Charrette’s new Saskatoon office will serve Western Canada

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“Saskatchewan is my home. I’m committed to staying in this area, building a business that supports local companies, and sharing our expertise to help them thrive.”

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Businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today, the StarPhoenix talks to Heather Fiolleau and David Barnes to discuss the opening of Charrette’s latest branch in the Saskatoon area.

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Charrette, an advertising agency originally founded in Toronto four years ago, will be led by Heather Fiolleau in its Western Canadian expansion, which marks its second location.

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Heather, a Hudson Bay native and greater Saskatoon area resident, says she is thrilled to bring Charrette’s expertise to her home province.

Charrette
David Barnes (left) and Heather Fiolleau of Charrette, an advertising agency that opened its first Western Canadian location in the Saskatoon area. Heather runs the Saskatoon operation.

Q: What is Charrette?

David Barnes: Charrette is an advertising agency that helps businesses communicate effectively with their audiences. Our core services include branding and identity design, advertising campaigns, web development, social media and digital marketing, and content creation. We specialize in crafting strategies and campaigns that drive real success.

Heather Fiolleau: At our heart, we’re both a branding agency and business consultants. Our mission is to help businesses connect with their customers and bring products and services to market in the most engaging, entertaining and delightful ways possible.

Q: Why did you choose Saskatoon for Charrette’s second location?

Heather: Saskatchewan is home for me, so it was natural to establish a base here. Partnering with David and Charrette offered the perfect opportunity to elevate the creative market in this region.

David has always envisioned expanding into smaller, underserved markets, and I couldn’t agree more. Together, we’re building something meaningful for local businesses, energizing their brands with bold and innovative strategies.

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Our new studio in Martensville is a beautiful, inspiring space. It’s a change from the hustle of Toronto, but it’s refreshing to work in a space that fits both our needs and those of our clients. With much of our work conducted online or on location, we’re well-positioned to deliver expertise while staying connected to the local community.

Initially, I planned to run a small studio on my own. But after connecting with David and seeing the level of expertise and the reputation Charrette brings, it became clear that joining forces was the way to go. This partnership allows me to bring something much bigger and more impactful to the table.

Q: What services does Charrette offer?

Heather: We offer a full suite of services, from branding and identity to campaign development and content creation. This includes everything from naming companies and designing logos to crafting cohesive visual identities with colours, typography, and other creative elements. Our strength lies in bringing out the best in businesses and showcasing it to the world.

David: The Saskatoon office delivers everything Charrette is known for: brand strategy, identity design, content creation, digital and web solutions, advertising campaigns and visual communication. Our goal is to connect with the region’s innovators — business leaders who want big-city expertise with a touch of local nuance.

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Q: Who are your clients?

Heather: Our portfolio spans industries like professional associations, retail, hospitality, real estate, professional services and B2B. What ties our clients together isn’t a category but a mindset; they’re leaders ready to stand out, disrupt the status quo, and make bold moves in their industries.

In Toronto, our work in real estate has been especially successful, earning us a strong reputation. Applying that expertise here in Saskatchewan will be a primary focus as we grow.

Q: What is your personal background?

Heather: This is my second career, but design has always been part of my life. Growing up surrounded by interior designers, architects, and entrepreneurs, creativity and problem-solving were in my blood.

Joining Charrette ignited that passion and gave me the platform to combine my love for art and design with my professional background. My 13 years at a law firm equipped me with the business acumen, polished demeanour and strategic mindset to operate at a high level. Charrette has allowed me to merge those strengths into a role I’m deeply excited about.

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Q: What excites you about Charrette?

Heather: It’s all about the team — the talent, the experience, and the sheer enthusiasm that makes every project exciting. There’s a contagious energy here that inspires creativity and innovation.

We thrive in spaces where bold, forward-thinking ideas meet high-level professionalism. The demand for strong branding and online presence has never been greater, and for many businesses, it’s uncharted territory. That’s where Charrette steps in, helping businesses share their stories, amplify their strengths, and create brands that truly stand out.

For me, it’s the perfect blend of strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and storytelling. At Charrette, we’re not just delivering services, we’re creating extraordinary experiences for every client.

Q: Where did the name Charrette come from?

David: Charrette is a term from urban planning and architecture, describing an intense, focused period of problem-solving through collaboration. That spirit perfectly embodies our approach as an agency.

I started Charrette because I believed traditional agencies were too slow and expensive. With us, clients get senior-level expertise and fast, impactful results that make a difference. The name reflects not just what we do but how we do it, through dynamic collaboration with our clients to deliver transformative solutions.

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Charrette’s expansion into Saskatchewan marks a new chapter for both Heather and the agency. Combining Toronto’s big-city expertise with a genuine passion for local businesses, they’re poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s creative landscape.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Charrette

Saskatoon Creative Director: Heather Fiolleau
Address: P.O. Box 141, Martensville
Phone: 306-291-7541
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.charrette.ca
Check: Instagram, LinkedIn

Charrette
David Barnes (left) and Heather Fiolleau of Charrette, an advertising agency who opened their first Western Canadian location in the Saskatoon area. Heather runs the Saskatoon operation. Photo provided.

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