Alykhan Velji
Alykhan Velji is the Creative Director of Alykhan Velji Designs, the Calgary-based interior design studio he founded nearly two decades ago. Known for interiors that are layered, architectural, and deeply personal, Velji has developed a distinctive design language that balances heritage influences with contemporary sensibilities.
Working across residential and commercial projects, his approach explores the relationship between craftsmanship, materiality, and storytelling. Through bold compositions, rich textures, and carefully considered details, Velji creates spaces that feel immersive, collected, and enduring.
Beyond interiors, his creative practice extends into furniture, textile, and product collaborations, including partnerships with SILVA, Moblia, Urban Barn, Roll Out, and AFERA. His work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Dezeen, Domino, Livingetc, House & Home, and Western Living. In 2025, Alykhan Velji Designs was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Design Firms by House & Home.
“Be bold, but make it timeless.”
INTERVIEW
© Michele Johnson
Successful interior design begins with clarity of intent. Every proportion, material, and detail must serve the greater narrative of the space. When architecture, materiality, and lifestyle align, the result feels effortless.
For me, it has never been about overt luxury — it has always been about livability. A space must feel considered, but also deeply usable. That balance is what gives it longevity. In business, the same principles apply: vision, integrity, discipline. I also believe strongly in humility and continuous learning. Design without discipline does not endure — and neither does business.
I have always been drawn to the creative world — design, fashion, craft, dance — anything expressive and tactile. From a young age, I was constantly creating: designing clothes, crafting objects, and immersing myself in fashion and design magazines, fascinated by the worlds they presented.
I initially thought my path would lead me into architecture. Instead, I found myself in interior design — and quickly fell in love with its intimacy. Interior design allowed me to shape not just structures, but atmosphere and experience.
Over time, that curiosity evolved into Alykhan Velji Designs — a studio built on the belief that interiors should feel curated, architectural, and emotionally resonant.
Every project begins with a narrative. We begin by discussing how the client wants the space to feel — not just how it should look.
Often there is an anchor: a salvaged fireplace mantel, a bold material choice, or a singular word — “heritage,” “monastic,” “prairie,” “coastal.”
From there, the design unfolds intentionally. We consider volume, proportion, millwork, lighting hierarchy, and texture. The layering is deliberate — creating tension between restraint and richness.
Strong projects begin with conviction, not decoration.
Layered. Architectural. Intentional.
Our work often blends traditional references with contemporary clarity. We gravitate toward colour-drenching, sculptural lighting, detailed millwork, and the juxtaposition of vintage and modern pieces.
If I had a mantra, it would be:
“Be bold, but make it timeless.”
Impact should feel inevitable — not trendy.
© Michele Johnson
favorite pieces from the Philia Collection
I am drawn to sculptural pieces that exist between art and architecture. PHILIA collection celebrates form in its purest expression — something I deeply resonate with.
Slit Mirror by Phillip Jividen
Its sculptural intervention transforms reflection into architecture.
It is difficult to choose, but a recent large-scale commercial project stands out. We transformed the lobby and tenant lounge of an iconic Calgary building, Calgary House.
The design was inspired by a striking metal sculpture by Krystyna Sadowska located in the elevator lobby. We embraced a refined brutalist aesthetic — introducing material depth, sculptural forms, and layered texture to create a boutique-hotel-like experience.
It embodies our love of material dialogue, pattern, and architectural detail — balancing strength with warmth.
I must also acknowledge my furniture and wallpaper collaborations with Silva, Urban Barn, and RollOut. These collections were deeply personal explorations of craft and heritage, and they represent another dimension of my design philosophy.
Layer intentionally.
Layering is not clutter — it is hierarchy. It involves lighting levels, varied textures, material contrast, scale, and the integration of old and new. The most compelling spaces feel as though they evolved over time, even when carefully orchestrated.
True layering creates depth — visually and emotionally.
“Edit relentlessly.”
In design, restraint creates power. In business, focus creates momentum. The removal of the unnecessary is what refines both a space and a career.
© KM Photography
Master the fundamentals before chasing aesthetics.
Learn drafting. Understand proportion. Study construction. Know how materials age and perform. Trends are fleeting — technical fluency and craftsmanship sustain a career.
And above all, maintain professionalism. Reputation is everything.
© KM Photography
Learning to protect creative energy.
Early on, I said yes to nearly everything. Over time, I realized that strong design requires boundaries — with clients, collaborators, and within oneself. Not every opportunity is aligned, and discernment is a critical part of growth.
Podcast: The AVD Inspire Podcast — where we explore design, business, and creative entrepreneurship.
Book: Decorating is Fun! by Dorothy Draper (1939). It’s nostalgic, bold, and a reminder that decorating — often underestimated — is a powerful finishing layer that gives personality to architecture.
We are currently expanding into large-scale development collaborations, including curated spec homes and pre-designed residential frameworks under our Parcel Living brand. These are architecturally considered homes, fully executed inside and out — designed to elevate the spec market with intentionality and design integrity.
We are also continuing to grow the AVD Inspire Podcast, recording upcoming seasons at international trade shows and further bridging design, business, and community.
It is an exciting chapter — expansive, strategic, and deeply intentional.
Thank you so much Alykhan, for this lovely interview!
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Its monolithic presence and material honesty feel both grounded and timeless.