Thirty Under 30: Kiaya Foskett

By NKBA Staff

Less than two years after Kiaya Foskett began working full-time at Squamish, BC-based Ashley de Boer Interiors in an office support position, she seamlessly transitioned into a more design-focused role, earning the title Interior Designer & Office Manager. Specifically, she is responsible for co-leading full-scale projects alongside the company’s founder and Principal Designer, Ashley de Boer. A typical day now involves numerous collaborative Zoom calls with Ashley as the duo works through design details for their ongoing projects.  

Kiaya, 24, says her love for interiors emerged as a teen. “Like many designers, I’ve always loved to improve my own surroundings,” she says. “It started when I was 13, painting my bedroom walls and using my babysitting money to buy décor at IKEA. My room was my first design playground! That love for enhancing my own space grew into a passion for transforming the spaces of others.”She began the process by earning a diploma in Interior Design, with distinction, from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Like her role at Ashley de Boer Interiors, Kiaya’s personal design preferences have shifted.  “During design school, I was drawn to minimalism, but over time my style has evolved toward more traditional interiors,” she says. “I love the layering of pattern, texture, and detail that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. I also have a soft spot for transitional design, the blend of contemporary and traditional elements that creates truly timeless spaces.”  

While Kiaya describes herself as “loyal,” her boss sees her as “intuitive, detail-oriented, dependable, and endlessly positive.” Ashley also commends Kiaya for co-leading major high-end renovation projects for highly discerning clients while also managing studio operations, noting that she does it all — honing her creative vision, technical precision, and operational leadership — while radiating warmth and professionalism.

Outside of work, Kiaya loves spending time with friends and family, whether it’s grabbing coffee, going for a walk, or heading out for dinner. Lately, she’s gotten into puzzling. Kiaya also recently traveled to the South of France and spent a few nights in St. Tropez. “I fell in love with its effortless sense of luxury,” she says. “It felt like stepping into a beautifully designed home, but on a town-wide scale.”  More travel, in fact, tops Kiaya’s must-do-list. “As a designer, there is endless inspiration in exploring new places and cultures,” she says.