I am Gelanaz Hemati, principal and founder of Gelanaz & Associates Inc., an interior architectural design firm specializing in custom homes, major renovations and highly personalized residential spaces. With a Master of Architecture degree and more than 23 years of experience in architecture and interior design, my approach is rooted in a deep understanding of space, structure, functionality and the details that create meaningful environments. Before establishing my practice in Canada, I was a partner in an architectural and design firm specializing in both commercial and residential projects, where I gained extensive experience leading projects that balanced architectural vision, functionality and the needs of the people who use them.
Today, through Gelanaz & Associates Inc., I bring that architectural foundation into residential design, creating sophisticated, timeless spaces that are carefully tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
Beyond my practice, I am honored to serve as chair of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Ontario Chapter, supporting the growth and advancement of the kitchen and bath design industry. I have also been recognized through multiple design awards and have had the privilege of serving as a judge for respected industry organizations, including NKBA Ontario & West Canada, Ontario Home Builders' Association and Interior Designers of Canada.
My inspiration comes from observing the relationship between people, architecture and their surroundings. I am constantly inspired by architectural history, craftsmanship, natural materials and the way different cultures approach living spaces. Travel has always influenced my perspective — from European architecture and historic details to contemporary minimalism and the thoughtful use of natural textures. Nature is another powerful source of inspiration; the balance, imperfections and harmony found in natural materials often guide our material selections and design decisions. Ultimately, the greatest inspiration comes from understanding our clients: their lifestyle, memories, routines and aspirations. The most successful spaces are not designed around trends — they are designed around people.
As part of a single-family home renovation, we incorporated a Capriccio bathtub and Fleurco Gemini Plus tub door into a shared bathroom, carefully considering every detail to create a space that feels calm, refined and highly functional.
Although the bathroom was not a large space, it featured a generous window that filled the room with beautiful natural light. During the renovation, one of our goals was to preserve and enhance that sense of openness. The existing shower curtain visually divided the space and limited the impact of the natural light, so we selected a transparent glass shower enclosure to create a brighter and more spacious feeling.
Because the bathroom featured a corner tub, the design required a specific solution to enclose two sides of the tub while maintaining clean architectural lines and visual simplicity. Fleurco was able to address this unique requirement beautifully, providing a solution that complemented the overall design intent while delivering refined details, quality craftsmanship and a smooth installation process.
The final result was a bathroom that feels more open, elegant and connected — demonstrating how thoughtful design decisions and carefully selected products can transform even a modest space into a sophisticated and enjoyable part of the home.
For us, product selection is always about finding the right balance between design, quality, reliability and long-term performance. Fleurco stood out because of its attention to detail, range of customization options and ability to provide solutions that support high-quality residential design. In luxury renovations, every element matters — from major architectural decisions to the smallest hardware details — and we value working with manufacturers who share the same commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.
A bathroom should be designed as a complete experience, not simply a collection of individual products. I encourage clients and designers to consider proportion, functionality, durability, maintenance and how each element contributes to the overall feeling of the space. A beautiful product that does not support the way someone lives will never feel truly successful.
Invest in quality where it matters. Bathrooms are among the most frequently used spaces in a home, and thoughtful selections will continue to add value, comfort and enjoyment for years to come.
I am drawn to designs that feel timeless rather than trend driven. We are seeing a growing appreciation for warm minimalism, natural materials, layered textures and spaces that promote comfort and well-being.
Bathrooms have evolved into personal sanctuaries. A carefully curated bathroom can provide a sense of calm and luxury through thoughtful lighting, material selection, architectural details and high-quality fixtures. The goal is not to create a space that looks impressive for a moment — it is to create an environment that feels beautiful and functional every day.
One of the most common mistakes is focusing too early on finishes without properly planning the overall space. A successful bathroom renovation begins with understanding circulation, proportions, plumbing requirements, lighting, storage and how the space will actually be used. Many challenges can be avoided by investing time in the design phase before construction begins.
Another common mistake is choosing products based only on appearance. A bathroom needs products that perform beautifully over time, not just look good on installation day.
Our experience working with Fleurco has been very positive. We appreciate the quality of the products, the variety of options available and the ability to find solutions that align with the specific requirements of each project. In a design practice where every detail is intentional, having reliable partners is essential. Fleurco supports the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that our clients expect.
To learn more about our work, please visit:
Our firm specializes in interior architectural design for custom homes and major renovations, creating sophisticated, functional and timeless spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle. We believe luxury is not defined by cost, it is defined by precision, restraint and foresight.