--- title: "A Collaborative Design Group — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/a-collaborative-design-group-pfvwus-pf~58773626 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~58773626.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "A Collaborative Design Group" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/028352e20faae4b5_8593-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4521 Manhattan Road SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 4B3, Canada" latitude: 51.0109 longitude: -114.0643 phone: "(403) 235-5369" website: https://www.collaborativedesign.ca/ rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 525 last_updated: 2026-08-20 --- # A Collaborative Design Group Original Houzz profile: [A Collaborative Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/a-collaborative-design-group-pfvwus-pf~58773626) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Calgary, AB - **Serves:** Banff, British Columbia, Calgary, Canmore - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Since 2007 Laurie McBain of Kaleidoscope Design Inc and Chris Salas of Cocina Interior Design Ltd have been forming a partnership in A Collaborative Design Group. Together Chris and Laurie specialize in luxury and estate homes in the Calgary area. When working on projects they conceive the overall concepts together. Chris' area of expertise lies in the technical drafting and design of cabinetry and overall interior design details, Laurie specializes in the finish selections, working with the trades on site and focusing on the finishing details. Combined, A Collaborative Design Group brings over 40 years of hands on design & trade experience. The gallery you'll see on Houzz show projects completed by Kaleidoscope Design Inc, Cocina Interior Design or 'A Collaboration Design Group'. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Project Management - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Mudroom Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Home Bars - Closet Design - 3D Rendering - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Wine Cellar Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Handicap-Accessible Design - Custom Storage - Kitchen Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Custom Homes - Full Home Remodeling - Home Office Design - New Home Construction ### Areas Served - Banff - British Columbia - Calgary - Canmore ### Typical Job Cost CAD 10,000 - CAD 4,000,000 Full Home Remodels Starting at $70,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | A Collaborative Design Group | | Address | 4521 Manhattan Road SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 4B3, Canada | | Phone | (403) 235-5369 | | Website | https://www.collaborativedesign.ca/ | | Followers on Houzz | 525 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/acollaborativedesigngroup/info?tab=overview - Blog — http://www.collaborativedesign.ca/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [A Collaborative Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/a-collaborative-design-group-pfvwus-pf~58773626) - **Website:** https://www.collaborativedesign.ca/ - **Phone:** (403) 235-5369 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NKBA Certified Kitchen and Bath DesignerInterior DesignerFeatured in various Design magazines, Local & National1st, 2nd, 3rd, Place in NKBA Design Competitions, 4 years1st Place in Canadian Home Builder's Association's Sam Awards, Calgary Placed in SubZero Wolf Design Competition - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jessica Broderick, Oct. 2018** > It was an absolute pleasure working with Laurie McBain. She turned our new home build into a beautiful house that feels inviting, warm and comfortable. Laurie listened to everything that was important to us and made it happen. No question or task was ever too big or small. Laurie and her team at a collaborative design group, truly are the dream team, they are passionate about what they do and put everything they have into every single project. You’re in good hands with this team and you will have fun creating your dream home because they just make it easy for you. **★★★★★ — four\_kids, June 2016** > My husband and I have high expectations for the services and products we purchase - we were thrilled that both Laurie, Chris and their team came through with flying colours on our complete home renovation of three floors totaling 4300 square feet. Both Chris and Laurie have years of experience and are both experts in their fields. The ladies met with us in our home's original state to learn what we wanted to achieve in style, colour, design, function, products and establish a budget. After that, every design and detail from flooring to lighting to hardware was perfect. We felt NO stress during the 4 month planning process to six month deconstruction to finished renovation. Neither Chris nor Laurie presented any surprises or new found costs. They response promptly to questions and gently followed up with us when our work schedules were busy, Allowances / budgets were clear and Laurie punctually updated on the "Drop Box" they transparently use with trades and ourselves. The trades they contract are professional, punctual and demonstrate exceptional expertise. Special shout out to Terry and his team who hand crafted the many unique features of our home which in included custom sliding barn doors, a custom wine fridge that was formerly an art niche, a custom sandstone fireplace & shelving, a custom Murphy bed with desk, personally designed storage cabinets and an amazing kitchen island as well as a custom made live edge kitchen table out of a raw tree. Laurie and Chris maximized the space in our home to permit our six family members to live in beautifully organized