Showcasing BC & Alberta’s architects and interior designers
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Fall 2015 Vol. 16 No.2
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IDIBC Awards of Excellence Architect Ron McIntyre, Cannon Design | Kitchen & Bath
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Vancouver • Coquitlam • Kamloops • Penticton • Edmonton • Calgary • Saskatoon • Brandon • Winnipeg
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Y FALL 2015 Vol. 16 No.2
www.designquarterly.ca PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Tang Creative Inc. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jamie Banfield Scott Douglas Jason Durkee Amanda Hamilton Serena Sawyer Ray Skific Mihai Subran B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
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06 DESIGNER PROFILE
Vancouver architect Ron McIntyre, principal at Cannon Design, has been leading innovative healthcare design for more than 25 years.
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence
Features 12 Kitchen & Bath
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On the cover: Hotel Arts in Calgary by Chil Interior Design won the prestigious Robert Ledhingham Award at the 2015 IDIBC Awards of Excellence. Photo: Brandon Barré
March 15 & 16, 2016
November 4 & 5, 2015 The purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY 3
::::::: from the editor :::::::
award season
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t’s that time of year again — award season. Whether you’re a designer, contractor or developer, accolades for a job well done are all being presented within industry circles this fall. For interior designers in B.C., the IDIBC Awards of Excellence is the annual gala that celebrates the talent and ingenuity of their peers. This year, the IDIBC also celebrates its 65th anniversary — a significant milestone for an organization that has grown into the second largest interior design body in Canada. DQ has collaborated with IDIBC for more than 10 years to showcase the winning talent of its members and we’re proud to do it again this year. Inside this issue you will find all the 2015 winners. Hotel Arts in Calgary by Chil Interior Design won the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award. The design team was able to successfully integrate art and design into every aspect of the project. The firm was a multiple winner this year, taking home two Awards of Excellence and one Award of Merit. For our profile, I spoke with Vancouver architect Ron McIntyre, principal at Cannon Design.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
He has been designing and helping to deliver innovative healthcare facilities for more than 20 years. As our population continues to age, the importance of designing healthcare facilities grows. Notable projects in B.C. include the Royal Jubilee Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre and the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility. Finally, this issue also includes our kitchen and bath feature. From countertops to hardware, the industry continues to create sophisticated and unique spaces in two of the home’s most important and used rooms.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor
it’s be aut i ful i nsi d e
B A K E R . Mc G U I R E . M I T C H E L L G O L D . L E E . B OL I E R . D E L L A R O B B I A . S A NG I A C O M O . S A B A . G A M M A
1855 Fir Street at West 3rd Armoury District Vancouver 604.736.8822 Monday - Saturday 10-5:30 pm broughaminteriors.com
::::::: designer profile :::::::
effecting
real change By Cheryl Mah
V
ancouver architect Ron McIntrye is passionate about effecting change and has been doing just that with more than 25 years of expertise in the design and delivery of innovative healthcare facilities. “We help our clients solve the biggest challenges they face now and in the future,” says McIntyre, Cannon Design principal and leader of the firm’s Canada West Healthcare practice. The firm has built much of its success through long term relationships with key clients, who more often than not push the envelope on innovation. “We got involved in a project in Iraq four or five years ago which was the design of a pre-fab hospital that could be built very quickly and dropped into communities,” cites McIntyre. “It’s changing the way we can bring front line healthcare to people who need it the most.”
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When it comes to modern healthcare design, Cannon Design has been following lean and evidence-based design principles long before they became buzz words in the industry. Patient health and safety, infection control, staff efficiency, and optimizing daylight are all being incorporated as key strategies for enhancing the hospital environment and quality of care. “We started doing lean design in 2006 and I remember my colleagues saying this has nothing to do with architects and now every architect is doing it,” says McIntyre. “We’ve advocated for years that we need to do things differently. We have an aging population...aging workforce so we’re going to have more patients — more pressure on the system — and less staff to take care of them.” The 52-year-old architect is thoughtful and eloquent as he reflects on the role architecture plays in shaping the healthcare environment for better treatment and care.
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::::::: designer profile ::::::: Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment
“I’ve always had an interest in the built environment and how we shape the cities and improve the well-being of the communities we live in,” says McIntyre, who grew up in Ottawa. After graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, he attended the University of Calgary to obtain his Masters of Environmental Design/Architecture degree in 1989. He began his career in Calgary with Riddell Group before joining Barr Ryder Architects in Edmonton, working on his first healthcare project — an alcohol and drug treatment centre in the Northwest Territories. “Stephen Barr was a strong and early mentor,” says McIntyre. He then moved to Victoria, B.C. in 1992 and continued to do more healthcare facilities with Jensen Group Architecture. Projects included landmark facilities in B.C. such as Heritage Woods in Langford. “Heritage Woods completely redefined the model for complex care in B.C. We spent a long time working with the government to rethink how we deal with one of the most vulnerable populations — those with dementia — and created a facility that had a phenomenal impact on the lives of the people who live there,” says McIntyre. 8
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In 2001, he was recruited back to Alberta by Group 2 Architecture to lead the design team for the redevelopment of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. “One of the projects that I’m most proud of is the Red Deer Hospital redevelopment,” notes McIntyre. “When we can see patients and staff are in a better environment and at end of day we’ve improved healthcare — that’s a successful project.” He returned to B.C. in 2003 to open the Vancouver office for Cannon Design. From a staff of two, the office quickly doubled and tripled in size in the early years and peaked in 2009-11 at about 50. McIntyre became a principal in 2007 and today oversees a team of 18.
As one of the top five largest healthcare practices in the world, Cannon Design is a leader in the field. “Our goal is to be a medium size local office that can serve a variety of our client’s needs yet still be hands on with every project with the ability to draw on the larger resources of the firm,” says McIntyre, who provides strategic leadership on projects. “I always say when I started in Vancouver I had a very easy job because I inherited a portfolio of work that ranks in the who’s who on a global basis.” Cannon Design is a global design firm with three offices in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) and 13 more located throughout North America as well as Abu Dhabi and Mumbai. The firm employs a staff of 1,000 internationally, delivering services in health-
care, education, corporate/commercial and institutional. As one of the top five largest healthcare practices in the world, Cannon Design is a leader in the field. In Vancouver, the focus and expertise has traditionally been in healthcare and sport and recreation. The firm has completed many notable projects in the province including the Richmond Olympic Oval, Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre, and the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility. “The Royal Jubilee Hospital was an early P3 project in B.C. It pushed the envelope not only for project procurement but for design,” says McIntyre. “It was regarded as the most advanced patient acute care centre in North America when it opened and still has that status.” Establishing an early presence in the P3 delivery model has lead to other large scale health care opportunities for the firm. Between the three Canadian offices, the firm has completed $6-8 billion worth of construction through P3s in the last 10 years. P3s have become a widely accepted project delivery method, especially for large public infrastructure projects in Canada. McIntyre has worked with national governments and regional health authorities to strategically rethink healthcare delivery, offering expertise on P3s from both a compliance and procurement perspective. “With P3s, we’re able to bring all players to the table in a more holistic design — thinking not only initial capital costs but also lifecycle costs over a much longer period of time. Some projects are well suited for it; some of them aren’t. We’re starting to see a maturity of the market which is good but also realizing it’s not a panacea for everything,” he says.
