Build Interior Design Awards 2017
INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS 2017
Best International Workplace Design Company - page 10 Nicholas Sunderland Interiors - p. 20
One of the most trusted builders in Ontario - page 6
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Welcome to the 2017 Interior Design Awards It’s a common fact that the average person can paint a wall by using some initiative, but it takes so much more to take on the role of an Interior Designer. Dedication, hard work and passion are all key factors into what make a business a success. The industry is taking the world by storm and Interior Designers have found themselves inundated with new demands and workload as clients see the benefits of hiring a professional to create a home which is more than just bricks and mortar; but rather a space in which they can be themselves and express their creativity.
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The Winners Are... 6. Mason Homes Limited Best Residential Construction Company - Ontario 10. Aecom Best International Workplace Design Company 2017 & Best UK Office Project: Rolls-Royce: Trent XWB Project Hall 12. Vitamin Most Innovative Home Accessories Company 2017 - UK 14. Appeal Home Shading Best Interior Shading Specialists 2017 - UK 15. Broadleaf Timber Best Wood Flooring Manufacturers - UK & Award for Excellence in Sustainable Practices - UK 15. JBHM Architects Best Full-Service Interior Design Firm - Mississippi & Library Interior of the Year 2017: Quisenberry Library - Mississippi 16. Couture Lifestyles LLC Best Luxury Home Builder 2017 - Florida 17. Diekema Hamann Architecture + Engineering, Inc. Best Interior Design Specialists - Midwest USA & Best USA Healthcare Interior Design Project: Lakeland Healthcare & Hospice at Home 18. John Anthony Signs Ltd Bespoke Sign Manufacturer of the Year 2017 - UK & Most Innovative Retail Signage Project: Monsoon Children 19. LKS Architects, Inc Best Retail & Corporate Architecture Firm - South East USA & Best Office Design Project 2017: The Link Group, Durham - North Carolina 20. Nicholas Sunderland Interiors Best Luxury Residential Interior Design Company - London & Most Innovative UK Luxury Residential Project: Kensington West London House 21. MasonKnight Properties Best Student Residential Development Company - Midlands 22. M. Frederick Design Best Boutique Interior Design Studio - Greater New York
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23. New From Old Best Bespoke Wooden Kitchens & Furniture Designer - Eastern England & Most Innovative Residential Kitchen Project: The Farthings, North Norfolk 24. Nya Nordiska Best International Textile Design Company - Germany 25. Preformed Markings Ltd Best Decorative Thermoplastic Ground Markings Supplier - UK & Ireland Most Innovative Commercial Ground Marking Project: London Design Festival 26. Redrow Housebuilders of the Year 2017 - UK 27. RKTB Architects, P.C. Best for Institutional Design - New York 28. SKM Design Best Residential & Hospitality Interior Design Firm - UK & Most Innovative UK Hospitality Project: SLEEP 29. KGA Architecture Best Sports Facility Design 2017: Athletic Training Centre, Bishop Gorman High School - Nevada & Architectural Services Company of the Year 2017 - West USA 30. Nick Baker Archictects Best Architectural Refurbishment - UK 31. Workshop For Architecture LLP Best Architecture & Construction Company - New York & Best Office Space Conversion: McDean Studios 32. Ryan Young Interiors, Inc. Best for Commercial Interior Design - California & Best Sales-Design Centre Project: Toll Design Studio 34. Upstate Door Inc Best for Bespoke Door Solutions - New York
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Company: Mason Homes Web Address: masonhomes.ca Address: 30-6 Pennsylvania Ave, Concord, Ontario L4K 4A5 Telephone: 905-761-2050
Best Residential Construction Company - Ontario
Mason Homes is one of the most trusted builders in Ontario, having built over 6,000 new homes across this vibrant region over its 56 year history. We invited Founder Gord Mason to tell us more about how the firm has come to achieve such exceptional success in their field.
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ounded in 1961 by Gord Mason, Mason Homes prides itself on being more than just a homebuilder: it builds communities.
“Here at Mason Homes we make sure that wherever we build, we create communities that are friendly, homey and have lots of open space nearby to serve as many of the resident’s needs as possible.” The firm is honoured to be recognised in the Interior Design Awards, and believe that their success can be attributed to their corporate philosophy of ‘Superior Quality, Outstanding Value and Impeccable Service’. These are the cornerstones that have guided Mason Homes for over 55 years. While this philosophy is the guide, it takes the hard work and dedication of all employees at the company to make Mason Homes successful; these corporate values and the commitment of their employees are Mason Homes’ greatest assets, and they are highly valued. When Gord started Mason Homes, his commitment was “not to being the biggest, but to being the very best”; to this day, he maintains that “if it is worth doing, then we do it to the best of our ability.” All these years later, he continues to operate the company with the same philosophy, and the firm has now developed into an award-winning production homebuilder and land developer. The firm only builds Energy Star Qualified homes, which are defined as properties that are on average 20% more energy efficient than a home built to the standard building code. These properties present a practical choice for homeowners looking for a new home that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Fundamentally, at Mason Homes, the focus is on providing homeowners with the best built homes and in order to achieve this, the company is a full service builder. Many construction services are provided in-house; from designing the communities they build, creating floor plans and interior designs, to sales and marketing, and management of the building process. This ensures that the elements that make up the company’s developments are rooted in quality and sustainability. As part of its commitment to sustainable development and by adhering
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to sustainable design principles, the company has created the Mason Advantage; the inclusion of up to $40,000 worth of upgraded features and finishes as standard. These upgrades include better construction materials and processes, superior green features, and elegant details that enhance the look of the homes and the community overall. The Mason Advantage also features building products and practices that demonstrate Mason’s commitment to building Energy Star Qualified homes. Many of these components are vital to achieve the ratings necessary to pass the Energy Star Qualified test. An Energy Star Qualified home delivers an elevated level of construction that minimizes the homeowner’s carbon footprint, resulting in smarter-running homes complete with energy savings. This delivers peace of mind for those who are environmentally conscious and delivers value to every one of the company’s homeowners. One such example of an item that contributes to the Mason Advantage is the Engineered ‘I’ Joist which creates a stronger, quieter floor and eliminates the need for numerous basement support columns, resulting in wide open basement spaces. As Mason Homes builds such air tight homes, many purchasers finish their basements as additional living and sleeping spaces. Homeowners enjoy energy savings, healthier air, warmer/cooler homes and well-designed light filled home designs for years to come. Amongst the upgrades offered in the Mason Advantage, a number of features relating to temperature control are offered. This includes a high efficiency air conditioning system and a 2-stage 95% efficient furnace, a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) which delivers fresh filtered air throughout the home, R-24 Blown-in insulation which minimises heat loss, a copper drain water heat recovery pipe designed to reduce water heating costs by 20-40% and condensing 90% efficient hot water tanks. All of these features combine to create homes that offer the utmost in comfort and modern quality. Alongside these enviable temperature control systems, Mason Homes install low-emitting products whenever possible, so as to reduce the volume of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, which promotes better air quality. The company ensures that all basement floors are sealed, thus sealing out radon, and include interior lights with CFL or LED Energy Star
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qualified bulbs, and MOEN water conserving fixtures. Overall, from low-maintenance pre-finished materials through to watersaving fixtures and Energy Star features, Mason Homes create properties that help to save money and reduce environmental impacts. To achieve this, the company holds consultations with industry leaders in order to remain current on the latest and most advanced building techniques and materials. All of their homes are enrolled in the Holmes Approved Homes program. As such, each home undergoes an independent 3 stage inspection process by qualified industry certified inspectors. All of Mason Homes’ staff and trades receive ongoing technical and construction training on new products, building methods, and Energy Star Qualified standards. Mason Homes ensures that each and every home is built to the highest possible standard by integrating the use of cutting-edge technology throughout the building process. During the three stage independent inspection process and their Energy Star Qualification inspection, the company’s homes are thermally photographed using a state of the art infrared camera, identifying any possible voids in insulation which result in heat loss. Additionally, each house undergoes a blower door test, which detects the number of air changes in/out of the home, again identifying possible air leakage. With over 55 years of experience, Mason Homes believes a purchaser’s buying dollars are best spent in quality construction, which is why their houses cost more to build than the average built-to-standard-codeproduction house. In order to remain competitive in their key markets, the sales team at Mason Homes must be highly knowledgeable on the features and benefits of an Energy Star Qualified home; they are committed to selling quality. As the style of homes built by the company are so varied, Mason
Homes’ purchasers are equally as varied. From the first time purchaser to the downsize purchaser, Mason builds quality homes to suit all needs. Mason Homes built one of the first Energy Star Qualified homes in 2005. Mason is committed to exclusively building Energy Star Qualified homes and developing Sustainable Community Designs. Present and past communities developed by the company are located in Peterborough, Lindsay, Uxbridge, Barrie, Port Hope, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Currently, Mason Homes has several projects under construction in southern Ontario, with all building sites located outside of the GTA, within prospering smaller cities and close to major highways. The company is committed to exclusively building Energy Star Qualified homes and to developing sustainable communities with elements of new urbanism. A sustainable community design preserves and protects watersheds and greenspaces and provides opportunities for homeowners to live/work in their communities, thereby contributing to the economic health of their cities and lowering the impact on the environment by reduced commuting. Mason Homes’ sites are ideally located, as they have been selected for their ability to provide the advantages of a sustainable community. These developments also offer several architecturally controlled elevations, preserving value and creating pleasing streetscapes. Mason Homes also believes that consumer education is the key for the adoption of green living. They achieve this through a variety of channels, including their website and social media, sales office, discovery centre and advertising.
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According to Mason Homes, the major features of a Sustainable Community Development/Design are: 1.
