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FALL 2018 Vol. 19 No.2
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in this issue
06 Features
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06 Designer Profile
Dustin Couzens, principal and co-founder of Modern Office of Design + Architecture, shares insights to how timing, luck and forward thinking clients have propelled the young firm’s success.
13 Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence
ON THE COVER: This stunning Beach Avenue Residence by Aaron MacKenzie-Moore won the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award at the IDIBC Awards of Excellence. Photo: Ema Peter
Departments 04 FROM THE EDITOR 46 Design Headlines Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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from the editor
Project Challenges
FALL 2018 Vol. 19 No.2
www.designquarterly.ca PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Tang Creative Inc.
B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
PUBLISHED BY
PRESIDENT Kevin Brown
Renovations are hard work. So although I said I would not undertake any more renovation projects, we recently did another one in our home. To give our daughter her own bedroom, we had to renovate a room in the basement. As with any renovation project, we encountered challenges: possible asbestos (tested and none found), insulation issues, sloping floors etc. But in the end, the hard work paid off and we created a beautiful new space for our daughter that she can call her own. Overcoming project challenges is a big part of the design process, and no one knows that better than the registered interior designers who were honoured at the 2018 IDIBC Shine Awards of Excellence. Taking top honours was Aaron Mackenzie-Moore for his execution of a demanding project that saw the connection of two floors in a condo tower to create a stunning new residential space. IDIBC also introduced a new award: Interior Designer of the Year. The winner was Tiina Vaholta of Cutler for Boardwalk Optometry. Transforming an outdated optometrist office into a modern environment earned high praise from the judges. All the winners are highlighted in the following pages of this issue. For our profile, we speak with Calgary architect Dustin Couzens, principal of Modern Office of Design and Architecture. The young firm is finding success by pushing the boundaries with innovative solutions in multi-family building typology, and earning international attention for their efforts.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor cherylm@mediaedge.ca
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
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DESIGNER PROFILE
Lakeview Residence 6
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
DESIGNER PROFILE
Pushing
C
By Cheryl Mah
Calgary-based Modern Office of Design + Architecture (MoDA) is not afraid to push traditional boundaries, question the status quo or to break new ground. Challenging the design convention in multi-family building typology has set the firm apart. “We are definitely a firm known for questioning well worn rules, well worn ways of doing things. We want to push the envelope,” says MoDA partner and co-founder Dustin Couzen. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an initial group of clients that have trusted our ideas and our vision. In a city like Calgary, venturing outside of the status quo — just that takes a tremendous amount of fortitude on behalf of a client.” Delivering architecturally innovative solutions has put an international spotlight on MoDA with projects earning prestigious accolades at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), American Architecture Prize and Architizer A+Awards. The international attention has transformed the firm’s business, according to Couzens, with large developers from Orlando, New York and Toronto now knocking at its door. “Our most creative work has been working with very young start up developers, but increasingly older established corporate developers are willing to talk to us,” he says. “They are realizing there is maybe an advantage to doing something different than the stereotypical four-storey pitched roof, vinyl-sided condo building that proliferates probably 98 per cent of the market.” Born and raised in Calgary, Couzens has watched the city grow and evolve, especially in the last 10-15 years. He believes the fundamental change is how Calgary has matured from a transient city into one where people want to invest, live and retire. This change creates a new level of demand in housing that has given MoDA opportunities to work on exciting commissions including single family homes. “Only in the last year we’ve been open to taking on single family homes. We’re doing some incredible work at that scale with some incredible clients in Calgary,” says Couzens.
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DESIGNER PROFILE
The firm’s design sensibility is carefully balanced with strict financial responsibility.
