NIVEK REMAS
NIVEK REMAS is a Toronto-based interior design studio founded by Kevin Chan and Samer Shaath. Working across luxury hospitality, residential, and retail projects, the studio is recognized for creating immersive interiors that combine bold aesthetics with a strong sense of narrative, materiality, and spatial experience.
Drawing on their complementary backgrounds in architecture, design, and the arts, Chan and Shaath approach each project through a balance of conceptual vision and technical precision. Their work is defined by meticulous attention to detail, a refined understanding of contemporary luxury, and a commitment to crafting spaces that are both emotionally engaging and highly functional.
Since its founding, NIVEK REMAS has received international recognition through numerous industry awards and has established itself as one of Canada’s leading contemporary design studios, delivering distinctive environments for clients around the world.
“Thoughtful design begins with understanding who you are creating for.”
INTERVIEW
We don’t start with elements; we start with the uncompromised narrative. Every project must have a compelling story – whether it’s the primal glamour of the 70s for Animl Steakhouse or a more serene narrative for the Fairmont.
The project develops by layering that story through rich textures, layered materials, and striking focal points to create a visceral experience. Samer’s focus on materials and craftsmanship ensures the vision is cohesive and flawlessly executed, from the velvet banquettes to the fringe and the iconic upside-down bull we installed at Animl.
Samer and I met at design school, where we quickly became “studio rats,” constantly exploring and arguing out every project until it was undeniably right. We realized we had perfectly complementary strengths: Kevin’s passion for narrative, architecture, and literature, and Samer’s instinctive command of detail and visualization.
We founded Nivek Remas to merge that macro and micro vision – because we realized we had to go out on our own to ensure our unique, out-of-the-box approach was truly adding something new and exciting to the industry.
There have been levels of breaks, but the redesign of the Fairmont Pacific Rim stands as a defining milestone. It wasn’t a simple renovation; it was a complete, career-culminating reimagining of one of Canada’s most iconic luxury properties.
To be entrusted with shaping the identity of a globally recognized brand at that highest level of hospitality design – marrying timeless luxury with Vancouver’s modern spirit – that was the moment where our creative vision, professional growth, and passion all aligned. I actually teared up when I saw the pre-photos.
The key to a successful design is that it must say something. If it doesn’t transform the space into an unforgettable journey that aligns with the brand’s culture and context, it’s a fail.
In business, our strength is the dynamic friction between us: Kevin integrates macro-storytelling with business strategy, ensuring the concept is financially sound. Samer translates those abstract, bold concepts into a meticulously detailed, physical environment – on time and on budget. We don’t just want to do cool sht; we want to do cool sht that works.
Our signature style is bold, emotive, and narrative-driven. We deal in drama and refinement, using every tool – texture, light, and geometry – to create interiors that are truly immersive.
As for a mantra, we have two that anchor our approach:
- “Say something.” (Kevin)
- “Emotive, Impactful, Visceral.” (The Studio’s core pillar) If we achieve all three, we’ve transformed the space into a journey.
The redesign of Fairmont Pacific Rim holds a special place for us because it brought us back to Vancouver, Kevin’s hometown, and allowed us to reconnect with a city that continues to inspire our work. Beyond the personal significance, the project offered a rare opportunity to reimagine an iconic property with a fresh, contemporary lens while honouring its legacy. Fairmont Pacific Rim challenged us creatively, encouraged us to push our material palette and spatial storytelling, and ultimately became a milestone project that reflects both our design philosophy and our deep connection to the West Coast.
The sheer volume of work and pressure you face while working on the best projects in the world at the highest level. We learned early at firms like Yabu Pushelberg and Burdifilek that school provides the fundamentals, but the real world teaches you accountability, execution, and deadlines. The hardest lesson is balancing the need for perfectionism with the reality of project schedules. If a project isn’t the right kind of challenging, it’s probably not going to be successful.
It’s surprisingly simple but crucial: “Design for the demographic or else it’s a fail.” You can have the most beautiful, bold concept, but if it doesn’t align with the client’s vision, the brand, and the people who will actually use the space, it’s an exercise in vanity. Our job is to create emotionally resonant interiors that balance creativity with functionality.
Get into the real world, fast. The knowledge you gain from practical skills and navigating real-world pressures is priceless. Beyond that, you must cultivate your eye for detail and execution – because, as Samer’s mentor once said, design is a skill you can’t teach; you’re either born with it, or you’re not. Be instinctive, be meticulous, and be inventive.
“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara is a very inspiring read.
The most essential design principle we follow is simple: design for the demographic. Even the most visually compelling interior will fall short if it doesn’t authentically align with the people who will inhabit it – the brand, the business, and the guest. Thoughtful design begins with understanding who you are creating for. We dig deep, asking the right questions to ensure that the narrative, the operational flow, and the aesthetic intent all work in harmony. Only then can bold ideas translate into meaningful, successful spaces. An example of this is the Fairmont Pacific Rim Gold Lounge, which required functionality to be woven into its inspired design as the space plays an important part of the hotel’s guest journey. The Fairmont Gold Lounge plays a pivotal role in the hotel guest journey because it transforms a stay into a highly personalized, elevated experience. It is more than an amenity – it is a curated environment where service, comfort, and exclusivity converge.
We’re celebrating the launch of Bocado Collingwood, a dynamic new Spanish-style restaurant, proving that high-concept narrative design is not exclusive to major city centers. Beyond Canada, we’re bringing our signature theatricality to the US with some fun, high-profile hospitality projects in Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale slated for 2025. Crucially, we’re also expanding our scope, pushing deeper into the lifestyle and fitness space by developing concepts for unique, aesthetically-driven gyms. We believe these spaces need to be as motivating and visceral as any nightlife venue.
Thank you so much Kevin and Samer, for this lovely interview!
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