RAAW Design & Associates

I am very happy to write this review and reference letter for RAAW Design and Associates! I initially found RAAW, a design-build firm led by Allyse Li, by sheer luck! In the end, I am so pleased and can’t thank them enough to make my vision come true!I am a professional photographer (second career) with a previous career history in the hospitality industry. I recently signed a commercial space lease in a new upscale office tower and boutique hotel complex in Richmond, BC, called International Trade Centre. My leased space is being used as a professional photography studio. Because the complex is brand new, the commercial unit that I leased was just a shell ready for build-out. My vision for the small space was an elegant, yet comfortable studio that still functioned as an industrial space with backdrops, professional photography equipment, and lighting.From the moment I met Allyse and saw examples of her aesthetic tastes, I knew that I had found the right designer. She made me feel comfortable, listened, and truly understood my vision. Even though she had not designed a professional photography studio before, it did not phase her. Nor did it phase her that it was a small project with a small budget compared to many of her other larger projects. In fact, she did research on some of the technical requirements I needed and was inspired by the job!During the entire process, communication was open and effective. I felt heard and respected for my ideas, concerns, and any design modifications along the way. I am impressed by how the team (Allyse, Jeremy and Jason) was engaged and able to move the project from phase to phase efficiently, on time, and on budget... from estimating, to designing, to obtaining city permits, to managing trades.In closing, I genuinely feel very grateful that RAAW Design took on my project. I have no hesitation in recommending this wonderful design-build firm for any projects… large or small… in any interior architectural capacity. On a professional level, I must also acknowledge Allyse as a highly competent, intelligent, entrepreneurial young woman who is inspiring for so many other women, like myself. I am happy to have met her and look forward to maintaining a lifelong friendship based on a mutual hospitality interior design appreciation.

I've worked with RAAW design for their design service and the full version of their project management service about 3 years ago. We are operating for over three years now and everything is functioning well with no issues other than maintaining. The design is well thought out, they understood the needs of our back of house commercial kitchen and was very efficient. Along with me, all of us investors are happy with the design and building permit process, the construction process and afterwards our operating space.Highly recommended as the best design and build team and project consultants in Vancouver area. They are the most professional team I've worked with, and will work with them again if there is another future store or project.

I was looking for a designer to help design the railing of my staircase that fitted the aesthetic of our house after our reno. Nothing store-bought or options presented to us by our contractor was appropriate. Through Alyse, we’ve come up with the design solution that fitted my home and got the right trade person to do the job all within budget and within timeline. Her team also was able to find the perfect trade for the job that was professional and a craftsman. And everything was done right before I was due for a baby too. It is perfect and made our entrance look put together. I was a pleasure to work with RAAW on all front.

RAAW design’s team helped me transform my house and designed our new kitchen, basement suite to be as barrier-free as the original structure of the house would allow. In particular, Jeremy gave us very practical construction related advices and coordinated our trades. We’ve lived here for years now, and still happy with the quality of everything.

Allyse has very good communication skills and understood all of my design needs. I love the combinations of colors and materials that she picked for my home. Thank you RAAW Design!

Allyse is a designer you can trust the most. I really appreciate her hard working attitude. She helps us a lot during our renovation. We even become a very close friends after our project.

Allyse and their team took the large task of leading our interior design mandate from start to finish for our 70 unit condo project (cambie+king Edward) Allyse is responsive, professional, courteous, and not scared too think outside the box. We had a great experience and a lot of fun working together.

Allyse helped me to form my vision for my condo renovation. We spent months on planning. She’s super patient and very creative. She helped me through the process even to the construction stage. She knows everything about permit and inspection steps and suggested an easier way to do things. She helped me with picking the material, colour combination. She charges very reasonable. We are very happy with her, she’s made my first project a lot smoother! Can’t wait to finish it and share some photos!

RAAW is the interior designing firm that I trust. Allyse is very professional and responsive to clients' needs in an efficient manner. We have done two build-out projects with RAAW and are very happy with the projects. Highly recommended!!

We worked with RAAW since 2020 as a millwork sub-contractor. Allyse and Jeremy was nice to work with, their job sites and projects were well managed and time oriented. The design concept is unique and brilliant, also takes into account the feasibility of installation. We highly recommend RAAW to homeowners who is looking for renovating or building new homes.