82/114
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The eight-person boutique firm has come a long way in five years with Couzens crediting success to a combination of luck, hard work, forward thinking clients and being at the right place at the right time. “With a different generation demanding more of where they live and work, that just happens to fit nicely with our design philosophy,” he says. The firm’s design sensibility is carefully balanced with strict financial responsibility. It takes more than just talent to change the minds of profit driven developers. “We have had to be incredibly financially responsible in our designs,” notes Couzens. “Our projects are for private speculative developments with stringent bottom lines. We have to work extra hard and extra creatively in mining efficiencies and cost savings in order to produce something just a bit outside of the every day.” Being able to speak the language of developers has allowed MoDA to marry what Couzens describes as “hard metrics — gross floor area,
pro forma — with soft metrics of architecture like diversity of units.” Learning the business side of architecture was encouraged early on by his mentor and a good family friend Jeremy Sturgess, a renowned Calgary architect. It led Couzens to the University of Calgary where he completed an undergraduate degree in commerce before earning a Masters Degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Environmental Design in 2004. After graduation, he moved to Austria where he worked for the internationally renowned firm CoopHimmelblau. “It was incredibly eye-opening in the formative years of my career — experiencing how a large firm was approaching architecture,” says Couzens, who grew up in an artistic environment: his father was a sculptor and his mother, a painter. He returned to Calgary in 2006 and worked at Mckinley Burkart where he reconnected with Ben Klumper, who he knew from architecture school. They both had the desire to start a practice but felt
the timing was not right for a new young firm with outside of the box thinking to compete with the many large established architecture firms dominating the market. Couzens stayed at Mckinley Burkart for four years before moving to the Vancouver office of IBI Group, gaining experience in large commercial and residential work under Jim Hancock and Martin Bruckner. A teaching opportunity at the University of Calgary brought Couzens home in 2008 where he remains today as a sessional professor. In 2013, he and Klumper launched MoDA. “We didn’t have a single client when we decided to launch,” says Couzens, explaining they made a conscious decision not to be like many new firms and start with single family homes. “We decided to pursue larger work and started cold calling multi-family developers.” While trying to convince developers to give a young firm a shot was a daunting challenge, they were able to find a few similar minded pioneers. After successfully delivering their
DESIGNER PROFILE
Hive
“At five years, we’re at a crossroads,” says Couzens.
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first project and proving they could do it with a creative design while also meeting the bottom line, they were on their way. “To this day, the majority of our work is in multi-family housing. It is what has put us on the map and garnered us the most attention,” says Couzens. Village and Grow, two of the firm’s most awarded projects, are examples of how MoDA is trying to overhaul the multi-family housing paradigm with innovative and avant-garde urban design. Couzens calls the Village their “most radical social experiment.” The proposed 78 unit condo building features an assortment of unit types: studio, loft, condo and townhouse, all under one pixelated roof-scape. “The idea is to have an elderly couple living next to a student, living next to a civil servant, living next to a white collar office worker to create a true village environment,” he explains.
The Grow, under construction, also aims to redefine the multi-family building typology. The 20-unit development challenges the typical three storey box by incorporating three sloping topographic ‘switchbacks’ and urban farming on the roof. “One thing that’s really finding its way into a lot of our projects is really redefining who the public is in our city and who the private is in our city, and seeing opportunities for those two separate worlds to overlap. In that overlap, sometimes something special emerges like the Hive project and 82/114,” says Couzens. Among their current projects are 82/114, a large multi-family development in Edmonton; the ambitious mixed-use Hive; and a 5,000 square foot private residence called Lakeview (a WAF finalist). “We’re doing some exciting work in Edmonton and talking to a couple of developers in Vancouver too,” he says,
noting their focus is presently outside of Calgary because the local market is struggling with a glut of condo units and empty commercial space. With success and international attention, the firm is ready to undertake larger multi-million dollar projects but how to manage that growth is a big question for the partners, who are involved in every single project. “At five years, we’re at a crossroads,” says Couzens. “We’re trying to figure out how to move forward in scale and in scope and still maintain a critical creative direction in our practice. We have to figure out how large we want to grow or do we want to pursue these larger projects in joint ventures with other firms.” Whatever the decision, MoDA is clearly poised to continuing transforming the urban landscape with their bold, efficient and innovative designs. DQ
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IDIBC Awards | 18
Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Record Submissions The Interior Designers Institute of B.C. (IDIBC) is proud to be celebrating the 35th annual Shine Awards of Excellence. These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our registered interior design members and their teams of dedicated designers and suppliers alike. This year, a record number of entries were submitted, making the process of selecting award finalists a daunting task for our esteemed judges. Each and every entrant should be immensely proud of their submission. Interior deisgn is currently
undergoing its most drastic transformation since the birth of sustainable design in the 1990s. New and changing creative methods, products, building codes, increasing building health requirements and decreasing budgets are reshaping the interior design landscape. Interior designers must meet the demands of a constantly evolving environment, all while creating an esthetically beautiful and functional space. Without our panel of hard working volunteers, the Shine Awards would nto be made possible. Nearly
W W W. B R A D F O R D H A R D W A R E . C O M
a year of planning and orchestrating went into the making of this fabulous event — soliciting sponsors, hosting the judges, folding the programs and placing the chairs. A heartfelt thank you to those special people who dedicate their time and their resources to making the event a success.
