Maxie Pennington has joined CHIL Interior Design as Director of Practice.

Based in Toronto, Maxie will help lead the studio’s continued growth, working alongside its design leadership to strengthen team development, client relationships, and project delivery.

In this role, Maxie will provide strategic practice leadership across CHIL’s hospitality and multi-residential portfolio, helping align creative ambition with operational and business priorities. She will also support collaboration across CHIL, B+H Architects, and the broader SJ Group’s international network.

“CHIL has a strong identity and distinct design culture. The opportunity to bring my experience and contribute to its continued growth felt like a natural next step.

I believe a successful design practice is built on connection—understanding the people, ambitions, and opportunities behind each project, and translating them into spaces rooted in place with a lasting impact. I’m excited to grow our team around these values, deepen our presence in Toronto, and help write CHIL’s next chapter by strengthening its authentic voice in the city.”
– Maxie Pennington, Director of Practice, CHIL Interior Design

Maxie brings more than 20 years of experience in design, with an international portfolio spanning a range of project scales and typologies. Her experience has shaped a strong understanding of how storytelling can create environments that convey a sense of place, purpose, and meaning, as well as how complex project conditions can become opportunities for stronger design and project outcomes.

At the centre of Maxie’s leadership approach is an ability to bring teams together, encourage new ideas, and balance creativity with the practical realities of business and project delivery. Her perspective is further informed by an interest in travel, fashion, art, and design, along with firsthand experience of different cultures and destinations.

“Maxie brings the strategic perspective, collaborative leadership, and understanding of project delivery needed to help guide our evolving design practice. Her ability to bring people together while balancing creative thinking with client and business priorities will be an important asset to CHIL as we continue to strengthen our teams, relationships, and global portfolio.”

– Franca Rezza, Regional Discipline Lead for Interior Design, AECA, B+H Architects and CHIL Interior Design

Maxie’s appointment reflects CHIL’s continued investment in strong, complementary leadership across design and practice. Her experience and perspective will support the studio’s ongoing growth while reinforcing the collaboration, creativity, and commitment to meaningful, experience-driven environments that define CHIL.