Meet The Founder

Guided by Intentional, Elevated Living

Dannie Burns founded Forever House Design Studio with one goal in mind: to help clients create homes they never outgrow. With years of hands-on experience working in a residential design firm where she grew into the role of architectural designer, Dannie developed a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning and intentional details shape the way a home feels and functions. Blending architectural insight with a warm, intuitive design sensibility, she transforms existing spaces into homes that feel cohesive, functional, and personal. Dannie is passionate about renovation done with purpose, designing with longevity in mind so each space feels meaningful today, and for years to come.

The Forever House Design Journey

Our interior design process is built to support full-home transformations—from vision to installation. Whether you’re redesigning a main floor, refreshing your entire home, or designing your new build our structured phases ensure a seamless, well-communicated, and beautifully executed experience.

PHASE 1: DISCOVERY & VISION ALIGNMENT

INCLUDES

  • Initial consultation (virtual or in-person)
  • Review of existing home and lifestyle needs or
  • Collaboration during new build planning phase, including review of draft floor plans and coordination with architect or builder
  • Site visit (if existing home or lot is accessible)
  • Detailed client questionnaire to understand style, function, and lifestyle needs
  • Budget, timeline, and project goals discussion

DELIVERABLES

  • Design agreement
  • Defined scope of work (room-by-room)
  • Project schedule outline

PHASE 2: CONCEPT & CREATIVE DIRECTION

INCLUDES

  • Exploration of your aesthetic preferences
  • Style analysis based on your lifestyle and home architecture
  • Mood board creation for each key area
  • Creative direction presentation for feedback

DELIVERABLES

  • Whole home concept mood boards
  • Colour palette and materials inspiration
  • Design direction approval

PHASE 3: SPACIAL PLANNING & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

INCLUDES

  • Scaled floor plans for all rooms
  • Millwork concepts and millwork concept elevations
  • Elevations for other key features (fireplace walls, built-ins, etc.)
  • Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) for proposed lighting and ceiling finishes and details.
  • Recommendations for ceiling details (beams, paneling, texture, etc.)
  • Preliminary finish and material selections
  • 3D renderings (as needed) to visualize key rooms and design features

DELIVERABLES

  • Whole home as built floor plan
  • RCP drawings for electrician and GC
  • Preliminary finishes and materials board
  • Conceptual 3D renderings (if applicable)

PHASE 4: Design Detailing & Finalization of Finish Materials

INCLUDES

  • Finalized selections for all rooms: flooring, tile, cabinetry, lighting, hardware, and more
  • Specification of architectural elements: doors, trim, baseboards, casings, ceiling materials
  • Custom millwork drawings (kitchens, vanities, built-ins) OR coordination with millwork fabricator
  • Final 3D renderings for client approval

DELIVERABLES

  • Complete design specification package
  • Lighting and electrical plans with RCPs
  • Final 3D visuals (as required)
  • Final design presentation for approval

PHASE 5: Procurement & Project Management

INCLUDES

  • Sourcing and quoting all furnishings, lighting, and finishes
  • Vendor communications and order placement
  • Delivery tracking and quality assurance
  • Issue resolution for backorders, damages, or substitutions

DELIVERABLES

  • Final procurement quote and vendor list
  • Order summaries with timelines
  • Delivery and installation tracking schedule

PHASE 6: INSTALLATION & STYLING

INCLUDES

  • Coordination of furniture delivery and installation
  • Hands-on styling with decor, art, and accessories
  • Oversight of trades for light fixture installs, millwork placement, or wall hangings
  • Final walkthrough and adjustments
  • Contractor coordination for physical installs (yours or ours)

DELIVERABLES

  • Fully installed and styled space
  • Optional photoshoot-ready styling
  • Project sign-off and care instructions
Note: As a solo designer, I personally oversee all styling and creative details on installation day, while relying on trusted contractors or your preferred trades for physical installation tasks.