LEED-accredited Professional, Certified Interior Designer
Certified Passive House Designer, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor
by Sandra Leigh Lester
Elegant, sustainable spaces tailored to how you live — today and in the years ahead.
We are an award-winning interior design and sustainable design consultancy established in 2010.
Great design should age as gracefully
as the people who live in it.
Every home should enable someone to live well despite any physical and mental challenges.
Bring nature into the indoors and experience greater relaxation and well-being.
Safe Spaces for Aging-in-Place
Eco-Friendly Design with Biomimicry
Sensory Design for Comfort
Careful consideration of texture and wearability creates enduring comfort.
Design to Support Your Well-being
Designed to use space effectively, by point-of-execution, to help you stay tidy and thrive.
Custom Craftmanship
Custom cabinets and bespoke selection of fixture and appliances enhance your quality of life.
Aging-in-Place Design
Our designs ensure your home adapts effortlessly, providing comfort through all life stages.
Sustainable Living
We use eco-friendly materials and methods, supporting a healthier planet.
Full Interior Renovations
Design tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Innovative Solutions
We bring cutting-edge lighting and technology to every design, ensuring energy efficiency, ease of use and modern functionality.
Non-Toxic Living
We use natural and non-toxic materials, finishes and specialized HVAC equipment that enhance your indoor air quality.
Furniture and Art Curation
We help make your current collection of art shine, and can recommend new pieces to enhance your interior space.
Our focus is your living experience, ensuring comfort and well-being throughout your lifetime, no matter what life throws your way.
Aging-in-Place in Style
This custom wall incorporates built-in lighting to enhance the display of this personal collection of pottery and travel souvenirs.
Custom Millwork
We integrate smart technology with lighting that supports your circadian rhythms so that are more alert during the day, and sleep better at night.
Custom Cabinetry and Lighting
Condo Renovation, Toronto
2,400 square feet
Custom vanity and accessible shower in aged limestone finish.
Modern kitchen with handmade tile backsplash and concealed storage.
Custom wall cabinet and concealed door in timber finish.
Enhanced Lighting
Brighter lighting that is carefully controlled in colour temperature can enhance occupant enjoyment for activities such as:
Fall Prevention
Living well while aging goes beyond just installing grab bars.
As we age, our space perception, proprioception and motor control changes.
We use evidence-based design to help homeowners navigate through their spaces safely.
Enhanced Mobility
Aging doesn't always involve losing one's mobility, it affects our day-to-day life.
Beyond mobility, we consider accommodations for hand dexterity issues, balance issues and strength challenges.
Don't need those clearances for mobility devices yet? The space for future mobility devices can be creatively filled furniture or storage systems for now.
Plus, better lighting is safer, helps you sleep better and it prevents accidents and falls.
We don't just accommodate an aging occupant— we enable them to thrive.
Whether you are looking to do a staged renovation, or want a fresh look throughout your house or condo, we are here to help.
Take Our Three Simple Steps
1
Consultation
Concept & Budget
2
Design Delivery
3
Book a call to discuss your upcoming project.
We'll draft a design concept, finish board, and create a budget for the scope of work.
We create detailed design drawings for permit and construction.
BTech(ArchSci) MCOD ARIDO IDC CPHD CSBA LEED AP BD+C
With more than thirty years of experience on projects across the globe, Sandra Leigh Lester is an award-winning sustainable design consultant and interior designer with over 30 years of experience helping clients create sustainable interiors that are beautiful, have great longevity, are space efficient, and healthy.
She is a LEED-accredited Professional, Certified Interior Designer, Certified Passive House Designer, and Certified Sustainable Building Advisor. She has been Visiting Professor and Adjunct for the Masters of Interior Design program at the University of Manitoba, and a Professor at George Brown College.
Sandra established her sustainable consulting practice, affectingchange, in 2010, and is relied upon for her sustainable design strategy work on projects across Canada. Her projects include the Humber River Hospital in Toronto (LEED Gold), the Fogo Island Inn and The Salvation Army's Harbour Light in Vancouver—all of which are globally-recognized for their sustainability achievements and have won over 70 awards.
Her interior design work includes the Sydney office for Saatchi & Saatchi advertising, various condos, (including King's Court condos and a number of buildings at Cityplace in Toronto), residences in Dubai Marina II, the lobby areas and restaurants of the Merweb Hotel in Doha, various restaurants at the Shangri La Hotel in Doha, several buildings at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and several private homes.
She has a passion for creating sensual interiors using classic and enduring natural materials. She is a colourist, enjoys modern and classical art, and and enjoys painting abstracts in her spare time.
As someone that has experienced several temporary disabilities, and currently experiences a mobility issues to a chronic illness, she knows the importance of empowering people with spaces that they can enjoy regardless of their abilities.
In her spare time, she is an fine artist and enjoys playing the piano. During warmer months, she can be found on a local hiking trail, or on the patio at her local coffee shop.
Sandra Leigh Lester
LEED-accredited Professional, Certified Interior Designer
Certified Passive House Designer, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor
CEO and Founder
Bettina Hoar
I chose Sandra for her authentic knowledge and passion for sustainable building, and I was blown away by her INCREDIBLE talent for designing space. She was able to turn every inch of our condo into perfectly useable space (exactly what we needed!) but in a way that was super smart and beautiful. Easy to work with, collaborative, and a true design whiz. Highly recommend!!
Fill in this form if you'd like more information about my services.
Every project begins with a conversation — no obligation, just clarity.
Affecting Change Inc.
an award-winning interior design and sustainable design consultancy established in 2010.
© 2025 Affecting Change Inc. All rights reserved.
+1 800-916-5189
sandra@affectingchange.com
