When it comes to home renovations in Greater Victoria, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: “Do I need to hire my own designer, or can you handle the design work too?” The answer at MAC Reno Design-Build is refreshingly simple: whatever works best for you and your project.
After more than 45 years of upgrading and updating homes, kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces from Oak Bay to Langford and Sidney to Sooke, we’ve learned that every homeowner has different preferences when it comes to the design process. Some love diving deep into every detail with a designer they’ve worked with previously, while others prefer the streamlined approach of our integrated design-build team. With MAC, both paths can lead to spectacular results.
Working with professional designers — whether through our design-build approach or with independent Victoria design professionals — brings significant benefits to your renovation project:
Expert Problem-Solving: Professional designers are experienced in navigating construction challenges and finding creative solutions when unexpected issues arise, especially common in a wide variety of Victoria’s vintage, classic, or modern homes.
Budget Management: Experienced designers understand realistic construction costs and can help you make informed decisions that balance your vision with your budget from day one.
Technical Knowledge: Professional designers bring expertise in space planning, building codes, material specifications, and construction processes that homeowners typically lack, ensuring your space is beautiful and functional.
Project Coordination: Whether it’s our in-house team or a collaborative relationship with independent designers, professional design ensures better communication and coordination throughout the construction process.
At MAC, we love collaborating with talented design professionals on all manner of home improvements and custom home building throughout Greater Victoria. This month, we’re introducing Alexis Solomon from MINT Design. Alexis has been working in the Victoria interior design industry since 2007, and her approach perfectly demonstrates why the relationship between designer and builder can make or break a renovation project.
“I tell my clients right away that I work really closely with the builder,” Alexis explained. “It does mean more time investment on my side, but if you’re looking for a seamless, stress-free, fun and easy process where you don’t have to get involved in every technical detail, that’s exactly why you’d hire me. Many of the questions a builder would normally ask the homeowner, they ask me instead, because I already know the answers.”
“I came to interior design through a bit of a winding path. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and had planned to teach drama, history, and English at the high school level. While I attended university, I worked in the fashion industry. My background in theatre and fashion gave me a love for colour, pattern, and fabrics, but I’m also a maths person who enjoys the technical aspects of design, which is perfect for working closely with builders on the construction side of projects.
After finishing my degree, I travelled the world for a year while working on a cruise liner. When I returned to Victoria, I decided to explore Interior Design as a career and received a Diploma at Pacific Design Academy for Interior Architectural Design. I’ve been working professionally in the design and construction industry since 2007, and I’ve witnessed Victoria’s design community absolutely explode. When I began, I knew the name of every designer and builder in this city because there weren’t that many of us. Today, the competition is fierce. I believe that many years of experience working so closely with contractors and tradespeople — alongside the entire build team throughout planning and construction — gives me a leg up in terms of being the design expert that homeowners are looking for.”– Alexis Solomon, Mint Design
This collaborative approach is exactly what makes working with independent designers so successful. When designers like Alexis partner with MAC, homeowners get the best of both worlds: specialized design expertise combined with our construction know-how and local experience.
Many of Victoria’s top interior designers and architects have collaborated with MAC Reno on multiple projects, recognizing our understanding of the value they bring to the process. As Alexis puts it, “The designer passes on a wealth of information based on conversations had with our clients, and this makes the builder’s job much easier.”
The benefits are for everyone:
For Homeowners: You get an advocate who speaks both languages — design and construction. At MAC, we empower our designers, whether they’re on our team or someone you’ve commissioned for your project. In either case, your designer works directly with the construction crew to ensure that the design is constructed as envisioned.
For Designers: They work with a construction team that respects design intent and won’t make substitutions without consultation.
For Builders: We receive detailed specifications, clear communication, and fewer change orders because decisions have been thought through during the design phase.
“Working with designers like Alexis from MINT Design is exactly what sets MAC Reno apart. “She brings such intentional design thinking to every project, which elevates the entire renovation. Our shared goal is always to create something truly impressive that homeowners will love for years to come. That’s the kind of partnership that creates award-winning renovations and happy clients.”
Robbyn McDonald, MAC Reno Design-Build Marketing Manager
Consider the MAC Design-Build Team If:
Consider Working with Your Own Designer If:
Whether you choose our in-house team or bring your own designer, professional design pays for itself in ways many homeowners don’t initially consider.
Professional designers who work regularly with builders understand realistic pricing and can keep projects on budget from the start, rather than designing beautiful spaces that are financially out of reach. They also serve as essential communicators, translating technical construction details into language homeowners can understand and ensuring everyone stays aligned throughout the project.
“I will not design a project without a budget,” Alexis shared. “I’ve had clients say, ‘Just design something amazing and then tell me what it costs!’ But that’s setting everyone up for disappointment. Without budget guidelines, I could design something absolutely gorgeous that costs far more than they’re comfortable spending. If I have budget parameters to work within, I can get you the most value for your investment.”
Every renovation encounters surprises. Having a designer involved throughout the construction process means making quick, informed decisions when issues arise. “I’m used to having to think on my feet and come up with solutions on the fly,” noted Alexis. “That’s what a renovation or even building a custom home is all about.”
Modern design professionals bring sophisticated tools to the collaboration. At MAC Reno, we use Matterport scanning technology as part of our process, which works seamlessly with how many designers document and plan projects.
Designers like Alexis have adopted cloud-based specification software that provides real-time updates to builders throughout the construction process. “There’s a QR code that gets printed out and posted on site,” she said. “The builders can scan it with their phone and get the most recent version of all specifications and drawings.”
This integration of technology ensures everyone stays on the same page throughout the construction process.
Whether you choose our design team or bring your own designer to the project, you’ll benefit from MAC Reno’s deep understanding of Greater Victoria’s unique characteristics. We are familiar with the neighbourhoods that require heritage permits, understand the soil conditions that impact basement renovations in various areas, and have established relationships with local inspectors and municipalities across the CRD.
For designers working on their first project with us, this local knowledge proves invaluable. For repeat collaborators, it’s just another reason why they continue to recommend MAC Reno to their clients.
Regardless of which design approach you choose, every MAC Reno project is backed by the same high-quality standards and warranty protection. Our Contractor-for-Life program includes follow-up check-ins at one and two years post-completion, and our industry-leading warranty covers workmanship issues that might arise.
This warranty coverage extends to projects where we’re building from external design plans, giving both you and your designer peace of mind that the construction will meet our exacting standards.
The decision isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what fits your project, timeline, and personal preferences. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:
Do you already have a designer you love working with? If so, let’s discuss how we can collaborate to bring their vision to life.
Is this your first major renovation? Our design-build approach can simplify the process significantly for first-time renovators.
How involved do you want to be in the design process? Some homeowners love being deeply involved in every decision, while others prefer to communicate their vision and trust professionals to execute it.
At MAC Reno Design-Build, we believe the best renovation experience is one that fits your needs, preferences, and vision. Whether that means working with our integrated design-build team or collaborating with your chosen design professional, we’re committed to delivering the exceptional results that have made us Victoria’s most trusted renovation contractor for over four decades.
Your dream home renovation should be crafted through an approach that respects your vision, timeline, and the unique character of your Greater Victoria home.
Ready to start your renovation journey? Browse our gallery to see examples of both design-build projects and collaborations with external designers, then get in touch to discuss the best approach for your project.
About MAC Reno Design-Build: For over 45 years, MAC Reno has been Greater Victoria’s most trusted renovation contractor, serving communities from Oak Bay to Sooke with comprehensive design-build services and collaborative construction solutions. Learn more about our process and meet our team, then contact us to see how we can help you update your home and upgrade your life.
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