About Katerina
Veteran designer Katerina Vastardis has obtained a vast background of experience in the home design industry as she proceeds to the next chapter in her professional career, Designs by Katerina and Silvie.
Katerina’s career started as a design assistant. Over the years, she has attained not only hands-on experience, but also formal training and education at BCIT for interior design, graphic design, sales and marketing. Working in specialized departments throughout her professional career has allowed Katerina to gain extensive knowledge in the world of plumbing, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Her years of diverse experience range from working for large corporations such as Kitchen Craft, to small local businesses like Cornerstone Kitchens & Design. Katerina’s experience has provided her with all the skills needed for her new business endeavour alongside her business partner Silvie Pantsios.
2016 has brought on new and exciting challenges and blessings with the arrival of her baby girl, Iliana. When Katerina is not designing, you can find her in the kitchen cooking Greek family recipes, and entertaining her family and friends in her warm and inviting home which she’s created with pride over the years.
About Silvie
Silvie’s career in the home design industry started 4 years ago, when her now business partner and friend Katerina Vastardis, approached her to join in on this ever changing and creative journey of design.
Her experience growing up in the restaurant industry, gave Silvie a design edge which made for a natural transition into Kitchen Design. Her skills began to take place as she started working alongside Katerina as a design assistant. Through years of hands on work experience, formal training, sales seminars, and her prior managerial skills, Silvie set the course for her progression to a junior designer, and now co owner of Designs by Katerina and Silvie.
When asked what her favorite project has been thus far, she couldn’t help but smile when talking about the designs her and Katerina created when they partnered up with Project Mint. With its cohesive design of west coast contemporary, clean lines and seamless blend of warm and cool tones, they were able to create a timeless and inviting space that will be sure to remain a favourite for years to come.
If you are looking for Silvie after work, you can be sure to find her in the gym. Leading a healthy lifestyle through food and fitness is what keeps her body and mind strong to take on all the new and exciting challenges that 2016 has brought her way, and that 2017 is sure to bring.
About Athena
Athena’s journey into the world of Interior Design began 5 years ago, with her first project on her family’s property. Upon completion of the home, she decided to dive deep into the world of design, going back to school at BCIT where she achieved her credential in Interior Design.
Growing up, Athena was consistently surrounded by design. Her father was in real estate, building and renovating family homes in both Vancouver and Greece. Whether it was asking for her opinions on which tile to use, or the layouts of the cabinets, Athena took great pleasure in the design and space planning process. Attending open houses with her family was also a great joy, as it broadened and developed her design aesthetic from a young age. Athena’s favourite style is a mix of rustic-modern, incorporating natural elements and textures in her work.
During her recent time at BCIT, she took on the great opportunity of designing her own home. Athena gained many problem-solving skills during this time which led her to be quick on her feet, coming to timely design solutions and project managing.
Athena is excited and honored to be working with such hardworking women like Katerina and Silvie. She is looking forward to using social media for Designs by KS as an ever-expanding source for knowledge. Athena loves to document project progress, sharing ideas and providing interesting information regarding all things Interior Design. She believes social media is a great way to expand your audience and continually wishes to do that with the Designs by KS team.
When she is not on site or at her computer, you can find Athena at the gym, going on runs, or having quality time with her friends and family; she also loves to take the dog to Southlands Farm and breathe in some fresh country air to clear her mind – and of course – stay inspired!
Customers Say
Designs by Katerina & Silvie has been our go to design duo for both of my major renovations that we have made over the past 5 years. They have remodeled our Kitchens, 2 Bathrooms, a large Family Room with built in custom cabinets around the fireplace.
From start to finish, Katerina & Silvie were such a pleasure to work with. They completely understood what I was looking for, and did everything possible at every step of the way to exceed expectations. This dynamic duo are amazing.
Renata Milanovic
It’s been a pleasure working with Katerina and Silvie on numerous projects. Their design work is fantastic, and they are incredibly organised and professional. They listen to and understand what we are trying to achieve and turn that into beautiful interiors that meet our aspirations and win awards!
Nick Bray Architecture
I was particularly impressed with their ability to see thought the different options and in particular their combined ability to measure up my space and produce a floor plan in next to no time right there on the spot ! They had obviously done this before, We embarked on a combined approach with me undertaking to get the demolition and construction completed in time for the kitchen cabinet delivery. During the design phase they recognized my style and “must have items” – such as straight lines and invisible vent fan. They were both most ingenious in helping me with selecting materials and finished. In particular Silvie for the lighting and colours and Katerina for plumbing flooring and furniture. They stopped me being foolish and making silly mistakes and choices !
Overall I am delighted with the end resultRoger Grace
Designs by Katerina and Sylvie did a lovely job with our kitchen renovation! They listened to us, engaged us, supported us and made the process really painless. They were there throughout the project to address any concerns and move things along. I loved how they let us make design decisions, all the while guiding us as to what would look best. Our kitchen looks amazing and is so functional! Thanks Katerina, Sylvie and Nikki!
Saoiri Yamamoto