5 minute read
Cover Story
More than just a pretty space
Amber Bauman, Grey Pearl Interior Design specializes in creating smart, attractive and functional spaces.
Advertisement
BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH HAMM
When it comes to creating the look, feel and flow of a room, interior designers dive deeper. Interior design itself is both an art and a science – it is a systematic process that uses the understanding of human behaviour to create functional spaces.
“A building’s interior should always be planned by a qualified interior designer. We understand building materials, code compliance and construction,” explains Amber Bauman, Grey Pearl Interior Design. “Through programming, space planning and design development, we explore a client’s goals, specify their needs and present solutions that ensure the desires of the client and the requirements for the project are met.”
Bauman studied interior design at the Art Institute of Vancouver. After graduating with honours in 2008, she practiced in Winnipeg for 10 years before starting her own business. “After I started my family, it felt like the right time to finally take the leap into sole proprietorship,” Bauman says. “As soon as I made that decision, things just fell into place. When I first started Grey Pearl Interior
AMBER BAUMAN
Design, I had the unexpected opportunity to work with amazing clients which opened doors to other projects I’m really passionate about.”
Bauman is also certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The NCIDQ is a certification that demonstrates a practicing interior designer has the experience, skill and ability to satisfy a client’s needs and resources.
“The NCIDQ certification sets one interior designer apart from another,” Bauman explains. “It’s a very challenging
- Amber Bauman
exam that focuses on health and safety, building code, accessibility, design fundamentals and professional practice.”
Bauman’s portfolio is well rounded. From residential homes to clinics and offices, she has built a solid reputation from a diverse group of satisfied clients. To date, Grey Pearl Interior Design has planned and designed spaces for doctors, hair stylists, lawyers and optometrists. “I really enjoy the technical challenge of office spaces and clinics,” Bauman says. “While I will make an effort to fit in smaller residential projects here and there, my preference is to focus on custom homes or full renovations.”
Working with an interior designer requires collaboration and communication between the designer and client. Bauman acknowledges that choosing an interior designer is a very personal choice. She encourages prospective clients to do their homework and know who they’re hiring. “Interior design is backed by study and is a profession where ethics and integrity are an everyday practice,” Bauman says. “It’s important to check someone’s credentials and make sure they have the knowledge and skillset for the job.”
With construction season well underway and more people finding the time to renovate, Grey Pearl Interior Design is hard at work overseeing multiple projects. “I have a lot on the go but I am looking to book new projects later in the year,” Bauman says. “If you have a project coming up that calls for the expertise of an interior designer, I’m happy to connect and discuss the possibilities for any space.”
GREY PEARL Interior Design www.greypearldesign.ca 204-509-4020
Huston, we have a sale.
Courtney Huston, Royal LePage Prime navigates a tough housing market with charisma, commitment and expertise.
BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY KALINA DENAULT
For the eager house hunter, the current real estate market is (to put it bluntly) a real bummer. Between the lack of homes for sale and competitive offers driving up sale prices, it’s really easy for a prospective buyer to get discouraged. “The market is tough right now but I think it’s really important for agents to keep their buyers in a positive headspace,” says Courtney Huston, Realtor. “Communication, answering calls and staying connected is always my top priority. I try to be a source of support for clients – there will always be another house!”
Huston started working in Real Estate in 2011. In 2016, she became fully licensed and began her business venture with Royal LePage Alliance. She has received the Presidents Gold and Master of Sales awards two years running through the Royal LePage National Awards and Recognition Program.
“I absolutely love my job and working with people in all stages of their lives,” Huston says. “Helping clients find their forever home is the best feeling. I work really hard to educate and inform my clients – whether they are buying or selling – so that in the end, they are confident with their decision.” Huston approaches her business with enthusiasm, positivity and personality. With over a decade of experience in Real Estate, she has collected a body of knowledge about the business and has countless tips and tricks for everything from buying, selling, moving and marketing. “I always start with going over the numbers and data with clients to help us establish some very clear expectations,” Huston says. “I love creative marketing and finding new ways to connect with people. My goal is to help you find the right home or get the best sale price – but I start with the data because I’m not going to sugarcoat things or tell you what you want to hear.”
As a member of the Royal LePage Alliance, Huston was already well connected to a vast network of fellow Realtors. On July 1, 2021, that network evolved and expanded as Huston and her associates merged with and became Royal LePage Prime. “It’s very exciting. We’re going to become one super office and work out of four locations across Winnipeg,” Huston explains. “As Royal LePage Prime, we will have the biggest market share in the city. We’ll have a larger collection of realtors, buyers and sellers, which means there will be even more opportunities to sell your property off-market.” To say that Huston is committed to her business, clients and the grind would be an understatement.
“I became a first-time mom on June 16 and it’s only added to my motivation as a business owner,” Huston says. “I haven’t stepped back because…that’s just showbiz, baby. I want to give my daughter the world and the best way to do that is by continuing to work, showing up for my clients and upgrading the real estate experience.”
Courtney Huston, Royal LePage Prime 300-3025 Portage Ave 204-396-7877 hustonimhome@gmail.com hustonimhome.ca
