Former student winner of award

By Antoinette Okai-Koi

okai0001@algonquincollege.com

A senior team leader for design firm Figure 3, Algonquin interior design graduate Susan Bettencourt, 35, is a recipient of Caldwell 2008 Top 40 Under 40.

“I knew as a teenager that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by improving the environment around them,” said Bettencourt, “I shed a lot of blood, sweat and tears but loved every minute of it. I met life long friends.”

The crisp lines and bold colours in her furniture designs earned Bettencourt a spot on the list for Canada’s first and most respected retained executive search firm, holding a recognized record of innovation and success.

“My style is getting cleaner and more streamlined,” said Bettecourt, who credits her style to the famous architect Mies Van de Rohe. “The more experiences you have, the better everything gets. I guess that’s what they call it a ‘well-seasoned’ designer.”

Bettencourt’s empathic nature is both a weakness and strength. “ I wear my heart on my sleeve, my clients can tell when I get disappointed in a decision to change something I have really had my heart set on in the design,” said Bettencourt, who adds this strength helps her understand the client’s and staff’s need which makes her a stronger leader.

 “The biggest challenge I had was being quite young when entering the industry and being taken seriously by corporate executives. However, now that I have the experience and confidence I don’t worry anymore,” said Bettencourt, who graduated in 1996, right after a recession.

She received plenty of opportunities because entered the industry at an optimistic time.

Caldwells Partners International’s Top 40 Under 40 was created in 1995 as a way to annually award the nation’s best young talents, later adding Top 20 Under 20.

“I have always followed my gut. If I felt as though I was in a ‘holding pattern’ at whatever company I worked for and no longer felt challenged, I would instinctively search for a more challenging position,” said Bettencourt. “Which has led me to my most challenging role here at Figure 3.”

Bettencourt received her first big break at as a residential designer with an Ottawa firm, 2H Design soaked up all the knowledge and progressed to the corporate design world.

“My focus is on the design side of the business. I lead a team of people and clients through the design process,” said Bettencourt. “I also play a role in the management of the company assisting the partners in maintaining design standards, management of staff, and office operations.”

Bettencourt’s favourite furniture designs are featured in downtown Toronto offices; IBM, Rogers Publishing Office and CRBE.