About Us
Bright is an architecture and interior design practice founded by Principal Architect Derrick Lai. We specialize in creating transformative dental spaces that elevate patient experiences and empower dental professionals. With over 15 years of architectural and interior design expertise, we blend creativity, functionality, and careful attention to detail to deliver exceptional design solutions tailored to the specific needs of dental practices.
The firm’s pursuits are driven by our commitment to enhance daily life through careful design thinking and planning. The success of the firm is rooted in our passion for design and attentiveness to client needs.
Things We Do
We provide services across all stages of a project including planning, design development, permit drawings, construction documents, and construction review. We have proven experience in delivering creative and innovative strategies to complex spaces together with a team of capable and well-rounded individuals.
With Bright, you gain a trusted partner who combines creativity, industry expertise, and a deep commitment to delivering dental spaces that are visually stunning, functional, and designed to stand the test of time.
Services
Planning Services
Functional Programming, Site Review, Measurement and Verification, Space Planning
Design Development
Building Permits, Concept Finishes and Fixtures
Construction Review
Construction Tendering, Post-Tender Administration
Construction Documents
Construction Drawings and Specifications
Interior Decor Services
Furniture, Artwork, Staging, Accessories
Our Process
Establishing Objectives
A project begins with careful understanding of our Clients needs and wish list. We collect and evaluate information about the project including the budget and schedule to ensure the goals can be met. We prepare concepts using a three dimensional modelling program that allows our clients to easily visualize the design. For the purposes of building permits, we review applicable zoning and building code regulations.
Developing Ideas
We then start the space planning process and massing of major building elements. We define relationships between functions and rooms while proposing materials, finishes, and fixtures that are reviewed together. The necessary consultants are brought on board including structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers in the preparation for building permit application.
Defining Ideas
Detailed construction drawings are produced to turn the design into reality by adding the necessary notes, dimensions and specifications. Final review occurs with consultants and suppliers to ensure the project is well coordinated. Once the drawings and specifications are complete, it is reviewed with the contractor to ensure the design is compatible with the Client’s budget and timing.
Construction Review
During construction, we assess the work at milestones to ensure that it is in accordance with the drawings and specifications until completion. Shop drawings provided by the contractor and trades are reviewed to confirm that the design intent is met. This phase of work aims to create a smooth building process from start to finish.
Team
Derrick Lai
PRINCIPAL
OAA, MARCH, BARCHSCI, LEED AP
647 618 9902
DERRICK@PROP.CA
Derrick loves designing so much that he will continue until the day everyone transports into the metaverse. He spent his years growing up figuring out the fundamental principles of what makes a space look great while functioning well and is now living his best life sharing what he learned with others.
He is the Principal Architect at Prop Architecture with over a decade of experience ranging from complex buildings to detailed interior design. His passion is to help homeowners love where they live and small businesses thrive. He is driven by the belief that we all deserve to be in and around thoughtful spaces.
Valerie Rydall
INTERIOR DESIGNER
BA, DID, NCIDQ
VALERIE@PROP.CA
After 12 years as a career banker, Valerie put away the calculator, threw caution to the wind and returned to school to pursue her passion for interior design. She was always fascinated with how great design can improve a space. She has over 15 years of experience specializing in medical and dental offices. Her ability to develop professional relationships based on respect, trust, and confidence has been the key to her success.
When she is not designing, you will find her playing outside with her husband, children and grandchildren, regardless of the weather. Her claim to fame is the 200-foot-long luge run she builds in her yard every winter. Life’s too short not to play. It allows us to tap into our imagination and colour outside the lines.
Kathleen Crisol
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
BARCHSCI
KATHLEEN@PROP.CA
In architecture, Kathleen finds a perfect balance between artistic expression and the technical execution required to deliver a well-made project. As a pianist and painter, she has a passion for the artistic experience. Through studying building science, there is an appreciation for the actualization of a project.
With this duality, Kathleen finds excitement in creating beautiful, livable spaces that truly work. From keeping up with new technologies to searching for innovative materials, there is always more to explore. She believes that art and design give way toward new and exciting discoveries.
Yixin Yang
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
BARCHSCI
yixin@prop.ca
Yixin’s passion for design stems from a genuine interest in all things tangible that enhance our surroundings. Whether it’s after-dinner stroll or a travel adventure, you can always spot her in the crowd: touching walls and floors with captivating textures, admiring perfectly aligned seams, and meandering through alleys to photograph beautiful façades. Her innate appreciation for geometry and texture translates into a love for meticulous design details, and she always finds excitement in creating fun moments through design within any ordinary scene.