9 minute read
Lemay+Escobar
PROJECT DIRECTED BY Chiara Salter
WRITTEN BY Laura Watling
Andres Escobar, Design Principal, Lemay+Escobar
TheCURV project in Vancouver
Throwing a CURV
Lemay+Escobar Architecture, D.P.C. are the architectural designers behind some of the world’s most luxurious real estate. Offering a boutique style and service, this creative studio designs high-end residential and hospitality builds.
Business Enquirer speaks with Lemay+Escobar’s Partner, Design Principal, and namesake, Andres Escobar about the business’s awardwinning projects.
Partner and Design Principal of Lemay+Escobar, Andres Escobar, founded his own architectural design business in the early 2000’s. Renowned for his design expertise and artistic direction, Andres has recently been recognised in Marquis’ 2022 “Who’s Who” for Dedication to the Field of Architectural Design.
“I have had a lot of opportunities to travel throughout my career, and I think that is key to our business and my leadership style,” shared Andres, “by travelling, one gets to experience different cultures, foods, and aesthetics. But at the core, everyone is seeking comfort, something to call home”.
Andres has reflected this ethos in his, curated, multicultural team, whom he describes as “bright and talented individuals”, more than capable to deliver Studio’s and the client’s vision.
Andres’ architectural design firm merged with Lemay in 2015, creating Lemay+Escobar.
“We knew that by forming this strategic partnership, we would be able to offer more services to our clients,” he explained.
Having started in New York 22 years ago, the business primarily serves New York City, Hoboken, New Jersey, and the boroughs of Brooklyn. However, projects have propelled the business to areas in Florida such as Coral Gables and West Palm Beach, South Beach, Miami, and further afield to the Emirates and Seychelles. Andres highlighted that despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a resurgence of projects in the US and Canada. “New York is very resilient, and our clients are business savvy and astute,” he shared, “challenges like this tend to follow a cycle, so it’s a case of navigating the wave”.
“It’s true when they say, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere,” said Andres.
Lemay+Escobar
Shaping a better future
Like virtually every business, across any sector, Lemay+Escobar are undertaking projects which involve a sustainability initiative.
“Before, sustainability was far more of a marketing approach in our sector. Now, it is essential. For example, in New York sustainable practice forms part of the application process” explained Andres.
Lemay+Escobar are currently embarking on what Andres described as an “incredible project” in Canada - the world’s tallest, Passive House building in the world, Curv.
The design and build of Curv meets part of Vancouver’s strategy to cut carbon pollution from all new buildings to nearly zero by 2025 and reduce that of existing, large office and retail buildings by 40% by 2030.
The building, which is designed in collaboration with IBB Group and WKK Architects - Tom Wright designed the Burj Al Arab in Dubai - features an insulated building envelope, high performance windows, optimised solar orientations and carefully planned ventilation.
“It’s important that we acknowledge the difference between a green and a passive build,” explained Andres, “Passive House methods aim to reduce the need of additional heating or cooling. They are more cost effective, high quality and comfortable”.
Designed to harness its own energy, deliver ultra-filtered air and reduce outside noise, CURV intends to be the most energy efficient structure of its type ever built. “We hope it will become a blueprint for future towers around the world as cities push for a more sustainable future,” shared Andres.
The building will take on a curved design, inspired by the shape of a new shoot, symbolising regrowth, and environmental hope.
Stunning interior design of communal space at Le Sherbrooke
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The CURV project in Vancouver
Design Feature
The Reception, H Resort, Beau Vallon Beach, Seychelles, Credit: Gerry O’Leary
Lemay+Escobar
From beach to burgh
A project of Lemay+Escobar’s which has received recognition in both sustainability and green awards is the H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, Seychelles (STORY Seychelles).
The hotel has been awarded the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label, as well as the Seychelle’s Leading Green Resort for three consecutive years (2019-2021).
The resort is described as having an “unparalleled collection of opulently appointed rooms that showcase the true heritage of the Seychellois surroundings. Each of the splendid Suites represents the epitome of tropical luxury”.
