The January 2017 Showroom Spotlight is on Walter Bunda of Astro Design Centre (written by an Education Committee Member)

Walter Bunda, of Astro Design Centre in Ottawa Canada, got his start in this industry in a most unusual way. Walter had been traveling around the world for two years straight out of college after earning a degree in interior design, but needed to find employment when he returned home. He contacted an old school mate who mentioned to him there was a job opening for a design and sales position at a design center that was making a mark in the city and suggested he apply for the position. Walter followed his friend's recommendation, and he has been at the same job now for more than three years.

When Walter started at Astro Design Centre, he was surprised by the number of manufacturers and brands from which to choose. He would say, "How many brands of faucets do we need to have? Now I understand each manufacturer brings something unique and different to the table whether it would be finishes, styles, or technology."

And learning about all these products was no easy feat. "I think the most challenging aspect of this industry is keeping up on product knowledge. With all the information on the internet these days, your clients often may know more about the products they are inquiring about than yourself. You need to be on the ball and always willing to learn more," Walter says.  

When Walter began his learning, he did most of it online. He has not participated yet in the DPHA Recognition Program, but he has set that as a goal for 2017.

Because of Walter's design background, he really has a passion for selling lighting. "We no longer see people's homes with only just recessed and florescent bar lighting. They want accent lighting, decorative lighting and they want it to make a statement," he said.

When not working, Walter likes to travel. Skiing and diving are his biggest passions, and he was lucky enough to spend two weeks last winter diving in Belize and living on the beach.

Locally, his activities vary with the seasons. During the winter, it's snowshoeing and skiing, and in the summer you will find him hiking, on a beach or participating in water sports. In his downtime, Walter enjoys reading, photography and spending time with friends. His bucket list includes one day attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. And let's not forget his wish to one day sit on the VIP terrace of the Monaco Grand Prix.

All this energy takes food of which Italian, Asian (especially Thai) and Indian food (lamb kofta with mint yogurt and flat-breads) are among his favorites.

Trying to get everything accomplished he wants to can sometimes be a challenge because Walter admits he's not a morning person. How does he do it? "With large amounts of coffee and tea each day", he replied.