We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Bremner . Check out our conversation below.
Jessica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Honestly—so much. Interior design is one of those professions where people often see the beautiful final photos but not the depth of expertise it takes to get there. A big part of our work is educating people on the value we bring, because we’re not “just making things pretty.”
What we actually do is get to know our clients on a level that lets us anticipate what they think they need and translate that into what they actually need. We’re interpreting lifestyle, habits, family dynamics, long-term goals, and how a space should feel and function day-to-day. That alone is its own skillset.
But beyond the creative layer, there is a huge technical and logistical side that most people never see. We produce detailed drawings. We coordinate with engineers, envelope specialists, and city requirements. We work closely with contractors on budgets and timelines. We collaborate with sub-trades to execute complex details with precision. We value-engineer when needed, making sure clients get the design they love in the smartest way possible.
Design is also about time. Doing things properly—thoughtfully—requires research, coordination, problem solving, revisions, communication, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes decision-making. That part often gets overlooked.
So yes, there is a lot that people misunderstand. I think that’s why we’re so passionate about showing that great design is a blend of creativity, technical expertise, strategy, and genuine care for the people who will live in the space. When all of that comes together, the end result feels effortless—but it’s anything but.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jess, the founder and principal designer of Jessica Bremner Design, a North Vancouver–based interior design studio made up of a talented team of seven women. We specialize in thoughtful, technically driven design — everything from full-home renovations and new builds to interiors, furniture, millwork, and permit drawings. What really makes our studio unique is the blend of creativity and construction knowledge we bring to every project. We don’t just make spaces look beautiful; we guide clients through every layer of the process, from the technical details to the emotional decisions that come with building or renovating a home.
We also work with an incredibly eclectic range of clients, budgets, and design styles. That variety keeps us on our toes and fuels our creativity. No two projects are ever the same, which pushes us to stay curious, engaged, and open-minded about what great design can look like for different people. We love that challenge — it keeps the work fresh and truly exciting.
Right now, we’re working on some incredibly fulfilling projects. One of the ones I’m most excited about is a beautiful project in Westvan, where we’re working with a client who has given us an extraordinary amount of trust and creative freedom. That kind of relationship doesn’t happen every day, and being able to anticipate their needs and make confident design decisions on their behalf is something we deeply appreciate.
We also have a few returning clients who are moving into new homes, and those projects feel especially meaningful. I’ve worked with some of these families through multiple chapters — new babies, new pets, evolving lifestyles — and being invited back to help them settle into the next phase of their lives feels incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the best parts of what we do.
And then there’s a really special project on Bowen Island: a small resort tucked deep in the woods. I’m working with a builder I’ve known for years, and together we’re creating cabins that feel immersive, connected to the natural environment, and grounded in clean lines and thoughtful details. We’ve spent time walking the site, studying the land, and designing spaces that thousands of future guests will eventually experience. Projects like this remind us how powerful design can be when it’s deeply rooted in a sense of place.
Across all of our work — big or small, residential or commercial — the throughline is the same: we care deeply about creating spaces that feel personal, functional, and genuinely lived-in. Our mission is simple: to help people feel proud of their homes and connected to the spaces they spend their lives in. And getting to do that with a team of brilliant, passionate women every day? That’s the best part.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
For me, this isn’t a single-person answer — it’s layered. I feel like every stage of my life has taught me something different about work, and all of those pieces have shaped the way I show up today.
My upbringing gave me a certain level of grit, perseverance, stubbornness, and independence — qualities that have served me incredibly well as an entrepreneur. Those traits became the foundation I built everything on.
Early in my career, I worked with a general contractor who gave me an unusual amount of independence for someone fresh out of school. I learned a lot of things the hard way, but those lessons became deeply ingrained. Being on site, talking directly to trades, and working through complex details in real time was where my technical curiosity really took off. If I had an idea, they let me figure out how to make it work — and when I didn’t know something, the trades would take the time to teach me. That hands-on experience shaped a huge part of who I am as a designer.
But the learning didn’t stop there. Every time I bring someone new onto my team, they teach me something — whether it’s a different way of approaching a problem, communicating, or creating. This business is incredibly collaborative, and the people around me influence my growth every day.
And then there are my clients. Every project, every personality, every family teaches me something new. They challenge me, trust me, and often give me a deeper understanding of how people live and what they need from their spaces. It’s impossible not to learn from that.
So who taught me the most about work? It’s a mix of my own experiences, the people who pushed me early in my career, the builders and trades who shared their craft, the team I get to lead, and the clients who invite me into their lives. All of them have shaped me — and I’m still learning, constantly.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I realized not every client is my client the moment I understood that if someone doesn’t see your value, they’re simply not your people. As a business owner, you pour so much of yourself into your work — and I’m proud of what we do. I’m not perfect, none of us are, but my team and I consistently show up, problem-solve, work hard, and deliver thoughtful, high-quality work. We’ve made a real impact on a lot of people’s homes and lives.
Most of our clients see that and appreciate it. But every once in a while, you come across someone you just can’t make happy, no matter how hard you try. And that can be disheartening, because the negative voices always seem louder than the positive ones.
That’s when I had to shift my mindset. Instead of taking it personally, I started reminding myself of what my team brings to the table — our experience, our creativity, our integrity, and the genuine care we put into every project. Not every client will be the right fit, and that’s okay. Protecting our peace, our energy, and our team matters just as much as doing great work.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that the thing that matters most to me is the people I love. I’m their biggest cheerleader — I want my friends and family to succeed, to feel supported, and to know I’m always in their corner.
They’d also say I’m honest to a fault. I’m the friend who will tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear, because I’d rather help you grow than tell you what you want to hear. That’s my version of love.
And I think they’d describe me as independent and grounded — someone who stands firmly in who she is, shows up fully, and doesn’t pretend to be anything she’s not.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I actually picked this question because I think it’s kind of funny. The truth is, I’m a business owner in the first five years of building a company. I work in a very dependent, fast-moving industry. And I have a spirited three-year-old daughter. So “peace,” in the traditional sense, is not really part of my daily vocabulary.
But I’ve learned to find peace in the little moments — the ones that happen quietly and unexpectedly in the middle of everything else. The funny things my daughter says. The new skills she learns. Holding her hand while we walk to school. Watching her experience something for the first time. Or even when she’s sitting on the floor next to my desk, drawing while I work… those tiny pockets of stillness feel like peace to me.
My life is full, loud, and always moving — but those moments anchor me. That’s where I feel most at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicabremnerdesign.com
- Instagram: @jessicabremnerdesign
- Facebook: @jessicabremnerdesign
Image Credits
Sewari Campillo photography
Tina Kulic – Ema Peter Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
