David Boyes entered the Waterloo area in 1997 as an innovative competitor in the area of interior design and as a creative partner in Dorothy & David's At Home. His background in fine and applied arts, textiles, art history and applied design, coupled with success in high-end home furnishing retail, allowed both his name as a decorator and a retailer to be associated with quality and taste. David has traveled globally to source products for both clients and retail locations. Fostering relationships in such markets as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris and Frankfurt, David has his finger on what is current in home fashion. Following many years in design David partnered with Paula Schlueter to create and open DAVID BOYES HOME CONCEPTS, a showcase gallery of internationally sourced and custom manufactured furnishings, accessories and art. David continues to offer not only an exclusive line of home accoutrement from the Waterloo gallery but also a level of design which is greatly recognized by those who endeavor to enrich their interiors.
Our People
David Boyes
Paula Schlueter
Following an expansive career in the corporate world which saw Paula Schlueter within offices of the Provincial Government, Banking and the Technological Industry, Paula gained a strong background in finance, accounting and communications. Despite this impressive resume Paula had a desire to explore her more creative senses and a decision was made to retire so that this instinct could be honed. An introduction to David Boyes during a home renovation lead to a realization that combining David’s practical design sense with her “flare” and business savvy would make for a perfect coupling. The two set out to create DAVID BOYES HOME CONCEPTS. Following the opening of the gallery Paula has been intricate in the purchasing of unique and elegant products and has piloted the promotions and market placement of both the gallery and design service aspect of the business.
Candace Christian, Project Manager/Sales Development
Following the conclusion of her studies at The Ontario College of Art and Design in 2006 where she receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Candace set out to obtain a position within a design related field. Her search lead her to the then new David Boyes Home Concepts where she applied initially for a retail position. Shortly after her joining the team there Candace showed an aptitude for organization and she started working directly with David on projects. As the scale and number of DBHC design projects grew it became obvious that a committed "project manager" was essential to service properly the numerous clients in the firms portfolio. Candace was eager to understand the requirements of this position and proposed further education for herself to qualify. After completing in-depth studies she received her "project management" credentials and moved into this position at DBHC. Candace has functioned effectively in this position and has been directly responsible for scheduling, trade management and on site standards, shipping and receiving of materials and products and monitoring of project budget. Along with David and Paula, Candace continues to endeavor on new directions for DBHC and has embarked on developing new partnerships with builders, vendors and trades so that current and future clients of DBHC can be better served with the latest in decor style and greatest of service.
Cara Schaefer, Project Co-coordinator/Design Assistant
Upon completing Interior Design studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario in 2004, Cara relocated to Kitchener and practiced her skills by establishing and assisting local clients with their interior design needs. After two years of working locally Cara gave into an urge to see some of the country where she lived and this lead her on an across Canada journey which ended in British Columbia. Cara jumped at an opportunity to work there briefly for a popular furniture retailer as it allowed her to familiarize herself in a hands on manner with the workings of furniture manufacturing and retailing. A position in the Kitchener/Waterloo area which offered Cara the opportunity to utilize more of the skills she obtained in her studies lead her once again across Canada. Cara joined the design team at a custom home builder and there worked directly with the senior designer, completing detailed drawings and layouts utilizing Softplan computer illustration. In the spring of 2010 Cara approached DBHC regarding a position being offered in an administrative capacity. Cara saw potential to bring more to the table in this position as did David and Paula. Cara joined the DBHC team in June of that year and upon finding her ground she took on responsibilities of accounts and project management. Cara also continues to affectively produce Softplan illustrations for many projects, work directly with David on contracts and services clients within the DBHC Design Source facility with the numerous products and services offered.
Samantha Spiers, Design/Project Management Assistant
At the conclusion of her Interior Decorator studies at Conestoga College, Samantha set out to obtain practical experience in a cooperative placement offered by DBHC Design Source. Following an interview process Samantha was the successful applicant for this temporary position. Within the first few days of her coop Samantha showed a keen interest in the administrative and project management responsibilities which accompany any design project. Working closely with DBHC's project manager (Candace Christian) Samantha displayed an aptitude for these duties which was not lost on the design team. At the conclusion of her studies at Conestoga in the spring of 2011, Samantha received her Interior Decorating Diploma as well as an offer of Internship from DBHC Design Source. Samatha continues to work as a design and project management assistant.
Lyndsay Sibley, Design Draftsman / Architectural Design
Upon graduating a three year program in Architectural Technology at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario Lyndsay obtained her qualifications under the Ontario Building Code and was certified as a Designer qualified to draft and stamp a small buildings design. (under 600 square meters in area) Lyndsay was hired as a draftsperson by Sorenti Design based in Port Stanley, Ontario which also has offices in Honduras. Lyndsay enjoyed her time there but was interested in the challenges of larger projects and this lead her to pursue a draftsperson position with St. Thomas based home builders Hayhoe Homes. DBHC approached Lyndsay to assist upon drafting on a project. Her keen knowledge in both AutoCAD and Softplan illustrations proved invaluable in completing this contract. In 2009 Lyndsay established LVD Design a free lance, contract drafting firm and continues to work in conjunction with DBHC Design Source on many projects.
(Building Identification Number (BCIN) 30981 and Firm BCIN 39140)
Pon Phonexay, Retail Manager
Upon completing studies at Cawthra Park School for the Arts and then Sheridan College, Pon Phonexay embarked on a career with fashionable retail giant Holt Renfrew in Toronto. After two years in the position of jewelry consultant and drawing upon his background in art, art history and fashion design, Pon made a move into the position of design assistant in the firm’s retail display team. Functioning in this capacity he gained a keen eye for detail and how it relates to the presentation of high quality merchandise. After making a decision to leave Toronto, Pon returned to Waterloo and found a position with an area furniture retailer where he continued to execute impressive display techniques and honed a personable customer report. Approached by DBHC in September 2006, Pon decided to move his talents to the new retail gallery on Willis Way and has maintained an impressive level of display and presentation ever since. His position has evolved to now include the responsibilities of retail supervisor where he further manages the quality of product and customer services. DBHC founders David and Paula further recognize Pon Phonexay’s creative talents by having a representation of his one of a kind custom jewelry pieces on display and available to clients in the Gallery.
Victoria Espinal-Balsdon, Retail Sales Associate
Born in Columbia, Victoria grew up with a passionate interest in art and design elements which connect to lifestyle. Her desires to marry these interests into a career led to study of art history and marketing at ESUMER in Medellin, Columbia. Upon completing her International Business certificate and with the support of family Victoria decided to join her sister in Canada to study English. In 1999 Victoria moved to Canada and began her studies. Shortly after this move her interests, experience and new language found Victoria exploring the field of product representation. Her knowledge and interest in furnishings and accessories was motivation to associate her with a home collection just entering the Canadian market from South America. Victoria introduced herself and this unique collection to DBHC in 2007. Following numerous meeting for purchasing it was obvious to partners David and Paula that Victoria possessed a likableness and natural understanding of sales and client services. Victoria was approached by DBHC and then joined the retail team in August 2007 and has been a key person in setting the standard for service shown in the gallery.
Javier
DAVID BOYES HOME CONCEPTS’ very own greeter and floor manager is “Javier.” This six pound Chihuahua has become a popular character in the gallery and happily greets nearly everyone entering. Javier has accompanied David to work since he was nine weeks old and weighed just above a pound. We like to think that in his limited years in the design environment that he has gained an appreciation for quality and finer things. This is exemplified by the fact that in respect for each items value, Javier is never found on any of the gallery furnishings.
