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Emily Griffin: Principal Designer
Emily founded Emily Griffin Design (the predecessor to Griffin Houghton) almost 20 years ago after making the move from Sponsorship Marketing to her true passion – Interior Design. She studied at the New York Institute of Art & Design and then dove head first into building the company, alongside raising three energetic children. She has become known for her unique work, that marries classic design with eclectic finishes. Through colour, pattern and texture, Emily creates layered, transitional spaces that are often inspired by her extensive travels around the globe; and that always reflect her clients' vision. She has been published frequently in numerous design publications, and in 2020 she took center stage at Toronto's Interior Design Show, talking with House & Home's Lynda Reeves about the impact and importance of colour in design.
E: emily@griffinhoughton.com
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stephanie houghton: principal designer
Steph’s talent lies in mixing clean, modern lines with classical elements in unexpected ways - reinterpreting tradition to make rooms feel alive and fresh. Her spaces are layered with colour, warmth, character and with more than a little whimsy. Educated at Huron College, Steph spent 20+ years in the creative field of advertising before returning to her true love - Interior Design. Her father is an architect and taught her many things over the years, which she then honed at George Brown’s School of Interior Design. Her unique ability to understand what people really want, combined with her architectural ability and creativity, makes her the perfect fit for any project. Her work has been published frequently in various design publications, and most recently on the cover of House & Home Magazine.
E: stephanie@griffinhoughton.com
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Candace Thompson: Intermediate Designer
Candace is one of those people who excels at just about everything and we can’t imagine our team without her. Immediately after graduating with a Bachelor of Interior Design at the Ryerson School of Interior Design with honours, she joined House & Home Magazine, working for decorating legend Lynda Reeves at her Design Studio. She honed her design chops working closely alongside Lynda on her famous Lakehouse Project, which turned into a highly anticipated design series. She also became the resident columnist for the monthly ‘Ask A Designer’ at House & Home, delivering creative tips to subscribers on home design challenges. She is whip smart, great with our clients and trades, can sketch like nobody’s business, is curious and creative and we absolutely love having her as part of our team. Oh yeah, and she’s a killer cook too..
E: candace@griffinhoughton.com
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SAMANTHA SHEFSKY: INTERMEDIATE DESIGNER
Samantha joins Griffin Houghton after spending over a decade abroad in the US and Europe. She made Toronto her home in 2021, and started her design career at Lynda Reeves Design Studio (with Candace), before joining another well known design firm in Toronto. Sam brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sourcing and trades, along with a killer creative eye. As our GH go-to for being able to find just about anything, she enjoys the thrill of the hunt. Sam’s passion lies in eclectic design that seamlessly incorporates elements from different decades and genres. She also loves colour and pattern (or she wouldn’t be here!). In her free time, Sam enjoys travelling the world with her friends and husband, and spending time with her border terrier Walter.
E: samantha@griffinhoughton.com
Chris Houghton
CAD Technician
Chris is our Swiss Army knife on the team! He brings a multitude of industry-related skills and experience to Griffin Houghton and has become an invaluable resource. After 20+ years of CAD technical work at his father’s architectural firm, Chris left to pursue his own painting and millwork business in Montreal for 10 years. Back in Toronto now, Chris’ experience with AutoCad and his Chief Architect 3D skills are used to create our design drawings. In addition, Chris is a skilled painter and millworker and employs these skills on many of our projects. After completing his sister Stephanie's beautiful kitchen (as a special favour to her), it was showcased in House & Home Magazine.
nadia forbes
Office Manager
Nadia is a critical member of the Griffin Houghton design team, as she runs the day-to-day operations of the firm. With a BA from York University at Glendon, a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Ryerson University, and as a Certified Associate in Project Management from the Project Management Institute, Nadia brings a wealth of organizational skills to the table. Her attention to detail is exceptional - keeping us all on our toes!
Vicki Rusen
Project Manager
After the fun of working alongside Emily on the design and decoration of her new Beaches condo (check out her pad under Our Work: Beech House Condo), Vicki decided to join our team as a Project Manager, working to ensure all project details are taken care of for our clients. She started her career as a Corporate Law Clerk alongside raising her two daughters with her husband, and holds her Real Estate licence. Vicki's excellent project management skills and positivity come from juggling many things over the years; like moving her family countless times in Canada and abroad; overseeing and managing several renovations and decorating all her homes with great flair!