The Group
ijmal haider
Ijmal Haider is the Owner and Creative Director of Haider Design Group. His interest in construction and design started during the construction of his family home over two decades ago. At the young age of 13 Ijmal would sneak away to visit the construction site to talk with trades and begin learning of the process of construction. During his time at University of Calgary he worked in marketing, sales, and project management for a custom home builder. When combined with his degree in Urban Sociology and courses in Architectural History Ijmal developed a well rounded interest not just in the process but the people involved, and how people functioned while in the space. Ijmal’s studies focused on the history of furniture, architecture, and art. In the last decade Ijmal has invested in real estate and completed many flips, all which strengthen his foundational knowledge.
In 2014 he worked as the Sales and Marketing Manager for a high-rise condo developer, which bolstered his interest and knowledge of construction and design. He has worked for and with some of the leading designers in Calgary, and in 2018 he took the leap and created Haider Design Group which focuses on a unique and bespoke construction and design experience.
In addition to running Haider Design Group, developing a line of furniture and home goods, and real estate investment, he also writes and speaks as an advocate for Crohns and Colitis and Mental Health initiatives.
Joel MAtthew Warkentin
Joel Matthew Warkentin is an artist, marketing guru, and overall creative. His background and practice focuses on sculpture and photography, but also has an established history in Marketing, Design, and content creation. Joel grew up learning the ins and outs of the woodshop and is a skilled woodworker which is utilized in his artistic practice as well as the resident sounding board. He attained a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. His artwork has graced galleries across Canada and internationally including Rome, Italy. Joel has obtained multiple awards for his artwork and is truly one of a kind. Joel can build just about anything and has a solution for everything.
Joel is our resident Marketing expert, Art Consultant, and office manager. He ensures our online presence is up to date and is the hub which shares our world with all of you.
vince avati
Vince Avati is a creative sponge. He came to us from a medical research background, but wanted to make his creative passions a full-time career. Since he joined the team he has learned everything from electrical, to finishing carpentry, custom woodworking, and is able to learn anything he puts his mind too. His attention to detail is parallel to his thirst for knowledge and he thrives in challenges. Vince does not give up until he succeeds and this is why he belongs with the Group.
Vince can tackle any obstacle and never shies away from trying something new. The only thing which could rival his determination is his smile. You will see his pearly whites throughout the entire process, from initial visits to returning your keys.
Vince flourishes in his best life of playing volleyball, relaxing in his favourite vinyasa, soaking in any musical performance, and working as our favourite handyman. Vince is a rarity which prospers at anything he touches.