Balance Design
Our Team
With more than 25 years of experience delivering hospitality projects across North America, Balance Design has built a reputation for transforming hotels and restaurants through thoughtful design and seamless execution. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in interior design, project management, procurement, manufacturing, and FF&E installation to provide a fully integrated renovation solution.
From initial visioning and space planning to custom fabrication, sourcing, and onsite implementation, we manage every stage of the process with precision and accountability. By bringing all services under one roof, we simplify complex projects and help our clients create memorable guest experiences that are both functional and enduring.
Shaireen Sayani
Managing Director
Shaireen is a Vancouverite with extensive experience in the hospitality industry - focusing on interior design, project management and procurement.
With a strong background in overseeing complex, detail-driven projects, she has built a reputation for delivering refined, high-quality outcomes across varied environments.
She is known for her deep understanding of hospitality environments and her ability to coordinate seamlessly between designers, consultants, technical specialists, Trades and the Hospitality GM's, Operations, Maintainence and Housekeeping Teams.
Over the course of her career, Shaireen has worked with Teams within both branded and boutique hotels to lead projects from concept through execution, ensuring every detail aligns with both functional requirements and design intent.
Her leadership approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration and precision at every stage of delivery. She consistently brings a level of organization, insight, and professionalism that elevates project outcomes and ensures smooth execution across all phases.
When she’s not focused on delivering exceptional results, Shaireen embraces an active and adventurous lifestyle. She enjoys exploring scenic hiking trails, staying fit through barre classes, spending time on the pickleball court with friends, and getting lost in a good book. A passionate traveller, Shaireen has visited over 35 countries and is always seeking new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Her next dream adventure is exploring the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history of South America—a destination that has long been at the top of her travel bucket list.
Shawna Cartwright
Interior Design Partner
Shawna and Shaireen met in the BCIT Interior Design program; they sat at the same drafting table on day one and decades later, these 2 quirky gals have worked on some amazing projects together “C’mon, I can’t do this one without you!”
Some notable collaborations are Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler BC as well as Coast Hotel, Victoria BC located in one of Canada’s most scenic oceanfront locations.
Shawna is passionate about detailed finishes: colour, texture, fabrics, wallcovering, laminates, stone, lighting - she has the incredible talent to pull together diverse looks within every client's price point.
Shawna is a solution-oriented and dependable Interior Design Partner who brings professionalism and creativity to every project. She is known for her calm, collaborative approach and her ability to balance functionality with refined design intent
Cheers to many future endeavors together!
When she is not immersed in her demanding office schedule, Shawna spends her downtime with family, including her dogs and horses, tending to the gardens at her ranch, and taking her vintage black 1968 Camaro out on the open road. If you happen to receive one of her rare “Out of Office” replies, you’ll likely find her unwinding at her cabin in the stunning Interior of British Columbia.
Alice Chen
Production Partner
Shaireen and Alice have enjoyed partnering on projects in British Columbia since 2024, delivering integrated hospitality solutions through expert design, manufacturing, procurement, and installation.
Alice offers a true turnkey approach to hospitality renovations, managing projects seamlessly from scope creation, 3D design renders, raw materials procurement, production and delivery to full site installation.
Her talent, professionalism, and attention to detail consistently exceed expectations, which is why we have confidently chosen to continue working with her on future projects.
We embrace and welcome Alice’s team of professionals to collaborate with ours.
When she’s not powering through projects and leading her team, Alice finds balance in family, travel, and the simple joys of life. From yoga and dancing under the stars to discovering beautiful corners of the world, she is constantly seeking inspiration through new experiences. Always ready for the next adventure, her favourite invitation is often, “Meet me in Argentina next year!”—a reflection of her boundless enthusiasm for both life and exploration.
Kaya Aydogmus
Installation Partner
Kaya Aydogmus is a highly respected specialist in Window Treatment site measuring and installation, with extensive expertise in hospitality environments.
Over the past 20 years I have had the pleasure of working alongside Kaya on projects involving blinds, drapes, sheers, and shades of every kind, including both motorized and non-motorized systems.
Kaya is highly experienced with leading brands including Somfy, Lutron, and Hunter Douglas. He works seamlessly with home automation technicians, ensuring smooth integration and coordination on complex projects.
Kaya consistently brings a level of detail and technical understanding that sets him apart from many installers in the industry.
Kaya is solution-oriented, dependable and approaches every project with professionalism and positivity. His exceptional talent, collaborative nature, and ability to consistently deliver results have made him a sought-after installer among Vancouver’s Design community. Known for his ever-present smile, Kaya recharges with a great cup of coffee and, in his downtime, enjoys travelling the world with his lovely, adventurous wife. Until our next project together, happy travels!
Rex Gao
Installation Partner
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of partnering with Rex Gao and his exceptional FF&E installation team on more than 1,000 guest room projects.
Rex leads a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering everything from complex, technology-integrated furniture installations to large-scale projects with demanding schedules.
His meticulous preparation, strong problem-solving abilities, and positive, solution-focused approach consistently contribute to successful outcomes.
Rex is a trusted industry partner, and I look forward to collaborating with him on many future hospitality projects.
A charismatic presence both in and out of the workplace, Rex Gao is also a talented pop singer who brings creativity and energy to the stage. Outside of his professional career, he pursues music with passion, delivering memorable performances as a dynamic live entertainer. Over the years, he has appeared at numerous events, captivating audiences with his magnetic stage presence. This year marks an exciting milestone as he prepares to host his third concert at The Playhouse in Vancouver.