Ecological Protection – Mason Homes commissions an ecological report for each site they wish to develop, resulting in the creation and protection of storm water ponds, nature trails and forested green buffers, thus preserving wildlife and minimising the impact of the build on the environment.
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Density and Urban Design – Mason Homes adheres to provincial density requirements, building traditional wide-shallow houses on wide lots, and houses which adhere to the principle of new urbanism rear laneway homes, built on narrow lots with side courtyards.
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Village Centres – The company’s Master Planned Communities often feature commercial developments within walking distance of most homes. These commercial units are marketed to attract small, convenient businesses, while creating social gathering places to meet up and build relationships with neighbours, further enhancing a true community spirit.
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Local Economy – This involves avoiding the creation of conventional suburban developments, especially in ‘bedroom communities’, which pay little attention to the need for ‘complete’ communities. Without a local economy, the residents of a new development are obliged to drive to work somewhere else, leaving the neighbourhood empty of life in the daytime, whilst filling up the roads and releasing more carbon dioxide emissions. Mason develops master planned communities in areas where there is a thriving local economy with viable local transportation close by. The company hires local trades and staff, purchases from local suppliers, and supports local charities. Mason aims to give back to the community they develop in. Affordable Housing – The Master Planned communities contain a wide variety of product mix. Mason Homes’ Classic and Rear Lane Homes are available in a product mix of townhouses,
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semi-detached homes, and single detached homes and mid-rise condominiums. 6.
Liveable Community – All house designs are architecturally controlled, with 3 elevations to choose from – Arts & Crafts, Victorian and Colonial. These 3 elevations are available in 12 complementary exterior colour packages. The facades of these homes are lovely and unencumbered by their garages, as the garages of the company’s rear laneway product are situated to the rear on the home. This creates safer front yards and sidewalks, as there are no cars reversing out of driveways, and full wide porches and extra windows occupy the space that would have been the garage door. The number of parks and green spaces exceed the required amount as per the subdivision agreements, and whenever possible, mature existing trees and vegetation are preserved.
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Storm water management – Storm water management ponds are created, landscaped, accessorized with bird houses and park benches and provide a home to a huge array of water fowl, birds, plants and animals. Children’s parks often overlook these ponds, further enhancing resident’s enjoyment.
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Sustainable Transit – Mason Homes’ communities have narrower, interconnecting streets and laneways with sidewalks, roundabouts and pedestrian/cycling trails. Narrower streets reduce the paved surface area, reducing the emission of hydrocarbons which contribute to global warming. These developments are located within walking distance to existing schools, shopping plazas and restaurants, meaning home owners can leave the car at home and dine out. All of these developments are within easy access to local transit, with walking and cycling trails to increase health and enjoyment, and conveniently encourage residents to walk or cycle to the store. When travel by car is unavoidable, roundabouts are implemented to slow traffic, which reduces collisions and carbon emissions.
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The interior design of their homes plays a vital role in the success of Mason Homes, and as such, the company make a special effort to ensure success in this area. The Mason Homes’ Décor centre is overseen by Wendy TreacyMason, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Operations. Wendy attended art school and majored in design arts, with drafting, colour, interior design and jewellery design amongst the many areas she studied. She then went on to work as the Canadian Director for a large international art gallery organization before she opened her own art gallery in 1995.
Knowing which products to offer at the Décor Centre, without overwhelming the purchaser, requires regular visits to suppliers. The Décor Consultant must remain current in design trends and colour projections, as due to the availability of online resources, today’s purchaser is knowledgeable and demanding. Probably the biggest key challenge Mason Homes faces is when finishes are discontinued after a purchaser has completely selected all the products for their homes. This triggers a re-selection process during which the team at Mason Homes keeps the purchaser excited and happy with his/her choices, by sourcing replacements of the same or better quality.
Over the course of her career, Wendy worked with many interior designer firms on residential and commercial projects. Soon, she was approached by gallery clients to consult on their interior design projects, including Gord Mason. As such, after 24 years in the gallery business, Wendy joined Mason Homes as Director of Sales, Marketing, and Operations, where she designs model homes and manages the Décor Centre, the Sales Offices and the Marketing Department. Wendy explains how she draws on this vast experience to support Mason Homes.
It is worth noting that in 2016, Mason Homes incurred a 100% increase in sales when compared to 2015. This success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of all employees at the company. The team constantly reviews plans, asking ‘how can we make them better?’ The company’s social media presence has also grown remarkably strong, boasting over 10,000 followers. Its content is substantial, smart, engaging and responsible.
“There are many aspects of my past career that I draw upon in my current role daily. My love of art greatly influences my interior design process. I will design an entire home using a fabulous work of art as the inspiration. Paintings, prints and photographs set the personality of a room and the rest just flows. Artwork is never the last item I purchase for a model home, it’s always the first. Owning my own business has provided me with endless essential skills which I use every day in my position with Mason Homes.”
Looking ahead, Mason Homes is currently in the pre-release stage of several exciting new phases and developments, including over 200 fabulous detached homes in Phase 4 of their Master Planned Parklands Community. The Arbours will be home to 87 unique condo town houses, situated within a private enclave within the Parklands community. Inspired by new urbanism concepts, these new releases feature rear laneway garages, spacious courtyards, optional lofts and wide front porches. The more traditional homes on extra wide lots feature recessed front garages, which enhance streetscapes.
The Décor Centre sends new homeowners a letter congratulating them on the purchase of their Mason Home, with this letter serving to outline the next steps in the purchasing process, advising that the new owner will be contacted to book two private appointments at the Décor Centre. During their first appointment, all structural upgrades and options such as electrical, plumbing, stairs, railings and fireplaces are reviewed and priced with the purchaser.
In 2017, Mason Homes’ incredibly successful Lakeside Village community in Port Hope will see the release of Phase 4 - exceptional lots overlooking the golf course and Lake Ontario. The firm’s new development in Barrie, Ontario – SPOT Towns, promises exceptional open concept designs to suit a variety of lifestyle choices.
During their second appointment, all colours and finishes are selected and reviewed for budget approval. Wendy has found through experience that most purchasers want to begin with the design of their kitchens. Mason Homes’ Décor Consultant guides them through the selection process by asking important questions such as ‘what is the overall look you would like for your kitchen?’, and clients are encouraged to bring samples of existing materials they need to co-ordinate with and photos of kitchens they like. Once the kitchen cabinets have been selected, the Décor Consultant guides the purchaser through other finishing items, such as counter tops, flooring, door hardware, and plumbing fixtures.
Beyond 2017, Mason Homes looks forward to the launch of HORIZONS, their Master Planned Community located in historic Lindsay, Ontario. HORIZONS is designed to feature many components of a Sustainable Community Development, and the company is looking forward to bringing this vibrant community to market.
A great deal of time is spent on the kitchen design, as many clients choose to customize the Mason Home standard kitchen layout in order to personalize their home and to accommodate certain features, individual to themselves. Once their ‘dream kitchen’ is priced out, the purchaser may need to re-select some finishes to stay within their budget; aligning a purchaser’s budget with their design concept is always achievable, due to the vast selection of finishes offered at Mason Homes’ Décor Centre. After the kitchen has been designed, the Décor Consultant leads the client through the finish selections for the rest of the home, co-ordinating colours and products that are in harmony with both the kitchen and the purchaser’s overall vision. By the time this process is completed, the purchasers are very excited to see the results! Mason Homes has seven model homes, all filled with fabulous finishes, allowing new buyers to preview their options before deciding on their own finishes. In the area of Interior Design, Mason Homes faces two major challenges. Firstly, there is an enormous variety of products available for Mason Homes to offer in their Décor Centre; Solid Hardwoods, Engineered Hardwoods, Laminates and Upgraded Laminates, are available in many widths, thicknesses, finishes and colours, as well as with a number of application methods. Staying abreast of the features and advantages of each product type in all areas of finishing is essential. This information must be shared with purchasers so they can make the best lifestyle buying decisions.
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Company: AECOM Name: Jason Stubbs, Head of Interiors UK & Ireland. Web Address: www.aecom.com Address: Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street, London E1 8FA
Best International Workplace Design Company 2017 & Best UK Office Project: Rolls-Royce: Trent XWB Project Hall
AECOM is built to deliver a better world; the firm designs, builds, finances and operates infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organisations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, AECOM connects knowledge and experience across its global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, the firm’s work is transformative, differentiated and vital, and Head of Interiors – UK & Ireland, Jason Stubbs, was eager to tell us more. trategy Plus is a strategic workplace consultancy and interior design team within AECOM, whose workplace strategists and designers enable clients to capitalise on a vital dynamic that drives organisational performance: the relationship between people and the design of physical place. Jason explains that the firm’s approach is informed by a deep understanding of the changing nature of work, both globally and locally, and is applied successfully across a range of sectors.
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“AECOM’s overall brand promise is that we are ‘built to deliver a better world’. Our work demonstrates that strategy, design and changes involving people and place can deliver tangible and sustainable business value. Our solutions are derived through evidence and an ability to really listen to the aspirations and practical concerns of our clients. In Strategy Plus and Interiors, we focus on research into the changing nature of work and its impact on people, place and performance at every scale. We forecast the future of work and deliver measurable business benefits to our clients; we do this by integrating research, strategy and design, and constantly thinking about the changing nature of work. “Our team includes people from a wide range of backgrounds, from architects and interior designers to product designers, psychologists and change managers. This mix of skills means that there are a broad range of perspectives and experiences feeding into every project that we deliver. It’s been 17 years since I started out in interior design, and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of this dynamic team at AECOM for the past 10, working alongside some exceptionally talented people. Every member has helped shape the team and we have delivered some fantastic award-winning projects for our clients. It is only right to mention some of our dedicated designers here, including Terry Gunnery, Gavin Hughes, Michael Kinney, Aimee Collville, James Merchant, Ailin Lacey and Mariko Raouf. There is not enough space to mention all, but everyone has contributed massively to the success of the team and they are all hugely important.