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::::::: designer profile ::::::: Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre
Currently, the firm is involved in the $2.5 billion Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), the largest single healthcare development underway in Canada and the largest P3 project in North America. Joe Lafo, the other Vancouver principal, has been the technical lead for the CHUM project for the last four years and is one of the firm’s key quality assurance leaders, notes McIntyre. Other projects include renovations at the Richmond Olympic Oval, University of Victoria’s Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities, the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford and the massive Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment which consists of a 75-bed mental health and substance abuse facility, parkade and energy centre in the first of three phases. “We’re in the early design stages for Phase II and III at Royal Columbian which will include a new acute care tower and then significant renovations to the existing infrastructure,” he says. Healthcare is an extremely challenging and demanding area of architecture. Healthcare is constantly changing in terms of new technologies, equipment and clinical protocols, and architects have to do their best to design for maximum flexibility. “I tell every client: the only thing for certain in healthcare is that your needs are 10
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
Healthcare is an extremely challenging and demanding area of architecture. going to change. Your needs are going to change probably before we finish this project,” he says. “We have to try to imagine the future…only knowing that what we need to do has to be able to change and react to changing circumstances.” He cites as an example the move to noninvasive surgery, which is completely changing the way medicine is being delivered, how patients recover and their length of stay. That is also exciting too, he says, to see something that couldn’t be done 20 years ago but can be done today. McIntyre adds that not all of the firm’s work is necessarily about design. Offering clients full advisory services is a strength they have been building over the years that includes helping the Government of Bermuda to master plan its healthcare system; working with the Vancouver Health Authority to develop programs for women and youth and advising Interior Health on several of their large capital projects.
“It’s how can we effect real change for the betterment of the population we serve. We’re there to be our client’s trusted advisor and to help them solve their challenges — sometimes those are buildings, sometimes it’s changing their operations,” says McIntyre. “Sometimes the best answer is to build nothing.” DQ
Tell your story with traditional farmhouse aesthetics from the Oak Hill collection. Just one of many carefully
curated design movements from the 150-year design anthology that is DXV. To learn more, visit dxv.com. DESIGN CONSULTANT: Courtney Lake
::::::: kitchen + bath :::::::
countertops for today
Design elements and technology are always developing and improving to meet the demands of the surfacing world. by Serena Sawyer and Ray Skific
...technology has become essential to ensuring the right fit and cohesive look each project demands. end result. That’s where technology has become essential to ensuring the right fit and cohesive look each project demands.
equipment of the future The days of pencil and cardboard templates are gone with digital templates, AutoCAD files, CNC (computer numeric control) machines, and water-jet machines becoming the necessary investment to produce a precise fit, reduce material waste, and allow for high-volume production on large jobs. A critical piece of equipment today is Slabsmith technology. A high-resolution photo is taken of the actual slab and the template images of each section are laid over the top. A trained technician then manipulates the pieces to help match as many seams as possible, which is so important with multiple seams or the increasingly popular mitered or waterfall edge profiles. It can also help the fabricator get the most yield out of the slab, potentially reducing overall project costs.
Britannica by Cambria
client education
P
eople might think countertops are just the icing on the cabinets, but they are the workhorse of the kitchen. Whether for a single-family home, a large condo development or hotel, or a busy restaurant bar, it’s important to use a product that can stand up to the daily needs of those using it, without requiring time and money to maintain its appearance and performance. With today’s open-concept spaces often needing a focal point to give the eye a place to rest, aesthetics have also become a key consideration when selecting this component. 12
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
dramatic designs The solution to these needs is quartz, which has come to dominate the surfacing specifications we see today. Ranging from neutrals and speckles to light-enhancing large particulates, and marble and granite looks in an expansive colour palette to sweeping designs created to capture the essence of nature, quartz is at a whole new level of demand. Trend-setting designs which feature dramatic visual movement in their patterns have encouraged designers to rethink the impact of their product selections. Beautiful slabs are not enough to guarantee a great
Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, key elements of performance, maintenance, and appearance, as well as being cut and installed by a highly competent and technically advanced partner, are important criteria to educate the designer and endclient during material discussions. Choosing a reputable quartz product and fabrication partner are critical to insist upon in the final specification stage. This will ensure the client receives the best product and installation, using the highest quality quartz slabs on the market today. DQ Serena Sawyer is market representative at Cambria, the only family-owned, industry leading North American quartz manufacturer. Ray Skific is sales rep at Colonial Countertops, specializing in the fabrication and installation of decorative surfaces in B.C.
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence
A Legacy of Interior Design Excellence
T
he Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia is pleased to present the 32nd annual IDIBC SHINE Awards of Excellence, a prestigious awards program that showcases the talent, skill and hard work of the province’s Registered Interior Designers (R.I.D). This year we also celebrate IDIBC’s 65th year of interior design excellence — yes, IDIBC has become a bona fide senior citizen! A lot of time has passed since the association was founded in 1950 and since then, IDIBC has accomplished great things. In 1976, IDIBC adopted the NCDIQ as a requirement for professional membership status. In 1987, the association received a Society Act designation and has since been responsible for ensuring the quality of the interior design profession in British Columbia. With a membership expanding to more than 770 members, IDIBC has grown to become the second largest interior design body in Canada. Leading the industry for 65 years has been a truly amazing milestone and if this year’s awards submissions are any indication, we have plenty to look forward to as we continue to build a legacy of interior design excellence in British Columbia. On behalf of the IDIBC Board, we would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated volunteers for their time and expertise in
organizing the awards competition and ceremony: Kerri Shinkewski, Trent Latin, Suzy Peza, Josephina Puharich, Tracey Conn, Maria Rudman and myself. Thank you as well to this year’s esteemed panel of judges: Jason Kasper, PIDIM, IDC, IDEATE Design Consulting Inc.; Lara Presber, AAA, AIA, Studio Presber Architecture + Design; Michel Arcand, ARIDO, IDC, IN8 Design Inc. A special thank you to our media sponsor, Design Quarterly, who produced the awards program and the award winners feature showcased inside; Heritage Office Furnishing for hosting the judging; Joel Berman Glass Studios for creating an amazing trophy to recognize the night’s Robert Ledingham Award winner; and IDC for their assistance in event management and communications. Finally, we would also like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors for their generous support and participation in the 2015 IDIBC SHINE Awards of Excellence.
Erica Wickes President, Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia
From All of us at Design Quarterly... Congratualtions to all IDIBC Awards of Excellence Finalists and Winners! Endorsed by the leading design and architectural associations, is the publication of choice by advertisers who want to connect with the decision makers in the multi-billion dollar B.C. and Alberta design marketplace. To advertise your products, services and expertise or for more information on customizing an advertising program, please contact: Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521, ext. 223 dang@mediaedge.ca
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence ROBERT LEDINGHAM AWARD HOSPITALITY | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Hotel Arts – Chil Interior Design
Bold and Chic by Cheryl Mah
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rt is one of many design aspects to a hotel, but it’s not usually the primary driving inspiration. For Hotel Arts in Calgary, its unique art-centered focused aesthetic has set it apart in the marketplace. When guests walk into the boutique hotel in downtown Calgary, it immediately feels like they have entered a stylish gallery with art work and sculptures throughout. The challenge for Chil Interior Design was to take the guestrooms and corridors of this successful hotel and elevate them to the same calibre as the rest of the spaces and to better reflect the dynamic nature of the brand itself. The concept was to abstractly integrate art into the overall design so the guest experience has continuity from the public areas into the more private ones. “This was quite a unique project in that we were able to have an art focus throughout the design. It was a lot of fun to be able to play and experiment with art and colour the way we were able to do with this client and at this property,” says Adele Pransky, associate at Chil Interior Design. “The client group was great to work with — they were open to trying something different and willing to take risks.” The innovative and outstanding design earned the firm the prestigious IDIBC Robert Ledingham Award for project of the year. “This award is quite dear to my heart. I got to know Bob on a design trip in Europe,” says Pransky. “To have this project recognized for innovative design is very special.”