Megan Bennett President, Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia
101 1626 WEST 2ND AVE
VANCOUVER
604 569 0783
Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
ROBERT LEDINGHAM AWARD RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Beach Avenue Residence Aaron MacKenzie Moore Design Inc.
Exceeding Expectations By Cheryl Mah
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
Connecting two levels of an iconic West Coast tower into a unique waterfront residence in the heart of Vancouver presented no lack of challenges for interior designer Aaron MacKenzie-Moore. The perseverance, attention to detail and design ingenuity on this three-and-a-half year project earned his self-named firm the prestigious 2018 Robert Ledingham Award at the IDIBC Shine Awards of Excellence. “It’s an incredible honour. Bob was an amazing person who inspired so many in our design community, locally
and globally,” says MacKenzie-Moore. “I am still beside myself, to have one’s name cast in the same sentence as Robert’s in regards to interior design acumen is truly humbling, the accolades were unexpected.” The project combines levels 300 and 400 into a 6,000 square foot spectacular residential space in the heart of English Bay, adjacent to the timeless Sylvia Hotel. The upper level is dedicated to guest rooms, media room, master bedroom and ensuites. The lower level features various zones for entertainment,
dining, kitchen and a well appointed home office. Critical to the project was the joining of the two floors of the building with a stunning internal feature staircase. Making it happen was an arduous endeavour with countless hours spent planning and executing the concept while also working within stringent building codes. “It’s a million dollar stair that required 20 iterations of the design,” says MacKenzie-Moore. “The feat of engineering to cut a hole in the posttension slab was a first in Vancouver,
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
and possibly in Canada with only one firm in North America that can do that type of engineering. It was very ambitious to put this staircase in, but if the two floors could not be connected in this manner, the project would have been abandoned entirely.” The helix staircase was finished in a marble lime plaster with white leather handrail and leather stair riser/treads that are affixed with rare-earth magnets so they can be removed as necessary for re-cladding. Installation was equally challenging, notes MacKenzie-Moore, requiring the stair to be assembled offsite and then disassembled before the pieces were craned through a window, and re-assembled to the exacting tolerances specified by the engineers and local code. The staircase (the first thing guests see when stepping out of the leather-clad entry elevators) is further showcased by a feature backdrop wall beyond; random diameter and spaced bronze tubing run from the floor of level 300 to the ceiling of level 400. In fact, due to small elevators, stone slabs, furnishings, millwork, artwork and more had to be all craned through windows without balconies. Specialized landing pads were designed and fabricated to receive the materials.
Another outstanding custom piece, used to overcome a problem in the dining room, was a series of slumped glass panels housed in bronze frames. “The view to the west is of an unsightly older building and the original proposal was to build a wall, but I convinced the client to let me explore options. The view south-west to English Bay was just too precious to lose! We proposed several concepts… and eventually devised an elegant idea of a series of custom-slumped glass panels in a Chevron pattern that efficiently obscured the neighbouring building while maintaining the amazing views,” says MacKenzie-Moore, explaining he drew inspiration for the Chevron glass pattern from the custom cut Croatian limestone tile for the kitchen flooring. The overwhelming success of the six glass panels has the firm looking to work with a company to start a glass line. “Those six panels are one-of-akind installation and more dynamic than I’d anticipated — it can be a flat wall, positioned at 90 or 45 degree angles…or a zig-zag pattern, further reinforcing the Chevron theme. All are manually rotatable with a custom pivot hinge hidden in the floor,” says MacKenzie-Moore. “At different times of the day, month, year, angle of panels, light refractions vary greatly… ever changing somewhat magically.
