The studio
Crafting beautiful homes that perfectly reflect your authentic life and unique style.
Setting the standard in Toronto, Dart Studio delivers exceptional interior design and project management. Combining creativity, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail, our in-house team ensures that each project, from initial concept to final styling, is executed with precision and care.
Our values—work hard, work smart, work together—drive our commitment to excellence and collaboration. We infuse joy, honesty, and authenticity into every project, ensuring that the spaces we create are beautiful and thoughtfully designed to meet your needs.
Our clients choose us because we make the renovation process both relaxed and enjoyable. With Dart Studio guiding the way, you can trust that you’re in capable hands. Our dedicated team collaborates closely to bring your vision to life, expertly managing all details and coordinating every aspect so you can focus on enjoying the transformation.
Meet Olivia
Creative Director / Principal Designer
As the Principal Designer of Dart Studio, Olivia brings creativity, expertise, and a deep commitment to designing spaces that reflect her clients' unique styles and needs. She oversees every project from concept to completion, taking a hands-on approach that ensures each detail is thoughtfully executed.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, Olivia pursued her passion for design at the International Academy of Design in Toronto. During this time, she worked as a designer and stylist for popular HGTV and W Network programs, sharpening her ability to create inspiring and livable spaces.
Olivia has also completed three large-scale renovations on her own homes, including a remarkable transformation during the pandemic in 2022. This project was featured in the June 2023 issue of House & Home Magazine. These personal experiences have given her firsthand insight into the renovation process and the challenges homeowners face, making her an empathetic and effective guide for her clients.
Her passion lies in helping clients uncover their personal aesthetic and translating it into spaces that feel both authentic and functional. Olivia’s designs are characterized by a thoughtful blend of styles, reflecting the individuality of each client while maintaining a timeless appeal.
Olivia’s work has been widely recognized, appearing in publications such as House & Home, The Globe & Mail, The National Post, Rue Magazine, Toronto Life, and Style at Home. She lives in Toronto’s Roncesvalles Village with her husband Tim, their two children, Louisa and Toby, and their dog, Magnus Ver Magnusson Madmartigan.
With a thoughtful approach, a wealth of expertise, and a genuine passion for design, Olivia is dedicated to helping her clients transform their houses into homes they truly love.
meet the team
Joon Kim
Technical Designer
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Joon has always been captivated by creative expression and the pursuit of beauty in design. His passion led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Kyunghee University, where he honed his skills in design and technical problem-solving. After gaining years of experience in the interior design industry, Joon made the bold decision to move to Canada and expand his horizons. In Toronto, Joon furthered his expertise by studying Interior Decorating at Humber College. Shortly after graduating, Dart Studio recognized his talent and welcomed him to the team. Joon is a true tech wizard, bringing our design visions to life with his stunning renderings and exceptional technical skills. His ability to visualize spaces and communicate ideas through advanced rendering software has become an invaluable asset to our team and clients alike. From innovative concepts to meticulously detailed designs, Joon’s work ensures every project is elevated to the next level. Beyond his technical expertise, Joon’s kind demeanor and strong work ethic make him an absolute pleasure to work with. He’s always willing to lend a hand, whether it’s brainstorming creative ideas or assisting with technical challenges. Joon currently lives in a sunny apartment in Toronto’s Little Italy, where his keen eye for design shines in his own space. His combination of creativity, technical precision, and collaborative spirit makes him an essential part of the Dart Studio team.
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Lila Yavari
Lead Technical Designer, BCIN
Lila, our in-house permit guru, specializes in all things technical, managing permit and Committee of Adjustment (COA) applications with expertise in building code compliance. Her BCIN certification highlights her in-depth knowledge and qualification in Ontario’s building regulations, making her an invaluable asset to the Dart Studio team. Born in Iran, Lila’s journey has been anything but ordinary. A few formative months in Italy (perhaps explaining her love for gelato) eventually brought her to Ontario, where her career in design flourished. Inspired by her father’s handyman skills and her early passion for art, Lila pursued an impressive academic path. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto, as well as a diploma in Interior Design from Sheridan College. Along the way, her talent was recognized through various design competitions and awards. Lila’s personal connection to accessible design stems from her mother’s lifelong mobility challenges. This experience has fueled her passion for creating safe, functional spaces that adapt to changing needs. Over the years, Lila has continuously updated her family home to ensure it remains both accessible and beautiful—a testament to her thoughtful and practical approach to design. With a keen interest in the technical and construction aspects of the design process, Lila brings a wealth of expertise to every project. Her advice to anyone considering a renovation? “Do your research, know what you’re getting into, and keep an open mind.” Lila’s unique blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and personal passion makes her a key member of the Dart Studio team, ensuring projects are not only beautiful but also built to last.