The project successfully integrates art and design into every aspect of the renovation. In the corridors, the design team used a custom carpet and custom wallcovering both with very bold graphics. The wallcovering also incorporates floor numbers by the elevators. “We were really playing with the idea of colour and scale in both of those. Even if you look at the corridor base boards — very dramatic, high piece of millwork,” says Pransky. “The idea was to recreate that Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence
feeling of walking into a gallery or exhibit for the first time and having that sense of surprise and anticipation.” Every aspect of the guestroom was executed with intentional and thoughtful touches, immersing guests into the art experience by providing a slightly unexpected twist on the typical room. “When you get into guestrooms, there are smaller art experiences within the room,” says Pransky. “We can go very bold and dramatic with colour in the corridor, but you may not want to sleep in that sort of environment...so the bedroom is a bit of a softer take on that.” Strong geometry, contrasting forms, fabrics and textures work together to create a room that is in itself artistic. Art is translated as an integral part of the space, furniture and finishes. This can be seen in the custom origami-like drawer fronts on the case goods (dressers and bed side tables) and the sculptural metal art installation on the walls. “We really had to bring the guestrooms and corridors up to that same level of colour and scale of the existing public areas — to be dynamic and bold,” she says. “The design was very different. We’re used to working in more neutrals so this was a bit outside of the box which made it fun and exciting.” As with any renovation, the main challenge was working with existing infrastructure and how to make sure the design fit with the elements that are remaining. “Parts of the bathrooms, for example, weren’t going to change and we had to make sure everything would work well together and be an integrated design,” says Pransky. Known for its award winning hospitality work, Chil Interior Design was a multiple winner at this year’s IDIBC Awards of Excellence, taking home two Awards of Excellence and one Award of Merit in the hospitality category. 4
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Registered Interior Designer: Adele Pransky, R.I.D. Design Team: Adele Rankin, Rachel Glazer and Paul Morissette Photographer: Brandon Barré
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence RETAIL + KIOSKS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Blubird — Box Interior Design
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lubird Oakridge is a 2,150 square foot new flagship store for a high-fashion women’s boutique in Vancouver. The well executed design by Box Interior Design is a reflection of the shopper: feminine, sophisticated, well-travelled, trend-conscious and lighthearted. A very classic material palette was used to create a fresh and modern retail environment that effectively showcases the exclusive merchandise. Clean and symmetrical space planning clearly defines product zones, allowing for easy customer flow and navigation through the store. “We didn’t want a pure white, hard room — which usually happens when retail is designed as a white on white store — so we added a level of femininity and softness,” says Jay Brooks, principal of Box Interior Design. “On one wall we hung drapery and lit it from above for a soft glow and the shelving fixtures are made out of brushed gold material to add some warmth. We didn’t want just all chrome and hard surfaces.” The brand’s signature blue colour and bird logo symbol is integrated throughout the space — at the cash desk and entrance glass to the dressing room. The bird logo symbol is introduced in basrelief at point of sale and as frieze in the dressing room to subtly reinforce the brand. The design team paid particular attention to the back of the store, conceiving a luxurious ‘boudoir’ dressing room that would help finalize sales. Generous private rooms are detailed with glossy white crocodile wallcovering and open onto a lounge complete with three-way mirror, a unique metallic leather ottoman and whimsical tassel light ceiling.
“Although the light fixture in the boudoir area is really a standard fixture, by using nine of them we are able to make a big statement out of them and the tassels add a touch of femininity,” says Brooks, adding the ottoman is a real signature piece. The symmetrical dressing room is a beautiful organization of space that really works well for the client. “We put little hang rods between the dressing room doors for feature merchandise and when customers see the product, it generates lots of sales,” explains Brooks. To minimize the long shoe box shape of the space, a custom metal and acrylic rod screen is located at the back third of the store functioning as a divider, merchandising element and visual anchor. “What that does is it visually stops your eye but you can still see around and understand there’s more shopping,” says Brooks. A distinct cosmetic zone was created up front close to the cash desk to enhance impulse purchasing and to minimize shrinkage. All fixturing was custom designed and locally produced for the project, representing modular components that can be mixed and matched for future store rollouts. “It’s a very simple retail hanging system — one level. We found the right height and ran all the hang rods there intermixed with shelving units,” says Brooks, adding strong attention was also paid to lighting. The striking new store is generating large sales volumes for the client, reflecting the value of good design. For their thoughtful and unique approach, Box Interior earned an IDIBC Award of Excellence. “Our biggest thrill is that our projects work for our clients — that the space is evocative and resonates and register with people and is part of the reason why they are successful,” says Brooks. “Having a store that is not designed properly shows very quickly on the register. If it’s clear and easy to shop and easy for staff to merchandise, then we’ve done our job.”
Registered Interior Designer: H. Jay Brooks, R.I.D. Design Team: NY Chu, R.I.D., Jaclyn Walker, Intern IDIBC and Cynthia Penner Photographer: Larry Goldstein
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence MULT-RESIDENTIAL AND SALES CENTRE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Brentwood Tower 1 Presentation Centre — BYU Design
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irst impressions are everything, especially in sales. And walking into the Brentwood Tower 1 presentation centre, purchasers will indeed be impressed by the beautifully executed space. Marking the entry is a dramatic 35-foot-long welcome desk with a branded, back-lit onyx face which provides a strong reference point for purchasers as they move through the hospitality like space. Designed by BYU Design, the completely new space was specifically created for the residential portion of a 28 acre redevelopment in Burnaby which will include retail, office and public plazas centred on a transit hub. “We were given a lot of creative freedom from the client. Their directive was to make the space amazing — along with the branding created — and we ran with it. By having limited constraints, we could develop and build on ideas playing with texture, light, and layers,” says Ada Bonini, principal of BYU Design. The biggest challenge for the design team was the sheer volume and size of the project. The goal was to create an interior that would transform the vast 15,000 square foot space into intimately scaled areas that would be comfortable and luxurious for purchasers as they make one of the largest financial decisions in their lives. “We wanted a feeling of intimacy in each area. It was extremely important for the user to know which path to take, and to feel comfortable in each area they were in. We achieved that by creating primary and alternate paths for different users,” says Bonini. The change of texture and material — from sand-blasted wood to sleek marble – and the use of dynamic curving ceiling panes help guide purchasers from zone to zone. All zones were designed to be complimentary to the next to create a harmonious interior environment. The colour palette is a calming, natural mix of Carrera (light), sandblasted walnut (mid) and organic islands of carpet (dark) all topped with bronze/gold metal elements to help create the desired glamourous setting. Information such as floor plans is creatively offered through tall touch screen pillars, which were used to create a balance of areas without closing them in and maintaining sightlines. At the centre of the space, opposite of the reception, is also a hospitality cafe area. 6
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The project, which took approximately five months, successfully facilitated sales with the first tower selling out in two business days. The client is now on to their third tower of the project, with minimal changes to the sales environment. The design has set a benchmark for future planned residential towers. The effective and timeless design was recognized with an IDIBC Award of Excellence. “I’ve never worked on a project with such a great result in my career. It’s definitely one to be proud of,” says Bonini. “To be recognized by a panel of your peers, and acknowledged for it, means a lot to us. It’s always great to win awards, but it’s especially awesome when it’s from your peers that you respect and admire.”
