Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Colin’s designer roots started when he spent more time doodling in preschool than working on his math or writing assignments. Excelling in the Arts in high school was a steppingstone to his entry into the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. In 1982 he finished ACA filled to the brim with knowledge of Art History, Graphic and Industrial Design, and all aspects of Fine Arts. After Art College he explored his interest in fashion, and at one point, had his own line of designer clothing. Along with fashion design he started his career in Retail Visual Merchandising & Display. Moving up the corporate ladder brought him to Vancouver in 1986 as a Western Training Coordinator for an established menswear chain. In 1987, after completing his Interior Design Diploma at BCIT, he joined Holt Renfrew in Vancouver to work once again in Visual Merchandising and Display. While working full time, he was always project designing in his spare time, from fashion, furniture, and art pieces to interiors and retail stores. Eventually becoming to busy to do both, he had to venture out and start up his own freelance business. “Since I was teased so much growing up with my last name being ‘UPRIGHT’, I thought I’d might as well use it for something constructive” Colin said. In 1992, Upright Designs was rooted. In 2005 he and his partner changed the company name to Upright Decor Rentals and Event Design Inc. “it’s so much better today... I love the surprise when I hand people my business card and they discover what my last name is... they always think the company name came first!”