I’m so glad the client allowed us to keep exploring this concept and didn’t give up on it.” The hard work paid off and the overall result is a spectacular home that delivers a clean, modern aesthetic that feels sophisticated and timeless. The design focuses on a neutral palette which is elevated through a variety of scale, texture, sheen and finishes. Furnishings and florals, accessories and accents punctuate the built-in interior elements, adding colour, life and a sense of home. As well, the clients’ extensive collection of art and artifacts streamlined the final stages of curation. Achieving the client’s goals on this project required innovative solutions, and a highly skilled team of trades, suppliers and fabricators. “This was by far the most challenging and rewarding project I’ve ever done,” he says. “It was extremely exciting to have had the opportunity to stretch boundaries, and have a client that not only allowed us, but constantly called on us to explore and push all limits… the end result exceeded everyone’s expectations.” The project also won two IDIBC Awards of Merit for the feature stairs and glass panels. And more accolades could be coming with the project being named a finalist for the 2018 SBID International Design Awards.
Judges Notes: Speechless. Architectural and design win.
Interior Designer: Aaron MacKenzie Moore, RID Photographer: Ema Peter
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR RETAIL AND KIOSK AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Boardwalk Optometry — Cutler
Elegant Minimalism
By Cheryl Mah
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
Transforming a dark and outdated optometrist office into a modern and elegant environment earned Cutler interior designer Tiina Vahtola the inaugural Interior Designer of the Year Award at IDIBC’s 2018 Shine Awards of Excellence. The project also earned an Award of Excellence in the retail and kiosk category. “I’m honoured to receive the first of this award,” says Vahtola. “I feel lucky to work with such a supportive and creative team at Cutler, the backbone that brought this project to fruition. I’m really proud to be a registered interior designer and hope that this new award category at the IDIBC Shine Awards encourages other interior designers to work toward the same designation to help strengthen our profession.” The goal for Boardwalk Optometry, a long standing family business in Surrey, was to rejuvenate the space with a design concept that embraces traditional Japanese principles like simplicity, space and connection to nature. The result is minimalist and zen with an emphasis on natural materials and textures supported by a neutral backdrop. The limited colour palette encourages focus on the product being displayed rather than creating any unnecessary visual clutter, according to Vahtola.
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges Notes: “Beautiful, really beautiful.”
A material palette was developed using natural concrete floor finishing, pale wood tones, with clean white walls and ceilings that marries both modern aesthetics and Japanese design principles. Natural elements were used to blend in the Japanese heritage of the logo using: sho sugi ban, a traditional Japanese charred wood paneling on a feature wall, a black harmonious watercolour wall graphic, a preserved moss wall installation and a slab of natural stone on the reception desk facade. “Integrating the company’s existing logo of Japanese heritage into the new design was an important element to maintain and was the inspiration behind the design concept,” notes Vahtola. The front of house space was focused on the retail component with two cozy waiting areas developed closer to the back. Custom pieces are designed throughout using light and simple forms that maintain a spacious and airy feel, while maximizing product display and customer interaction.
Highlights include the custom consult tables featuring an integrated small drawer that holds tools for glass fittings or adjustments in a discreet manner. The joinery details complement the Japanese influence of the overall design, and the cut-out in the top of the table lined in felt to showcase and protect a pair of glasses emphasizes the special experience of purchasing. While developing the design concept, it was also important to the client to maintain elements that their clientele had become familiar with over the years. The unique must-stay requests included oversized decorative eyeglass frames and a gecko tank. These elements were integrated into the space thoughtfully by creating areas specifically for them. The gecko tank became part of the millwork, while the large eyeglasses were displayed together as art on a wall, adding a playful nod to the otherwise minimal environment. “Finding unique ways to integrate the old with the new for this project, while challenging, was really satisfying,” says Vahtola. “Every element was
integrated into the design harmoniously, resulting in a cohesive, wellbalanced space.” Construction of the six month project had to be phased so that the existing space could remain operational, while the new neighbouring space was being built, and then closed briefly to be renovated. “Pulling the two together was a challenge but executed beautifully by our dedicated general contractor,” says Vahtola.