Registered Interior Designers: Ada Bonini, R.I.D., Kasia Chamberlain, R.I.D. Design Team: Jeremy Senko, Intern IDIBC Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Confidential Client Building E — HOK
A
s the first of five new buildings on an 850,000 square foot campus, the client was looking to create a flexible workplace that would embrace the employee, empower their choice of work style and strengthen the lines of communication between co-workers. To achieve that vision, HOK in partnership with Houston based PDR, set out to create a space that is open-plan and as egalitarian as possible: no one would ‘own’ the window or daylight and only those with specific needs would be provided with an office. “There is an eight foot corridor around the perimeter of each floor plan as part of the circulation pathway so everyone has access to a window,” says Joe Pettipas, HOK senior regional practice leader, Western Canada. “The client went from approximately 80/20 closedto-open to 90/10 open-to-closed ratio.” All workstation areas have been designed to be completely flexible with a six inch raised floor housing the distribution of data and power. Workstations are organized into islands that can be easily changed in the future and each island footprint is also the same for the demountable partitioned office spaces to accommodate any team size changes.
“On every floor there is a community cafe and adjacent to the community cafe is an area we call the living room where it has more residential seating — lounge chairs, club chairs – for social events or to be used as an alternative meeting space,” says Pettipas. The project team drew inspiration from the company’s Canadian roots with each of the five buildings designed to represent a specific region of the country. For this project, the theme was the West Coast. “The campus has been fashioned over the ideology of Canada coast to coast,” explains Pettipas, with the colour palette and a feature piece in the community cafe that reflect the mountainous region of the West Coast. The other buildings feature imagery of the North, the Prairies, Central Canada and the East Coast. The restrained approach to the design story about the West Coast is effective, expressed subtly and abstractly. The overall design concept is reinforced through punches of colour in the work station areas and by the custom metal privacy screen at each desk. A concern for attrition caused by a move to a non-urban campus location was another key design consideration. “Initially when we started working with the client in 2011, they occupied several sites in downtown Calgary. By moving to a semi-urban campus with smaller scale buildings at five storeys, we were able to create more flexibility in communication and community because nobody has to travel 20 storeys to get to somebody else. They now work across horizontal versus vertical,” says Pettipas. The campus has been built so that each of the five buildings feed onto what is called the “pipeline” which is a 750 foot long main street that also connects some of the community cafe areas. Moving 3,000 employees out of downtown Calgary and helping them to understand the new workplace style and space was an initial challenge, according to Pettipas, but employee feedback has been overwhelming positive.
Registered Interior Designers: Janice Handiak, R.I.D. and Joe Pettipas, R.I.D. Design Team: Kelly Loden, Cody Profili, Cindy Marshall and Jeffrey Concepcion Photographer: Scott McDonald Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence HOSPITALITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Fairmont Palliser — Chil Interior Design
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et in the heart of Calgary, The Fairmont Palliser is a historical landmark offering distinctive and luxurious accommodations, just steps from many of the city’s shopping and entertainment venues. As the city’s oldest hotel, the Fairmont Palliser celebrated its centennial in 2014. To bring the hotel up to date, Chil Interior Design was commissioned in 2012 to transform 205 guestrooms and heritage suites along with guestroom corridors. The goal was to update a tired and traditional design to be more contemporary and sophisticated while taking into account the architectural details and historic significance of the property. To complement the hotel’s rich history and architecture, the design team looked to the city’s cowboy past for inspiration and incorporated elements such masculine cognac and grey leathers, metal nailhead details, smoked glass and historical art work. “We tried to balance the masculine elements with some softer neutrals and refined wood — the hard and soft finishes work really well together,” says Adele Pransky, associate at Chil Interior Design, adding the result is a nod to the past and an inviting look to the future. Because the rooms were previously very dark, ceiling fixtures were added wherever possible along with floor and table lamps to brighten the space. Original features such as the high ceilings with medallions, window detailing and crown mouldings were all retained. Layering of luxurious soothing tones and opulent textures helped to create a feeling of contemporary sophistication, according to Pransky. Each room is varied in terms of layout and features, which provides guests with a sense of uniqueness, but created the main challenge for this project. The design team had to work within the constraints of the existing guestroom layouts which included multiple room configurations, electrical, lighting and plumbing which could not be moved. “What’s unique to these older Fairmont properties is that they have a lot of different room types. It’s not unusual for a hotel to have 200 rooms but to have almost all of them unique was the most challenging,” notes Pransky. “It’s about how then do we incorporate the design into each room type and create some consistency across the hotel.” 8
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
The small scale bathrooms were re-imagined with a focus on tailored and sophisticated finishes that combine chrome accents, white marble tile and dramatic stone countertops. Vanities had limited footprints that could not be modified so details like shelving on the vanity had to be integrated to maximize storage with lighting incorporated into the mirror. “At the end of the day, I think we were able to achieve that balance between classic and contemporary successfully,” says Pransky.
Registered Interior Designer: Adele Pransky, R.I.D. Design Team: Marina Plankeel, Irene Lloren and Paul Morissette Photographer: Brandon Barré
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Grosvenor Americas – Square One Interiors Inc.
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rosvenor Americas’ newly renovated Vancouver office is a far cry from what it used to be. With the help of Square One Interiors, the space was transformed from dated, dark and dysfunctional to sophisticated and collaborative. “Our client is extremely happy with their space. The design, finishes, plan/flow, lighting, desks, etc, have all contributed to create a workspace that people love being in. They are already looking at expansion options,” says Jennifer Hamilton, partner at Square One Interiors. Grosvenor Americas is a leading development company that has occupied the same location for 30 years. The office was in need of a re-design to accommodate growth, encourage seamless collaboration between departments and to reflect the calibre of their residential developments. The design criteria was to create a new branded presence within Vancouver and update their image to reflect the sophisticated communities they develop, according to Hamilton. “They were thoroughly professional and open to options that would allow their workplace to become a first-class environment,” she says. Challenges included a small floor plate, outdated mechanical and electrical systems and building columns that didn’t relate to the exterior glazing break up. “There were many base building issues that were challenging – especially when many areas didn’t meet the current code,” says Hamilton. “Most of these issues were overcome by stripping the space back to concrete to see the true potential of the space.” Stripping the existing walls, ceilings and floors allowed the square footage to be increased, ceilings raised and sightlines improved. The design team opened up the floor plate and used extensive glazing to allow natural light to penetrate to the interior spaces. Offices were moved to the core wall and low profile workstation clusters added the density required for growth. The new layout features minimal walls that are either glazed or act as backdrops for technology and the company’s art collection. Branding inspiration was taken from the company’s focus of creating ‘Living Cities” where sustainable evolving communities are of key
importance. Grosvenors’ strength of brand is reinforced by understated quality detailing and sophisticated finishes such as the onyx desk finish, recessed bronze detailing and custom horizontal walnut millwork. Use of repetitive design elements and architectural materials created a space that is professional, vibrant and warm. Project highlights include variations of suspended circular pendant lighting to add impact and drama, bespoke walnut paneling and over-scaled walnut pivot doors. The expansive ceiling heights are emphasized with monolithic material choices and linear lighting. The new 8,000 square foot office is a refined, timeless space that is responsive to current work styles, successfully connecting each department visually and spatially to create an internal dynamic and energy. “With a 360 degree view, energy is created through shifting infused light,” says Hamilton. The project was also designed to LEED Gold requirements for commercial interiors which was awarded in October 2015.