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“We consistently draw on our heritage as a team in our work; one of our legacy companies was DEGW, a pioneering organisation that changed the world of workplace strategy and design over 40 years ago. We constantly strive to continue that spirit of innovation and thought leadership. We design from the inside out, always starting with understanding the client. We work closely with end user organisations to understand their business objectives, which can include increased efficiency, driving innovation or culture change. “We capture these objectives through interviews and workshops with senior leaders, often at C-suite level. A visioning session may also be required to confirm the direction for the project and establish buy-in and sponsorship at senior level. Engagement with staff is just as important as engagement with leaders, with staff engagement achieved through an online opinion survey, workshops and observational studies. We have two observational studies; the first captures hard evidence on space utilisation that can be important if space efficiency is a driver, and the second captures softer evidence on how people work and behave in the environment. “A research based approach to design is critical when managing change; people are not averse to change if they are involved in the process, but can react badly to being changed without appropriate engagement. Our staff are very experienced in communication and change management, many have psychology, anthropology and architectural backgrounds. Our process is highly interactive, as we focus on creating a positive change environment that will stick and avoid ‘the grass growing back’.” Jason notes that both the public and the private sectors are currently experiencing a time of highly dynamic change. He believes there are numerous factors for this, including the economy, new types of challenges and staffing. “All of these points are having a significant impact on the work environment and mean that familiar and traditional ways of working are being revised
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and rethought. The effects of this change are numerous, but chief among them are optimisation, collaboration and an emerging trend for using the workplace as a showcase. The modern workplace needs to work hard at many different levels, and a recent trend is for spaces to be conceived as both showcase and communication tools. Interior design as part of AECOM’s multidisciplinary offer now takes on a multifaceted role in helping to communicate a company’s values and special qualities to staff, clients and potential new recruits.
“With this in mind, our values are centred around safeguarding, collaborating, inspiring, anticipating, delivering and dreaming, to define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to. We operate ethically internally and externally, and with integrity, whilst prioritising safety and security in all that we do. We have built a diverse team that connects expertise to create innovative solutions for our clients. We develop and celebrate our people, and elevate the communities we touch, and understand the complexities of our clients’ challenges and help them see further.
“In terms of optimisation and collaboration, many companies have analysed their mixed real estate portfolio and seen the potential for consolidation to reduce costs. At the same time, in the quest for innovation and collaboration, work environments need to support more cross-disciplinary working, incorporate new technologies and answer increasing demands for mobility, flexibility and wellbeing. Office boundaries are becoming blurred as people work from partner and client sites, in public places and at home. As a result, more and more companies are developing programmes and workplace strategies based on giving people flexibility for better work/life balance and the ability to collaborate. This also has the parallel benefit of reducing real estate.”
“Our new office at Aldgate Tower in London plays a key role in communicating our culture and values. Our offices are our largest physical commodity to communicate what we stand for; the design drivers for Aldgate Tower came from our value and focus on collaboration, showcasing what we do, our flexibility and creating a place for people.”
In order to be able to offer the most effective service, AECOM’s own key hubs are based where their key markets and clients are located. “London is one of several large global design hubs, and it’s a great place for the interior design team to be. London has a magnetic quality when it comes to design, drawing people from all over the world, which only helps us as it means we have an amazing talent pool to recruit from. Our London office brings together more than 1,000 AECOM employees from across the city to improve collaboration and support growth. The workplace design for the office was developed in-house and it is part of a new Greater London Campus, which includes Excellence Hubs at St Albans, Croydon and Wimbledon, as well as a full-service multidisciplinary office in Basingstoke. “As a global infrastructure services firm, we operate a number of standardised technology tools for collecting, reporting, managing and delivering design services across various software platforms. At AECOM, we continuously review our tools to ensure that they are efficient and supportive of both project and client needs. The changing nature of technology means we need to be at the forefront of new technologies and bring them to our clients. This is essential for maintaining innovation in the design and construction industry.
AECOM remains a global network of experts working with clients, communities and colleagues to develop and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most complex challenges. The team connects expertise across services, markets and geographies to deliver transformative outcomes. Jason explains that worldwide, AECOM designs, builds, finances, operates and manages projects and programmes that unlock opportunities, protect the environment and improve people’s lives. “Our Strategy Plus and interiors team are thought leaders with a global network and a deep history; we are able to bring additional value in a number of ways. We bring a continuously growing database of experience and case studies to our research and strategies. We are able to tie clients into an extended network of blue-chip businesses through multi-organisation studies and events. We have a demonstrated ability to build high-quality, long-term relationships with clients in both the public and private sectors. “Our interdisciplinary knowledge and experience enriches our service offering. Our connected expertise in various locations and disciplines helps us connect with people and change their focus, and by using this model internally and concentrating on integrated design delivery, we are able to provide enviable results. This firm was built to deliver a better world, and as we look to the future we will continue to imagine and then build our best designs and maintain the positive impact that we have been having on communities.”
“In addition to our extensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), our virtual reality and immersive technologies teams are helping clients to realise their projects using cutting-edge software. Virtual and augmented reality offer new and exciting possibilities within architecture, engineering and visualisation, and as the technology continues to develop, the experience will become ever more immersive and engaging. The role of virtual and augmented reality has, until recent years, been extremely specialised. The revolution occurring now in virtual and augmented reality means that the technology is more affordable and accessible, with its practical application limited only by the imaginations of designers and end users.” Jason sees Strategy Plus as an extension of the client’s internal team, a collaborative and inclusive relationship and environment based on trust and respect; he believes that creativity and innovation happen when all parties are collaborative and working together, sharing ideas and listening to each other. “We seek out clients who understand that they aren’t buying a commodity but knowledge, skills and expertise from their partner team. This way of thinking means the client is likely to get the most out of the team, as it doesn’t restrict itself to set ways of doing things, but provides a forum for true problem solving, creativity and innovation. This shifts the relationship from transactional to strategic. We are committed to building relationships and investing time and resources to ensure that the partnership strengthens over time.
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Company: Vitamin Name: Chris Vernall (Director) Andy Vernall (Director), Ali Gallaher (Contact) Email: info@vitaminliving.com Web Address: www.vitaminliving.com Address: Vitamin, 9 Drysdale Street, London, N1 6ND Telephone: 0207 092 9191
Most Innovative Home Accessories Company 2017 - UK
Vitamin is a British design brand dedicated to producing creative and exciting furniture and home accessories. We invited Director Chris Vernall to tell us more. stablished in 2004 by brothers Chris and Andy Vernall, Vitamin’s design team works from the heart of London’s East End producing their own ranges of furniture, lighting and home accessories which are sold over all over the globe. Vitamin not only designs for its own brand but it also takes on several collaborative projects with stores, factories and galleries as well as producing bespoke designs for individuals, large scale interiors for hotels, shops and brands.
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The brothers have been passionately designing innovative, fresh and exciting products, interiors, furniture and lighting around the world for the past 20 years, working with a wide range of renowned clients including Virgin Atlantic, LG, Speedo, Yamaha, Panasonic, Philips, Hasbro and Ridley Scott Associates. Chris discusses how this background helped him and his brother to create a dynamic firm with a focus on quality and innovation. “Here at Vitamin our backgrounds cover a diverse range of projects and disciplines, but that diversity is something that gives us the skills and confidence to take on any type of project now. We might be working on an airline seat and interior whilst designing a shoe store and a pendant light. It is this diversity that helps us to stay fresh and driven. “Some of our early film set design work has become useful in interior design in order to create drama, mood and impact. The knowledge acquired whilst working on some of our more technical projects with consumer electronics brands has been useful in creating subtle but clever lighting and interaction solutions within retail environments.”
them. We take on projects large and small, but no matter what the size, the project will always be driven by one either myself or Andy. This also goes for the design of the Vitamin product range, we sit down as a team and understand our target market, price point, where can we innovate and what manufacturing techniques we can make use of.” Moving forward, Chris is keen to emphasise Vitamin’s focus on growth as it seeks to build upon its vast wealth of experience by creating new and exciting products. “Diversity in the types of projects we take on has always helped to keep things fresh, challenging and exciting so we will continue to see how far we can push this in the future. We are currently undertaking the design and construction of our own satellite studio which is extremely exciting. Creating balance is important for us to keep all our designers at the top of their game. “This second studio is all about that balance. We cannot deny the inspiration, excitement and energy of working in the East end of London but we wanted to build a second studio on the sea front which we would use for creative workshops, team exercises and a general workspace. 2017 will also see the opening of our new Vitamin showroom adjacent to our design studio on Drysdale Street off Hoxton Square- we will be opening for the Icon Design Trail in September, so watch this space.”
Although the firm does sell ready to use items, central to its approach is its custom designs, which allow Chris and Andy to work closely with clients to create the products which will meet their needs, as Chris highlights. “Our approach to people has always been about building strong relationships. Many of our clients today are people we have worked with for many years, some spanning back over 20 years. We have always taken the time to deeply understand these clients and deliver high quality work consistently. This has led to strong personal connections and mutual respect with the clients and brands we work with. “Fundamentally, our work revolves around offering a tailored approach to each and every client, and therefore we do our best to fully understand our clients and create a bespoke process around them. No two project or clients are the same and we create unique, individual solutions for each of
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Jim Stephenson for Clippings
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Interior Design Build Vitamin’s new Pitch Pendant lamp, RRP £160 2017 available now fromAwards vitaminliving.com
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Company: Appeal Home Shading Name: Richard Hussey – Marketing Director Email: info@appealshading.com Web Address: www.appealshading.com Address: 6, Vale Lane, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 5SD Telephone: 0800 975 5757
Best Interior Shading Specialists 2017 - UK
Appeal Home Shading Appeal Home Shading supplies a range of high quality specialist shading solutions for the home; both interior rooms and outdoor patio areas. The products offered include electric remote control blinds, conservatory blinds, window shutters, retractable insect screens and patio awnings. The company has 28 years of expertise and serves all parts of England, Scotland and Wales. We spoke to Richard Hussey to find out more.
ppeal Home Shading makes a point of introducing customers to the complete range of Appeal products through their fully comprehensive website, appealshading.com, and a 52-page brochure packed with inspirational design ideas. The next stage in the process them involves identifying what the best shading option will be for an individual’s specific needs, as Richard explains.
