Thiesen
Account Manager Edmonton, Alberta
Celeste Thiesen: Designing Connection and Creativity Across Alberta
Based in vibrant Edmonton, Alberta, Celeste Thiesen brings creativity, heart, and unstoppable energy to her role at ShawContract Canada. With a background in interior design and a natural flair for connection, Celeste is more than just a familiar face in the design community— she’s a passionate advocate for collaboration, storytelling, and inspiring spaces. Her work isn’t just about flooring; it’s about building meaningful relationships and helping clients bring their boldest visions to life.
Celeste’s journey to Shaw Contract is a story steeped in serendipity, talent, and a little bit of prophecy. Educated as an Interior Designer, she has spent her career immersed in the many facets of the design world, from practising design to teaching it at NAIT. Her first brush with Shaw Contract came in 2005 at NeoCon in Chicago—a defining moment for many designers, but for Celeste, it was the beginning of something extraordinary.
Celeste Thiesen: Designing Connection and Creativity Across Alberta
“I had taken a tour of the Shaw Contract showroom and met Fred Rabiner,” she recalls. “He graciously hosted us during the show, and we became fast friends. In the lobby of the Palmer House Hilton, I told him I would work for him one day.”
Celeste Thiesen: Designing Connection and Creativity Across Alberta
That chance meeting would lay dormant until 2009, when, having just resigned from her teaching role, Celeste received a call Fred was looking for an Account Manager in Edmonton. The stars aligned, and Celeste stepped into the role that would allow her to blend her passions for design, mentorship, and relationshipbuilding.
What Celeste enjoys most about her role at Shaw is the people. “Meeting, collaborating, and creating with clients is incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than just product it's about connection.”
That love of connection gave rise to her proudest accomplishment: the #talkingwithdesigners interview series, which ran on Instagram and LinkedIn. “I loved getting to know them on a personal level—learning what inspires and motivates them. It was an incredible experience.”
Celeste Thiesen: Designing Connection and Creativity Across Alberta
Celeste’s impact, however, reaches beyond the professional realm. She shared a powerful example of leadership and perseverance from her past—helping build a highlevel competitive sports league from scratch. “There was blood, sweat, and definitely tears,” she laughs. “But we built something special— five teams, community, empowerment, and lifelong friendships. We even tied in support for not-for-profits. The lessons were tremendous, and the rewards, unforgettable.”
Outside of work, Celeste balances creativity with curiosity and a healthy dose of glam. “My spectacular niece is my first love I’m a happy servant to her whimsy,” she says with pride. “I also spend far too much time (and money) at Sephora. I could honestly work there part-time,” she jokes.
Celeste Thiesen: Designing Connection and Creativity Across Alberta
Travel is her other passion exploring the world’s great cities, art, architecture, and music— though, she notes with a smile, “The travel is specifically vacant of Sephora visits.”
When asked about her inspirations, Celeste's answer reflects her heart: “I’m inspired by the helpers the ones Mr. Rogers told us about. Often, they come in the form of family and friends. And let’s be honest there are some very witty folks making amazing memes out there.”
From her first steps into Shaw Contract’s showroom to her leadership in Alberta’s design community today, Celeste Thiesen exemplifies what it means to blend professional excellence with authentic human connection.