Registered Interior Designer: Jennifer Hamilton, R.I.D. Design Team: Cynthia Ziolkoski, Amy Hagedorn and Colleen Cridland Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence RESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Point Grey Residence — Evoke International Design
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ith a north-facing orientation and a property with a natural slope, the goal for this Vancouver home was to create a space with an abundance of natural light throughout the day. To achieve this, Evoke International Design conceived the house as two building blocks on each level connected by a steel and glass atrium, creating a sense of division within a connected space. Adding the two distinct volumes also provides a cross ventilation route for passive heat escape through operable windows and skylights, according to Evoke principal David Nicolay. A stair core provides a glazed connection between the two blocks, allowing daylight to penetrate deep in to the space from various orientations. The flow of the plan is stepped to follow the natural grading of the site, allowing for natural progression through the house. Despite the large scale of the house at 11,600 square feet, it was important to create areas that felt more intimate and the interior planning had to be very open and informal with space for entertaining. “The family moved from a much smaller house but have told me that although the house is large, they feel it is very much a home and feels intimate,” says Nicolay. To break up the mass of the building, on the main level, the atrium separates the great room from the den and family room without the need for more dividing walls. On the upper level, it separates the master bedroom suite from the rest of the bedrooms. Located on the north side, the master bedroom features continuous floor-to-ceiling glazing to expose the room to the views and maximize daylight exposure. The aesthetic was developed with a minimal material palette throughout. Walnut was consistently used for millwork, paneling and floors while basalt was used for all the flooring on the main level. Natural stone, wood and glass were also used to reflect a modern West Coast regional feel. A particular highlight is the combination of natural materials in the master bath.
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The main level on the north contains the living, dining and kitchen areas, which connect seamlessly to the patio and swimming pool. Sliding glass doors completely open the interior to the patio space, allowing the living space to be extended in warmer weather. “The glass wall opens to allow for a 25 foot opening to the pool deck,” says Nicolay. The firm won two 2015 IDIBC Award of Excellences in the residential category — one for this unique home and another for the Waterfront residence.
Registered Interior Designer: David Nicolay, R.I.D. Design Team: Simon Montgomery and Dean Collingridge Photographer: Janis Nicolay of Janis Nicolay Photography
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence RESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Waterfront Residence — Evoke International Design
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his 1965 townhouse residence underwent a major renovation to transform it into a gorgeous home that takes full advantage of the views to the water and downtown Vancouver. Evoke International Design successfully created a highly informal design and tailored aesthetic for the home that now lives much larger than its 2,200 square feet. The living, kitchen, dining, lounge and outdoor areas combine seamlessly from front to back to deliver a serene feel for daily living and a lively vibe for social gatherings. “The client had a unique objective which enabled us to create a plan that is a departure from traditional living,” says David Nicolay, principal of Evoke International Design. “Inspiration was drawn from the existing architecture and the client desire for an eclectic modernism with dramatic finishes.” The finish palette is dark and dramatic with black walnut millwork, honed black marble stone counters and basalt tiles throughout. The basalt flooring carries out to the pool deck for a seamless connection. The desired indoor-outdoor connection was also achieved by removing almost all existing interior walls and upper floor rooms, and replacing exterior walls with folding glass doors that open onto the south-facing courtyard and provide direct access to the new swimming pool. Removing all the upper floor rooms allowed for a wide open gathering space for the kitchen, living and dining areas. “Renovation of an existing building built in the 1960s meant lots of upgrading,” says Nicolay. “The biggest challenge was fitting a meaningful size and scale pool in the entry courtyard.” Nicolay’s favourite parts of the design include the connection from the main floor to the pool deck and the sliding millwork panel door that separates the master bath from the sleeping area but can be opened up to enjoy the North Shore views from the tub. Exterior walls were also replaced with sliding glass doors in the master bedroom, connecting the inside to the hot tub and landscaped patio. The lower floor required planning for two bedrooms
with direct access to a lower level deck and hot tub, again with waterfront views. The kitchen, between the dining and living areas, provides a physical and visual connection to all spaces with the island acting as an entertainment bar. The kitchen millwork was designed to blend in as wall panelling, putting the focus on the honed black marble island. Additionally, the design had to accommodate the client’s large collection of vintage furniture and varied artwork. Strategic wall locations are well lit for the art and the large living room allows for a collection of furniture at a scale usually reserved for larger homes. The successful transformation earned the design firm an IDIBC Award of Excellence. “It is an honour to be recognized by your peers and we are proud to receive this recognition,” says Nicolay, whose firm also won an Award of Excellence for Point Grey residence.
Registered Interior Designer: David Nicolay, R.I.D. Design Team: Simon Montgomery and Dean Collingridge Photographer: Janis Nicolay of Janis Nicolay Photography
Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Tang Residence — Area3 Design Studio Inc.
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RETAIL AND KIOSKS AWARD OF MERIT Campo Marzio Metrotown — Mitchell Freedland Design
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linging to a stack of images that had been collected over the years, the owners of this 1992 home had a dream of turning it into a relaxing and modern environment. They wanted a space that was more inviting, interactive and family-oriented. Over the course of the renovation, special attention was paid to the main floor to help the vision come to life. The kitchen layout was modified to include a nine-foot island, beverage area, spice kitchen and a peninsula to service the patio and dining area. The library was created as a space for the children to study and to showcase the family’s heirloom book collection. Upstairs, the master ensuite became a serene spa retreat, complete with Japanese soaker tub, walk-in shower, trough-style sink and towel warmers. The final look is modern luxury.
o develop a new retail brand identity for an 80-year-old Italian stationary, pen and leather goods company, the design needed to pay homage to the company’s history and yet also bring order to the myriad of products. The solution was to create a custom display system to offer flexibility to an ever-changing product line. The graphic charcoal trim on the system is the visual strength that unifies the merchandise while the white display areas provide a clean backdrop for the colourful products. Outside, the graphic lines of the storefront abstractly reference ledger paper, a nod to the company’s history of stationary and writing instruments. In an effort to draw attention to both the display systems and the storefront, the ceiling and floor were kept dark and neutral for a clear, cohesive and visual statement that unifies the vast product line.
Judges comments: “It’s a very cohesive project; cohesive living space. Beautiful, contemporary space.”
Judges comments: “Like any good design, it looks like it could have been designed in any time period. It’s beautiful. Very merchandise-friendly.”
Registered Interior Designer: Brenda Chiu, R.I.D. Design Team: Lisa Hansen, Marion Nordin Photographer: Kristen McGaughey
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Registered Interior Designer: Mitchell Freedland, R.I.D Design Team: Gerald Day, Intern IDIBC Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence RETAIL AND KIOSKS AWARD OF MERIT Guildford Town Centre — MCM Interiors Ltd.
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PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL AWARD OF MERIT Vancouver Aquarium Expansion & Revitalization MCM Interiors Ltd.
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uildford Town Centre required a major renovation and expansion in order to reclaim its place as a hub for the region. The design concept introduced “coastal zones” — forest, meadows and water — with a goal to reflect nature in a non-literal way. The revitalized centre court acts as a gathering space and anchor to the various wings, each with a distinct identity, and features a 2,000 square foot vertical living wall. Circular motifs were introduced in the lighting, flooring and ceiling to reflect rain drops. The desire was to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor with water features and expansive skylights to enhance this feeling. In addition, the stick graphic of the logo, representing trees and grasses, was used as a common theme throughout the mall to unify each area.
o enhance the guest experience at the Vancouver Aquarium, the space was reconfigured to accommodate a new entrance, Teck Connections Gallery, washrooms, a bistro restaurant and gift shop to enhance the public’s experience. Each area was given its own identity, marked with textures and bold wall graphics to draw visitors in. A new doublehelix staircase, featuring the custom world globe, was installed to ease traffic flow. and direct visitors to the lower Arctic Gallery. The wood slat ceiling in a stylized log jam pattern creates depth, provides acoustic elements and reflects the natural surroundings of Stanley Park. The use of natural materials throughout the galleries provides a neutral backdrop to highlight the displays and can easily transform into public gathering spaces for after-hours events.
Judges comments: “Way to re-invent that ceiling. Super well-done. This is really well done. Look at those columns. Ribbon could be an artwork installation!”
Judges Comments: “Mega graphics were nicely handled and very tasteful. Ceiling — lots of detail there. They definitely understand good retail and good public space.”
