For Kelly Reynolds, principal of Kelly Reynolds Interiors, Vancouver, BC, design was not his first career choice, in fact, far from it.  Having followed the “what was expected” path of High School into College, Kelly found himself bored, directionless and itching to experience different sights and sounds of life around the world.  But how to do it on the typical twentysomething’s budget? The Canadian Military, specifically the Royal Canadian Navy, offered him both a career and a chance to see the world.  Although he won’t reveal what exactly takes place during shore leave, Kelly convincingly promises that he spent a great deal more time than your average sailor during his three year tour experiencing local architecture and design at every opportunity.

 So what do you do with a passion for design and a global perspective when you leave the military?  You become a member of the Vancouver Police Department, of course. 

Thankfully, not subject to an inordinate amount of criminal behavior during his four years working with the Vancouver Police in the Downtown East side jail, Kelly was spurred on by an acquaintance who had seen and tapped into his innate talent to use the regular hours provided by a job on the force, and later as an in-store consultant for well-known Vancouver furniture retailer, to take the Interior Design program at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). 

Kelly has been unstoppable ever since, having formed a small design firm with a friend immediately after leaving BCIT and growing a business together for four highly successful years.  His schooling merely helped to polish an already burgeoning talent and gave him the basics not taught in the military or police force of how to run a successful design business.  Having launched his own company in 2010, Kelly creates spaces that are contemporary but not trendy, sleek yet personal, and functional without being totally expected. 

As exemplified by his approach to former professions, Kelly also refuses to be compartmentalized as a designer.  Inspired by his immediate environment or recent (and frequent) travel, he is eschews design “theory,” rather finding inspiration in designers who take risks. 

“It’s exciting to do something totally unexpected in an environment that typically repeats themes such as NOT creating a “seaside retreat” in a Hawaiian condo, for example. North American design tends not to be risky despite an incredible design talent pool,” says Kelly.  “People who inspire me include Marcel Wanders for his elaborate use of materials, Jaime Hayon for his playful approach to design and Chad Falkenberg for his drive and attention to detail.”

Now following his true passion, Kelly is a living example of how if you do what you are passionate about, success quickly follows.  Kelly Reynolds Interiors focuses on both solo projects as well as collaborations with other designers on residential and commercial projects.