About Mike Randall Design
Mike Randall is a Red Seal endorsed designer-maker who is proudly based in Victoria, British Columbia. A master of wood-bending, Mike combines complex traditional craft with contemporary and minimalist forms, resulting in refined pieces that spark wonder and joy in both residential homes and commercial spaces.
Primarily working with those residing or creating projects on Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver, Mike revels in designing products that are uniquely suited to your taste and space, and that tell a personal story that customers can recount for years to come.
Mike Randall Design fosters a philosophy that if we look after our immediate environment, global issues will become easier to manage. With that in mind, Mike only uses non-toxic glues and finishes, which he affectionally dubs as ‘home-friendly’, and endeavours to use sustainably sourced American hardwood in all his pieces.
About the Founder
Currently residing in British Columbia with his wife and two children, Mike Randall was born in the Cotswolds in the UK. Prior to launching Mike Randall Designs (formerly known as ‘Kurva’) in 2012, Mike gravitated towards an array of outdoor-based jobs – from forest manager to running whale watching vessels – until he discovered he had a natural talent for working with wood whilst on shore leave during his time on tugboats.
In 2010, Mike decided to hone this talent by studying ‘Fine Furniture’ at Camosun College in Victoria. It was here he uncovered a real love of problem solving through design, as well as making complex ideas look refined – taking inspiration from the clean aesthetics of contemporary European designers.
Proudly neurodiverse, Mike credits his ability to create boundary-pushing forms to his non-linear, dyslexic thinking; “We see flaws in design that no one else sees.” Known for his contemporary approach to traditional craft, Mike is inspired by forms and shapes from both the natural world and urban landscape. His ‘red thread’ is a meticulous attention to detail, a passion for craft, and a genuine desire to create something his customer will love for a lifetime.
Recent Magazine Articles
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Dynamic Lighting - An Interview with Spruce Magazine
“Creating natural flow in a home is more than just the layout. Lighting plays a role from shape to function, directing our attention and highlighting features. It creates mood and influences how we feel about a space — and how we feel in a space….. To find out where to start and get some expert tips, we talked to designer-maker Mike Randall, an expert in wood-bending and lighting, whose stunning work is appearing in homes and businesses all over Victoria. “ - Fall 2022
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An Interview with Modern Home Magazine
“What are the guiding principles in your approach to design?
When I set out to design a product there are several factors that drive my process. My primary focus is on minimalism — how can I meet the functionality goals without overwhelming the visual space?” - February 2021
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An Expert’s Advice - Spruce Magazine
“Lighting technology is always changing, which fascinates me, and always seems to spark some new project ideas,” - March 2021
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Q & A with YAM Magazine
Mike Randall gleaned his minimalistic approach to design from years of living and working on boats where tight spaces demanded a thoughtful layout. It’s a style that put his furniture and lighting creations on the map as a regular at the Interior Design Show in Vancouver and earned him a finalist designation in the Architizer A+Awards decorative lighting category. - March 2020
Exhibitions and Features
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Victoria Design Collective
The Victoria Design Collective is a group of four designers, based in Victoria, BC, who share the same philosophy, motivations and goals, and by working together we are able to bring greater meaning and deeper context to each other’s work. We believe in honest, unique, long-lasting and functional design, always committed to the preservation of the environment.
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IDS Vancouver
IDS Vancouver (since 2015), both on the Prototype stage and as part of the Victoria Design Collective booth.
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Out of the Woods - Woodworkers Along the Salish Sea
A breathtaking art book profiling twenty-six wood carvers, sculptors, and artisans who draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Salish Sea. Published in Heritage House Publishing book ‘Out of the Woods’ written by Pirjo Raits (2018)
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VERSION INFINITY Exhibition
VERSION INFINITY exhibition at the Gryphon Musée, Vancouver 2020 in Collaboration with IDS and Gryphon.
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oneTree Exhibit
oneTree Exhibit at the Bateman Gallery (2016, 2018 and 2020)
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Westedge Design Fair
In 2019 Mike was invited by Live Edge Design to be part of the BC Wood booth at the Westedge Design Fair in Santa Monica.
Awards and Nominations
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Cabinetmaker Red Seal
2022 Mike challenges and achieves his Canadian Cabinetmaker Red Seal endorsement.
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Western Living Designers of the Year Finalist
Western Living 2020 Designers of the Year Award Finalist in the Furniture category
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Fine Furniture grad earns 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award.
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Architizer A+Awards
Architizer Awards+ Finalist 2017 in the Decorative Lighting category for the Bow Lamp.
What people are saying
“Mike is a pleasure to work with, a true professional and a talented craftsman”
“As Western Design+Build, an integrated design and construction management studio, we have worked with Mike Randall on numerous projects, including most recently the Vista 18 renovation at Chateau Victoria, a luxury home in the Uplands and development sales centre. Mike is a pleasure to work with, a true professional and a talented craftsman. The S-Light fixtures are truly works of art, floating effortlessly, casting a radiant glow, the wood a sinuous ribbon. Everything about his work is exemplary.”
- A.S-F Victoria, June 2021
"I knew him when....."
“Mike is one of the most talented, creative, easy going and professional craftsman I have worked with. The pieces he built for our culture club are beautifully designed, impeccably built, and stunning! Hire him for your project and be that friend that boasts "I knew him when....." .”
- T.M. Victoria 2020
“with attention to detail that I hadn't even considered.”
“I had Mike make a built in bed for our new house. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted but showed him a few photos of the ideas I had. Mike was able to come up with a design that was perfect. He built the bed with attention to details that I hadn't even considered such as height of the built in side tables and electrical etc. The bed is exactly what I wanted and is working out beautifully.”
— D.S. Victoria 2016
"The whole experience was very professional”
“Our custom walnut bow lamp is prefect for our modern home. The clean simple lines are stunning plus it provides the light we needed to be able to read the newspaper or a book on our big comfy sectional. The lamp was delivered to our home and setup. Whole experience was very professional.”
— C.E. West Vancouver 2016
“We are very happy with our Bow Lamp”
“We are very happy with our bow lamp from Mike. The lamp looks exactly as it did in the picture which spurred us to buy the lamp. Since it is made to order, Mike kept us in the loop on the progress during the build phase and even sent us some pictures, which was a pleasant surprise. Mike was very conscientious in the delivery ensuring that the courier was able to deliver when it was convenient to us and in packaging the lamp to ensure there was no chance of breakage. Overall we are giving Mike five stars as he delivered exactly what he said he would, at the price quoted, and ahead of schedule.”
— FL. Montreal 2015.
“that brings style and functionality....”
“Mike built us a wonderful bench that brings style and functionality to our front hall. We searched widely for a piece that looked great and could withstand the rigors of use by a family of four that includes two young children, and we found it in Mike's spalted maple bench. Fashioned of solid maple and walnut, the bench features a live edge on the seat and is very well finished and easy to care for. Visitors to our home often compliment us on it. We’ll definitely be commissioning additional work from Mike.”
— L.B. Victoria 2014