Registered Interior Designer: Edith Wormsbecker, R.I.D. Design Team: Lara Pisicoli, R.I.D., John Parkinson, Denise Haddock Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Registered Interior Designer: Edith Wormsbecker, R.I.D. Design Team: Florence Langenegger and Carly Neal Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence HOSPITALITY AWARD OF MERIT Element Vancouver Metrotown — Chil Interior Design
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WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Metrotower III Office — Stantec
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his project is the first for this brand in western Canada. Because of the large footprint of the building, the design needed to be scaled up to enhance the multiple meeting rooms and public gathering areas, extensive glazing and double-height spaces. The open-flow guestrooms are bright and have expansive windows that take advantage of the view to Burnaby Mountain, the north shore mountains and lower mainland. Unique to the property is an entire floor dedicated to meeting and banquet space with two small commercial kitchens. The existing elements were spiced up with hints of plum and fresh green, making the space feel more vibrant, energizing and dynamic. Additional accents included textured plaster panels in the lobby as well as bold wallcoverings and other graphic fabrics. The result is a space that flows, feels comfortable and has visual interest.
he objective of this project was to transform the existing silo office culture into a collaborative, open and integrated team environment designed to promote staff interaction and connect employees from different generations. The design capitalized on all available natural light and access to great views, incorporating built-in flexibility for emerging lifestyle trends, future growth and ease of change. Drop-in desks allow field staff and visitors from other offices to have a temporary home without occupying a meeting room. Meeting spaces are clearly defined by strong punches of floor colour to ensure they remain true to their initial purpose. Open café areas have emerged as the social hub of the office to encourage impromptu exchanges between co-workers. Now, the new workplace supports how people work today, anticipates the needs of the future and empowers peak performance.
Judges Comments: “That’s gorgeous. Finishes support the view outside. Modest enough to let the view be the star.”
Judges comments: “It’s very cohesive. Very collaborative as per their intent. It’s good. It’s how offices should look.”
Registered Interior Designer: Adele Pransky, R.I.D. Photographer: Brandon Barré
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Registered Interior Designer: Harry Berg, R.I.D. Design Team: Janice Hicks, Ann Sutherland, Camille Gobet and Mazi Irani Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence SPECIALTY DESIGN AWARD OF MERIT Grosvenor Americas (Boardroom Lighting) Square One Interiors Inc.
SPECIALTY DESIGN AWARD OF MERIT Campo Marzio Metrotown (Illumination of Merchandise) Mitchell Freedland Design
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rosvenor Americas had occupied the same space for 30 years but needed a re-design to reflect the caliber of their residential developments. A critical element in establishing the look and feel of the space was the boardroom: a high-profile, strategically located room that is also visible from the reception area. This was the perfect opportunity to create an impressive custom light fixture. The introduction of repetitive design elements, including variations of suspended circular pendant lighting provide maximum drama and impact that emphasizes the expansive ceiling height. With sophisticated dimming options that are responsive to occupancy and daylight, the light fixture is the perfect fit for the multi-purpose and functional requirements of the room.
Judges Comments: “It would be attractive and memorable from the street. It makes an impression. The quality of the light is beautiful.”
Registered Interior Designer: Jennifer Hamilton, R.I.D. Design Team: Cynthia Ziolkoski, Amy Hagedorn and Colleen Cridland Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
or this 80-year-old Italian stationary and leather goods company, the design needed to integrate the brand’s history and yet also bring order to the variety of products. The answer was to create a custom display system to offer flexibility to the ever-changing merchandise. Built-in lighting dramatically highlights the vast product line, heightening the presence of the product in a theatrical manner that fully supports the interior concept developed for the brand. This comes from the integral illumination in the shelving system, as well as the retail track lighting from above.
Judges Comments: “Proper specification and use of lighting in proportion to the space. Right choice of lighting for the display.”
Registered Interior Designer: Mitchell Freedland, R.I.D. Design Team: Gerald Day, Intern IDIBC Photographer: Ema Peter Photography
Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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create unique spaces By Jason Durkee
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t’s the first place homeowners gravitate to every morning to invigorate for the day that lies ahead. Where they go to find a peaceful retreat when chaos reigns supreme. However, for as much tranquility as the space can bring, the bathroom can also be a clumsily orchestrated hive of activity at any given time. The bathroom, for as much time as homeowners spend in there on a daily basis, may not always get the treatment or praise it deserves. So how does one even begin to give back to such a multidimensional space that diligently goes about the business of pleasing and providing on a daily basis? Below are some trends.
bold + colourful Make it feel beautiful and it will return the favour tenfold Much like elevating the perfect outfit by accessorizing, the same can be said in the approach to the bathroom finishes. Think of the necklace that sets off that little black dress. Neutrals, earth tones and cool coastal colours always tend to be in season as a base to bring an overall sense of calm to the space. That base provides the perfect canvas and affords the opportunity to inject a bit of personal flare. Styles with coordinating colour options are a must. There’s much to be said about the bold statement of a matte black, the warmth of champagne bronze, or even combining traditional finishes with elements of colour to the sparkle of polished nickel.
new kind of clean Mind, body & soul Get reacquainted with the restroom, take some time, catch up, rest… it is in the name after all! Make those minutes of harmony and serenity feel like an eternity, it’s not necessarily about an escape, it’s about being omnipresent. Many homeowners are becoming one again with the bathroom by finding ways to do just that. The tub, for example,
is the ultimate in hydrotherapy. No longer tucked in the corner and dismissed, but rather pulled out and positioned as the noble centerpiece. And what is nobility without the crowning jewel that is the freestanding tub filler — the sculpture, the talking point — the reason to allow company to invade the master bath, if but only for a moment as to not become too familiar.
technical solutions It’s all about clever solutions that not only enhance the personal style of the space, but anticipate needs and fits the homeowner’s lifestyle. There is the general fog of the morning or little ones enforcing their independence. From the faucet that’s mindful of when it has not been turned off to informing the little ones of water temperature with simple coloured displays. Allow the space to be informed and it will in turn inform homeowners.
inspiration Whatever it is, find that inspiration to create a unique space for the homeowner. Create that inspired space for them and it will in turn inspire them for years to come. DQ Jason Durkee is media & PR marketing specialist at Masco Canada. Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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decorative hardware Hardware, although not necessarily the star in a kitchen or bath, nevertheless plays a key role in the overall design and functionality of the space. The right hardware can add personality or that whimsical touch that ties the entire look together while providing the convenience and ergonomics desired. By Mihai Subran
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ecorative hardware has two important roles in kitchen and bath design, positioned in between the design and function. Hardware allows for functional use of cabinets and the right hardware can change the look of any space. Today’s hardware is available in a variety of finishes and materials that, when selected appropriately, can have an impact on the overall feel of the room. Three major concept designs currently are shaping the kitchen and bath industry environment:
timeless Timeless blend or transitional with updated classic pulls with modest detailing. Not too modern and not too classic, just a perfect blend of both to ensure the kitchen will look classic but clean.
streamlined Pristine streamlined or modern features minimal hardware design: clean, integrated to the cabinet either as recessed or over the edge.
sophisticated Sophisticated luxury or classic with careful detailing on a larger size product, mixing finishes between the cabinet and the appliances.
other trends: Back in time: reproductions bringing the nostalgia of different eras, some of them in the original form and some with contemporary touches. Glamourous: shiny materials and many crystals, gold, silver, diamond shapes, Murano glass. Rustic, ethno and barn: rough elements and aged materials combined with ultramodern ideas for a today’s twist. Nature inspirations: leafs, branches, grass, fruits. Dual combinations of materials: metals combined with stone, wood, glass, concrete, acrylic, leather. DQ Mihai Subran is product manager for Richelieu Hardware, a specialized hardware company for the kitchen and bath industry. 14
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NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL AT NANAIMO REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL BEING POWER SMART MAKES BUSINESS SENSE Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s new 6,200 square metre Emergency Room and Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit is not your usual hospital wing: gone are the skimpy curtains between the beds, the stale air, the gloomy institutional paint on the walls. Opened in fall 2012, the addition is bright, airy and fresh. It’s also incredibly energy efficient. By working with BC Hydro’s New Construction Program to energy-model the new addition, the designer was able to select and install a series of energy-saving measures that will save an estimated 1.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. These savings are enough to power around 100 homes for a year. “For a small investment in the beginning, you get a long-term reduction on your operational costs year after year,” says Deanna Fourt, Director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Island Health. “We estimate payback at just seven years. And I believe the way the unit was designed has had a great effect on patients as well. It’s a calming and beautiful space.”
