Hi. I'm Amy.
Designer, illustrator, artist, educator, big-picture thinker and the creative mind behind House of Pye.
For more than 20 years, I've helped businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and organizations of all sizes bring their ideas to life through branding, design, illustration, public art and creative strategy.
I've always believed that great design should do more than look good. It should tell stories, spark curiosity, create connections and make a meaningful difference.
My work has taken me from designing for international brands to creating public art in my own community, illustrating children's books and teaching the next generation of designers. Different projects, same curiosity.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief: creativity has the power to make things better.
Creativity Lives Here
After more than two decades in the creative industry, I've learned that the best ideas rarely happen in isolation.
That's why I created House of Pye.
What began as an independent design studio has grown into a collaborative creative collective, bringing together talented professionals with different skills, perspectives and specialties.
I love being hands-on with the creative work, but I also love connecting the right people to the right projects. Rather than building a traditional agency with layers of overhead, I've built a flexible model that allows me to assemble a team around what each client actually needs.
It's a more personal, collaborative approach to creative services, built on the belief that good things happen when creative minds come together.
Outside of the Studio
When I'm not working on client projects, I'm usually painting surreal worlds, writing and illustrating children's books, experimenting with a new creative medium or dreaming up my next big idea.
I've never been particularly good at sticking to just one creative discipline, and I wouldn't have it any other way. That curiosity finds its way into everything I do, bringing unexpected ideas, fresh perspectives and a little playfulness to my work.
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Community has always been at the heart of House of Pye. Beyond our client work, we're passionate about using creativity to support local organizations, champion arts and education, promote tourism and contribute to vibrant, connected communities through thoughtful design and placemaking.
Amy’s Current Community Roles
Board Director, Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
Member of the City of Nanaimo Urban Design Roster since its inception
Instructor, Vancouver Island University (Design Communication)
Instructor, Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture
Artist in Schools Facilitator with the Nanaimo Art Gallery
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Some of our favourite projects extend beyond the page and into public spaces, becoming part of the communities where people live, gather and explore.
Highlights include:
Sensing Nanaimo: A permanent public art installation exploring our senses through illuminated projections in downtown Nanaimo.
Love Letters from Nanaimo — an interactive public artwork celebrating connection and belonging.
Community banner programs for Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter.
Tourism illustrations, maps, placemaking projects, and visitor experiences.
Public murals, installations, interpretive graphics, and community storytelling initiatives.
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Over the years, our creative work has earned recognition for design excellence, while House of Pye founder Amy has also been honoured for her contributions to the community. Highlights include:
2025
Nanaimo Business Awards Winner: Creative ServicesWomen of Influence Nominee: Arts & Culture
2024
Women of Influence Nominee: Arts & CultureSummit International Awards: Bronze - Logo
CommunityVotes:Bronze - Graphic Design
2023
Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design2022
Summit Internaitonal Awards - Bronze Web DevMuse Creative Award: Gold Website Design
Muse Creative Award: Platinum Website Design
Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design
Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design
2021
Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design2019
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistNanaimo Chamber Nominee Small Business & Creative Services
2018
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistSmall Business BC Awards - Nominee Best Company
2017
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistVictoria Chamber of Commerce Awards - Nominee Young Entrepreneur
Small Business BC Awards - Nominee Best Company
2016
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistNanaimo Chamber of Commerce Awards - Winner Emerging Business
2015
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistSmall Business BC Awards - Nominee Emerging Business
2014
Top 20 Under 40 FinalistNanaimo Chamber of Commerce Awards - Top 3 Finalist (Best Startup)
2013
Summit International Awards - Silver Website Redesign2010
Summit International Awards - Silver Web DevVIU Faculty Award of Excellence