Profile

We specialize in interior design and project management for large residential renovations and new construction. Each staff member has a refined skill set that brings value to every project. We work closely and collaboratively throughout the entire process, as we firmly believe that collaboration and creativity go hand in hand.

Olivia is the Principal Designer of Dart Studio who oversees all projects. With over 15 years of experience in the design industry, Olivia’s work has been featured in House & Home magazine, Style at Home, The Globe & Mail and Rue Magazine.

THE TEAM

Olivia Botrie • Creative Director / Principal Designer

As the Principal Designer of Dart Studio, Olivia describes herself as a designer who is part detective and part psychologist. 

 

Graduating from McGill University with her Bachelor of Arts, Olivia quickly followed her passion to the International Academy of Design in Toronto where she studied interior design while working as a designer and stylist for popular HGTV and W Network television programs. Prior to launching Dart Studio, Olivia was a founding partner at Barbara Purdy Design in Toronto.

 

Olivia took on the redesign of her own home in 2015. Her plan was to create a cozy, inviting space with comfy spots to sit, and the experience made her realize the importance of having a designer to work with. “There are so many options out there and since I keep up with trends and new products, I am aware of a lot of them so it was difficult to narrow things down and settle on a look. I could have used someone like me to keep me on the right path!”

 

Keeping clients on the right path by figuring out their personal aesthetic, interpreting their style and translating it into an interior which is a reflection of themselves is what drives Olivia. “Each project is different and each client has individual style. Being able to work in so many varying styles is incredibly satisfying for me.” Three elements that Olivia believes never go out of style however — plants, family photos and “colour that makes your heart sing”.

 

Olivia’s work has been featured in publications such as Canadian House & Home, Make It Yourself Magazine, The Globe & Mail and on CBC’s lifestyle program, Steven and Chris. She lives in Roncesvalles village in Toronto with her husband Tim, daughter Louisa, son Toby and their dog, Magnus Ver Magnusson Madmartigan (named after the strongest man on earth).

Jenna Botrie • Manager, Business Development and Communications

Jenna was introduced to a love of renovating through her parents, who were constantly upgrading their houses as they moved around the GTA. They were house flippers before flipping was a thing!

 

After graduating from the University of Guelph with an English degree, she went on to teach abroad before becoming an Elementary French teacher for many years

 

Through several renovations of her own, an organic interest in design developed. Her contribution to Dart began with a harsh criticism followed by a hostile takeover of the Dart Instagram account. As the business continued to grow, she became more involved through Olivia’s (yes, they’re sisters) persuasive Powerpoint presentation. Her role includes business development, social media marketing, client intake, and leading the social committee (she’s currently the sole member)

 

Jenna brings her creative approach to business and exuberant personality to the Dart team. She lives in the East end of Toronto with her husband and two children. They’re planning a large addition in the coming years but haven’t settled on a designer ; )

Lila Yavari • Lead Technical Designer

Lila was born in Iran, spent a few months in Italy (which may explain her insatiable appetite for gelato), and ultimately landed in Ontario.

 

Inspired by her Dad’s handyman skills and her early interest in art, Lila pursued a career in design and boasts a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Toronto as well as a diploma in interior design from Sheridan College. While immersed in her academic studies, Lila entered a variety of design competitions and earned awards for her work.

 

Lila’s mother has experienced mobility issues from a very young age. This has fuelled Lila’s interest in accessible design and over the years, as her mother’s needs have changed, she’s renovated and updated the family home to keep it functional and safe.

 

Lila’s eclectic design background has fostered her keen interest in the technical and construction aspects of the design process and her advice to those considering a reno is, “Do your research; know what you’re getting into, and have an open mind.”

Kerry Collings • Manager, Client Services and Purchasing

Meet Kerry. After a previous career in PR, she joined the Dart Studio team in 2022. A longtime fan of a good home renovation show, she loves to consume design content and incorporate it into her own space. Comfort is always a top priority as she is drawn towards a mix of modern with traditional elements and more neutral palettes.