Are you looking for new ways to build better? Visit bchydro.com/construction or call 1 866 522 4713 to learn more.
Deanna Fourt, Director of Energy Efficiency & Conservation for Island Health.
BUILDEX is Canada’s largest group of trade Construction, Architecture, Property Man
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We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver. We expect over 13,500 attendees to join us again for 60+ seminars and over 150,000 sq. ft. of tradeshow floor. If you work in the industry, you cannot afford to miss this event! Register today.
The largest event of its kind in Edmonton, BUILDEX has become a must-attend trade show and conference for the Design, Construction and Property Management Industries. BUILDEX Edmonton is your gateway to the Northern Alberta market.
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timeless kitchens
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s the centre of activity, where people gather, socialize, and spend most of their time, it’s no secret that the kitchen has likely become a homeowner’s biggest asset — both for lifestyle and resale value. Today, much attention is being placed on how a room is laid out, the design, and its functionality. But, creating the ultimate kitchen can be a costly venture. With that in mind, it is always good to think long-term and create a design that is current, but timeless. Here are some simple tips on how to construct a dream kitchen that will look good today and years from now.
pieces of a kitchen. To keep a classic look, these should always be simple and clean in design.
dollars and sense
cabinets
It makes the most sense to put money into items that are used often and have a strong visual impact. Think countertops, cabinets, appliances, and islands, which are foundation
In most kitchens, cabinetry should last approximately 15 years but with today’s advancements in hardware, materials, and millwork, it’s lasting twice as long. This is due in large part to using
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2015
countertops One of the most popular materials on the market today is quartz countertops. Durable and scratch resistant, with a natural stone look, quartz is the best option for a wellused kitchen. White countertops that replicate real marble will always be on trend, and quartz manufacturers now offer a range of selections that look like the real thing. Natural veining adds pattern and texture, where needed, but also helps conceal wear and tear on the counter’s surface.
quality products such as plywood, wood drawers, and soft close hardware (this mechanism will slow down the wear and tear of cabinets), which are less likely to break down over time. For a classic look, white cabinets are an easy way to transition into modern and traditional spaces. Use timeless designs such as shaker Maple or slab MDF — painted white. And consider oak. Yes, it’s back, but not the old cathedral looking doors with flat grain. Today, we are seeing oak in slab or modified shaker, with a flat or quarter-sawn grain, white washed or natural with a matte finish (absolutely no gloss!).
appliances Stainless Steel is still one of the best options for appliances. While other colours may come onto the scene, stainless steel’s popularity continues to increase every year. In short, it is always a safe bet. There is also an increased
I m ag e Cred i t t o P in e co n e P h o t o g r ap h
By Jamie Banfield
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demand in commercial grade appliances that offer all of the latest technology. High functioning and energy efficient, these innovative pieces of equipment are ideal for any at home chef, who wants restaurant style appliances at their fingertips. Some of the newest kitchen equipment hitting the mark: steam ovens, urban cultivators giving access to fresh herbs 24/7, and fridges with BioFresh technology, which keeps produce at optimal humidity and temperatures.
islands Regardless of a kitchen’s size, islands are a great addition. As a place for gathering, entertaining, and keeping the cook connected to guests, it also adds a multi-purpose element for prepping, cooking, clean-up, and storage. We are seeing more and more islands with sinks, dishwashers, wine fridges, and induction cooktops.
adding personality With a kitchen that has a more classic and clean look, adding in design trends is as simple as incorporating splashes of colour and texture through wall paint, hardware, fixtures, etc. These smaller investment items can add personality to a space but can easily be changed out in the future. Not to be overlooked, the backsplash can also have a big visual impact in the kitchen. When considering what to use, go one of two ways. Make a statement using colour, mosaics, and patterns or use clean subway tiles or solid slabs of quartz/stone to create a neutral backdrop. For added punch, place coloured appliances like a fire engine red KitchenAid mixer on the counter, and transition out over time.
it’s all in the design plan Before even considering any of the above
Regardless of a kitchen’s size, islands are a great addition. options, it’s important to note that any type of kitchen project, whether it’s a remodel or new construction, should always begin with a proper design plan. With so many things to contemplate, an interior designer that specializes in kitchens will ensure all of the elements come together seamlessly. The end result — a functional, yet stylish space, uniquely tailored to suit the needs of the homeowner, and classic enough to stand the test of time. DQ Jamie Banfield is principal of Jamie Banfield Design, a full service awarding winning interior design firm in Vancouver. Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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building a social media platform How online media platforms can help designers build their brands by Amanda Hamilton
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hether it’s traditional marketing or through one of the various social media platforms, brand promotion has never been easier. These various online channels are effective for advertising and self-promotion, however the real opportunity for connecting with potential clients lies in the ability to develop relationships both locally and across the globe. By providing information of value, sharing resources, collaborating and providing advice within a field of expertise, this communication builds trust and respect with potential clients, vendors and design enthusiasts, all of whom will promote and champion these brands. This digital footprint is visible through the style of communication, type of content, level of transparency and visual imagery shared online. Attaining information has evolved with the public seeking information via twitter and blogs, sharing images and stories through Instagram and Facebook, and collecting inspiration with applications like Pinterest and Houzz. To effectively connect and collaborate with target clients or vendors, it is important to understand the basic attributes of the more notable platforms being used in the design community. All of these channels have analytics available to measure the effectiveness of a post, evaluate the reach and ultimately track which content is resonating with a target audience.
instagram Founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in October of 2010, Instagram has been ranked as the number one photo sharing platform. With more than 300 million monthly active users, Instagram is an added tool likened to sketching, rendering and technical drawings and aids to communicate concepts which might otherwise be difficult to explain. With hashtags as specific as #yycdesign or general as #DesignInspo, finding and supplying information and inspiration has never been easier. While 90 per cent of Instagram users are under the age of 35 which leaves out a relatively large demographic of potential reach, it is likely that it will continue to be a leader in image based sharing applications.
twitter Coming up on almost a decade, Twitter grew rapidly despite the fact it was almost impos20
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sible to explain other than “a short burst of inconsequential information.” Forging the way for real-time information sharing, this platform acts as a microblog and averages 316 million active users. With 500 million tweets being sent out daily Twitter’s mission is “to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers.” While users are limited to 140 characters, this practice of brevity not only creates more articulate content, it allows the design community to share bits of useful information. What was once a one-sided conversation has evolved into multi-user interaction, promoting dialogue on everything from the latest trends and feature magazine editorial to new research in universal design or a new green building material. Further, users can create an individualized new feed focused on a topic of interest or lists directed at a specific user group to gain inside information into an industry.