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“We identify the customer’s requirements through a free, no-obligation home visit from one of Appeal’s highly trained Design Consultants. The visit enables customers to see all the relevant system and fabric options in the comfort of their own home, with the relevant room at hand for immediate review. “This is just one example of how Appeal service ‘brings the store to the door’. The consultation will establish the specific needs and wishes of the customer, followed by a presentation of the recommended shading scheme, including a written quotation. In accordance with Appeal’s philosophy of Integrity and Service, no customer will be subjected to hard-sell tactics, as the emphasis will be wholly on an objective consultation. “Once an order is placed, a named Project Coordinator is assigned to the job, giving the customer immediate assistance and advice. The next stage is for a detailed technical survey to be completed by an Installations Technician. The manufacture and installation of their chosen product will then follow. All customers are given the Chairman’s personal email address allowing them to give feedback directly to the top of the organisation. Appeal’s latest innovation is power driven operation for window blinds. The Ultra Smart blinds range brings the convenience of a push-button control to a wide collection of designer-styled roller and pleated window blinds. Ultra Smart wire-free electric blinds are operated by an in-built motor, powered by a slim and discreet rechargeable battery. Opening and closing of the blinds is done at the touch of a button, and the blinds can be operated by handheld remote control or by a wall mounted panel. Extra options include a timer and temperature sensor to allow blinds to operate automatically plus a mini solar panel to reduce the need for re-charging. Richard tells us that the future is exciting for Appeal Home Shading. In 2017, the company are planning to launch yet more innovative products in the Ultra Smart Blinds range.
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JBHM Architecture Library Interior of the Year 2017: Quisenberry Library, Mississippi, USA Featured by JBHM Architecture www.jbhm.com
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Company: Couture Homes Name: Gary Hartogh Email: gary@couturelifestyles.com Web Address: www.couturelifestyles.com/ Address: 3900 Military Trail, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458 Telephone: 561-307 6911
Best Luxury Home Builder 2017 - Florida
Couture Homes Couture Homes specializes in designing and building high-end residential homes in South East Florida, with clients of the firm largely coming from the North East, wanting to escape the winter chills and the high taxes. The firm takes a lead role in all projects and assemble the full team of professionals and remain intimately involved with their clients right to the very end, as Gary Hartogh explains. outure Homes provides luxury homebuilding where a client’s lifestyle is designed into every facet of their home. Whether inspired by timeless tradition or reflecting the utmost in modern sophistication, the Lifestyle Collection from Couture Homes is designed and build around client specification. Gary notes that through the firm’s Lifestyle Discovery Process, they develop a true connection with their clients, they create the context through which they develop architectural and interior elements consistent with a client’s lifestyle.
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“We want to be able to create a home in perfect harmony with our clients. It is an unrivalled approach to luxury home building where your lifestyle is studied and mapped, and then designed into every facet of your home. You are involved intimately in every detail of your home. Owing to this approach, we have received many awards and were voted America’s Best Builder by Hanley Wood in 2013. It’s always an honor to be recognized for our work and success. Being on time and in budget had contributed significantly to our success. “I have been in the industry for 30 years now, and have hands-on experience with every aspect of the projects we undertake. By ensuring that all details have been noted and that specifications have been finalized prior to commencement of the project and managing the project on a daily basis, we ensure that we always meet our client’s expectations. “In my experience, finding good and reliable sub-contractors can be very challenging, but we are fortunate that we have found many great tradesmen who understand our high standards and who have now worked with us for many years to partner with us on projects. We are continuously updating our specifications and codes, and we attend many trade shows so that we can keep abreast of new technology and cutting edge products that have come to market. “We understand that our clients are our best form of marketing and promotion. We always attempt to show potential clients some of our completed project and, wherever possible, let them meet and talk to the owners. Our continued ability to offer a turnkey packages and deliver the home on time and within budget gives us a tremendous edge on our competitors. We anticipate continued growth in the future, as Florida will always attract numerous people from the north.”
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Company: Diekema Hamann Architecture & Engineering Name: Valerie L. Wright Email: vwright@dhae.com Web Address: www.dhae.com Address: 612 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA Telephone: (269) 373-1108, ext. 126
Best Interior Design Specialists - Midwest USA & Best USA Healthcare Interior Design Project: Lakeland Healthcare and Hospice at Home
Diekema Hamann creates unique projects built on an integrated approach to architecture and engineering. We invited Principal and Senior Interior Designer Valerie L. Wright to talk us through the firm and the range of services it offers.
iekema Hamann Architecture + Engineering is a full service design firm with architecture, interior design, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering in house. This proximity between design disciplines allows for holistic and integrated approaches to creating environments which allow people to heal, learn and work.
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dignity for all of those involved. The administration and staff at Lakeland Healthcare and Hospice at Home were so thoughtful and caring which allowed the design process to shine through, and we are ultimately very proud of the overall outcome.”
This philosophy fits well with Valerie’s own personal design philosophy which has its underpinnings back to her interior design degree from Michigan State University’s College of Human Ecology, where the main importance of a human and their relationship with the natural, social and built environment was an integral part of everything they designed and still is, as she emphasizes. “Our design philosophy at Diekema Hamann, not only reflects on how we create the environments but how we relate to colleagues and clients. It is as important that our clients really feel that we are designing for their needs and particular design challenges and not with a cookie cutter or presumed approach.” Working on a hospice residence is not complicated architecture and interior design, but it is imperative to get the environment right, which is why Valerie’s firm worked hard to create a unique and comforting space, as she proudly concludes. “When creating a hospice, the stakes are high as a patient will ultimately and actively die in this home. You are trying to get the environment right so that family and friends feel comfortable being in this place and just hanging out, no matter the age on either side. It is almost as if we are creating an environment for respite and transformation even though it is a place that someone is dying. There is a fine line between these things and it is an honor when we get it right. Through this project, our professions as designers allowed us this act of social accountability, providing care and
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Company: John Anthony Signs Ltd Name: David Fagg Web Address: www.johnanthonysigns.com/ Email: contact@johnanthonysigns.com Address: Claydons Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7UU Telephone: +44 (0)1268 777333
Bespoke Sign Manufacturer of the Year 2017 - UK & Most Innovative Retail Signage Project: Monsoon Children
John Anthony Signs was established in 1968 by John Anthony Pleasance, and began manufacturing high street signs from an 8,000 square foot factory in Hockley, Essex. We spoke to David Fagg, who told us more about how the firm has expanded since, and has gone on to become a global name in the signage industry. n 1983 the company moved to a 20,000 square foot factory in Rayleigh and began to grow as it started to secure signage rebranding programmes for national contracts across the UK. John Anthony Signs are now able to offer a wide range of services, from consultative advice, surveys, drawings, structural calculations, manufacturing, and finally installation. David notes that the firm’s client base is incredibly diverse, with clients including Harrods, Westminster Abbey, Manchester United, Louis Vuitton, Selfridges and McLaren Automotive.
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“We are honoured to be able to work with these exceptional brands, and it really demonstrates our competence that they turn to us for their signage needs. At the start of each project, we always make sure that we meet a client and debrief them thoroughly, making sure that we are able to deliver the project as they expect it to be; we like to make sure that we are interpreting the concept correctly. We then hold a team meeting, and make sure that all aspects of the design are covered; visuals, prototypes, sampling, we make sure the colours are right, that the finishes are right, and that the specs are all correct according to the technical drawings that have been made with CAD. We run these by the client to make sure that everything is correct before we send them to manufacture. On our larger projects, our clients occasionally visit the factory to see how things are progressing and to make sure that everything is proceeding as planned. Our process is very thorough and ensures that everything is as it should be. “Everyone involved at John Anthony Signs is very excited about the future as it is looking increasingly bright for us, if you’ll excuse the obvious pun. Our business is really growing in the areas of architectural planning and architectural-type structures, and we are really getting a name for ourselves in the wider market, gaining a reputation internationally for being able to handle large and complex projects. We are currently undertaking a one-million-pound project for a major airport in Asia; despite the obvious distance between our factory and the client, we are being trusted with this major project, and cannot wait to see it through to completion.”
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Company: LKS Architects, Inc. Name: Lisa Stacholy, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C Email: Lstacholy@LKSarchitectsinc.com Web Address: www.LKSarchitectsinc.com Address: 1848 Independence Square, Suite D, Dunwoody Georgia 30338, USA Telephone: (770) 393-1125
Best Retail & Corporate Architecture Firm - South East USA & Best Office Design Project 2017: The Link Group, Durham - North Carolina
LKS Architects, Inc. is a Georgia-based architecture firm founded by Lisa Stacholy. We invited her to talk us through her client-focused approach and how this has played a vital part in the firm’s success.
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ounded in 1995, LKS Architects was created to provide project design and delivery simply aligned with the needs and goals of the client.
One of the latest successful projects for the firm was designing a new office for The Link Group. Lisa discusses the project and how she worked to create a space that is tailored to meet the client’s identity and methodology for an integrated workplace.
same core group of professionals, for our repeat clients who have entrusted us with delivering exemplary service time and time again. We listen to our clients; we stay engaged with our contractors. “Often clients tell me that I have ‘thought of everything.’ In reality, I have listened to what they have to say and translated this into their vision. I look forward to repeating this process in the future as I undertake new and exciting projects, which will help me to grow my knowledge and expertise.”