 

Not one to get stressed easily, she can be found around the office completing tasks calmly and collectedly. Kerry loves to surround herself with creative people and is always contributing fresh ideas and new perspectives.

 

In her spare time, you’ll find her perfecting her sourdough recipe and putting her collection of over 100 cookbooks to good use. She dreams of one day owning a chic apartment in Paris, but for now, her family and two dogs (Winnie and Willow) live in the West end of Toronto.

Mariane Kawamura • Senior Designer

Born in Brazil, Mariane’s design curiosity was sparked at a young age when she began sketching (very much not to scale) floor plans, in an attempt to create her dream home. Her interests led her to study architecture at Mackenzie University, where her design fire was lit!

The Toronto weather didn’t scare her, as she relocated to further her design studies at Humber College. Minimal, cozy and contemporary is her vibe. “Being intentional with choices and always creating something fun, unique and personal” is what she strives to deliver to clients.

Quick as a whip with a contagious giggle, Mariane can be found in the office eating her lunch at exactly 12 sharp followed by an afternoon tea. She loves to cook Japanese and Brazilian cuisine and has yet to cook any of these dishes for her co-workers (sigh).

Joonseok Kim • Technical Designer

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Joon has always been drawn to creative forms of expression and beautiful things. His passions led him to achieve his Bachelors Degree of Architecture at Kyunghee University. After many years of experience in the Interior Design industry, he made a bold move to Canada.

 

Settling in Toronto, Joon attended Humber College and studied Interior Decorating. Shortly after graduating, he was quickly snatched up the Dart Studio team.

 

A tech wizard, Joon helps make our visions come to life! His beautiful renderings and innovative ideas are an amazing asset to the Dart team. Always willing to lend a hand, his kind demeanour and strong work ethic make him a pleasure to work with. Joon lives in a sunny apartment in the Junction.

Tatra Chiu • Designer / Project Manager

Born and Raised in Markham, Ontario, Tatra’s design fire was lit when she received a mismatched Lego set as a child. Creating the perfect functional space for high maintenance Lego clients quickly became an engaging pastime. She soon developed a passion for rearranging rooms to create both practical and aesthetically appealing spaces.

 

Post Lego, Tatra attended Sheridan College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. She joined team Dart in 2021 and has been an amazing asset ever since.

 

The resident “plant person”, Tatra describes her personal aesthetic as minimal. Monochromatic colors highlighted with organic textures is her jam. She loves a clean neutral background combined with the warmth of a wood accent and subtle hints of colour. Known for her quick wit, love of Cheetos and wicked tech skills, Tatra can be found wearing black and oozing coolness around the office.  

Sharlene Tskokas • Senior Designer

Sharlene joined the Dart Studio team as a senior designer in 2023. A creative soul from a young age, she grew up making thrift store clothing combinations with a love for the visual arts. After high school she attended OCAD and began making her mark in the interior design world.

 

The 3D element of interior design and the opportunity to create unique spaces for clients is what drew her to residential design. Not one to shy away from colour, her personal style is maximalist with a touch of hoarder (her words not mine).

 

Sharlene’s leadership skills and keen eye have elevated her projects to the next level. When she’s not at work you may find her on the golf course, out for a walk or perhaps sipping on a Negroni. Currently she lives in Oakville with her husband and his cat allergy (much to her chagrin).

Kamissy Poletto • Senior Designer

Born in Brazil, Kamissy studied architecture and urban planning before making the bold (and cold) move to Toronto in 2019. She began working in the furniture industry which eventually led her to transition into residential design.

 

The ability to build a connection with clients and see the project through from conception to completion is what she loves most about residential design. Style wise, Kamissy is drawn to a Parisian aesthetic. She loves to mix eclectic with contemporary and throw in a hit of colour.

 

Kamissy’s calm energy and organizational skills have been an amazing asset to the Dart team. Outside of work you can find her at the dog park with her guy Bruno, watching a movie or cooking. Kamissy speaks 4 languages and lives in Liberty village with her husband and of course, Bruno.