facebook Created by Mark Zuckerberg in his Harvard dorm room in 2014, Facebook has morphed from hosting college students to more than 1.49 billion monthly active users. With the opportunity to create business pages, sell, advertise and promote content, Facebook acts much like an online advertising tool. In addition to be being a better platform for posting more in-depth content, it is particularly useful for posting more informal photos like candid behind the scene images, progress photographs or personal messages to clients.
pinterest + houzz Both platforms, Pinterest and Houzz act as virtual inspiration platforms sans corkboard and pushpins. While Pinterest features images from anything like the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans to vintages cars, Houzz is solely focused on the collection of images in the architecture and interior design industry making it more streamlined. However, both tools allow users to create thematic pin boards labeled everything from “dream house” to “restaurant design,” allowing greater insight into the direction of a project. Not surprisingly, designers are one of the number one users of both platforms, creating a playground of stylish images for clients to collect and share. Ultimately, face-to-face interaction still remains the best form of communication. The subtle nuances of body language, cues apparent in facial recognition and the use of tone and emphasis are difficult to read via online applications. However, used efficiently and strategically alongside personal interaction and traditional marketing, online tools are incredibly effective at reaching larger audiences, growing brands and furthering education within the design community. There is awe and wonder behind creative work that deserves to be shared and used to fuel inspiration in others. DQ Amanda Hamilton is the founder and creative director of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design and her eponymous collection of textiles and lifestyle goods.
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collaborative project delivery Architects’ role as the trusted advisor By Scott Douglas Located in Surrey, the RCMP E Division Headquarters is a landmark P3 project. As an integrated, purpose-built complex, it provides 820,000 square feet of consolidated office and support space for 2,700 police personnel, previously housed in 25 separate locations throughout the BC Lower Mainland.
project delivery
P h o t o C re d it : E d Wh it e P h ot o g r ap h ic s
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n today’s business market, it’s surprising the number of design firms that are far too comfortable in their historical role as a “required consultant” in the conventional design-bid-build project delivery model, even when this role has become less appealing in an evolving and increasingly adversarial project delivery world. Alternatively, engaging in the design/ build, P3 and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) models continues to keep firms relevant, differentiating them and widening their client base locally, nationally and internationally. Learning clients’ businesses and becoming their “trusted advisors” is far more interesting and rewarding, not only on each project, but also in leading to desirable repeat business with preferred clients. Over the past decade, Kasian has completed more than $3 billion of projects in these “alternate” project delivery opportunities. Of course this is not a simple decision for a design firm to make and likely requires a new definition for “client service”, along with a new design business attitude, to work collaboratively as a stakeholder with constructors, facility operation managers and sometimes complex financial consortiums.
design delivery As an integrated architectural and interior design firm, Kasian’s process of collaborating with large groups of project stakeholders right from the start of a project, from within the project context and including industry experts external to the client’s organization, into design workshops is easily adapted to the variable needs of design/build, P3 and IPD projects. Almost before putting pen to paper (or mouse to screen), it is necessary to agree on the “design road-map” for the project’s success, through: • Developing Design Drivers. • Developing Imagery that further defines the Design Drivers. • Benchmarking together relevant completed projects, to agree on what is “good” and what “isn’t good”. • Combining all if this process into the Project Vision roadmap. With this approach, all stakeholders can work together fluidly and linearly through design concepts keeping focused on the best solution and checking back regularly with the Project Vision roadmap, without ever wondering “How did we get here?”
While building design workshops may not be a new concept to design firms, using construction technical workshops in a similar manner may be. These alternate construction procurement methods also require different methods for delivering the construction documentation. Notwithstanding the ways that BIM is also changing construction procurement and documentation production, close collaboration with the constructor and major sub-trades in these technical workshops can focus the team on only the specific documentation that needs to be produced for tendering and construction, and more importantly, when and in what sequence. Similarly, during the construction phases of these projects, these established collaborative relationships, are well positioned to allow significant changes in construction materials, sequencing and details, to accommodate necessary changes in availability, schedule and varying site conditions.
where to from here? Although there is some natural adversarial hangover even in the D/B and P3 project delivery models, this decreases as successful teams repeat their learning together on subsequent projects. From that increasingly comfortable platform, it’s an easy jump mentally and functionally to the Integrated Project Delivery model. Wouldn’t it be great to be among practical equals within projects as the trusted advisor, not only sharing the experience and learning, but also some of the risk with more of the reward? It feels like the way of the future. DQ Scott Douglas has been practicing architecture in Western Canada for over 30 years, for a wide variety of regional and national design/build and developer clients. As a senior principal at Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning, he is valued for his ability to merge creativity and practicality in complex projects. Fall 2015 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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New Public Art Gallery
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY UNVEILED The Vancouver Art Gallery has unveiled Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron’s conceptual design for a new museum building in downtown Vancouver. The 310,000-square-foot building is designed to serve the Gallery’s expanding collection. The new building features over 85,000 square feet of exhibition space—more than doubling its current size—with 40,000 square feet of galleries dedicated to the museum’s vast collection. It also features a new education centre that includes a 350-seat auditorium, workshops and a resource centre for research, library services and artist archives. Herzog & de Meuron has designed the Vancouver Art Gallery’s new museum, featuring a wood cladding, as a symmetrical, upright building combining opaque and transparent surfaces, with larger volumes concentrated at the top and minimal mass at the bottom. The estimated cost is $350 million, which still needs to be raised from public and private sources.
American Standard Promotion American Standard Brands is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Del Guidice to director of marketing for the company’s Canadian division, based in Mississauga. Del Guidice joined American Standard in 2014 as product marketing manager, with more than 15 years of reputable experience in the kitchen and bath industry. In his new role, Michael will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies and programs, which will continue to elevate American Standard as a market leader in Canada.
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Shovels will go in the ground in early 2016 for Polygon Gallery, a new public art gallery on Vancouver’s waterfront. Major funding by federal, provincial and municipal governments for a total of $7.5 million enables Presentation House Gallery to move forward in constructing a new, purpose-built facility after more than 30 years in the cramped quarters of a shared heritage building. The organization has already raised $6.5M in private donations for the facility. Designed by renowned B.C. firm Patkau Architects, the Polygon Gallery will be Vancouver’s first new public art gallery of the 21st century. The new building in 2017 is designed to be operationally self-sustaining, and includes a gift shop and cafe, as well as exhibition and education space. Polygon Gallery will take its name from Polygon Homes Ltd., which provided lead funding for the building in partnership with the Audain Foundation. Polygon Homes CEO Michael Audain has been a long-time advocate for the visual arts in Canada.
UBC to build one of the world’s tallest wood buildings One of the tallest wood buildings in the world will soon be constructed at UBC, providing housing for hundreds of students. When completed, the $51.5-million residence building will stand 53 metres tall (about 174 feet). Construction of the 18-storey tall wood student residence will begin later this fall, and the building is set to open in September 2017. It will house 404 students in 272 studios and 33 four-bedroom units, and feature study and social gathering spaces. There will also be a ground-floor lounge and study space for commuter students. The tall wood building will consist of a mass timber superstructure atop a concrete base. The building will seek to achieve a minimum LEED Gold certification. UBC Properties Trust is managing the project. The project’s architect, Vancouver’s Acton Ostry Architects, is working in collaboration with tall wood advisor Architekten Hermann Kaufmann from Austria. Fast + Epp, another local firm, is the structural engineer.
RAIC announces new executive director Following an intensive selection process, the board of directors of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced the appointment of Jody Ciufo, of Ottawa, as its new executive director. She assumes her duties at the RAIC in December. Ciufo brings extensive experience in management of national non-profit associations. She is currently the executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA), the national voice for affordable housing issues. During a 30-year-career, she has also worked with the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (Engineers Canada), the Canadian Automobile Association and the Canadian Red Cross Society.
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