PURE’s Principal Designer and CEO Ami McKay firmly believes in the power of environments that heal, and approaches all of her design projects with just that purpose in mind. The name “PURE” is derived from Ami’s insistence on designing spaces free from impurities. Spaces that give—not take—and create pure joy for her clients. PURE proudly incorporates organic, healthy, and sustainable materials into designs wherever possible, ensuring spaces work in harmony with the environment, not against it.
Clients’ personal style and vision are what drive Ami and the PURE Interior Design and Build Team to create beautiful, healthy spaces in residences, offices, restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces. Whether it’s a kitchen design or bathroom remodel, a quick renovation, or new construction, her reputation as one of Canada’s Top Five Interior Designers keeps Ami striving to make every new project unique to each client’s life or space. When asked what drives her vision, Ami will unfailingly respond, ‘How can we help heal?’ This mentality permeates every aspect her life, and whether she is designing dream homes or giving back to the community, Ami always exudes a warmth and positivity that provides an unmistakable feeling of “home” for everyone she meets.
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Away from the office, Ami works tirelessly to give back to the Vancouver community. In addition to her work mentoring and empowering women around the world through organizations such as the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Ami has made philanthropy a core value at PURE Design. She frequently donates design services to socially conscious organizations, and has worked in partnership with prominent sustainability-focused businesses, women’s shelters, and other groups dedicated to making the world a better place. She has also designed multiple residences for Home for the Holidays, whose proceeds go directly to Kids Help Phone. In addition, all of Ami’s designers are actively encouraged to take on volunteering opportunities of their own. Early in her journey a kind soul lent Ami a helping hand, and she is fueled by an unwavering desire to pass on this generosity.
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Setting her business mind to her heart’s intent, in 2016 Ami launched the PURE♡SYRIAN Pillow Collection in collaboration with artisan Salma Muhammad. A Syrian refugee, Salma and her young family fled to Canada after being privately sponsored by a group of friends in Lions Bay, including Ami. Upon learning that Salma had worked as a trained tailor back in Syria, the pair hatched an idea to create a line of handmade designer pillows. Years later, the proceeds from this line continue to benefit refugees like Salma and her family.
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Ami dreams of making Earth a better place through design. This is a dream she plans to share with the world. Whether through scaling up operations, developing new product lines like chic, sustainable furniture and accessories, or through hosting her own TV series, Ami strives to make PURE a company with truly international impact: impact which extends joy and healing not only to the clients she serves, but to the planet around them as well.