“The objective of The Link Group office project was to design an office building that both enhanced the interior environment by providing opportunities for creative problem-solving, but also made a strong commitment to sustainable design and construction. Our design incorporated sustainable design and materials in the structure, interior configuration and layout to support current operations, their creative work flow and allow for easy adaptation when new technologies and work process methods are developed. “Walking around the site, entering the building, and working in the building feels like a very natural integration of all the facets of the philosophy; it is always gratifying to know that we have succeeded in creating the space the client envisioned. I am thrilled at how low the preliminary energy consumption costs are, and am very excited the possibilities this affords The Link Group.” Ultimately, Lisa believes that the key to her firm’s success is its dedication to creating innovative designs that will meet its clients’ needs, and as such, this approach will remain LKS Architects’ ongoing focus moving forward. “LKS Architects, Inc. strives to provide the best possible service to all our clients. We pride ourselves on maintaining strong, ongoing relationships with all clients who we serve. Our team has one primary focus, to make clients happy. Many of our current and completed projects are performed by the
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Company: Nicholas Sunderland Interiors Name: Nicholas Sunderland Email: info@nsinteriors.com Web Address: www.nsinteriors.com Address: 116-120 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 4JS Telephone: 0207 101 0681
Best Luxury Residential Interior Design Company - London & Most Innovative UK Luxury Residential Project: Kensington West London House
NSI Design, known as Nicholas Sunderland Interiors, has become renowned as one of the leading design companies in London over the last 30 years. We spoke to Nicholas Sunderland to find out more about how his personal background has led him to market leading success. icholas is an award winning, high-end luxury interior designer, specialising in high-end luxury bespoke interiors and renovations for private clients in London, throughout the UK and abroad. Under his guidance, NSI has become one of the leading high-end interior design companies in the UK. Nicholas explains that the firm offers a full range of services, adhering to the rules and regulations as a BIID Registered Interior Designer and Design Professional of SBID.
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“The creation of bespoke interiors and full renovations are managed with ease at Nicholas Sunderland Interiors. Our clients range from young professional, small families to leading financial and political figures, as our services can range from design and specification through to full refurbishments and build projects. I was delighted to be chosen for this award, as it was totally unexpected; as a company we work hard to achieve the results our clients desire, and winning awards proves we are doing this successfully.” Prior to opening his own interior design office, Nicholas worked in graphics for clients such as BMW Balfour Beatty and Renault. He then moved into direct marketing, where he became a director for some of the biggest agencies in the world; Wunderman, Rapp Collins and MSW. “My interest in Feng Shui in the late 90s allowed me to help launch an international interior design magazine, focusing on Feng Shui. Before long, I was travelling around the world, designing and building homes for clients such as Benazir Bhutto. As I had links with the King in Dubai, I was invited to create a private room in luxury hotels and private palaces. The work I completed with the magazine and the marketing skills I developed along the way have helped me in promoting my personal career. After this fantastic launch, I formally set up Nicholas Sunderland Interiors. Throughout my career, I have also been honoured to be a guest presenter at Grand Designs Live, as well as CPD presenter for various trade, shows such as eco build. Additionally, I have been involved in documentaries for Channel 4, as well as a guest speaker on radio. “I believe that I have been successful as I understand how important it is to get to know a client on a personal level, and how valuable this is to relax them throughout the process. For many people, hiring a designer is daunting and they need to know it’s money well spent. I have to understand their views, their passions and their desires for the home, often acting as a
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counsellor for couples, helping to balance their ideal home plan. Once we understand each other, I know the boundaries of the design and I tease them into an understanding of how fabulous their home can be; I open their eyes.” London and the South East is a notably dense area, and as there are a number of interior designers in this space, the competition for projects is high. Nicholas explains that to ensure business, he has to both help customers achieve their ideal home, and make sure he meets the budget. “Property is expensive in this area, and whilst our clients desire a stunning home, their budget does not always meet their expectations. We pride ourselves on designing with both budget and quality in mind. Our understanding that an expensive accessory can elevate a design that has been less expensive is imperative to achieve the desired outcome for our clients; we understand that design is all about perception, much like marketing, where you can convince the eye that something is expensive, desirable and unique. “Looking to the future, I will focus on the development of my three companies; Edward Sunderland, a luxury developer, Twos Company, targeting hotels and restaurants, and NSI. The work of Edward Sunderland currently involves building six gated apartments in Chiswick. The V, as the development is known, is being built to our own high design and specification, and will be completed in April 2017. Overall, I am looking forward to continuing the growth of my companies, and I am excited about where the future may take me.”
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Company: MasonKnight Properties Address: 201B Tiverton Road,Selly Oak,Birmingham,United Kingdom,B29 6DB Phone: (+44)0121 472 5897 Email: contact@masonknightproperties.com Website: www.masonknightproperties.com
Best Student Residential Development Company - Midlands
MasonKnight Properties is a Birmingham based Estate Agents specialising in student lettings. We profile the firm and explore how it has come to achieve its current success. asonKnight Properties offers a totally new experience in lettings, property management and maintenance. The firm specializes in prime residential development in Birmingham, nationally and internationally engaging with landlords, developers and tenants to create quality properties, which pairs with a service that aims to provide an outstanding experience. The firm provides advice to clients from initial acquisition through to purchase, micro-managing all projects and refurbishments to create desirable properties, whether they be residential, student or holiday lets.
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student accommodation services. The firm is uniquely dedicated to growing their client base organically, with their focus on the delivery of a completely inclusive and personal service to their clients. Moving forward, MasonKnight’s ongoing focus will remain on providing the very highest standards of service to everyone it works with.
Adrian Mason explains that the overall mission of MasonKnight Properties is to “grow our investors’ portfolios, bringing to the market properties that represent the very best in thoughtful design whilst embracing the latest technology, thus producing properties that are desirable and affordable across a broad spectrum of society. We draw on the knowledge and expertise of our dedicated project management team and design team, and everyone at MasonKnight actively contributes to the overall design concepts of our builds.” The firm’s team of dedicated and professional staff has an extensive background in property management, acquisition and development, and as such every client benefits from over 34 years of experience in a wide range of services that are tailored to their specific needs. Tenants benefit from an agent that is engaging, conscientious and that is constantly striving to bring higher levels of service, that will provide their tenants with an experience that only MasonKnight can offer. MasonKnight oversees each and every step of the process, from initial purchase right through to development, letting and management, and can add significant value to the client’s assets by maximising development potential. The firm’s broad range of clients come from a variety of backgrounds, including IT, finance, surveying, architecture, building, engineering, legal and accountancy. Essentially, MasonKnight are a letting agent, but instead of working with landlords they work with investors, acquiring properties which are either high quality refurbishment projects or new builds. Ultimately, with numerous colleges and universities in the vicinity, Birmingham offers MasonKnight the ideal base from which to offer quality
Left to Right Christopher Wheeler: Head of Interior Design Team Chris Cochrane: Technical Heating/Energy Advisor (Trade Team WM) Nigel Beasley: Head of MasonKnight Project Management Team Vesna Davidoff: Head of Housekeeping Simon Bennett: Head of MasonKnight Maintenance Management David Smith: MasonKnight Project Management Advisor Louise Mason: Senior Partner MasonKnight Properties Keith Malpass: Head of Landscaping Christopher Phillips: Investor and independent financial advisor to Masonknight Dr Adrian Mason: Partner MasonKnight Properties and Acquisitions Manager
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Company: M. Frederick Design Name: Matthew Frederick Web Address: www.mfrederick.com/ Address: 630 Fifth Ave, New York Telephone: +1 212.498.9077
Best Boutique Interior Design Studio - Greater New York
M. Frederick Design M. Frederick Design is a boutique design firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, California and Russia, which serves multi-national clientele on projects around the world. The firm offers conceptual architectural design, interior architecture and design, landscape design, and kitchen design services. Founder Matthew Frederick told us more about how he believes his background has helped him achieve his current success. atthew explains that his background lies in business and finance, with design constituting a second career of sorts. He elaborates further, explaining that he grew up in a design household, so despite his previous career, he has been doing this for much of his adult life.
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“I think my business skills and structural knowledge allowed me to make huge strides when I formally opened my studio, and ultimately led to the development of the international business we have today. It’s hard enough managing a project around the corner, but to successfully manage projects around the world requires business acumen and skill as a designer. As you would expect, all of our drawings are rendered in CAD formats, and we also use a 3-D camera scanning system to document existing and progress site conditions, which is especially helpful when distance or schedules don’t allow for frequent on-site or client progress meetings face-to-face. “The key challenge I always face is how to demonstrate the level of professional business services we offer, compared to designers who deliver their services as a hobby or in a less-than-professional manner. For us, participation in industry events creates an association with other industry professionals and helps us to raise the bar in terms of engagement with our clients. We have found that the more frequently you are able to communicate with the client, the smoother the project progress and the more you are able to meet and hopefully to exceed their expectations. Listening and understanding goes hand in hand with good communication, especially when the language and cultural norms are different to those of our team. “In addition to our strong business processes and international recognition of our work, we manufacture our own products and textiles which gives us a competitive advantage. These capabilities allow us to maintain tight control over the fabrication of the items for our projects, helping to reduce errors and at the same time allowing us to add more value to the client budgeting process. We are currently in the process of launching our debut furniture collection in Moscow, currently slated for Summer 2017, and there are some great new projects in New York City that we are involved in.”
