Guest Podcast Interview: Quay Insights

Matin, Quay Construction: Rebecca from Align Interior Design. Rebecca, I’m really excited to have you here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and Align Interior Design.

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Well, thank you so much for having me. I’m honored to be here. I’m Rebecca Foster, the owner of Align Interior Design. We’re a Pitt Meadows–based interior design firm focusing mainly on residential projects. We essentially help homeowners reduce decision fatigue, avoid costly mistakes, and love the home that they’re in.

Matin, Quay Construction: How did you get into interior design?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Well, outside of every single interior designer rearranging their bedroom and that kind of thing, there was really one pivotal moment. To be perfectly honest, my parents actually— I don’t think I’ve ever told you this— did a renovation when we were younger, but it wasn’t planned.

In our basement, the drywall was bowing because the studs were bowing behind it. Eventually, we woke up in the middle of the night and it sounded like a gunshot—one of those studs snapped. Essentially, a part of our foundation was sinking, so we had to support it.

The reason I think I fell in love with interior design is because we are a very DIY family and were very involved in the process. Small town, kind of like our neighbors and everybody helped out. We have pictures of us putting up walls, bashing through walls, as kids.

Then I saw how my family went from literally never inviting anybody over to our house, to speaking about their home with pride. We wanted to invite our friends over, and I really saw how the space you live in can shape how you act, how you feel, and your confidence. That sense of pride is really what I want to give my clients. It changed who I am and really shaped me—just by a simple renovation. It might sound cheesy, but it was a pivotal moment, and that’s why I love design.

Matin, Quay Construction: I know you take an “educate first, create next” approach, which is what we do at Quay as well. Tell us a little bit about how that impacts your clients.

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Absolutely. We focus on how the layout functions and on educating clients through the pros and cons of every material, and how that affects budget and lifestyle.

Most of my clients are in one of two categories: either busy professionals with young families, or those thinking about retirement (sometimes even with parents aging in place). We want to strategically ask the right questions so I can guide clients through what I recommend.

Things as simple as a countertop—do you want maintenance? Do you have young kids? Do you have friends who spill wine? Do you love marble but know you won’t maintain it? Those conversations matter.

We focus heavily on education, then layer in the visuals—like 3D renderings—at the end. The reason I created this approach is because early in my career, I asked a senior designer about her process. I wanted to mimic her method so clients got a consistent experience, but she told me she did it differently every time.

That baffled me. I wanted a consistent experience for every client, no matter the designer. Over the years, I created this “educate first, create second” approach to ensure that.

Matin, Quay Construction: Yeah, I think that’s one of the reasons why I really like your work. We have a set process at Quay as well, and that level of organization makes it easier for clients and for the team.

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Exactly. An organized design and construction team makes it so much easier on clients, and easier on the trades too—because everyone knows what to expect at each level.

Matin, Quay Construction: One of the things I’ve been talking about recently is how clients pick contractors. I want to shift that to how clients pick designers. Are there questions clients should be asking that they often don’t?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Yes—“What do you need from me, and when do you need it?” That’s so important. Some designers will hold your hand through every single detail, and some won’t. Depending on your personality, you might be better suited to one or the other.

Matin, Quay Construction: Where do you land on that?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: I’m very collaborative. I want to design with you, but I’m not your shopping bestie. I’ll guide you, pick everything, and organize it—but typically I’ll connect you with my trusted showroom reps. Clients usually prefer visiting once, narrowing options, then sending them back to me to finalize. That process works really well.

Matin, Quay Construction: How do you help clients avoid decision fatigue?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: The first thing we do is pre-book every single meeting—usually once every two weeks for about 90 minutes. Each meeting has a clear topic. Afterward, I send a recap email outlining what we discussed, plus any homework and deadlines.

This keeps us on track with fixed fees and timelines, and prevents overwhelm. Clients aren’t juggling every decision at once—we break it down step by step.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s a big mistake homeowners make when prepping for a renovation?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Starting demolition before they have a full construction budget or a complete design. Sometimes I get calls when framing has already started, and that’s tough. Without a plan, you miss the chance to value-engineer or adjust scope over a cup of coffee—before money is spent and stress kicks in.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s one spec that surprises homeowners with its cost?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Window coverings. They’re often forgotten in the budget and can be a shock. Plumbing can vary widely, but window coverings consistently surprise people.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s one project where a design decision went wrong?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: It usually happens when changes are made mid-construction without consulting the designer. Swapping out finishes can create a piecemealed look at the end. That’s why collaboration between design and construction teams is critical. Without it, clients end up stressed and compromising too much.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s one trend from Pinterest that doesn’t work in real life?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Staircases. Many inspiration photos show horizontal cabling or ornate designs that don’t meet Vancouver code. They might look great online, but they’re not always buildable.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s your best advice for clients just starting to plan a renovation?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Start early. Have a clear scope of work, realistic budget expectations, and reach out to both designers and contractors sooner than you think. Pre-planning is everything.

Matin, Quay Construction: For budgeting, do you work through that with clients or rely on the contractor?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Both. I can give educated ballparks based on experience, but once we have a floor plan, I prefer collaborating with the contractor for a conceptual budget. That ensures nothing is missed and gives clients a full picture early on.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s one cost-effective change that makes a big impact?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Color drenching. Paint the walls, ceilings, and trim the same color—it instantly creates a moody, elevated look, especially in bedrooms or dens.

Matin, Quay Construction: What’s one trend you wouldn’t mind seeing go away?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Gray flooring. It’s very trendy and already starting to feel dated. I prefer designing with longevity in mind.

Matin, Quay Construction: For clients who want to connect with you, what’s the best way?

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Visit aligninteriordesign.ca. You can also download my free How to Prepare for Your Renovation Guide at aligninteriordesign.ca/reno. Or connect with me on Instagram.

Matin, Quay Construction: Awesome. Thank you for joining us today.

Rebecca Foster, Align Interior Design: Thank you—so fun!