At this point in her career, it’s a given that Jennifer Heffel has exceptional talent in interior design. Her firm, HB Design, co-founded 30 years ago with the late Lesli Balagno, takes on complex, unique residential projects that require thoughtful planning and meaningful relationships with her clients.

Day to day, she might be meticulously coordinating material delivery for a remote Gulf Island home, figuring out how a home office can double as an entertaining space or pairing a soft, neutral palette with a client’s eclectic art collection. Industry influencers recognize Heffel as a technical expert.

Landscape architect Paul Sangha calls her work “considered, cohesive and enduring,” and architect Katie Hlynsky points out that, in the 15 years she and Heffel have worked together, the designer has “remained continuously busy with a reputation for custom design and hard work.”

HEART CENTRED: Designer Jennifer Heffel, photographed in her Brick House project. Photo by Tanya Goehring

Project portfolio aside, Heffel is admired for her dedication to mentorship, community-building and leaving a legacy. Trail Appliances’ Hoda Jouhair perhaps puts it best: “What truly distinguishes her is the lasting influence she has had on both her clients and the broader design community.”

HB Design champions the work of junior staff, fostering independence and trust. The firm takes on interns regularly in both full- and part-time positions, providing as much flexibility as possible for students. The promotion of Shannon Bradner to partner in 2024 further solidified the company’s intentional longevity. “Knowing the firm will carry forward, not only for my own legacy but also in honour of my late business partner, is deeply meaningful,” says Heffel.

Beyond her own firm, Heffel has served on the board of the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia and as an advisor to BCIT’s Interior Design program, encouraging and advocating for up-and-coming designers.

“I feel the more sharing I can do, particularly with people that are newer in their careers, the more beneficial it is to everybody down the road,” says Heffel. “I don’t feel like I’m giving away my secrets.”

It’s this extraordinary generosity, paired with legendary talent, that makes her a true Western Living Design Icon.

Celebrate the 2026 Western Living Design Icons

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Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.