By Donna Heiderstadt

Sometimes big brothers can be irritating, but at other times they can be inspiring. Just ask Carol Fung, who credits her older brother with piquing her interest in interior design at a young age. “Growing up, I admired his 3D models and hand renders, which sparked my curiosity for interior design,” says the 25-year-old who attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology, achieving a diploma in Interior Design with distinction, and is now an Intermediate Interior Designer at Squamish, BC-based Ashley de Boer Interiors. “That early exposure is what ultimately led me to choose this career!”

While her early endeavors included painting her childhood bedroom a light Tiffany blue — “when it was still trendy,” she says — and complementing it with all-white furniture and draperies, Carol notes that her design style has definitely evolved over the years. “I’m now drawn to cool, minimal spaces with a touch of vintage European flair,” she notes. Her most memorable design moment? Winning Best Contemporary Medium Kitchen in her local NKBA British Columbia Design Excellence Awards for a project on which she was lead designer.

Carol, who says the word that best describes her is “conscientious,” is now responsible for leading projects, managing clients and contractors, and playing a key role in Ashley de Boer Interiors’ growth and success. She does admit, however, that her favorite part of her job is designing spaces uniquely tailored to each client by seamlessly blending beauty and functionality to reflect their daily lives. “The most rewarding part is seeing the finished product and receiving positive feedback from clients,” she says. 

Outside of work, Carol’s interests include baking, playing volleyball in a co-ed league, taking up pickleball, and hanging out with her fiancé, Calven, and friends on weekends. She says she’s lucky to have a partner who supports her in everything she does. Traveling is also a major life goal for both of them. “My favorite place I’ve recently visited was Japan, since that was where I got engaged,” she says. “I love everything — the culture, the food, and sipping on the best matcha lattes while shopping for knick-knacks and one-of-a-kind handmade Japanese ceramics.” More far-flung destinations are on the agenda — “specifically, the Maldives.”