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Kerry Collings
Manager, Client Services and Purchasing
Kerry joined the Dart Studio team in 2022, bringing a unique perspective from her previous career in PR. A longtime fan of home renovation shows and an avid consumer of design content, Kerry loves incorporating inspiration into her own space. Her style leans toward a mix of modern and traditional elements with neutral palettes, always prioritizing comfort and livability. Known for her calm and collected demeanor, Kerry handles her tasks with ease, ensuring projects run smoothly and efficiently. Her knack for managing procurement has become a key asset to the team, streamlining the sourcing of materials, furnishings, and finishes to help projects stay on track and meet client expectations. Kerry thrives in creative environments, contributing fresh ideas and offering new perspectives that elevate the studio’s work. Her ability to stay composed while juggling multiple responsibilities makes her an integral part of the Dart Studio team. In her spare time, you’ll often find Kerry perfecting her sourdough recipe or diving into her collection of over 100 cookbooks. A dreamer at heart, she aspires to one day own a chic apartment in Paris. For now, she calls Toronto’s West End home, where she lives with her family and two adorable dogs, Winnie and Willow.
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Mariane Kawamura
Senior Designer
Born in Brazil, Mariane’s passion for design ignited at a young age when she began sketching (albeit not to scale) floor plans for her dream home. This early curiosity set her on a path to study architecture at Mackenzie University, where her love for design truly took shape. In pursuit of further education and new opportunities, Mariane relocated to Toronto—undaunted by the cold weather—and continued her studies at Humber College. Her design aesthetic can be described as minimal, cozy, and contemporary. She strives to create intentional designs that are fun, unique, and deeply personal to each client. Since joining Dart Studio, Mariane has risen through the ranks to become a senior designer, earning the trust of both clients and colleagues with her sharp eye, thoughtful approach, and dedication to delivering exceptional results. Known for her quick wit and infectious giggle, Mariane is a beloved presence in the office. Her daily rituals—lunch at precisely 12:00 p.m. followed by afternoon tea—add a charming consistency to her day. An accomplished home cook specializing in Japanese and Brazilian cuisine, she has yet to share her culinary creations with her co-workers (we’re still waiting, Mariane!). Mariane’s blend of creativity, warmth, and professionalism makes her an integral part of the Dart Studio team, where she continues to turn clients’ dreams into beautifully crafted realities.
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Tatra Chiu
Project Manager
Born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Tatra’s passion for design started early—sparked by a mismatched Lego set. Crafting functional spaces for her “high-maintenance Lego clients” became a favorite pastime and grew into a lifelong love for rearranging rooms to create spaces that balance practicality with aesthetics. After graduating from Sheridan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Tatra brought her talents to Dart Studio in 2021, where she has been an invaluable team member ever since. Beyond her design expertise, Tatra excels in project management and organization, ensuring that every detail of a project runs smoothly from start to finish. Her love of spreadsheets and impeccable knack for managing timelines and budgets make her the ultimate problem-solver, keeping projects on track and clients at ease. As Dart’s resident “plant person,” Tatra’s minimal and organic aesthetic shines in her designs. She gravitates toward monochromatic palettes enhanced with natural textures, clean neutral backdrops, warm wood tones, and subtle hints of color. Her style is understated yet impactful, creating spaces that are both calming and timeless. Known for her quick wit, love of Cheetos, and tech-savvy skills, Tatra brings a unique energy to the office. You’ll often find her in black, effortlessly balancing her creative vision with meticulous organization to ensure every project is a success.
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Jenna Botrie
Manager, Business Development and Communications
Jenna’s love for renovating began early, inspired by her parents, who were constantly upgrading their homes as they moved around the GTA—true house flippers before flipping was even a trend! After earning an English degree from the University of Guelph, Jenna explored the world, teaching abroad before settling into a career as an Elementary French teacher for many years. But her passion for design resurfaced through the process of renovating her own homes, sparking an organic interest in the field. Her journey with Dart Studio began in true sibling fashion—with some sharp criticism of the company’s Instagram account, quickly followed by a “hostile” takeover of its management. As Dart continued to grow, Jenna’s involvement expanded thanks to a persuasive PowerPoint presentation from her sister Olivia (yes, they’re sisters). Today, Jenna plays a vital role in business development, social media marketing, client intake, and—perhaps most importantly—leading Dart’s social committee (where she’s currently the sole member). Jenna brings her creative approach to business, dynamic personality, and infectious energy to the Dart team. She lives in Toronto’s East End with her husband and three children. They’ve just completed a major home renovation and addition with the help of the Dart team!