Andres believes that this project truly shows the range of expertise Lemay+Escobar has to offer. From a luxury resort on the beach to the most prestigious real estate in the city, the Lemay+Escobar portfolio speaks for itself.
Le Sherbrooke is the firm’s luxury residential project in Montreal, Canada. Offering 515 suites, Le Sherbrooke is inspired by the opulent mansion of the past, the glitz and glamour of New York and the unique Art de Vivre of Montreal. This project truly showcases Andres’ passion for incorporating global inspiration sensitively.
As well as a penthouses and executive suites, the building features a fitness centre and pool. “You will find pools like this in Milan or in Scandinavia. Why not offer something like this to Montrealers?” Le Sherbrooke was designed down to the finest detail to strike the perfect balance between comfort and prestige, whilst being built to stand the test of time.
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The Reception, H Resort, Beau Vallon Beach, Seychelles, Credit: Gerry O’Leary
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Scavolini
With more than 60 years on the kitchens market behind it, Scavolini is one of Italian industry’s most modern, important production models, and its brand strategy continues to be rewarded with impressively large figures, and growing success at the international level. The company is now a benchmark for the industry worldwide and is synonymous with the Made in Italy quality.
Its history - a crescendo of initiatives reflecting its ability to adapt innovatively to changes in taste, lifestyle and the market and the advent of each wave of new technologies - is a striking example of corporate growth, nowadays taken as the benchmark model for the entire industry. Since 2012, the range has also included bathroom collections, as a result of the brand’s desire to satisfy a specific need on the market. Over the years, Scavolini’s product range has been extended even further, from including a broad array of dedicated living room solutions - through to the walk-in wardrobe, heralding a “total-look home”. Scavolini has grown and evolved entirely in keeping with society, for people and with people, so much so that the brand has become synonymous with home in the broadest and most personal sense. This vision has since 1961 guided the development of Scavolini in its unwavering search for innovative solutions to accommodate furnishing requirements, defining new codes for the kitchen first, and for the bathroom next, influences that have also affected the living room and the walk-in wardrobe.
Scavolini has always worked with prestigious designers on the international scene. Nendo, Ora-ïto, Diesel Creative Team, Giugiaro Design, King&Miranda Design, Karim Rashid, Michael Young, Rainlight Studio, Fabio Novembre and Luca Nichetto provide exclusive creations to fuel the firm’s continuous mediation between the most ground breaking, brilliant creativity and what the people of today and tomorrow really want for their lifestyles. This feature has always taken a prime position in Scavolini, and comes from an ability to meet market demands quickly, linked with a desire to guarantee customer satisfaction for a varied cross section of the public.
Scavolini notes the very first hints of change, and develops on these ideas with a view to continual research and innovation.
Scavolini exports its products worldwide, with a policy of forcefully expanding its network and constantly increasing new openings. It currently has more than 300 foreign points of sale. A successful strategy based on constantly strengt§ening the distribution and organisational network, but also on product development tailored to the tastes and needs of the various countries, in addition to a communication strategy focusing on enhancing “brand recognition”.
www.scavolini.com
Lemay+Escobar
One of the bedrooms at The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, New York
The baby boomer boom
In a first of its kind for Lemay+Escobar, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is an award-winning senior living residency.
The project, which holds the Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design, was designed to take away the traditional stereotype of an “old people’s home”. Inspired by resorts and cruise ships, the property offers a wealth of amenities and dining options.
“The baby boomer generation are at a stage where they can look to cash-in their assets and enjoy a better way of life,” explained Andres, “but they have been exposed to better and have had the opportunity to travel, they expect a lot more - we have achieved that in The Watermark.”
First New York, then the world
The market for Lemay+Escobar is looking particularly buoyant, as the real estate investment business is booming.
A pleasure for Andres is being exposed to opportunities around the globe. “We have a fantastic foothold in New York and our clients often want to make investments in other areas of the world. Being successful in New York also gives us credibility to progress in other regions,” he said.
“With the current economy there is great opportunity in Europe. We love collaborating with different cultures, and want to expand our brand worldwide.”
www.lemayescobar.com
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