MEET THE FOUNDER
Kathy Yuen didn’t start her career behind a drafting table - she started on the construction site.
With experience working as an on-site project manager for a major general contractor, she learned to navigate budgets, timelines, and the complexities of construction, often finding herself frustrated by designs that didn’t translate well on site. This experience instilled in her a strong understanding of constructability, numbers, and the importance of seamless execution, lessons that continue to shape her approach to design.​​
In 2006, at just 26 years old, she founded Phase One Design, merging the creativity inherent in architecture with the practical realities of construction. Through dedication and a steadfast commitment to her vision of building a legacy, her team has designed over 1,000 custom homes across Canada, garnered over 23 industry awards and nominations, and established a reputation for creating designs that are as feasible and financially sound as they are aesthetically pleasing.
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Her philosophy is straightforward: when the fundamentals of good design are present, a home will inevitably make an impact. Each project begins with a commitment to understanding a client’s vision and lifestyle, which she then translates into inspiring designs that adhere to budget constraints and construction feasibility.
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At Phase One, she has cultivated a team and a culture centred on core values: doing the right thing, caring deeply, striving for excellence, maintaining humble confidence, and embracing continuous learning. She is particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of designers, with a focus on empowering women in an industry that remains predominantly male.
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Honoured as a two-time nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, her true motivation lies in the impact she has on her clients, her team, and the communities they help shape.
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For homeowners ready to bring their dream home to life, builders seeking collaborative partnerships, or designers looking for a team that prioritizes growth and creativity, she is eager to connect.