Get to know the mcd team
MEGHAN CARTER
Principal Designer
Interior Design was inevitable in many ways. So many influences and paths nudged me here - the inspiration of my dad’s unquenchable enthusiasm for his career, a life spent observing and learning from my mom’s creativity and sense of space, a first career among the most talented and creative thinkers in the digital space, a passion for travel and seeing the whole world, an uncle’s frank advice, and the very fundamental belief that I should love what I do.
So I charted a new path and went back to school, completing my Interior Design education at the International Academy of Design in Toronto. After working for some incredible designers at small Toronto boutique design firms, I launched Meghan Carter Design full-time in 2011.
Favourite spot in your house
Sitting on a small settee at the front of my house with a great sightline of the long gallery art wall collected over years, straight through to the backyard. My mom found the settee at an estate sale years ago. I recovered it with an incredible Paul Smith asymmetrical stripe - my first big splurge. The art wall is carefully curated and very beloved - I think about its evolution constantly.
Favourite part of the design process
Getting to know our clients and building a relationship with them is immensely rewarding.
The moment you solve the space plan puzzle and create space where there seemed to be none. Everything just suddenly fits perfectly and you just can’t imagine anything else.
Seeing the look & feel of a space in my mind’s eye early on.
Being astonished at the brilliance of my team. They bring the design concept to life with their ideas, collaboration & cultivation.
What's your own design style?
Well-edited eclectic. I think very carefully about the relationship and harmony between each piece, texture, material, fabric, shape and proportion in my space. I’ve curated my own home over time and there is a definitive mix of styles. It’s my own design laboratory.
What's next on your own personal design project or purchase list?
The list never ends, I don’t know if my home will ever be finished. But in the immediate future is a bespoke aged brass console designed specifically to fit Lola’s favourite dog bed underneath. And I’ve just picked the stone for an entry console that is going to solve all of our entry problems (I hope!).
Top design advice
Work with a designer you share similar values with. Trust them to do their job. Let them nudge out of your comfort zone and give them the freedom to amaze you.
What's your secret talent?
I’m not sure how secret it is, but I think all of my friends would agree that I lead the charge in organizing social events – parties, dinners, walks, zoom cocktails etc. Oh, and I am quite good at predicting the end to movies.
Early riser or night owl? Night owl. It’s when I do some of my best thinking.
Coffee or tea? Tea. Earl Grey with honey and milk to be precise. I have never really understood coffee.
Sweet or salty? Salty. Although despite myself, I seem to be actively developing more of a sweet tooth year after year.
Heels or flats? According to my closet, heels. But I’ve been lazy of late and it’s getting harder and harder to wear them comfortably. It’s one of my life’s most frivolous regrets.
City or country? I love the country and am very lucky to be able to spend time there. But in my heart of hearts I am a city girl.
Cook-in or take-out? Take-out. My secret talent is NOT cooking.
Walk or run? Run. I’m always in a rush and am under the distinct impression that I can somehow accomplish more than is actually possible in a minute.
Domestic or International? International. Seeing how other cultures live, what they believe in, and how their history has shaped their lives, art, architecture and landscape are incredible sources of inspiration for my work.
CRISTINA GALATI
Senior Interior Designer, ARIDO
Favourite spot in your house
The kitchen. I love to cook and share food with my family and friends.
Favourite part of the design process
Drawings and finessing all the details. Not everyone sees the fine details, but those are what turn a great design into a spectacular one - that something extra you can't put your finger on.
What's your own design style?
Classic and clean, not fussy, with a warm and cozy vibe. I want my space to feel lived in, and like you can put your feet up.
What's next on your own personal design project or purchase list?
Styling my house with artwork and accessories. It's time to put on the finishing touches - there isn't a single thing on my walls!
Top design advice
Trust your design team and their process. We always have our client's best interests at heart, and we're here to help you navigate all the ups and downs of a renovation.
What's your secret talent?
Baking! It would be my second career choice for sure.
Early riser or night owl? Early riser. It's when I'm most productive!
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
Sweet or salty? Definitely sweet.
Heels or flats? Flats.
City or country? City. I love the mix of culture, food and nature. There's always so many new places to visit, even in your own city.
Cook-in or take-out? Cook-in.
Walk or run? In between. I'm always walking fast, in a rush to go somewhere.
Domestic or International? International. It's amazing to see the way other cultures and places in the world live, eat and work. There's so much to learn and absorb.
SUSAN SCLATER
Director of Operations
Favourite spot in your house
I love the window bench at the front of my house. It’s such a great spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Favourite part of the design process
While I am not directly involved in the design process, I love seeing the selections made for a client and hearing the team discuss the rationale for each selection.
What's your own design style?
Transitional. And colour. I am not afraid of colour.
What's next on your own personal design project or purchase list?
My next design project is the main floor of our chalet in Collingwood. Our number one goal is to maintain the chalet feel. Thankfully I am surrounded by a team with fantastic ideas!
Top design advice:
Go with your gut (and hire a great designer!).
What's your secret talent?
I love to make pies. While I don’t make them regularly, I am always happy to be the one to bring dessert! Oh and banana pudding from a certain NYC bakery.
Early riser or night owl? Early riser. Although now that my son has his drivers license and I am not needed for 5:30am swim practices, it doesn’t feel so early!
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
Sweet or salty? Both.
Heels or flats? Flats.
City or country? Country. Long walks, night-skys and fresh air.
Cook-in or take-out? Cook-in. I have always enjoyed cooking and am proud of my kids confidence in the kitchen.
Walk or run? Walk. Fast. My husband calls it "grocery store speed".
Domestic or International? Both! I have been so fortunate to travel with friends and family in various corners of the world as well as the coasts of Canada. As my children get older, I enjoy hearing their memories of our various trips.
LOLA
Favourite spot in your house
My ‘vintage’ dog bed basket (aka a hand-me-down).
Favourite part of the design process
Sniffing out the best carpet or sofa fabric selections.
What's your own design style?
Definitively relaxed - a layering of machine-washable textiles. Maybe a few treat bowls artfully placed.
What's next on your own personal design project or purchase list?
I hear I am getting some new custom cushions for my ‘vintage’ dog bed.
Top design advice
Be practical. And make sure you can machine-wash everything.
What's your secret talent?
I am immensely talented at walking off-leash. And always was. It just took my parents (aka Meghan & Rob) a few months to figure that out after they met me at the Humane Society. We are all much happier with this arrangement.
Early riser or night-owl? I go with the flow.
Coffee or tea? Dog pepperettes.
Sweet or salty? Per above, salty!
Heels or flats? Dog booties are ridiculous. But don’t get me wrong, I love fashion - I have a camo coat that I quite like on a cold or wet day.
City or country? Where are the ducks?
Cook-in or take-out? I take my meals at both the bowl and the discrete hand of my dad at the table.
Walk or run? Saunter. Maybe a bit of a gallop if I’m in the mood.
Domestic or International? According to my mom’s grand plans, I will soon be taking in the globe. But per above, I go with the flow.
