Sally Mills, a principal in Kasian Architecture’s Vancouver studio, has been honoured with the esteemed Legacy Award for Distinguished Service by the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). This accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to the interior design profession and her enduring commitment to advancing the industry.
With more than 30 years of experience in the Vancouver market, Mills has been a pivotal figure in shaping interior design practices across Canada.
Since joining Kasian in September 2016, Mills has led the interior design team in Vancouver, focusing on workplace, multi-family, senior living and commercial sectors. She emphasizes the importance of designing spaces that support communities, stating, “I’m especially interested in imagining and creating something more for groups of individuals to have better places to thrive.”
Beyond her professional practice, she has been a dedicated advocate for the interior design community, serving as president of the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) and as president of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the profession and mentoring emerging designers. In recognition of her significant contributions, Mills was inducted into the IDC College of Fellows in 2022.
Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers is demonstrated through her involvement with the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s interior design program advisory committee. A graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University with an associate degree in Interior Design, Mills has also taught interior design courses at BCIT and has participated on the advisory committee for the BCIT Interior Design Degree Program.
Reflecting on her approach to design, Mills emphasizes the collaborative nature of work: “When I’m working with a client, it’s not my design—it’s their design. My goal is to impart my knowledge and experience to guide my client toward the best possible solution based on their needs.”
The Legacy Award for Distinguished Service is a testament to Mills’ enduring impact on the profession and her peers. Her visionary leadership, dedication to mentorship, and passion for creating spaces that enhance the human experience continue to inspire both her colleagues and the broader design community.
