiatives and beyond, we look to create a profession with greater diversity, inclusive of all peoples and accessible by all.

As it relates to diversity & inclusion, our progress to date includes working with our professional association to develop the first ever Nova Scotia based interior design scholarship program prioritizing members of an underrepresented group, such as Indigenous peoples, Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotians and other racially visible people, persons with a disability and 2SLGBTIQ+.

“Go out into the world and do good until there is too much good in the world.”

— Larry H. Miller