Rooted in Community, Innovation and a Passion for Food
You’ve come to the right table. As a permaculture designer, homesteader and former food business owner, I understand the unique challenges that food producers and farmers face.
I’m Shauna, Design Farm’s Creative Director and Your Community-Builder
[I’m the one directing the boat from the front]
Not only am I a foodie and grower, I have over a decade of food business experience that I draw on to support my clients. I’ve packaged a never-ending stream of unique products, crafted countless recipes and spent long days tending my own garden, raising farm animals, and hunting for the queen bee in buzzing hives.
I owned and operated two successful bakery businesses in Alberta, and for over a decade I’ve worked almost exclusively with food and farm businesses in the Kootenays. My hands-on experience gives me a deep understanding of what it takes to run a food business.
As a graphic and permaculture designer, my approach is creative, practical and tailored specifically for food and farm businesses, as well as community and nonprofit organizations. I have years of experience developing local and regional initiatives, events and programs focused on engaging communities and more resilient food systems.
I created and produce the successful Basin Food Summit & Expo which, since 2018, brings together food producers, food buyers, farmers and stakeholders from around the Columbia Basin every year. And as a director of the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council, I’m deeply involved in shaping more resilient, sustainable food systems in our region.
My unique recipe of skills and passion culminate in the creative services I offer, ready to support your growing endeavour.
The land on which my family and I work, homestead and recreate is deep in the Slocan Valley, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Sinixt. I’m grateful to the stewards of this land and I relish in the inspiration this wild place provides me.
Meet Dylan, Master Craftsman and Your Fabrication Expert
[He is the one putting in the heavy work heaving us forward]
Dylan runs the Design Farm Fabrication Studio and is a skilled craftsman and innovator (and my husband!). With a diverse background in engineering, machining, carpentry and building, Dylan has spent years honing his skills to bring ideas to life in the most innovative ways. From CNC machining and laser cutting to 3D printing, he’s always exploring new ways to make the impossible…possible.
At the heart of Dylan’s work is a passion for creative problem-solving and bringing ideas to life. He offers a wide range of services, from rapid prototyping and custom signage to retail solutions and intricate woodworking projects. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep knowledge of materials, Dylan excels at turning concepts into tangible, high-quality products that make an impact.
Over the years, Dylan has worked on a wide range of projects—everything from reproducing vintage parts to building custom displays and illuminated signage for local businesses. His versatility, attention to detail, and willingness to take on diverse challenges make him the perfect partner for clients across industries who are looking for specialized fabrication services.
BUILDING YOUR BRAND TOGETHER
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROJECT
With my background in brand development and Dylan’s mastery in fabrication, we provide a comprehensive, hands-on approach to every project.
Our holistic process ensures that your brand is thoughtfully developed and remains consistent across all touchpoints, from initial concept to final products.
Together we deliver creative, practical and high-quality solutions that truly reflect your brand’s essence.
We’re deeply committed to environmental sustainability, particularly in minimizing waste. We’re passionate about finding eco-friendly solutions and helping clients understand the environmental impacts of different materials. We value resource conservation and seek to find a balance between preserving fresh products and reducing waste. As homesteaders, we have hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices, understanding food crops, planting cycles and harvesting. We prioritize working with businesses that share our environmental values, focusing on those that positively impact their communities.
STUDIO WORK
A few projects we’ve worked on that highlight the collaboration between design and our in-house fabrication services.