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Company: New from Old Name: Rick Forward Email: rick.forward@newfromold.co.uk Web Address: www.newfromold.co.uk Telephone: 01353 676227
Best Bespoke Wooden Kitchens & Furniture Designer - Eastern England & Most Innovative Residential Kitchen Project: North Norfolk
New from Old was established by Rick Forward in April 1991 in order to design, handcraft and install environmentally friendly bespoke solid wood kitchens and furniture from reclaimed pine and new sustainable hardwoods. We spoke with Rick to find out more about the work of the firm. ew from Old work directly with their clients, listening to what they would like for their kitchen or furniture, and working out how to make this work aesthetically, functionally and environmentally. The firm work to supply to East Anglia and Central England, but they complete work nationwide.
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“For this project we were able to work with our client’s aspirations, reflect local environmental characteristics into the design detail of the furniture, use new and traditional methods of cabinetmaking, and create a unique solution for our clients’ requirements, all with minimal environmental impact. I hope to complete more projects like this in the future.”
Rick is delighted to have won this award, and told us more about how he caters to the needs of his customers. “Our customers are concerned about the environment and want furniture that will not contribute to damaging it. Alongside this, they want personalised service, attention to detail, flexibility and the realisation of the dreams that bespoke furniture can offer, (- along with accommodation for wonky walls and uneven floors!). “When a client contacts me about their proposed project, I go and visit them on site, to see the space and talk to them further about their requirements. The initial visit where I can see the client in their own environment is crucial for me to be able to get an understanding of their needs, and then working out how we can make them a reality, practically. I then provide them with a full specification, scaled layout and perspective drawings, which are hand drawn not computer generated, and a quotation. This is a free of charge, no obligation service to customers within the East Anglia region. “Earlier in my career I trained as a Soil Scientist, which formed the basis for my environmental concerns. I chose to change career and worked in London for Knoll International, where I learnt a great deal about design and functional usage of space and furniture. I decided I wanted to fulfil my lifelong passion for furniture making, and so took the plunge and set up New from Old, aiming to combine my environmental ideals, and functional and spatial knowledge with my own creative and practical approach to design and making, realising my love of working with my hands with the never ending beauty of solid wood.” Rick tells us that he is always on the lookout for challenging and exciting new projects.
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Company: Nya Nordiska Textiles GmbH Name: Remo Röntgen, Managing Director Email: marketing@nya.com Web Address: www.nya.com Address: An den Ratswiesen 4 | 29451 Dannenberg Germany Telephone: +49 5861 809 0
Best International Textile Design Company - Germany
Nya Nordiska has been successfully designing and distributing premium decorative and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial interiors since 1964. Complementing the product portfolio of the firm are the decoration systems of the Nya Artline collection and the textile wall panels and diamond glass fabric creations of the Nya Walls collection. We spoke to Remo Röntgen, Managing Director to find out more.
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ome textiles are making a big come back in the market currently. Remo states that you can see and feel this everywhere nowadays, in interior magazines and in an increasing number of projects.
“Fabrics are now available in a variety of weaves and textures, offering both beauty and function which allows for the ideal medium to be reached. This fulfils the need for sensuality in an increasingly virtual world. Historically, Bauhaus, and later the Scandinavian School, used textiles as a standard solution for interior design in architecture; what was somehow lost since then is now starting to make a comeback. “’Das Haus’ of Sebastian Herkner, the trend show of the last Cologne Furniture Fair, showcased the ability of our fabrics as a constructive element in architecture perfectly. We are very happy that our products are considered and used all over the world by the best architects, interior designers and brands as a great option, but there is still a lot of potential for growth within our firm.” Nya Nordiska has received numerous prizes for creating superb textile designs and implementing them in sophisticated, spatial designs. With a total of more than 330 awards for outstanding and trendsetting design, the textiles manufacturer is considered one of the world’s leading suppliers of innovative interior design concepts. Remo explains that the firm are about to enlarge their share on the contract market, and in doing so, are searching for the ultimate product. “We believe that this search has been very fruitful, because we believe we have found the answer; the first ever ‘textile with a brain’. The material for this will be wool and polyamide (“Cradura”) and is cradle-to-cradle certified (silver) and recyclable. “The textile is also super durable, fire-retardant, high light-resistance, saves energy and provides a surprising level of comfort; they warm in the cold and cool in the warmth. Last but not least, it is affordable, and can therefore be
Build 2017 Interior Design Awards
used in any number of projects. It is a disruptive innovation, and this ‘textile with a brain’ is called Climatex.” Remo has exclusively revealed to us that in 2017, Nya Nordiska is becoming a worldwide exclusive partner for Climatex in the field of architecture, and he is very excited about where this will lead.
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Company: Preformed Markings Ltd (Part of the Geveko Markings Group) Name: Andrew Price Email: sales@preformedmarkings.co.uk Web Address: www.preformedmarkings.co.uk Address: Unit 6 Oyster Park, 109, Chertsey Road, Byfleet. Surrey. KT14 7AX Telephone: +44 (0) 1932 359270
Best Decorative Thermoplastic Ground Markings Supplier - UK & Ireland & Most Innovative Commercial Ground Marking Project: London Design Festival
Preformed Markings Ltd is the UK and Irelands’ leading supplier of preformed thermoplastic material. We invited Andrew Price to tell us more. reformed Markings Ltd was established in 1998, as part of a surfacing company, Allmac. In 2006, Preformed Markings Ltd became a member of the Geveko Markings Group, the development of the line marking business provided a unique opportunity to provide clients with bespoke, tailored surface marking solutions, in a wide range of colours. Andrew talks us through the firm’s process and how every member of the team strives to ensure that all clients receive the very highest standard of service throughout the process.
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ground. “Ultimately we are here to support our clients, and we would like to think that our continued commitment to a successful outcome, provides the confidence for the client, in achieving their goals.”
“In order to provide our clients with the very best service, our aim is to fully understand the project and to try and perceive what the clients ‘dream’ is. This was the case when we collaborated with Better Bankside and Transport for London, on a project designed by Camille Walala, for the crossing point in Southwark. Usually our projects are placed on surfaces that are either trafficked by pedestrians or vehicles, and in some cases both. During consultation with the client, we need to understand the expectation of the client, in terms of what they expect the material to achieve. It is only at this point, can we decide whether our products could be used in this unique way, or whether we have to look at a combination of solutions, to support the end result. “What truly sets our firm apart is that our range of products are completely flexible, and can be offered individually or in combination with other ‘family’ groups of products. We promote, via direct marketing and social media, to all of our existing, new and potential clients, new ideas and new projects. On occasions, this leads to a new avenue of design within the client base. Equally, this also offers opportunities for product development, should a range of products, not quite fit the specification required.” Moving forward the firm is keen to continue adapting and innovating this unique range of products to continue to meet the needs of its clients, as Andrew concludes. “Looking ahead, we will continue to explore new ideas with our clients, here in the UK, Ireland and the rest of the world. We are well established as the market leader in this field, however our feet are firmly planted on the
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Company: Redrow Homes Name: Emma Brindley Email: emma.brindley@redrow.co.uk Web Address: www.redrow.co.uk Address: Redrow House, St. David’s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3RX Telephone: 01244 520044
Homebuilders of the Year – UK in the Interior Design Awards 2017
Established over 40 years ago, Redrow Homes is one the UK’s leading house builders, with a £1.4 billion turnover. The firm built more than 4,700 homes in the 2015/16 financial year alone. Emma Brindley, Redrow’s interior design manager, joined the business in 2013 having previously worked with an array of highend residential and commercial brands previously, and we invited her to tell us more about Redrow’s show homes. perating across England and Wales, Redrow Homes place a strong emphasis on providing high quality homes in prime locations, and their housing ranges feature designs to suit all lifestyles. Emma brings her expertise in bespoke design commissions to every Redrow show home, creating a ‘shop window’ for the Redrow brand, that displays the quality and desirability of the homes.
“We always listen to our customers to ensure our show homes reflect the lifestyles of those who will live there. A lot of time is spent with customers, speaking to them and their children about how they use the home, their likes and dislikes, and adapting where necessary. Ultimately, we are passionate about creating the perfect show homes which are both warm and inviting, but at the same time they also stand out from the crowd.
“Through extensive research, interviews with customers and sales teams, we have developed eight different ‘personas’ or families who each ‘live’ in Redrow’s range of properties. The personas exemplify all the characteristics of the families who might live there. In Redrow’s impressive Highgrove property for example, there are clues everywhere as to the ‘family’s’ personality; from the collection of expensive wines, to family photos, to the newspaper they read, the car key ring of the family car and even the dog bowl, which proudly displays the name of the family pet, Maisie. Emerging trends also influence the look and feel of the show home interior design, to ensure Redrow show homes remain on trend and ahead of the competition.
“Kerb appeal sets Redrow show homes apart from others. The traditional styling of our award-wining Arts and Crafts inspired Heritage range complements the thoroughly classic interiors. Our ‘personas’ also enable us to create very recognisable show homes nationwide, so if a customer walks in to a Redrow show property, in Yorkshire, it will have the same look and feel as one in the West Country.
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“Everyone involved with Redrow are excited about the year ahead; we are planning to enhance the level of luxury in our Heritage show homes, bringing in new furniture and fabrics, and of course, accessories, sourced from Paris.”
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Company: RKTB Architects, P.C. Name: Carmi Bee Web Address: www.rktb.com
Best for Institutional Design - New York
RKTB Architects, P.C. is an award-winning, full-service architecture and urban design firm with studios that specialize in housing and educational facilities. Founded in 1963, the firm prides itself on its commitment to design excellence and the quality of service that they have provided to their clients for over fifty years. We spoke to Carmi Bee, Partner, who told us more about the diverse service offering of the firm. KTB has grown since its foundation in 1963, and now boasts a team of 25 employees who work mostly in the design of multifamily, private residential and education facilities. Carmi is incredibly proud that the firm has been recognised for their hard work and ability to deliver.
