commercial design
Make your brick-and-mortar space do more than just “get the job done.”
You’re renovating your office or retail space and already feel overwhelmed by the fledgling to-do list, on top of all your day-to-day tasks. Not to mention ordering furniture … to Canada’s North.
Plus, you have some questions. Like…
“Umm, what’s this going to cost? I have no idea what to budget for!”
“Can’t I just hire a contractor or architect to handle the interior design?”
“What makes ‘good’ design anyway? There are so many moving pieces.”
“Where do I even start, exactly? I have zero interior design experience (unless you count tacking posters to the wall).”
Here’s the thing: whether you’re starting or expanding your business, design matters.
The paradigm of how we do business is changing...
Your employees want more than just a room to while away nine hours of their day, every day. They want to work in a space that feels good.
Your clients and customers want more than a transaction. They want an in-person experience that tugs at their heartstrings.
How do you deliver on (and exceed) these expectations?
Simple: you design a space that puts people first. A well-crafted space directly impacts happiness, productivity, and profit.
Not sure how to design a human-centered space?
That’s why I’m here. I’ve collaborated with dozens of businesses (office spaces, retail storefronts, restaurants, healthcare professionals, and more) and high-profile architects and developers to create stunning, on-brand spaces that support the way people live and work.
Request a proposal
Get tailored-for-you space planning and interior design that considers everything your business needs to thrive. Each project starts with a proposal, which can include:
Budget planning
Space planning
Floor plans
Finishing selections
Furniture selection
Product sourcing
Workspace recruiting
Brand design facilitation
Management of moving logistics
Furniture and art placement
Utility set-up
And more!
Ready to get started? Drop me a line and let’s talk design.
Wondering how it all works?
My 6-step design process includes end-to-end project management, so you can stay focused on your own work (without worrying about emails from the contractor asking things like, “which grout do you want with those tiles?”).
PHASE 01 // INITIAL MEETING
We chat through email and if it sounds like a great fit, we’ll meet in-person to discuss the nitty-gritty details: project scope, budget, timeline, and beyond. Then I prepare a contract based on our meeting.
PHASE 02 // SITE VISIT
Once your contract is signed, we’ll schedule an on-site visit where I take detailed measurements and notes on your space. If you’re in the market for a new location, I can also help with your search.
PHASE 03 // DESIGN SESSION
To kick things off, I meet with you and your team for a 2-hour design session. We’ll dig into what everyone does (and doesn’t) like about the current space, how it’s used, and develop a shared vision for the future.
PHASE 04 // SPACE PLANNING
Following our design session, I draft a floor plan that capitalizes on how people use the space. Once you approve the draft, I do a walkthrough with the contractor and trades and make adjustments to finalize the floor plan.
PHASE 05 // PROJECT PLANNING
Based on the finalized scope of work, I establish a project timeline, budget, and secure the contractor and trades for the job. Consider me your personal liaison from start to finish.
PHASE 06 // INTERIOR DESIGN
Details down, it’s time to dive into the much-anticipated design phase. I begin implementing every step in the project scope, from product selection and orders to furniture placement and final staging.
Each phase gets you one step closer to a space that fully embodies the true essence of your business and its people. Sometimes that looks like a ski room for an office of avid skiers, sometimes it looks like mood lighting over a swanky bar.
The story is yours to tell.
Hi, I’m Charlotte Henry.
I believe designing a beautiful space in Canada’s North doesn’t have to be so darn hard. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help people like you design awe-inspiring spaces, on time and within budget.
For me, the real magic happens when process and creativity combine.
With a highly-refined approach, I get to the heart of your business and design a space that supports your people and your long-term vision.
Since 2014, I’ve had the honour of transforming spaces for residential and commercial clients throughout Canada’s North, including government offices, law offices, retail spaces, housing cooperatives, healthcare, restaurants and bars, and have been featured by Wayfair and IKEA Canada.
Think we’d make a great team? I’d love to chat.
My past clients include…
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation - Mamaqtuq Restaurant
Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board
Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board
Government of the Northwest Territories
Century 21
Giant Mine Oversight Body
Det’on Cho Management LP
Namushka Lodge
MidWest Property Management
Willms & Shier Environmental Law LLP
Outcrop Communications
Copperhouse Eatery + Lounge
Stanley Boxing and Fitness
Gillian Whitehead Hairstylist
PH8 Studio
Clark Builders / Borealis Housing Co-op
Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board
Fireside Denture
Knotty Orchard Cidery and Tasting Room
Sundog Trading Post
DTE Electric Headquarters (staff housing)
Cetana Neurotherapy
Sport North
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation - Mackenzie Hotel
“In the process of moving a large team to a smaller office space, I struggled to visualize the possibilities. After a short conversation, Charlotte quickly understood our team’s vision and took the space from cramped and outdated (think: salmon pink walls) to one of the nicest office spaces in Yellowknife with brilliant design and modern touches. All while gracefully handling every moving detail and stretching our budget as far as possible.”
Have a question? Here are answers to the ones I hear most...
Q: What types of businesses do you work with?
A: Variety is the spice of life, yes? I take on all different types of commercial design projects: for government and arm’s length government agencies and boards, Indigenous groups, healthcare providers, office managers, restaurant owners, retail store managers, and more. My favourite clients value good design, have workable budgets, and trust me to take the lead.
Q: How much do your commercial design services cost?
A: Every design project is unique. As a starting point, my commercial design clients typically have a total renovation budget of $80,000–$100,000, with at least $3,000 to hire an interior designer. Once I know the details of your project, I’ll provide a detailed proposal and cost estimate.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
A: From start to turnkey finish, a commercial design project can take anywhere between two months and a year depending on construction schedules. This includes everything from planning to finishing touches. After our initial meeting, I’ll provide a timeline based on your project scope.
Q: What’s your interior design style?
A: Everyone wants to live and work in a beautiful space. For me, that means being surrounded by lots of natural elements: natural light, plants, wood, concrete, charcoal greys, and airy whites. My goal is to uncover what beauty means to you, and create a space that speaks to your style.
Q: Why should I invest in an interior designer? Can’t I just have my architect or contractor do everything?
A: An architect focuses on the location of the walls, inside and out, as well as the structural needs of the building. Their job is to create the footprint. Can you hire an architect for interior design? Usually, yes. But they don’t always customize the space for the people who use it, specifically. Meanwhile, a contractor’s priority is overseeing the construction and trades.
When you hire an interior designer, you get a space that ticks all the boxes; a space that functions well and looks damn good doing it. An interior designer brings in-depth knowledge of what makes a space flow with ease.
Q: I’m not based in Yellowknife. Can we still work together?
A: Yes—I work in-person with clients in Yellowknife and surrounding areas and and offer e-design services for clients throughout North America. My client roster includes folks from New York to Inuvik and everywhere in-between.
The e-design process is the same, swapping in-person meetings for video conference calls. All I need from you are the space measurements.
Q: Can you recommend a contractor and trades for my job?
A: Absolutely. As a longtime resident of Yellowknife, I’m lucky to work with some of the best contractors and trades in the area and am happy to help assemble the right team for your project.
Q: I need permits! Can you help with those too?
A: I leave the permitting process up to you and your contractor. Once you’ve obtained all the proper permits for your project, I step in and make it happen.
Q: Do you source furniture?
A: Yes! I carry several furniture and lighting lines specifically for my clients, which allows me to access great rates and have items shipped directly to your address.
Q: I have a different question.
A: Ask away! Click here to get in touch.