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Deanna Hayko,
Principal RID, IDC, IIDA Solofusion, Inc. (Interior Design)

Deanna Hayko’s experience as a designer has been cultivated in some very unique and rewarding environments. Employed by prestigious firms such as Architectura and Ideas, she contributed to projects like the expansion of the Vancouver International Airport. One of only two interior designers in a team of architects, Deanna found herself in a sink-or-swim situation – but rose to the challenge. The project allowed her to work with amazing talent from all over the world, many of whom became her mentors. Still Deanna’s creative vision and dedication was so strong that “working for someone else never seemed quite right” – she wanted to investigate design on her own.

Deanna founded Solofusion in 2001. Working from a shared office with a single laptop, she found her challenge in business came from the same source as her success in design. Deanna admits to always being driven, to the point where others warned her: “You work too hard.” She found that the creative passions that fuelled her inspiration to run her own business became tangled with time-consuming administrative tasks.

To free herself and focus on her vision, Deanna redefined her priorities and expanded her business team. The results have been gratifying. Today, Solofusion’s 1500 square foot office houses five permanent staff and various contractors, including a business counselor/financial advisor who helped to reshape the business. Portfolio clients include Intrawest/Playground, Rare Earth Marketing, Okanagan Hills Development and the Mission Group.

A graduate of the Kwantlen University College interior design program, Deanna is President of the Interior Designers Institute of BC (IDIBC) and is registered with the prestigious National Council of Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ).

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