harmony. Simply outstanding! We would definitely hire them again without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Kara Kenno, June 2016** > We are extremely happy with the look and the functionality of the kitchen recently designed by A Collaborative Design Group. Chris was really easy to work with and took all of our needs and wants into consideration when putting together the drawings and design. We are so happy with the end result and will definitely use them again for our up coming bathroom & laundry reno. > Thanks again Chris! > Kara **★★★★★ — Renovations by Hearth and Home, April 2016** > Hi Chris, > I wanted to let you know that our Glenside project was named as a finalist in two catagories for the 2015 SAM Awards. As always, any award is always a recognition and acknowledgement for every member of the team that worked so hard on the project and you deserve kudos for your participation and contribution to the projects success. Your experience and the eye for detail that you bring to the table make working with you a fantastic experience. I found you to be collaborative, specific, intuitive, professional and a source of energy and positivity throughout the process. Your participation in the design and selection process was a valued and integral part of the projects success. I can't recommend you enough and look forward to future collaborations. > Thank you very much Chris. > Tim Snow > Manager > Hearth and Home Renovations **★★★★★ — User, Feb. 2016** > Finding Laurie McBain to help us pull together our renovation project was a blessing. We had a concept in mind for our renovation, however struggled to pull it together until we met Laurie. Within 1 hour of us meeting her, she had us saying yes, yes and when can we start. Within days we had 2 drawings from Laurie - both were very creative and in line with what we were looking for. She listened to what we were attempting to achieve and delivered! By far one of the most creative designers in Calgary! Our experience was very positive, professional yet fun, and the end project is outstanding - beautiful! Laurie has many connections in the industry which was a huge help in making decisions on products to use and because of her contacts, we were able to complete in a realistic timeline and with many savings. A great experience! We definitely recommend Laurie for anyone's renovation project. We will use Laurie once again when ready to do our next phase of the renovation! A SPECIAL THANK YOU LAURIE, for the great experience in working with you! > Helen and Gary Curtis **★★★★★ — debbievdk, Feb. 2016** > Working with Laurie McBain was a very positive experience. Our complete home renovation was a wonderful process of discovering new and exciting materials that show beauty & practicality as we continue to enjoy our 'new' spaces. The trades Laurie & Chris chose and recommended were highly professional and did an amazing job. Laurie, beautifully, kept our personalities and lifestyle in our home. **★★★★★ — simpsonvelma, Feb. 2016** > We have been working with Laurie McBain quite extensively over the past several months, and my husband and I have been completely won over by her knowledge, professionalism and wide skills set while planning our home renovation-we feel very fortunate to have someone of this calibre involved with our project! We have absolutely no reservation in recommending her services! **★★★★★ — Interiors to Inspire, Feb. 2016** > Laurie is so fun to work with; we appreciate the artistic freedom she allows us when collaborating on projects. She is a creative designer, with a personal approach and the ability to visualize her clients needs. She is attentive to every small detail and very flexible when changes or modifications need to be made. Laurie truly cares about every project from start to finish and we look forward to our next collaboration! **★★★★★ — teresabonneau2, Sept. 2015** > We have had the pleasure of dealing with Laurie and Chriss on many projects. We find them to be very knowledgeable and very experienced in what they do. They are very well known and respected in the industry. Collaborative Design Group are a big part of the award winning team that we have developed over the years. **★★★★★ — Jeff, Sept. 2015** > Laurie Mcbain is the absolute best designer in the industry. Her knowledge of new products and trends is incomparable. She has great contractors that work with her (Adrien and Cory Maillot (spelling?)) and gets optimum work and value from the sub-contractors. **★★★★★ — Jolanda Slagmolen-Flores, April 2014** > I have known Chris Salas and Laurie McBain professionally for several years, and have worked with them on a number of projects. > > Chris and Laurie have a vast range of knowledge and experience. They are extremely talented and creative designers, and are always aware of the newest products and finishes. Far from "cookie-cutter," their designs are always unique, and often award-winning. > > In addition to their design talents, they are very knowledgeable about all aspects of the building and remodeling process and have a keen sense of the smallest details that can make or break a project. > > I would highly recommend them for any project, whether a small remodel or a large scale building project. **★★★★★ — Stonemaster Granite, Inc., Nov. 2013** > Stonemaster Granite has had the pleasure of working with 'Collaborative Design Group' on numerous new home and renovation projects. The combined talent, expertise and creativity gives this company an edge, and for us always an exciting challenge. They are extremely detail oriented, while working within their clients concepts and tastes. We highly recommend this talented group, and look forward to many more years with them. ## Selected projects - [Aspen Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aspen-views-pj-vj~7434318) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - [Ridge Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ridge-project-pj-vj~7311395) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - [1912 Reno](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1912-reno-pj-vj~6877661) - Location: Calgary, AB - Photos: 17 - [Elbow Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elbow-project-pj-vj~6877669) - Location: Calgary, AB - Photos: 22 - [Mountview 2008](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountview-2008-pj-vj~1484569) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Gallagher Homes Lakeview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gallagher-homes-lakeview-pj-vj~6038191) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Elbow Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elbow-haven-pj-vj~7311887) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Modern Mid-Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mid-century-pj-vj~6038131) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Generation 3 Simon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/generation-3-simon-pj-vj~6877676) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [South Family Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-family-home-pj-vj~6877683) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Contemporary Residence - Elboya, Calgary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-residence-elboya-calgary-pj-vj~530572) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This stunning residence was built by Olympic Homes and designed by Chris Salas, CMKBD and Laurie McBain of A Collaborative Design Group in Calgary. Clean and contemporary, yet warm and inviting, it features white and walnut cabinetry throughout, built by Casa Flores Cabinetry. The island and built-in table are unique features, and a real focal point in the kitchen. - [Stephens Fine Homes 1720](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stephens-fine-homes-1720-pj-vj~1484593) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Estate Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estate-bungalow-pj-vj~1484241) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Altadore 1940](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/altadore-1940-pj-vj~1484586) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Stephens Fine Homes 1936](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stephens-fine-homes-1936-pj-vj~1520534) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Stephens Fine Homes Layered Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stephens-fine-homes-layered-modern-pj-vj~3038877) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - [Generation 3 Pinnacle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/generation-3-pinnacle-pj-vj~1520584) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Marker Homes - Elboya](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marker-homes-elboya-pj-vj~611095) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Added Entertainment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/added-entertainment-pj-vj~1596536) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Stephens Fine Homes 1711](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stephens-fine-homes-1711-pj-vj~1484582) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 52 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/a-collaborative-design-group-pfvwus-pf~58773626) ## Community Q&A **Q: What type and colour is the white and brown countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello, this island counter is a combination of real granite called Copenhagen available at Dauter Stone here in Calgary and the wood portion of the top is solid Ash custom aged , oiled and wire brushed by the cabinet maker Catuso Custom Woodcraft . Thank you for your question, Laurie and Chris **Q: If only this bathroom had a bit of drama..... ;))** *(in Photo Questions)* If only this bathroom had a bit of drama..... ;)) A: Thanks for noting !! Nothing like having a little wow factor in a washroom. This is truly a regal spa ! A modern fireplace is on the opposite wall with concave shape to complete the circle! Lovely home by Stephens Fine Homes **Q: Love the Tub! Who makes it?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, can you tell me the make and model of the bathtub please? A: Hello , sorry for the Delay. This tub is the Maax Optik F freestanding tub. Thank you for the question, Laurie and Chris **Q: Who makes the small side table with the learther top?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello , this was a product purchased a fairly ling time ago and is a discontinued product from Pier One. Thank you for the question, Laurie and Chris **Q: Love the bathroom! Could I please get the name of the bathroom tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello , this accent mosaic is called Onix (sorry discontinued) and the field tiles are called Velvet and Calcutta Gold marble. Thank you, Laurie and Chris **Q: Would oil rubbed bronze hardware worked here as well?** *(in Photo Questions)* I have similar colour scheme in my kitchen except i have a dark stained cherry floor. I'm stumped on whether to use polished nickel, brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze for cabinet hardware. The door hardware throughout the rest of the house are ORB. Suggestion on what to choose for kitchen cabinet hardware? Thank you! A: Hi - YES! Oil Rubbed Bronze would be amazing and will add some pop. You already have it on the door hardware so it's connected - if you could have some in the lighting even better. Have fun with it! Chris & Laurie --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-20.*