In November of 2009, three friends came together over their love of beautiful things, lasting connections, and the joy of natural West Coast living. True, born and bred, dyed-in-the-wool Vancouverites, they opened Parliament, their House of Uncommons, to furnish the city they know like the back of their hands, and serve a market they understand innately. 

Get To Know The Ministers 

Colette Soros

Our Minister of Environment, Colette Soros, is our Sales Gal Extraordinaire, our buyer and in-house designer, and the DJ behind the sweet sounds you can bop to while browsing in the House of Uncommons.

What inspires you creatively?

Nature, travelling, music. Also, exploring the unknown and really pushing myself to take risks.

What do you love most about your job? 

I love interacting with people, spending my day in a beautiful environment that feels like home and listening to my playlist. 

What's your one go-to design tip? 

I love juxtapositions: light/dark, old/new, soft textures/hard natural surfaces etc. The trick is to create links that visually connect the differences - I like to think that is my speciality.

Tell us about your favourite piece of furniture 

I love my banquette in my dining room. I'm a huge fan of custom mill work that is specifically designed and created to fit a space perfectly. Pair that with a gorgeous light fixture, a generous dining table and some vintage leather chairs and the result is an inviting booth that brings family and friends together.  It's like having the most beautiful restaurant booth in the comfort of my home.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

A wise business consultant told me I should open my own home furnishings store.  

Describe your perfect day off

For me, this is Friday’s. It's the perfect balance of ‘me time’ and family time. Ideally, the weather is brilliant and I can go for a beautiful hike up Grouse Mountain. 

Which decade did you love most, and why?

The 80's. I was a teenager. A decade of brilliant pop culture including amazing music and some of my favourite movies. I associate it with nostalgia and a decade that continues to live on - especially since I am the DJ here at Parliament!

Tina Lee

Tina Lee, our Minister of Finance, is a master at administration, accounting, purchasing and, occasionally, juggling.

What inspires you creatively? 

There is nothing better than stepping out into the natural world to inspire creativity, especially when we live on the beautiful and wild Westcoast.

What do you love most about your job? 

What I love most about my job are the nurturing and rewarding relationships I have built with team members, colleagues and clients.

What's your one go-to design tip? 

My design philosophy is that beauty must be accompanied by function. My favourite pieces are distinctively well designed and are practical for our everyday lives.

Tell us about your favourite piece of furniture

One of my favourite pieces of furniture is a large wood buffet with panel glass doors. It has endured decades of use and houses my prettiest dishes.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? 

The importance of being gracious to others. You may never know the ripple effects of your kindness, but the effects are always positive.

Describe your perfect day off 

My perfect day off is one with no schedules and no to-do lists. Plus a bit of sun!

Which decade did you love most, and why?

I loved the 80's and 90's. The 80's because it was a very carefree time in my life and the 90's because I was investing in little humans.

Craig Parkes

Our Minister of Interior, Craig Parkes, is responsible for selecting gorgeous things, creating enticing displays, and putting all of that gorgeousness in your home with expert advice and design consultations. He’s also our resident changer of light bulbs!

What inspires you creatively? 

Beauty is all around. Taking time to observe it and appreciate it can prove challenging in our modern world. I would say my personal design style is classic, New York elegance - meets California casual - meets Vancouver's natural beauty and connection to the outdoors.

What do you love most about your job? 

I love my job because I am fortunate enough to spend my day surrounded by beauty, having conversations with interesting people and sharing my passion for design with my fellow Vancouverites.

What's your one go-to design tip? 

My go-to design tip is to take your time designing your space. We are all so caught up in the age of Instagram and instant gratification. The most interesting interiors are those that have evolved over time - with unusual art pieces and antiques mixed in from travels and weekends about with the best of friends. Your home should tell your story - that takes time. Enjoy the process and love the items that surround you.

Tell us about your favourite piece of furniture 

A piece of furniture I hold dear and says a lot about me is my coffee table. It was purchased by my grandparents in the early '60s and has been in our family ever since. I remember being a kid and playing underneath it with my Hotwheels - now it's my son playing underneath the same table. It's simple, timeless, elegant but appropriate for a family. I treasure it.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

The best piece of advice I ever been given is to just be you. This applies to interior design and life in general. Don't be afraid to express yourself and show the world the things that make you (and your style) unique are what set you apart. 

Describe your perfect day off 

The best day off is a sunny summer's day at Locarno Beach chasing the tide, napping on the beach and collecting shells with my son. The day would end with a delicious meal and glass of rosé on the front porch with my husband as the sun sets. 

Which decade did you love most, and why? 

Well, from a design perspective I love the late 50's and all the incredible change and innovation that transpired after the war. Socially, I feel we are living in the best decade yet, with more and more opportunities for all and appreciation for various forms of design creative expression.