Hapa Design is a local company based out of Calgary Alberta, specializing in Renovations and built-in furniture. The company is owned and operated by myself, Kevin Ouchi, a graduate of the U of A BDes Industrial Design program. I come from a design background but I have always been a hands on person and I love to get my hands dirty. Too many designers sit behind a desk and simply “wave their hands
” and describe how their design will be built, not knowing what actually goes into the fabrication process. I feel my edge is that I have built everything to date. I start with the structure and explore what is possible with shapes. I love the beginning of a project when I get to sit down with the client and evaluate what the needs are. I don’t force my ideas on clients, I like to hear what they want and then go from there. I do quick sketches and I find this is the best way to take these ideas and transform them into a 3D form. We can then get an idea of what needs tweeking, what works, then move onto more drawings. I do favour designs that are not based on current trends too much, as more classic design will look good for a lifetime and not “date” the space or piece. I will always consider myself a sponge and I am always buying design books, working to find out about new materials and aesthetics. I have always felt a great connection with nature and because of this I work to use material in a responsible manner and choose materials that have as little impact on the environment as possible. So please, do not ask me to install brazilian hardwood floors.
