HI THERE, I’MSIMONE SMITH
HAPPY TO MEET YOUI’M A DESIGNER BY HEART, with a background in construction management
In an industry that is so heavily male, I’m often told it’s nice to meet a female CM. I have always been a creative but knew I loved construction. As young as 7 years old I would walk job sites with my dad who’s a plumbing contractor. I would walk the space in its stripped, stick framed state, consisting of wood, stone, concrete, lath, plaster, amazed by the engineering capabilities of those that lived not too long before us, and I’d say to myself “wow, these people were absolutely brilliant.” As I’m older now, I realize how ignorant those thoughts were, because look around us, of course they were brilliant!
I’m crazy and wickedly passionate about the properties I design and renovate. I have been known to go the extra mile to preserve character details that I refuse to let go of. I love old things because they bring history, a story and an appreciation for the artisans that came before us. I often kick myself for being that adamant on keeping character details because I’m often times the one who ends up restoring/reproducing them myself. Want an example? Click here to see how I DIYed (with the very limited help of my Contractor husband - just had to make that known!) and restored and reproduced a classic Hamilton gumwood floor with an intricate walnut inlay because I just had to!
Clearly, I have a knick for loving old homes and it’s the reason I moved from Toronto to Hamilton. Other than being priced out like a lot of us are, it had everything to do with the architecture and culture. After being through 2 full home renos you would think I’d be over them, but I’m not. So that’s why I’m for hire. :)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:I have a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management at George Brown College, and an Advanced Diploma in Construction Engineering. I am trained in Revit and AutoCad.
Meet the Team
Philip mcdonald
gC and owner of park studio build inc.
Philip is my hubby and the owner of Park Studio Build Inc. He’s a carpenter and renovator and makes my vision a reality.
Before starting a renovation company, Phil was a chef for 14 years, working as a Chef De Cuisine at the Ritz Carlton’s Toca. Yes, I get great food prepared on the regular by this man and his two little girls do too! If you want a chef’s kitchen, he has some major insight on that!
We have 2 separate companies, because well, that’s probably just a smarter idea. However, we come as a packaged deal.
JULLIYA CHA
Operations manager
Running a design business is a lot of work. Julliya makes my life so much easier by being my right-hand woman. She makes handling the admin side of the business a breeze. She’s worked for the Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts’ Interior Design and Architecture department, supporting executives for the last 2 years, and before that was supporting the Marketing department’s executives, and before even that, Scotiabank execs! She’s an experienced gal, and also my best friend for 10 years!
(please don’t mind her candid pic, we’re working on getting professional headshots)!
Shonna smith
product procurement manager
My beloved sister is our product procurement manager. She’s a smart cookie and works for one of the major 5 banks as a senior data analyst. On the side she helps me out by dealing directly with suppliers and trade partners, simplifying my job and allowing me to focus on what I’m really good at - designing.