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“We strive to be a quality design firm by being very service oriented and giving great attention to the needs of our clients throughout the whole process; from design, initial development, and through to construction, which can be a very demanding process. We are very good at guiding our customers through this, we pay a lot of attention and act on their needs throughout. As architects, we do everything involving interiors and exteriors for our clients, according to their needs. When I started out, I was doing a large number of private residences, retail, office, theatre spaces and art galleries, which naturally involved a heavy focus on interior design. “The interior design market in New York is very strong right now, as there is a lot of money in the residential sector here. As a native New Yorker I’m very passionate about this market, and I’m keen to make an impact. There are many luxury high-rise residential buildings that are being built, and these require a high level of design work in order to attract the right type of client to buy and rent; everything from lobbies and public spaces to kitchens and bathrooms are being minutely designed to ensure satisfaction. More than ever, clients are paying a lot of attention to the finishes applied and the equipment used. “In order to make sure that we are able to best serve our clients, we use very sophisticated computer programming software called Revit, allowing us to integrate all the systems in the building and allowing us to generate 3D graphics of the spaces we design. As a result of our successful work in the past, we are very busy right now. We are undergoing a massive transition in terms of leadership as we have brought in two new partners, and we will be happy to possibly expand even further soon. We hope in the future to continue doing the work that we are doing now, and hope to do more work in the higher education sector in the future.”
South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), Photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto
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Company: SKM Architects Ltd Name: Sanjay K Mistry Email: sanjay@skmdesign.co.uk Web Address: www.skmdesign.co.uk Address: 8-9 De Montfort Mews, Leicester, LE1 7FW Telephone: 0116 255 3502
Best Residential & Hospitality Interior Design Firm - UK & Most Innovative UK Hospitality Project: SLEEP
SKM Architects are a team of architects and interior designers based in Leicester, and working on projects across the UK. The firm provide a full architectural service, from the concept and planning stages through to project management and construction. Sanjay Mistry, Managing Director, told us more about the firm. KM Architects’ client base encompasses a range of people, from families with small to large scale residential projects through to business owners, commissioning hotels, community centres and venues. The firm are thrilled to have been recognised in the Interior Design Awards 2017, and feel that it confirms that they are providing fantastic design solutions for their clients. Sanjay has been an architect for almost 15 years, and feels that interior design has always been a part of his work.
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“Architecture inherently involves designing spaces, whether they be interior or exterior. The practice has always acquired projects that require interior design to some extent, whether they be homes or hotels; however, the past few years has really seen our interior projects come to the forefront. This is probably best demonstrated by our competition win at the Sleep Event for hotel design, where our designs were chosen ahead of all the competition, both locally and nationally, across Europe. “Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of all of our team members. Each person contributes to the company’s value, and without them, it wouldn’t exist. It has also helped that our clients are willing to do things a little differently and push the boundaries of conformity, which allows us to indulge our creativity and deliver a project which has a unique character and works practically. “As the company’s reputation has grown, we have ventured into our own unique style of design and build projects for our clients. We offer a full bespoke design service, and then offer a full turnkey build and fit out, if required. We have also concentrated on making sure we attract the highest grade staff; not necessarily the most highly qualified staff, but the staff that really want to develop ideas. We encourage staff to have open design reviews and internal competitions to further develop their work, with as much input from their colleagues as possible.” SKM Architects is becoming increasingly involved with design and build projects, and have completed several conversions and fit-outs, including a boutique hotel, due for completion in 2017. The firm are focusing on building upon the success that they have so far, and on developing their core team to ensure they continue realising their dreams.
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Company: KGA Architecture Web Address: www.KGAarchitecture.com Address: 9075 West Diablo Drive, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89148 Telephone: 702-367-6900
Best Sports Facility Design 2017: Athletic Training Center, Bishop Gorman High School Nevada & Architectural Services Company of the Year 2017 - West USA
KGA Architecture is a full service Architectural and Interior Design firm, specializing in Commercial Architecture. KGA is a broadly experienced practice in the Public Service, Hospitality, Healthcare, Education and general Commercial design sectors, and wanted to showcase the work they completed at Bishop Gorman Athletic Training Center, for which they have been recognised in the Interior Design Awards.
ishop Gorman High School is often ranked as having one of the top ten high school athletic programs in the country. In order to bolster their reputation as a sports powerhouse, the school established the Athletic Training Center, an imposing two-story facility at the south end of the football stadium. Although not open to the general public, the center’s fitness programs are available to students, faculty and alumni.
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The focal point of the facility is the first floor’s, 12,000 square foot state-of-theart weight and fitness room, which includes fitness and strength conditioning equipment as well as a nutrition bar. An expansive wall of glass on the north side of the room provides an unobstructed view of the stadium. Also located on the first floor are coaches’ offices, an eighty seat, tiered lecture hall, a training center and collegiate-level locker rooms. The training center provides treatment tables, a whirlpool, a cold plunge pool and a conditioning pool. Finally, a two-story lobby facilitates access to the second floor and provides after-hours access to the lecture hall.
connects to a long balcony overlooking the field, permitting alumni and faculty to view sporting events. On one side of the reception space is a large meeting room, that can be incorporated into the reception space for larger events. On the other side is a full-service kitchen for the reception space, which includes a dedicated service elevator to the first floor. The interior finish palette was selected to reinforce the original design concept to promote team unity and enhance overall performance of the athletes. Keeping in mind the high traffic use of the space, finishes were chosen based on their ability to perform. Durability was key in making those selections. On the exterior, a massive LED display screen is incorporated into the north elevation, facing the football field. The “G” logo is also replicated in the buildings concrete tilt-up panels and perforated metal panels on the east and west elevations contain iconographic sporting images. The concrete panels are atypical for the campus but are integrated into the school’s architectural vernacular through the continuation of the natural stone cladding and paint colors of the existing school.
The second floor is primarily dedicated to a divisible reception space that
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Company: Nick Baker Architects Name: Nick Baker Address: 6 Baker’s Yard, London, EC1R 3DD Phone: 020 7490 0644 Fax: 020 7490 0595 Email: nbaker@nickbakerarchitects.com Website: www.nickbakerarchitects.com
Best Architectural Refurbishment - UK
Nick Baker Architects are a well-established architectural and interior design consultancy based in central London. We invited Founder Nick Baker to talk us through how the firm achieves excellence across every aspect of its work. pecialising in residential, education and conservation developments, Nick Baker Architects is a dedicated team of 10 that is focused on the pursuit of quality, from the initial concept design through to the delivery of the completed building. Interior Design is a blend of complex forces, from the needs dictated by individuals to the performance of building materials, and Nick Baker Architects aims to ensure that all of these elements come together to produce the outcome their clients need.
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Testimony to this dedication to quality is the fact that most of the practice’s work comes as a result of repeat business, and the firm have a number of established clients including property developers, private individuals, and UK Diocesan Boards of Education for Schools as well as London Boroughs. Nick explains how the firm aims to understand and meet their clients’ needs right from the start of the project. “Here at Nick Baker Architects we believe there is design opportunity in every project and at every stage in the process. Understanding the culture, climate and identity of a place is key to a projects success. Every project is subject to ongoing in house design reviews, this process of demanding design selection ensures that the quality is maintained across all of our work. It is quality, aspiration and investigative thought that we apply to each project that gives the practice its identity” Staying at the forefront of the latest industry developments is crucial to ensuring that clients receive the very best outcome for their project, as often their views can be clouded by the latest trends and the newest techniques may suit their project more than outdated concepts. As such Nick Baker Architects works hard to offer the very latest services and solutions, as Nick is keen to emphasise. “In order to remain at the cutting edge of the architecture market we operate a strict schedule of in office internal design reviews, continuous professional development seminars, with staff regularly attending local and national design and technical expos, RIBA CPDs and courses specific to particular projects as well as conservation workshops. Our central London location in Clerkenwell, London, Europe’s most densely populated design hub, provides great opportunities to keep up to date with the latest creative and technical developments.”
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This combination of innovation and quality will help steer Nick Baker Architects to future success, as Nick concludes. “It is my belief that our future success will come as a product of the principles which have sustained us to date. We intend to allow the practice to grow organically, maintaining the same quality bespoke service for our clients as our involvement in larger projects increases, maintaining our emphasis on design quality and detailing through design review and maintaining our focus on residential, education and conservation sections. “In the short term we intend to fully embrace the opportunities for further innovation and closer collaboration with consultants from the rollout and development of BIM technologies.”
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Company: Workshop for Architecture & Workshop for Construction Name: John Lee, AIA LEED AP, Principal & Owner Email: jlee@wfora.com Web Address: www.wfora.com Address: 526 West 26th Street, Suite 410, New York, NY 10001 Telephone: 212-674-3400
Best Architecture & Construction Company - New York & Best Office Space Conversion: McDean Studios
Workshop For Architecture LLP (WFORA) is a New York based architecture and construction firm founded by industry expert John Lee. We invited John to tell us more about the firm and the range of services it offers. stablished in 2003, WFORA has completed a variety of projects types from private residential, commercial, developer, public and the occasional temporary installation. Common to each of these projects has been the firm’s focus on creating the best outcome possible with the resources available.
