I am not at all surprised, but to some degree – pleasantly, even more impressed, at Chris' sense of professionalism as a Designer. He deserves a capital “D” in Designer. So talented, and incredibly professional.
Barbara Somerville
Costume Designer
My husband and I wanted to be under the same roof as my mother who required single-level accommodations. We decided to move to our bungalow rental property and renovate. We reached out to Chris Oliver and Decisive Moment for direction. Chris flipped the house upside down and created a main floor apartment for mom with a private lower-level walk-out suite for us. We're over-the-moon impressed with the concept. Thanks to Chris' creativity and vision we are looking forward to watching the transformation unfold.
Connie L.
I had the pleasure of working with Chris recently on upgrades to my condo. His process greatly reduced the stress of decision-making, and his designs reflected my style and fulfilled my requirements while exceeding anything I could have possibly created by myself. The final product is far beyond my expectations. I will definitely engage Chris again in the future.
Susan Knowles
All the guys are really “wow'd” by the simplicity of the blue and white colour scheme. Thanks for such sleek, clean designs. The results are quite extraordinary. Kudos. I'm proud of this one! She's going to love it.
David Christen
Contractor, Done Right Canada Contracting
When we decided to renovate our dated 1962 home, we had a certain “look” in mind. Chris helped us to refine and improve our ideas. His recommendations helped us to go beyond our original vision. His attention to detail, and his relationships with the suppliers and trades involved, helped us to accomplish a wonderful result. Without headaches! We would happily recommend Chris to anyone. Thank you for helping us to realize our dream – it's everything we hoped for, and more.
John McLeary
Owner, John McLeary Antique Restoration
In 2019, I purchased a condo in Tampa. A 2005 build, it was more than tired: beige carpet, cheap cabinetry and fixtures, and weird colour choices, courtesy of the previous owner. A proposed second home, I wanted to modernize within a reasonable budget. Working from photos, videos, and floor plans, Chris did just that: he created a bright, clean suite that took full advantage of natural light. The finishes, fixtures, and furnishings were perfect. Sadly, I had to sell this year. In 25 showings, at least 20 of the realtors said it was the nicest unit they'd seen.
David Marston
It's a joy for me to be able to work with a designer who knows what he wants but is also flexible. A rare find.
Philip Doble
Project Manager, G. Pederson & Associates Inc.
We'd recommend Chris Oliver to anyone who wants to see an impressive difference in their space. Like all good designers, Chris has a superb eye. But like too few professional creatives, he also has a great ear. He listens to understand a client's concerns, asks questions to confirm what he's heard, then goes off to think. When he returns, he brings solutions and options that you were hoping for, plus several more that you didn't realize you wanted. Together you narrow the options until you've arrived at a place where you're thrilled.
Steven Bochenek + Lindsay Craik
We were tough clients. We knew what we needed. Chris knew how to listen. He took a rabbit's warren, reconfigured the spaces to accommodate our needs, and now we have a home that works for us.
Marion Warde
Transformative without being revolutionary: that's what we were hoping for in our kitchen and primary bathroom upgrade. We're so glad we took Chris's advice: his gentle prodding persuaded us to think beyond what existed. We had been overwhelmed by the decision-making. In presenting layout and finish options, he gave us focus, and helped us realize our vision. Thank you, Chris.
Sherry + Agris Zarins
I considered myself fortunate to find a coveted suite in an architecturally significant older building. But the suite was showing its age – and then some. Advice from friends: “You must hire a designer. Someone who knows the ins-and-outs of renovation, knows who's out there, understands the building, can communicate with the trades, and guide you through the process.” My second great stroke of luck was connecting with Chris Oliver. He understood my vision – often when I only partially understood it myself. He has realized that vision, to my delight. My trust and respect he earned early. He now has my everlasting gratitude.
John Lownsbrough
We're a three-generation household. We needed a kid-friendly, clean, functional primary bathroom. My husband's Swedish heritage and desire for a “nautical” theme were additional considerations in our project brief. Decisive Moment delivered.
Victoria Lomax Ollers
President, GoldFenix Communications Inc.
For me, Chris has been an invaluable resource. He is a consummate professional with an architect's eye and a designer's attention to detail. He is great to work with and patient with his client. As a landscape architect with my own creative ideas Chris helped me navigate a myriad of unfamiliar design decisions. With Chris' guidance I achieved my goal, a contemporary, functional, and lovely Guest Bathroom. I could not have achieved the same result without him. Thank you Chris.
Susan Macaulay
Landscape Architect
My husband and I hired Chris to help us complete the redecorating of our family room. I had been handling the project myself but became overwhelmed by all the decisions required. Chris addressed all of my concerns with professional advice and creative ideas that complimented the existing furniture. He supplied scaled floor plans and elevations, furniture photos, and fabric swatches. Chris was unfailingly pleasant, courteous, and responsive to my e-mails and phone calls. We are very pleased with the results and would recommend Chris very highly.
Elaine Markowitz
I have engaged Chris several times for his unique design insights and project management expertise. He has shown exemplary vision in modernizing the office while also making our small space more efficient. Recently Chris was instrumental in coordinating the repainting of a mural on the side of my building. This has dramatically increased the presence of my business in the community. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who needs a design specialist.
Geoffrey Dashwood
Barrister + Solicitor, Dashwood & Dashwood
Chris has the two great qualities of having thorough knowledge of the design world and being really easy to work with. He can navigate both clients and collaboration with other professionals and is one of the go-to people that we recommend regularly.
Betsy Williamson
Partner, Williamson & Williamson Architects
Chris has been an extraordinary resource. It's lovely to find someone with great taste who could create an overall plan to guide our work together. He's been incredibly patient as I introduced pieces and did renovations over a period of years. And I’m confident we'll do more together in the future.
HJM
Toronto-based author and entrepreneur
We're always happy to work with Chris. His no nonsense approach to project management – from quotation to construction – makes the whole process work.
Mike Tafts
President, G. Pederson & Associates Inc.
I have worked with Chris on the House + Landscape Committee of our co-op condominium complex for the past four years. Chris is the committee's design expert. The buildings are known for their simple, elegant, award-winning design which must be respected at all times. Chris is collegial, cooperative, efficient, has an incisive eye for clean design and an excellent sense of colour. Chris’ expert eye can survey a 9'x12' room, note poorly utilized storage space, and identify and recommend in an instant what cabinetry and furniture would work best for space, efficiency, and design within the client's budget. He is a pleasure to work with.
Cynthia Smith
Chair, House + Landscape Committee, Avoca Apartments Ltd.
We had a turn-of-the-century vestibule dating back to the early 1900's. We wanted to preserve the feel of the original while also modernizing it. Chris met all our expectations. He made our lives easier by showing us options and coordinating the project. We're very pleased with the results.
Hevina Dashwood
After 17 years in our previous location moving presented challenges and opportunities. The special needs of an auction house dealing in prestige items and a high net worth clientele required a unique skill set. Chris was exceptional at solving our design challenges. His vision for our corporate image was thoroughly considered and well rendered bringing about a modern and stylish environment that represents us perfectly.
Duncan Parker
Vice President, Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers
I've watched Chris transform the most unlikely properties (whether apartment, townhouse, or condo) into open, inviting, and livable gems. He tackles awkward space with spatial smarts and a keen eye. No matter the challenge, he sees possibility, and his client ends up with a vibrant, contemporary, and livable home.