When
Divine Design host Candice Olson needs customized drapes, upholstery or a faux-fur dog bed to complete a project, Edmond Joseph is there with his sewing kit.
The Nebraska-born Joseph developed an interest in sewing and fashion after moving to Canada at the age of 7. Besides his skill with fabrics, he's also dabbled in modeling and acting. Joseph spends most of his time in his studio working and shares a home with his partner in Toronto, Ontario.
Share a little on your background and training.
I started art classes when I was 7 and began sketching fashion when I was 12. Although I tried to learn to sew around that age, my mother’s sewing machine and I just did not get along. I actually think it might have been possessed as only she could work it properly.
My ability to sew came much later when I studied fashion design at the age of 25. I freelanced in fashion as a sideline to a full time office job for a number of years until a friend hired me to work with him as a drapery cutter for model home suites. From there I began doing pillows and throw blankets for my partner's home furnishings store and began picking up clients of my own for drapes, bedding and slipcovers.
What was your first major job?
In regard to fashion design, my first major job was just after I graduated from my fashion design studies. My first client was a bride and her bridal party.
In regard to what I call soft home fashions, my first major job was making slipcovers. I do not remember how that came about, but before I knew it I was measuring four sofas for this one client. At that time I was still sewing with a home sewing machine off the dining room table and, therefore, not having the space to actually take the sofas with me. I quickly had to adapt a way of measuring the sofas, drafting up paper patterns and sewing the slipcovers together. This generally entails a single test fitting sewn together out of muslin to make sure the pattern is correct before cutting the real fabric.
What are some of your favorite jobs?
I would have to say that my favorite job was working with a couple who booked an appointment with me in order to have their duvet cover altered to fit their new pillow-top mattress as well as have some coordinating drapes made for their bedroom. Once we had discussed the fabric treatments for their bedroom, they then moved on to questions about paint color, wallpaper and additional furniture that would finish off the room.
This couple turned out to be my first big client. Once I made the fabric treatments, I proceeded to paint their bedroom and wallpaper the en suite bathroom as well as source furniture and art for the room. Once I was completed, they hired me to do the same thing to their living and dining room, kitchen, guest bathroom and den. I spent close to two months working with this couple. When I was at their home painting or wallpapering, Pat, the lady of the house, always had lunch ready for us around noon.
In regard to my more recent work, I must admit that one of my favorite jobs is actually Divine Design. Although the time frame in which each episode has to be completed is stressful, I am somewhat ashamed to admit that the fact that the work is done in a week is exciting, as each week is always something new and no one job drags on endlessly.
What's the most difficult project you've tackled on the show?
It’s not so much the projects themselves that are difficult, but rather the time frame in which I have to accomplish them. Seeing as I have approximately five days to produce each show, when I am presented with a project like Len & Enid’s Master Bedroom or Michelle’s Bedroom, both of which involved over 55 hours of sewing time, the time factor is the challenge.
What's the most unusual project?
I guess there is really only one project that comes to mind that I might call unusual and that would have been one that Candice had me do for Alex’s Master Bedroom. Candice had me make a 3-foot wide by 4-foot long by 9-inch thick dog bed out of faux fur and Ultrasuede.
About how long does it take to bring one of Candice's typical designs to reality?
The time factor for making Candice’s designs a reality is difficult to pinpoint, as each type of room is different and each design is different. I can tell you, however, that on average a bedroom is about 45 hours of sewing, a family room or living room is approximately 30 hours of sewing but add an attached dining room to it and it could go up to 45 hours as well. A kitchen or bathroom can be as little as eight hours or as much as 25 hours depending on the amount of windows and type of window treatments.
What's the most versatile fabric when it comes to home decor?
I would have to say the faux suedes are the most versatile fabric for home decor. They are heavy and durable enough to use as upholstery fabric, and also come lightweight enough to use as drapes.
What's been the biggest decorating dilemma you've faced so far?
I have a client who has bought a high-rise condo unit unaware of the fire regulations that were enforced due to the building being so close to the next property line. This regulation has left him with sprinkler units projecting (from the ceiling) and flush up against the glass on every west-facing window.
(I) designed and will soon be backing rather intricate drapes that will run along the actual windows and will tie together under the sprinkler units. I have also designed a checkerboard pattern into the drapery just below the sprinkler units to help visually distract from the sprinklers.
Tell us about your other interests: sketching, acting and modeling.
Generally, if I am to sit down and sketch, I automatically revert back to my fashion interests. I have always enjoyed sketching women in my own garment creations whether they be wedding gowns, theatre costumes, daywear or outerwear.
On the acting and model front, I do not do any acting anymore and had never actually thought of doing any. I ended up getting into some acting while I was with a modeling agency. They liked to send me out for modeling and acting calls. The modeling, however, I do still sort of dabble in, but I am no longer with an agency.
Do you see leaving design for a career in showbiz?
I never know what life is going to throw my way. If the showbiz industry wants me, they just need to call me. In the meantime, however, I have just merged businesses with two interior designers to create a design firm called T.H.E. Group Inc. (Total Home Experience). Need your home done?
Watch Divine Design Thursdays 9pm/8c and Saturdays at 10:30pm/9:30c on HGTV.
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