By using custom millwork and pieces, Cutler was able to create a welcoming and functional space that is uniquely the owners. The success of the transformation has been met with positive feedback from the client and their loyal customers. Interior Designer: Tiina Vahtola Photographer: Brooke Stephenson
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
FOOD AND BEVERAGE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Earls Ambleside Beach — Earls Kitchen & Bar
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Situated in the new Grosvenor development in West Vancouver, Earls Ambleside Beach is the first new concept Earls in Canada. The restaurants’ “unchaining the chain” concept is about creating interiors unique to each location and in this case, it was to create an experience tailor-made for the West Vancouver guest. “Our recent growth has been concentrated in the U.S. and we’ve been ‘unchaining the chain’ since 2014. Earls Ambleside Beach was our first new build in B.C. in 10 years, and the first expression of this unchaining the chain direction in Canada. We were really excited to show Vancouver what our designers have been up to,” says Earls Kitchen & Bar lead designer Wendy Tait. Opened in May 2018, the design for Earls Ambleside Beach was strongly influenced by its seaside location, featuring a casually sophisticated space where guests are both
equally comfortable at a business lunch or after strolling along the sea wall. The interiors boast large format windows, natural wood and exposed concrete to create a West Coast modern meets California Beach vibe. The feel is fresh, bright, and modern with bohemian and mid-century elements. “We took our inspiration from the beautiful West Coast modern architecture by James KM Cheng, keeping the concrete columns exposed and maximizing the height of the operable windows,” says Tait. “The views to the waterfront definitely informed our planning, finishes palette and art selection. But ultimately we designed this restaurant for the North Shore guest.” With the amazing location and view, the floor plan provides every guest with an exceptional vantage point. Large sliding windows in both the dining room and lounge allow for a seamless flow through to the patios while a curved horseshoe bar
and open kitchen provide theatrical focal points. Finishes like the textured stucco and warm brick provide visual interest while still keeping the palette neutral. Collaboration with local artist and artisans create unique guest touch points which pair with a furniture suite that was purpose-built and designed by the in-house team and Earls. Special attention was required for sound and light quality. With ASHRAE restrictions limiting the use of incandescent light, particular consideration was given to utilizing LED fixtures with a warm colour temperature that dim naturally during dinner hours. To control sound, a variety of tasteful acoustic ceiling types were employed. Restrictive working hours, tight tenant guidelines and multiple intrusive slab band locations presented construction challenges that were overcome through collaboration with the design team. The highly successful execution of the new Earls concept earned the project a 2018 IDIBC Shine Award of Excellence. “We are so proud of this design! We are thrilled to be recognized by the IDIBC and the Shine Award judges, it’s such an honour to be recognized by your peers in the design community,” says Tait. Earls Ambleside Beach took just over two years to complete, with construction starting in August 2017 and completing in April 2018.
Judges Notes: “Earls takes a lot of risks with their designs.”
Interior Designer: Wendy Tait, RID Design Team: Abigail Stephens, Elly Chronakis Photographer: Jamie Anholt
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
FOOD AND BEVERAGE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Heirloom Ambleside — Evoke International Design
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Located just a short stroll from Ambleside beach in the new Grosvenor Ambleside building, the second location for Heirloom, the much-loved South Granville vegetarian restaurant, represented a fantastic opportunity to create a casual dining destination within an evolving community. Evoke International Design was commissioned to create a versatile space that would accommodate a dawn-til-late casual dining concept, complete with a full-size kitchen, cafe and juice bar. The location serves as a destination for locals, foodies and beach-goers alike. The unique west coast, beachside setting, combined with Heirloom’s own reputation for fresh, high-quality, healthy plant-based fare, quickly became the key inspiration behind the design. To reflect the coastal and mountainside setting, tones of marine blue and forest green were incorporated across the space from the millwork and tile finishes through to the upholstery and furniture. As a nod to a few of the key finishes of the South Granville location, natural and handmade finishes such as white oak, woven wool upholstery and handmade glazed tiles were carefully selected, according to Evoke principal David Nicolay. Black, tubular metalwork was used as layering and framing elements to define seating areas in support of the bright, open atmosphere. A refined selection of bold decorative light fixtures, many from local designers, was used to identify service zones and provide warmth and intimacy to dining areas. “It’s always great to work with clients who have a strong vision for their project but at the same time are open-minded enough to trust the designer’s ideas and direction,” says
Nicolay. “Our favourite element of the design is probably the booth seating area to the side wall of the dining area, as they showcase the complete finishes palette and set the tone for the restaurant.” The main challenge faced during the planning phase was how to successfully accommodate all the service elements required for the dining concept while achieving seat count targets. Efficient workflow between food preparation areas and front of house service zones was essential, and to achieve those desired functional objectives within a relatively small space, required a thorough planning effort to achieve a successful outcome. Completed in June 2018, the restaurant brings a fresh vibe to West Vancouver that is set to become a highly successful destination within the Ambleside community.
