Wow, time truly flies when you're pursuing your passions! It feels like just yesterday that we set out on this amazing journey to launch First Impression Designs, fueled by a vision and a dream.

This week, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, the valuable lessons we’ve learned, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

While we reminisce about memorable highlights and share advice, we also have a special surprise to express our gratitude for the years of support we’ve received.

1. A Growth Journey

Starting a business from scratch is no small feat; it demands hard work, dedication, and a great deal of perseverance. Over these three decades, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and faced countless challenges. It takes determination to overcome obstacles, strength to manage the workload, and genuine passion to keep the fire burning. Each step of the journey has shaped who we are today.

Our journey has taught us that success comes from consistently looking ahead, building strong connections, and maintaining momentum. Through it all, we’ve embraced each lesson, understanding that they shape our path forward and guide us in our future endeavours.

Being a successful entrepreneur means mastering the art of multitasking, adapting to new technologies, and relying on your team. Over the past three decades, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside a remarkable group of talented professionals. It’s been a privilege to witness each individual grow and learn through their mistakes and successes. These shared experiences have not only strengthened us but also made us more capable as a team.

2. Lessons learned

Reflecting on these 30 years, three key lessons stand out:

Take One Day at a Time: It’s essential to step back and appreciate the journey. Don't just focus on the present; take a moment to be grateful for the progress made and the lessons learned along the way.
Learn from Mistakes: Embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Use them as stepping stones to improve and discover smarter ways to approach challenges. Flexibility and creativity are vital for adapting and diversifying as needed.
Be Creative and Flexible: Always seek new ways to innovate and pivot. Engage with your team creatively and remain open to evolving ideas. This mindset fosters growth and keeps the momentum going.

3. Three Milestones moments

Our journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the incredible clients and projects that have shaped First Impression Designs. We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with top-tier builders, award-winning developers and private clients who have become like family to us. Each project has been unique, reflecting the distinct vision of every client we’ve worked with.

Noteworthy Highlights:

Foxridge/ Qualico Show Homes: From Pitt Meadows to Surrey and Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, we have had the privilege to collaborate on many developments over the last 2 decades including the 4 we completed this summer.
Multi-Unit Projects: We’ve partnered with Falcon Homes in Maple Ridge, Aquilini in Tsawwassen and Chilliwack as well as Woodbridge Homes in Surrey.
Commercial Projects: We’ve had the opportunity to work on the Fraser Valley real estate office, the Port Coquitlam City Hall lobby, Willoughby Christian Reformed Church, and Cambie Dental. Another standout in our portfolio is the design for the popular Saba Café in Fort Langley.
Custom Builders: Collaborations with KFA projects include Oaktree, Malvern, Triumph, and Kalyk as well as Sunnycrest Builders in Squamish were memorable.
Beloved Private Clients: We’ve had the pleasure of designing distinctive spaces for the Ashworths, Duques, Jaffer’s, Lalani’s, Rawlins, Shahs, and Stockalls, with each project bringing its own unique charm to our portfolio.

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Our studio spaces have been more than just physical locations; they’ve been the heart of our creativity. Purchasing our first studio in Coquitlam in 2007 and moving to a new space in 2016 were significant milestones in our journey. Renovating and customizing these spaces to reflect our identity has been a labour of love and an integral part of our growth. Each studio has played a vital role in fostering our creative process and bringing our vision to life.

None of our achievements would be possible without the incredible team behind us. Their dedication, sense of humour, talent, and professionalism have been the backbone of our success. They’re not just employees; they’re family, and we trust in their abilities wholeheartedly. Their willingness to learn and adapt has been essential as we’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of design. We are truly grateful for each member’s contribution to our journey.

4. Advice for future success

As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, here are three pieces of advice I’d like to share:

Curate Meaningful Relationships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and suppliers is crucial. Appreciate and respect your clients, understand their needs, and always strive to meet their expectations. Likewise, celebrate your suppliers and collaborators—their support is invaluable to your success.
Stay True to Your Design Philosophy: It’s essential to remain authentic to your design ideology. While flexibility is important, being steadfast in your principles ensures that you stay true to yourself and your business values.
Let Your Team Shine: Encourage your team to grow, expand, and showcase their talents. Show gratitude, respect and professionalism. Allowing each team member to shine is vital for collective success and fosters a positive work environment.

5. Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this significant milestone, our excitement for the future is undeniable. We’re ready to take on new challenges, push the boundaries of innovation, and continue delivering outstanding design experiences. Here’s to 30 years of design excellence, and to many more filled with creativity, collaboration, and success!

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of our journey—clients, partners, and our amazing team. Your support has made this milestone possible, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable impressions together in the years to come.

As a thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, we’re excited to host a massive 3-week giveaway (ending October 13, 2024)! Head over to our Instagram daily for your chance to win prizes from incredible brands like Moen, Mercana, Kartners, Epic Art, Pine Lighting, Style in Form, Pearl Canada and a few surprise gift boxes from us! Don’t miss out!