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“WFORA is a design build firm interested in making unique, architectural solutions and then building them to the highest construction standards. Our architectural company, Workshop for Architecture, was established in 2003 and started as a small firm providing a range of design services from site planning to interior design. In 2008, Workshop for Construction, was established to complement our design efforts with a full service general contracting team. Today, our two companies employ 9‐10 people ranging from architects to construction experts. Our focus has been to make the process of design and construction a rational one in which knowledge helps execute better building. Our clients range from private individuals to public agencies and typically come to us knowing the benefits of a holistic design build approach. “The architects at WFORA carefully address the critical issues of each phase of design, starting from the very beginning of the project, when the firm establishes a clear and strong narrative that guides all decisions, right down to the details. The basis of that narrative is honest discussions with clients, intense research, lessons from previous projects and a collective imagination. This combination helps to achieve the very highest standards of results for clients. “Our hope is to design and build projects that are not only beautiful and relevant to architecture but which also give us the day to day empirical experience to do even better on future projects. We see our way of delivering projects as the best approach in the long term.” Among the firm’s stunning projects is the award winning McDean Studios, a 4,000 SF commercial development based in New York. The project was a conversion of an office space into a working photography studio for a fashion photographer. The space is located on the second floor of a typical loft building within the Flatiron District of Manhattan. The design attempts to (re) present the original features of the loft while creating a clear layout for all the functional needs of the studio staff. Original features restored through the design include the generous spatial
volume of the loft, the original maple flooring, cast iron radiators and the restoration of industrial metal sash windows at the rear and the large wood pivot windows at the street wall. Along the front wall are a new glass enclosed meeting room and library, open work areas and an editing room, whilst along a side wall are other secondary functions like the kitchen, bathroom and a large storage area for equipment and archival materials. These secondary rooms are enclosed behind by a long matte black wall which is interrupted only by a white pin up area. At the center of the studio is a large cyclorama used for shoots. Two heavy black out curtains line both sides and provide a way to control daylight. To allow deeper shooting conditions, two large sliding doors in the black wall are centered on the cyclorama, allowing the photographer to reposition the camera away from the subject. The success of this project highlights the firm’s dedication to creating bespoke spaces tailored to the client’s individual needs. This approach does not fit exactly with the wider market, but John believes that this is a positive, as being individual allows the firm to offer the services its clients need. “Interior design in New York City is a very dynamic market that moves at a fast pace. In order to avoid limiting ourselves we do not necessarily think of ourselves strictly as ‘interior designers’. We like to approach projects more fully, simply as designers. Although the marketplace likes to distinguish interior design as a specific trade, we don’t fit well into that framework. For example, we don’t focus on selecting drapery or furniture fabrics as an isolated skill, but if our project intentions necessitate these needs, we attack it with keen interest and a respect for the craft. Whatever our project requires in terms of knowledge and expertise, we then work diligently to deliver the necessary service.” Overall, John is keen to highlight the firm’s upcoming and current projects and how these will help enhance the firm’s portfolio and enable it to build upon its current success. “Currently we are working on several projects including townhouses and a landmark house in New York City, as well as a fire house for a small town in upstate New York. The residential projects fall in our area of expertise but will also be designed to Passive House standards. We are also in the early feasibility stages of a large multifamily development in the Harlem district of NYC. We intend to build all these projects as we continue to grow our designbuild practice as one of the best in the region.”
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Company: Ryan Young Interiors, Inc. Name: Tara Ryan, President Email: info@ryan-young.com Web Address: www.ryanyounginteriors.com/ Address: 2200 Cleveland Avenue, National City, CA 91950 Telephone: 619-292-7800
Best for Commercial Interior Design - California & Best Sales-Design Centre Project: The Toll Design Studio
Ryan Young is a California based design firm that specializes in boutique approaches towards their design projects. Tara Ryan, President, explains that all involved at Ryan Young are constantly striving to create something that truly exceeds their clients’ expectations and which works at a higher level than anything their clients have received in previous projects. he overall mission of Ryan Young is to achieve what they say they are going to achieve, when they say they will achieve it. In doing this, the firm hopes to create a high level of trust with their clients, who will then allow them a certain level of creative freedom within their projects. Tara feels incredibly honored that Ryan Young Interiors has been recognized in the Interior Design Awards as Best for Commercial Interior Design - California and Best Sales-Design Centre Project: The Toll Design Studio.
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“We attribute our success with this Design Center to having a client - Toll Brothers - that was willing to completely trust our vision and support our design ideas. In order to achieve success such as this, we use a dedicated design process that outlines a number of stages which we believe are crucial to successful completion. This design process starts with a collaborative conversation with our client, where we complete our initial research and preliminary thought process, detailing our design approach. This process then leads to the first meeting, with a mind-set that allows us to discuss all design possibilities available to the client. “Our company approach is centered around treating people in the same manner in which we would like to be treated. I keep this approach in mind when recruiting new staff; the key attributes I look for in anyone that I am working with is trust and loyalty. If you have that mutual respect, anything is possible. Our internal culture is one of collaboration between our senior designers, the associate designers, and our ‘millennials’; our senior designers have a very strong understanding of how to create successful projects and our associate designers approach this process by asking why this cannot be done differently, positing the advantages of a different approach. This balance allows our company stay open-minded and listen to a wide variety of ideas.” Tara outlines how her background has helped to contribute significantly to her current success, and she was happy to tell us more about how she believes that a professional approach helps to create the ideal design environment at Ryan Young Interiors. “My background in design started with a solid educational foundation that was focused on interior architecture. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work for a single family builder that built homes at all levels, and it was here that I
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was introduced to working with various talented architects who influenced my approach to thinking through all elements of the building process. This has led to my own open approach to ideas surrounding the building process. I believe that, as a firm, our biggest advantage is our professional approach to doing business. We understand that having a creative team of designers is extremely important, but that ultimately, having a smooth process and thinking through all of the details ensures that our creative ideas are well executed.” The clientele of Ryan Young Interiors is incredibly diverse, much like the areas in which their projects are located. As the work of Ryan Young is based across the US and abroad, the firm does not focus on one specific region. Tara explains that this is why the firm are adamant that they will not make assumptions when they enter into a project, instead waiting for a consultation with the client. “We do individual market research for each project so that we fully understand each area that our projects are located in and are able to discuss our findings with our clients. Our challenge in this is that due to how many areas we are in, we spend a considerable amount of time on the market research for each project. Our plan looking to the future is to continue to expand globally and to be as diversified in our projects as possible.”
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Company: Upstate Door Inc Name: Rob Fontaine Email: sales@upstatedoor.com Web Address: www.upstatedoor.com Address: 26 Industrial Street, Warsaw, NY 14569 Telephone: (800) 570-8283
Best for Bespoke Door Solutions - New York
Founded in 2001, Upstate Door specializes in creating fine door solutions for the most discerning buyer. By mixing an industry-leading product with personalized service, Upstate Door is able to take the vision of any client and make it a reality; Rob Fontaine, President and Owner, told us more. pstate Door Inc. is a custom hardwood door manufacturer, who pride themselves on their ability to work with any request pertaining to high-end wood doors. Rob explains that he did not begin his career in this industry; he attended college to study Accounting. However, even in this field his focus was on the construction and manufacturing industries. He began Upstate Door in 2001 when he realized that doors were his passion, and he has not looked back.
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“Upstate Door began in a small building over 15 years ago. We moved to our current site in Warsaw, NY in 2003 where we began to enjoy increased success. We eventually needed more space for production. In 2011, we purchased a second site in Castile, NY, which has allowed us to expand the business even further. Since our inception, one of our main focuses has been on manageable growth; our sales have only dipped in 2009, which was a difficult time for the industry on the whole.” Rob explains that the company completes all processes relating to the production of their custom doors from beginning to end, which allows them to fully understand and implement their clients’ vision. “Our focus on our geographic area also helps us to better service our clients. We are predominantly a North Eastern American company, and our focus is on working within a 12-hour radius of our sites. This allows for us to have employee representation within the field which enhances the experience of our customers. We deliver our own products with our own trucks and drivers so that we ensure their safe delivery, which we would not be able to do if we offered our services further afield. “Our approach to our work is to qualify and truly understand the needs of our customers. As we are dealing with luxury homes, we do not consider price as a deciding factor in our designs, instead focusing on the best architectural solution available. We produce detailed drawings to ensure that our customers truly understand what we are suggesting as a solution, and we walk them through every stage of the process.” Rob believes that Upstate Door is perfectly sized to be able to deal with the wide variety of projects they receive; they are big enough to be able to undertake large jobs, and small enough to keep their focus on their specific product offerings. “We have the ability to take the complicated and make it simple for our Build 2017 Interior Design Awards
clients. We have made sure that we are experts in a tight area, which means that we do daily what other companies may only do every once in a while; we are the ideal choice for our clients as we are well versed in providing fine door solutions. “One of our key differentiators is that we accommodate people who call up with questions, and make sure that they are able to speak to a person who will be able to deal with them in specific terms about their order. We pride ourselves on our communication with customers and our turnaround time. We aim to deliver within a 4-6 week lead time.” The overall mission of Upstate Door Inc. revolves around their values of creating distinctive solutions, remaining enthusiastic, learning and growing in the business consistently and encouraging collaboration. Rob believes that by adhering to these values, his company will remain successful in the market, and he focuses strongly on these when interviewing those who wish to work at the company. “We always make sure that we conduct a minimum of two interviews with those who wish to work at Upstate Door, in order to be able to ensure that they will align with the values of the company. As far as we are concerned, values will trump ability and past history as we understand that if people do not follow your values, they will create challenges within the company, which we want to avoid. “Looking to the future, one of our main goals is to be featured in Window and Door Magazine’s Top 100 Manufacturers, as we believe that this will be a great advertisement of the quality that we are able to produce. We also plan to keep growing at a manageable pace while making sure that we adhere to our values and keep enjoying the business, and building on the foundation that we have laid. “Ideally we would like to develop 50-75 key partners going forward, to help us achieve these aims. We would like to ensure those around us to realize that we offer the right solution for their custom door needs. I recognize that my company is on a journey, hopefully, this will involve continuing the development of our second manufacturing site where we will continue to grow. I am still a young owner, and I know that our future holds the opportunity for a large amount of growth and development. I am very excited by how promising this looks; I cannot wait to continue this journey with Upstate Door.”
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Build 2017 Interior Design Awards