Judges Notes: “Fresh, really fresh. There is a youth to the space.”
Interior Designer: David Nicolay, RID Design Team: Lachlan Knox Photographer: Janice Nicolay
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Modern View Home — Geralynne Mitschke Design
The design challenge for this West Vancouver
Judges Notes: “The wood panel, it’s delicious!”
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
townhouse was to transform dated and dysfunctional spaces into a beautiful interior that would better reflect its enviable location perched high above the Burrard Inlet. Geralynne Mitschke Design drew inspiration from the impressive, undulating and ever-changing view of the Pacific Ocean, western sky, coastal shoreline, harbour and city views. The goal was to design a custom renovation that one could move through seamlessly, celebrating the infinite views, dynamic natural light and all living requirements set out by the clients — unlocking the home’s full potential. “Every design decision served to honour the coveted location of this project,” says Geralynne Mitschke, principal and lead designer. “Our intention was to celebrate these infinite views and bathe the space with dynamic natural light — the interior was to become a canvas for the sea and sky to paint the space each day.”
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
A restrained scheme of glass, warm wood and white was used to complement the primary palette of sea and sky, while well considered floorplan changes transformed the clients’ experience of their home. A key modification was required for the stairs, which not only snubbed the view but needlessly isolated parts of the living areas. By modifying the stair orientation with thoughtful terracing, a gentle progression was shaped through the space and created an opportunity for a new library and piano level. Wood slats and rhythmic shelves were layered to the stair and library wall creating a bold interior sculpture that balances the strength of the views. The vertical drywall fins that unite the wall element wrap the ceiling to camouflage the dated barrel vault skylight that was maintained. This linear canopy defines the entry and orients people toward the view beginning right at the entry. Kitchen partitions were also removed and a long horizontal
backsplash window replaced a conventional window, resulting in a fully appointed kitchen, opening to the views and welcoming in natural light. “By reducing partitions we unlocked the views and natural light without sacrificing defined spaces and private moments,” notes Mitschke. The design also had to marry the opposing couple’s requests: one for a light and bright space while honouring the other’s request for a cozy and dark interior. This tricky situation was solved by creating a light and open main living area with an intimate and stately master retreat on the lower level. A big challenge was obtaining strata and city permits to change the shape and size of the exterior glazing. All renovation plans, especially door and glazing changes, had to be delicately managed. “These changes were key to the complete success of the design in opening up the space to the remarkable views,” explains Mitschke.
Interior Designer: Geralynne Mitschke, RID Design Team: Taryn Chisholm Photographer: Ema Peter
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Mount Pleasant Residence — Stephanie Brown Inc.
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges Notes: “They made the money go a long way.”
