Designer Interview Series:
SOPHIE BURKE

Photo credit: Becky Chalmers

Founder of her award winning eponymous studio Sophie Burke Design, the talented designer took time out of her busy schedule to discuss her craft with us. Understated, elegant and classic design combined with the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest shapes Sophie's approach—she believes each home should bear a unique personality that reveals the very essence of the people who reside in them. Let's dive in!

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

OBAKKI
Where does your love for interior design come from? What led you to design as a career?

SOPHIE BURKE
I have always been interested in design, even from a young age. My parents are both really interested in it and I think that had a big impact on me as design was something that was valued and talked about a lot in our home.

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

OBAKKI
How would you describe your design style and what influences have shaped it over the years?

SOPHIE BURKE
I try to marry modern and classic design while taking cues from the environment of the Pacific Northwest around us. I like the idea of having a timeless aesthetic, distilling the essence of a space, and focusing on tactile and natural materials that don’t feel rooted in a single moment in time. Maybe muted elegance is the term? There is never a one-size-fits-all formula, each home bears a unique personality that reveals the very essence or nature of the people who reside in them. Over the years my influences have changed, these days it’s Australian and Belgian design that is influencing me the most.

OBAKKI
Can you tell us a bit about your process? How do you go from initial inspiration to developing a cohesive design project?

SOPHIE BURKE
We look at lots of concept imagery with our clients to home in on the specific aesthetic for the project. We talk about what they like and what they don’t like about each image and we identify key words that define the essence of a project which act as a north star through the process.

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

OBAKKI
Are there any surprising design styles or specific colour trends that you see emerging today?

SOPHIE BURKE
We’re seeing people being a lot braver with using colour, particularly earth tones like browns and warm terracottas and pinks. Internally, we’re choosing creamier, warmer whites that infuse a space with warmth.

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

OBAKKI
It’s apparent how in tune you are with your clients’ needs and how this translates into the interiors you design for them. How do you approach the process of understanding and incorporating the unique personalities and needs of your clients into your projects?

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

SOPHIE BURKE
We invest time at the beginning of the design process to dig deeply into understanding the client’s goals for their project. We have a rigorous programming questionnaire that we ask clients to fill out to help us understand how they live and what their specific needs are. Spending the time at this initial stage provides a strong foundation which helps to guide decision-making throughout the whole design process.

OBAKKI
You’ve designed the interiors of some popular commercial spaces in Vancouver. What are some challenges specific to designing retail spaces, and how do you address them to create an engaging experience?

SOPHIE BURKE
Functionality and durability are always top of mind when designing for a commercial space. However at the same time, we want the space to feel interesting and memorable, potentially even inspiring. The challenge is to find a balance between these elements and get creative in how we apply materials. For instance, we’ll use a less durable material on a vertical surface, knowing that it’s less likely to get damaged than if it was on a floor or a countertop.

OBAKKI
Sustainability and environmentally conscious design have become increasingly important in the industry. How do you incorporate sustainability practices into your projects?

SOPHIE BURKE
There are plenty of beautiful old houses in Vancouver which can be renovated and brought up to date for contemporary living rather than being torn down in favour of a new build. There are more and more B Corps and other sustainable vendors making really elevated, high quality products who we try to source from. On a smaller scale, we do our best to source locally and avoid “fast furniture” which traditionally doesn’t last and ends up in the landfill . Sourcing vintage or antique furniture can also help to minimize our industry’s impact on the manufacturing cycle.

Photo credit: Ema Peter / Design: Sophie Burke Design

OBAKKI
What are your favourite Obakki collections or products? Are there specific concepts, designs or artisans that deeply resonate with you?

SOPHIE BURKE
We love all the glassware: the fluted Italian drinkware, La Soufflerie vases from Paris, and the blown-glass from Japan.

The sisal baskets handwoven in Kenya are a perennial go-to for us; they add texture and layers to a space while also providing clients with functionality for collecting blankets, toys etc.

The Belgian linens are also a classic that we turn to again and again.

OBAKKI
The landscape of design trends is ever-changing. How do you navigate this and ensure your work remains timeless?

SOPHIE BURKE
I think it comes back to this idea of nurturing a client’s way of living by thinking of their home as the backdrop of their lives.

OBAKKI
What’s next for you professionally and what are you looking forward to in life?

SOPHIE BURKE
We’ve designed a few pieces of furniture with local makers and would love to expand the collection. I get really inspired from traveling and I’m looking forward to doing more of that in the next year.