A Designer’s Story: Crafting Humble Sanctuaries for the Dominican Sisters of Port Coquitlam

Every so often, a project comes along that is more than just a job; it becomes a mission. For me, that was the day two Dominican Sisters walked into our Port Coquitlam showroom. They are teachers and administrators at a local Catholic school, preparing to move into a new residency built for them. Their request was simple yet profound: to help them create humble, functional, and serene personal spaces in a series of small rooms.

As they spoke, I realized their need wasn't for extravagance or "bells and whistles." It was for thoughtful, durable solutions that would bring peace and order to their daily lives, allowing them to focus on their selfless work in our community. It almost felt like a personal duty to give back to them, to stretch every penny and provide as much value and care as we possibly could.

The Challenge: Equality and Serenity in Small Spaces

The design puzzle was immediately clear and wonderfully complex. We were working with five separate rooms for five Sisters, plus a guest room. Each room was a different shape and size, yet it was essential that each space felt equal in function and storage.

The rooms were also meant to be technology-free sanctuaries. This meant every square inch had to support their life of study and prayer, serving as a bedroom, a study, and a quiet retreat all at once. They had spent months searching for ready-made furniture, only to find themselves overwhelmed. Nothing quite fit, physically or functionally. This is where our custom design approach could truly shine.

Creative Solutions Born from Listening

My process began by listening. While their initial request was for custom closets, I knew as teachers they would need dedicated areas for study. I proactively designed integrated desks into the initial concepts, and their faces lit up. From there, our collaboration grew.

We selected a soft, solid grey-beige finish called Morning Dew for the main cabinetry, creating a calm backdrop. For warmth, we brought in our Sweet and Savory wood finish as an accent. The most thoughtful details were inside the wardrobes. We made sure to include sturdy closet rods with ample space for their habits and integrated pull-out belt racks to neatly organize their cinctures.

The most exciting innovation was born from the need to save space. To eliminate the need for a separate nightstand, we designed a custom headboard that integrated storage and a small surface for a reading lamp. This simple idea, however, opened up a new challenge. How do you provide power for a lamp in a "no-tech" room?

This is where the magic of our team comes in. I collaborated closely with Andre, our Production Manager, who devised a brilliant solution. Standard power grommets all come with USB ports—a symbol of the very technology we were avoiding. Andre sourced a specific, high-quality outlet without any USB ports and custom-built it into the headboard. It was a small detail that made all the difference, honouring the spirit of their home.

Craftsmanship That Creates Harmony

The production team took this spirit of custom care to every element of the project. To stay within budget, we planned to use our standard closet components. However, Andre knew that in a small space, seeing the seams between cabinets could create a busy look.

To achieve a seamless, high-end feel, he personally customized every single panel and door to have a full overlay. This technique gives the finished product the clean, polished look of high-end cabinetry, making the material itself shine. He even changed the grain on the integrated toe kicks to a vertical pattern, a subtle touch that elevates the entire design. It’s this deep level of craftsmanship, often unseen, that truly defines a Clever Quarters project.

Dedication Through Every Step

Even the best-laid plans face hurdles. Just a week before the installation, our primary CNC machine had a critical breakdown, and the replacement part was stuck in customs. But our team’s commitment never wavered. Our production crew came in at 5:00 am the day of the installation to manufacture the remaining rooms, ensuring we only had to postpone by a single day.

That dedication was mirrored by our installers on-site. Thanks to a meticulous labeling system for every custom part, they were able to efficiently assemble each of the six unique rooms without a single mix-up.

When I did the final walkthrough with the Sisters, they were over the moon. They were thrilled with the attention to detail and the way our entire team, from their first welcome in the showroom to the final installation, had treated them with such care. One of them said to me, “Thank you so much for what you do, because we could never have figured this out on our own.”

That, for me, is everything. My greatest joy is helping people solve the puzzles of their space to improve their everyday life. For these wonderful, selfless Sisters, I’m so proud we could create a collection of truly peaceful and purposeful sanctuaries they can call home.

A Note From Clever Quarters

This project embodies the values we hold dearest: thoughtful design, creative problem-solving, and a deep respect for the needs of our clients. Whether your space is large or small, our goal is to help you live better within it.

If you have a unique challenge in your home, we would be honoured to help you find a solution. We invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our designers today.