One room at a time.
Vern Yip is designing his way across America, having knocked down walls and made over countless homes and restaurants during his four seasons on TLC’s Trading Spaces, on NBC’s Home Intervention and through his private practice. Vern’s most recent projects include his own show on HGTV, titled
Deserving Design, with Vern Yip.
2008 aired the third season of the exciting prime-time HGTV series Design Star, where he help discover America’s next great design talent. Also in the works, is his book titled ‘Designing Spaces’ and a new home product line.
Vern runs his own design company, Vern Yip Designs and vernyip.com, where design tips are dispensed and top quality products are designed by Vern. His creations and room transformations range in budget from the notoriously frugal showcased on television to special event design for one of 2006’s highest
profile Oscar parties.
Vern’s design calling card is his attention to detail married with precise, clean-lined interiors balanced with a sense of warmth. Many elements of his creations and eclectic style demonstrate an influence from childhood travels to Asia, Latin America and Europe. Often with Vern’s designs, less is more and something in the room always “pops” due to its graphic nature.
Vern’s award-winning work has a distinct flair that reflects his expertise as both an architectural and interior designer. Vern has amassed an impressive list of design awards including: 2003 Distinguished Southerner Award, Southern Living Magazine; 2000 Southeast Designer of the Year, Fusebox Restaurant, Atlanta; 1999 Best New Restaurant and Best New Night Club, DeuxPlex Bistro and Night Club, Atlanta.
One young adult at a time.
In the spring of 2006, Vern contacted the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults as many young adults do – his life was tragically impacted by cancer and he wanted to get involved. Having just lost their mother, Vera Yip, to cancer, 
Vern and his sister decided it was time to focus their energy and resources towards supporting an organization and cause that was close to their hearts.
In late 2006, Vern and his sister established the Vera Yip Memorial College Scholarship Fund through the Ulman Cancer Fund’s National College Scholarship Program. This special program supports the financial needs of young adults who are impacted by cancer and seeking higher education. Vera was committed to promoting a love of learning and helped to inspire and empower others to pursue their personal, educational and professional dreams in the face of adversity.
Since it’s creation, the program has awarded scholarships to four individuals who best demonstrate the courage, determination, motivation and dedication that Vera displayed during her lifetime. Vera Yip Memorial Scholarships recipients in 2007 were Elizabeth Hall (Georgia), Brittany Williams (Washington, DC) and in 2008 were Allison Burgh (Washington, DC) and Baylee DeCastro (California).