Shanelle Guillemette
Interior design to me is a creative process that is both inspiring and rewarding. I enjoy seeing a project grow from an initial idea into a fully realized space. My passion lies in human-centric and sustainable design, creating environments that support people’s well-being while also considering the long-term health of the planet.
Sustainable Boutique for Upcycled Apparel
Avaia
This project explores the issue of overconsumption in the clothing industry. The rise of fast fashion has reshaped both production and consumer behaviour, prioritizing speed and low cost over quality and longevity.
Avaia, meaning “one of a kind," is a hybrid space that combines retail and production, bringing together creativity, education, and community engagement within the shopping experience. The space is designed to shift shopping from passive consumption to active awareness.
Donated garments move through a visible process of sorting, deconstruction, and redesign, transforming the boutique into a working studio where production and retail coexist. By making this process transparent, Avaia encourages visitors to slow down, observe, and reconsider the impact of their choices.