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Sharlene Tsokas
Senior Designer
Sharlene joined the Dart Studio team as a senior designer in 2023, bringing her creativity and passion for unique design to every project. A natural creative from a young age, she spent her childhood mixing thrift store finds into bold, one-of-a-kind outfits and exploring the visual arts. After high school, she honed her talent at OCAD University and quickly made her mark in the world of interior design. What drew Sharlene to residential design is the 3D, immersive nature of the work and the opportunity to create personalized, meaningful spaces for clients. Her personal style is unapologetically maximalist with what she jokingly describes as “a touch of hoarder.” She embraces color, bold patterns, and layered textures to craft designs that feel rich, vibrant, and entirely unique. Sharlene’s leadership skills and keen eye for detail have elevated her projects to the next level, earning her the trust of clients and colleagues alike. Beyond the studio, you might find her on the golf course, enjoying a scenic walk, or sipping a perfectly balanced Negroni. Sharlene currently lives in Oakville with her husband—and his cat allergy, much to her dismay. Her energy, creativity, and fearless approach to design make her an integral part of the Dart Studio team.
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Kamissy Poletto
Senior Designer
Born in Brazil, Kamissy began her career studying architecture and urban planning before making the bold (and cold) move to Toronto in 2019. Her journey in design started in the furniture industry, where she developed a deep appreciation for aesthetics and functionality, eventually transitioning into residential design. What Kamissy loves most about residential design is the ability to connect with clients and guide their projects from conception to completion. Her style is heavily influenced by a Parisian aesthetic—she enjoys blending eclectic and contemporary elements with a pop of color to create spaces that are both elegant and vibrant. Kamissy’s calm demeanor and exceptional organizational skills have made her an invaluable member of the Dart Studio team. She brings a sense of focus and creativity to every project, ensuring each detail aligns with the client’s vision. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Kamissy enjoying time with her dog Bruno at the park, cooking up something delicious, or relaxing with a good movie. Fluent in four languages, Kamissy lives in Liberty Village with her husband and her loyal companion, Bruno. Her global perspective, passion for design, and ability to create beautifully personalized spaces make her a vital part of the Dart Studio team.
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Audrey Sousa
Junior Designer
Audrey Sousa brings her creativity and passion for design to Dart Studio, blending her architectural expertise with her flair for decorating. Originally from Brazil, Audrey moved to Toronto to further her career in design and has quickly become an integral part of the team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Salvador University and a diploma in Interior Decorating from Humber College, where she honed her skills in creating beautiful and functional spaces. Audrey’s collaborative approach and keen eye for detail make her a joy to work with, as she seamlessly combines creativity and practicality to bring design visions to life. When she’s not working on her latest project, Audrey can be found listening to Taylor Swift on repeat or spending time with her adorable corgi puppy, Poppy, who’s just as much of a star as Audrey herself. Her ability to connect with clients, combined with her vibrant personality and passion for design, makes Audrey an essential part of the Dart Studio team. Her thoughtful nature and enthusiasm for interior design shine though as she collaborates seamlessly to bring design visions to life.
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Adam Charles
Junior Designer
Before stepping into the world of interior design, Adam Charles lit up the stage as a musical theatre star. His background in performing arts has given him a unique perspective on creativity and storytelling, which now translates beautifully into his design work. Adam pursued his passion for design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby, BC, where he earned an Interior Design Diploma with Honors. His dedication and hard work during his studies set the foundation for his thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to every project. Known for his organization and keen eye for design, Adam brings a blend of creativity, precision, and passion to the Dart Studio team. He approaches each project with a focus on creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring, tailoring every detail to reflect the unique needs and style of the client. Whether he’s brainstorming creative concepts or managing the finer details, Adam’s commitment to excellence shines in everything he does.
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Joe Nigrini
Site Technician
Meet Joe, our "Joe of all trades" and an integral part of our team. With a background in carpentry and an in-depth knowledge of construction Joe ensures that every project runs smoothly during the implementation phase. His expertise shines when it comes to solving complex challenges with creative and practical solutions. Known for his friendly personality and exceptional interpersonal skills, Joe makes working on projects a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. His creativity and hands-on approach add a personal touch to everything he works on, making him a true asset to our interior design firm. Beyond his professional talents, Joe is a gifted artist who enjoys a good snowboard and skateboard session. He currently lives in the West end of Toronto with his wife and two young boys.
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Ready to Transform
Your Home?
Let’s take your ideas off the Pinterest board and turn them into a space you’ll love to live in. Whether it’s a full renovation or a fresh new look, we’re excited to make it happen—stress-free and beautifully done.
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