Our company has its roots in Western Interior Design Group Ltd, which grew directly from Eaton’s Contract Sales and Woodward’s Commercial Interiors and incorporated in 1991.
At Western Design+Build we are Registered Interior Designers who are also licensed and insured as General Contractors and Construction Management professionals.
Founders Pauline van Blokland and Al Buschau helmed a fast growing business whose projects included hospitality, medical, office, retail and tech; soon embracing the synergy of integrated design+build for efficiency and value engineering.
In 1998, Pauline became sole shareholder, with current CEO and sole owner Ann Squires Ferguson joining the company in 2013, partnering in 2015 and taking over as CEO in 2017. Under Ann’s leadership, Western’s team expanded from three in 2013 to 14 in 2023, amalgamating with Ann’s second studio, Design District and adding residential design, commercial procurement and retail sales to their consolidated offering.
Today, Western’s client list is extensive and continues to expand.
A Sampling of our Client List
- Hotels Hotel Grand Pacific, Chateau Victoria, The Pendray Inn
- Restaurants Vista 18, Fathom, The Ridge Roadhouse, Powell River’s Shinglemill Pub, Fiamo, 5th Street Woodfire Grill
- Government BC Provincial Government LakePoint Sharespace, BC Transit, WorkBC, the Representative for Children and Youth client care space
- Office Plexxis, Golder, Music Tribe, PGL Environmental.
- Wellness Total Body Health, Sapphire Day Spa, Tula Massage & Yoga, Shoreline Orthodontics
- Developers The Salient Group and Westhills
- Strata Bickerton Court, Regent’s Park
We would love to welcome you to our client community! Please feel free to request our client reference information.
Inclusivity Matters
We care about creating an inclusive construction industry by lifting up designers, project managers and clients who might not normally have a seat at the table. We’re making space for everyone to feel welcome.
Our team connects not only as co-workers, but as a work family who uplifts and encourages one another. Connecting with fellow designers strengthens our entire community as we uplift and support each other.
The relationships we have with our trade colleagues is also one of trust and respect. We value their contributions and advocate for them to clients. Some of the best ideas and solutions for you often come from the electrician, tile setter or plumber. And, we pay them back – they are invited to all of our pizza parties.
As a Builders Code Certified Company, we are committed to every worksite being a safe space.
Building Community
We’re proud of our pro bono work with local not-for-profits, including designing and building the offices of Habitat for Humanity and Lifetime Networks. We’re active as volunteers in the design community, mentoring new designers and making space for fellow colleagues to thrive.
We are members of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Urban Development Institute, Vancouver Island Construction Association and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. We believe in paying it forward.
Click here to connect with us and see how we can help you create a beautiful, functional space you’ll be proud of.