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‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.’
“That quote (from 16th century artist, engineer and scientist Leonardo Da Vinci) inspires us every day,” says Annie Jomphe, who owns and operates Sitka Concept with her husband, Martin Readman.
“Less is more, not only in our daily materialistic consumption, but in the way we thrive to live an uncomplicated and enriched life. Most importantly in the art of design, a refined project is not when you can add more, but rather when you can no longer remove anything to make it pure, flawless, elegant and efficient, yet to achieve the most distinguished and sophisticated design.”
Sitka Concept offers full home and commercial renovation and design, kitchen and bathroom renovation and design, custom cabinetry, millwork and furniture and project management.
“Martin is passionate about custom built-ins, cabinetry, furniture making and problem solving,” says Annie.
“I’m obsessed with design, project management and the intrinsic art of living and well-being.”
As such, the couple is dedicated to finding inspired ways, within existing buildings, to deliver the best possible option for the homeowner’s needs and wants.
Sustainable and green materials are incorporated whenever possible.
Sitka Concept’s projects have included everything from the restoration of a 1976 Airstream and complete home renovations to large institutional jobs at a hospital, school and car dealership.
The husband-and-wife team don’t see Sitka Concept as work.
“It is an extension of who we are,” says Annie.
“And we are passionate about living well, building science and refining design. We are grateful to do what we love the most every day and we are mindful of helping home and business owners feel better in their own space through our skills and passion for design and building.”
Annie and Martin met on a sea-kayak adventure in 2001, married in 2003 and have been working hard, travelling and creating a family ever since.
They renovated properties in Quebec, Alberta and BC, had three kids and enjoyed rock climbing, cycling and flyfishing.
In 2016, the family sold everything, bought a Kirie Feeling 446 sailing yacht and spent two years and 4500 nautical miles cruising from Canada to Venezuela and back.
The voyage was astounding, but Martin and Annie missed work and decided to settle in Penticton and launch Sitka Concept in 2019.
“We wanted to bring the lessons we’d learned on the trip back to our lives, community and work in Canada,” says Annie.
“We are thrilled to be doing the work we love and bringing together our years of experience to create unique, inspired designs for each of our clients. We love challenges and embrace them with passion.”
By the way, Sitka is the west-coast spruce that has incredible strength-to-weight ratio and is favoured in construction and musical instrument making.
“We loved the resonance of strength, yet delicacy,” says Annie.
“And the bonus is it grows locally.”