Fanshawe grad and Design Supervisor, Steven Southgate (right), has not forgotten where his roots are since appearing on the hit television show Divine Design. The 41-year-old Woodstock native graduated from the Fanshawe Interior Design program in June 1995 and since then has gone on to do great things!

Steven started his career with the Women's Network show, Divine Design, in 2002 as on-camera assistant to the host Candice Olson. In six short years, Steven took his career to new heights as Design Supervisor of the popular W Network show.

He credits his Fanshawe education as his key to success in the highly competitive interior design industry. "The Interior Design program at Fanshawe taught me all the foundations of excellent design and gave me the confidence and knowledge to allow my natural design talents to shine through," states Southgate. When asked what he thought was the most important skill he acquired while at Fanshawe, Steven commented, "learning how to translate the design I had created in my head to a design on paper, then 'selling' my ideas to the client was definitely an asset to my career."

Southgate took his studies seriously. Design professor and Interior Decorating program coordinator, Angela Bourne remembers Steven as a real team player, "He was always so focused. Steven was creative and enthusiastic; a great all-round student!"

Steven is a big believer in the skills that Fanshawe instills in its students. "Fanshawe grads are prepared, personable, hard-working and professional - they know what they are doing!" He has already hired two Fanshawe Interior Design grads and is always looking for more.

To show their appreciation for Steven's hard work and dedication to the show, host Candice Olson decided his "new" 1928 suburban bungalow deserved to be treated to a makeover of its own. The bungalow's main floor has been completely redesigned and renovated. Along with the usual design content the episode focused on all of the hard work that Steven puts into his job.

Scroll down to view Steven's before and after photos. Tune in Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. on the W Network to see more episodes of Divine Design!

Living area - before


Living area - after

Kitchen area - before


Kitchen area - after