From Engineering to Elbow Grease: The Story Behind Nest & Notion
I didn’t always work in design — but I’ve always been solving problems, building things, and figuring out how to make spaces work. This is the behind-the-scenes story of how I went from engineering and project management to starting Nest & Notion — a design business grounded in strategy, real renovation experience, and smart support for homeowners making big decisions.
You could say I took the scenic route to interior design.
I didn’t go to design school. I didn’t intern for a big-name firm. I came in the side door — armed with a Mechanical Engineering degree, two decades in project management, and a very real addiction to tile stores.
Before I was helping clients plan kitchen layouts and outsmart builder budgets, I was managing high-stakes technical projects in the medical device industry. Precision, problem-solving, process — that was my zone. But outside of work? You’d find me deep in home renovation land. I was the woman doing load calcs on the weekend and choosing grout for fun.
Eventually, the two worlds collided. Now, I use every bit of that technical know-how and hands-on experience to help real people make smart, beautiful decisions for their homes without getting steamrolled by the process.
Why Clients Trust Me (And Why You Should Too)
Because I’ve lived it.
The demo dust. The decision fatigue. The panic-texting about faucet finishes.
I’ve designed four of my own homes, managed massive renos (including one where I acted as my own general contractor), and turned two neglected rentals into code-compliant, actually-livable spaces.
That means when I show up to your project, I’m not just bringing a mood board — I’m bringing structural insight, municipal know-how, and the kind of real-world experience you feel in the final result.
If you’re building new…
I’ll help you:
Navigate the design options like a pro
Prioritize upgrades that actually matter
Avoid costly, permanent mistakes
Make confident choices that align with your lifestyle and budget
If you’re renovating…
I’ll help you:
Map out your scope (and talk you off the ledge if it gets too wild)
Plan around weird walls, tricky wiring, and awkward layouts
Balance beauty, function, and reality — because yes, your new ensuite should look great and not freeze your butt off in winter
If you’re just feeling stuck…
I’ll help you:
Get clear on your style
Make sense of your Pinterest chaos
Use my signature tools to make thoughtful decisions you won’t regret in 6 months (or 6 years)
I don’t believe in dream homes. I believe in homes that work — for your life, your budget, your mess, and your pets. Especially your pets.
The Build-Your-Own Resume: A Few Highlights
Engineer by training — and by career
For 20 years, I worked in the medical device industry — a field where you can’t afford to get it wrong. I led design improvements, solved problems no one saw coming, and learned to think ten steps ahead. That mindset now shapes every layout, every selection, every plan I touch.Built-in systems brain
I wasn’t a “project manager” by title, but I spent my career managing complex technical work, cross-functional teams, and processes that demanded ruthless attention to detail. Now, I use those same skills to guide clients through renovation chaos with calm clarity (and a well-organized spreadsheet or two).Builder-basic home survivor
I’ve turned multiple builder-grade boxes into layered, personal homes. I know what to upgrade, where to splurge, and what you’ll forget about in six months.
Rental property renovator
I’ve navigated everything from illegal suites to sketchy drywall. Code compliance is my middle name (okay, not really).
Major reno general contractor
In 2024, I took on our biggest renovation yet, leading it from foundation to finishes. I’ve literally been on the roof, cutting structural timber with my own hands.
This is not “Pinterest pretty” from a distance. This is the kind of grounded, livable beauty you feel when everything just works — because someone thought it through.
Meet the Honorary Team (Because No Project Happens Alone)
Behind the scenes at Nest & Notion, there’s a full crew of unofficial team members keeping things lively (and occasionally chaotic).
Chris
The husband. The realist. The one who didn’t totally agree to buy “this old house” but now can’t stop saying “you were right.” Ok, maybe I have yet to get him to say that, but he will…mark my word!
He’s the reason I ever picked up a demo hammer. Now we run full renovations together — even if we disagree mid-project. (It’s called balance.)
Edison (aka Turd Fergusson)
Site supervisor. Ladder climber. Sample stealer. If you’ve ever seen a photo of a cat sleeping in a paint tray, it was probably him.
Mr. Winston Peepers
Quality control. Once the noise dies down, he inspects every shelf and surface with judgmental elegance. His seal of approval? A nap on your freshly styled sofa.
Mrs. Ellie Bean
Our aesthetic director. Will not be seen during reno chaos. Will only emerge when the space is complete and worthy of her presence. Can I blame her? Not really…
Still Wondering If We’d Get Along?
Let me leave you with 20 facts you totally didn’t ask for but definitely need to know about me ;)
I love cats. The more the better. I’ve accepted that one day, I will simply become furniture in their home.
I have a dark sense of humour. Dead body jokes? Absolutely. Murder shows on Netflix? On repeat. Sorry in advance — it will slip out.
I laugh a lot. Mostly at comedians. Sometimes at myself. Occasionally at how much tile costs.
I have calibrated eyeballs. I can walk into a room and tell you what’s not level faster than a laser.
I live for solving ridiculous problems. “That’s impossible” just makes me more excited.
If I walk into a store, I will find the most expensive thing within 30 seconds and instantly want it. Especially if it’s made of walnut or unlacquered brass.
I swear the grout in my pantry is purple. Everyone says it’s grey. I’m pretty sure I’m being gaslit.
I have a sample section in my basement. It is unhinged. My husband hates it. The samples — and his reaction — both bring me joy.
I used to be scared of power tools. Now I have a favourite one. Apparently, it’s called a “multitool.” Who knew.
I once read most of the building code to prove the city wrong. They said “you can’t.” I said “watch me.”
Me: 1
City: 0I used a demo hammer so long once that my hands went numb for days. Zero stars. Do not recommend.
I love crafting. Sewing, painting, making fake designer art because real art is expensive. It’s my jam.
My eyes are green. Technically hazel, allegedly. But don’t say that to my face.
I lived in the same house for 24 years, then moved 3 times in 5. Now I live in a fixer-upper I love and occasionally resent.
I own two rental properties. Demoed them, designed them, made mistakes in them. Learned a lot.
I’m so good at cutting in paint that my husband no longer even offers. It is, legally, my job now.
I can tune out everything around me. I don’t always hear what you said — but the voices in my head and I had a great conversation.
I love puzzles. Especially the kind involving weird old wiring and unlabeled breakers.
I sleep with paper and pen next to my bed because my brain refuses to shut up. I don’t dream — I problem-solve.
Never in a million years did I think I’d take a chance on myself like this. Will it work? No idea. But I’m in. Wish me luck!
So, What Is Nest & Notion?
It’s where design meets strategy.
Where practical meets personal.
Where a space isn’t just pretty, it’s thoughtful.
And where someone who knows what’s behind the walls helps you design what’s in front of them.
If you’re still here, you might just be my kind of person.
Welcome. Let’s build something that works and feels like you.
— Kristy
Founder of Nest & Notion
(Tile enthusiast. Chaos manager. Alleged hazel eyes.)
PS — Here are some fun shots of my cats “helping” with our renovations because I would feel sad for you if you didn’t get to see them.
Did I mention I LOVE cats?? ENJOY!
