Liz Nandee

Liz Nandee, the founder of Basic Black Designs Inc., has become a sought-after set designer for some of the world’s most recognizable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Michelle and Barack Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton and Kim Kardashian. Her work has been featured in more than 50 magazines internationally, but Liz’s designs always carry a piece of home. Born and raised in Calgary, she is intentional about incorporating local products and showcasing the city’s artisans in her sets, elevating Calgary on the global stage.

Liz’s breakthrough moment with Oprah Winfrey marked a turning point in her career. When she learned that Oprah was coming to Calgary, Liz started making calls, knocking on doors and asking for meetings until one producer finally said yes—resulting in a set design contract for all seven cities on Oprah’s Canadian tour. That persistence, paired with her ability to create sets that prioritize the speaker’s comfort while reflecting their personality, has established her as a leader in her field.

Her entrepreneurial journey was shaped early on at Bow Valley College, where she gained the confidence to trust her creative voice and transform her passion into a purposeful career path. The hands-on, project-based environment allowed her to explore different areas of design—experiences that helped her carve out her own space in set design and creative production.

Beyond her professional success, Liz is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She volunteers with organizations such as the Women's Centre of Calgary, Kids Help Phone and the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary[SP1.1][PA1.2]—a reflection of her commitment to supporting vulnerable women, youth and those in need in the city where her journey began.