Originally built in 2002, this Craftsman-style home featured a segmented floor plan and dated materials. While many properties in Vancouver are simply being torn down and redeveloped, the clients wanted to retain the home’s structure but with a modern interior aesthetic. “Our challenge was to marry an updated Craftsman exterior with a modern interior,” says interior designer Stephanie Brown, principal of Stephanie Brown Inc. All three levels of the home were reconfigured to create bright, openconcept, and family-friendly spaces. A key success to the project was re-working the floor plan to create an open main level with better sightlines and flow, and to maximize natural light throughout. Custom
millwork created hidden storage such as in the dining room, mudroom hall, and loft. The upper level was renovated to provide a generous ensuite, and his/her walk-in closets. A simple palette of light oak, white, with grey and black accents was used to deliver a sophisticated and fresh interior. Varied tones of green and pink add colour and interest, while maintaining a serene feel. A customfabricated iron staircase is a focal point, providing a classic and graphic element to the interior. “My favourite elements are those that provide an element of contrast or surprise such as the full-height black marble slab in the master ensuite and the pink quilted arm chairs in the living room,” says Brown. The needs and desires of the clients were all achieved through sensitive
and thoughtful design choices by the design team. Practical functionality was successfully achieved through the new floor plan, extensive custom millwork, and long-lasting materials. “Our clients were wonderful collaborators and put their trust in us to refine an interior to suit their needs and goals,” says Brown. “It was ultimately the collaborative spirit, vision, and creativity of the team that fostered unique design elements, both large and small, that have created a delightful and welcoming modern interior. “
Interior Designer: Stephanie Brown, RID Design Team: Carly Zurbuchen, Alexandra Shaw Photographer: Phil Crozier
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Blackcomb Townhouse — Stephanie Brown Inc.
Through a minimal yet textural palette, the interior of this mountain vacation town home was dramatically transformed into a fresh, bright and modern space by interior designer Stephanie Brown. “I think the transformation of this home speaks volumes. Our clients initially planned on updating paint colours and flooring, and instead put their trust in us to re-imagine every element. We were able to re-interpret ‘mountain living’ in a way that is fresh and modern, yet still approachable,” says Brown. 28
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges Notes: “Love the contrast between the original and renovation.”
The goal for this 2,000 square foot town home in Whistler, B.C. was to transform it into a functional modern retreat while also creating additional living and sleeping space. The former dark walls, slate tiles, river-rock and rustic pine were replaced with a simple palette of light oak, grey, and crisp white to create a sense of spaciousness and continuity. An addition onto the front deck allowed for a larger living room, and a larger TV millwork wall was created for the den by capturing parts of the entry/stairwell closets.
More sleeping accommodation was made possible by adding a sofa bed in the den, built-in bunk beds upstairs, and claiming attic space for an additional bedroom. Textural materials including the concrete fireplace, wood ceilings, and wool textiles are all subtle references to the mountainous setting. As an on-mountain vacation home for an active family of five, the finishes and detailing needed to be durable, notes Brown. “The fireplace cladding is a concrete-veneer tile that achieves
the look of structural board-form concrete. The raised ceilings in the living room and master bedroom were clad in the same hardwood as the floors, which adds interest and warmth to the space,” she says. The level of creativity and problem-solving required to execute this stunning renovation earned the project a 2018 IDIBC Award of Excellence. “Winning this award was a wonderful surprise. Our project faced size, budget, and timing constraints, so we are very honoured that the judges felt our work overcame those obstacles… and then some,” says Brown. Interior Designer: Stephanie Brown, RID Design Team: Carly Zurbuchen Photographer: Ema Peter
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
SPECIALTY DESIGN (BRANDING) | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
H Tasting Lounge — LIV Interiors Inc.
H Tasting Lounge in the Westin Bayshore is a
Judges Notes: “Standing ovation. It’s the little things.”
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glamorous, modern and timeless new restaurant and bar in downtown Vancouver. The elegant art deco inspired design by LIV Interiors successfully converts an existing hotel entry lounge into an up-scaled culinary hotspot. In addition to providing the interior design for the renovation, the firm was tasked with creating a brand identity package that captures the essence of Howard Hughes’ wide-ranging legacy in aeronautics and pays homage to his often lengthy stays at the Bayshore. “The Art Deco era immediately spoke to us and we based our inspiration on this glamorous era. Howard Hughes’ around the world trip experience was the basis for the space we designed for, from the airplane propeller, wind current inspired glass chandelier art installation, metal screen design, to the aviation themed branding we folded into the space,” says lead designer NY Chu.
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
From the feature logo and curated table settings to menus and the waiters and servers complete attire, all of the elements were created to complement the art deco inspired interiors of the lounge and support the client’s goal of creating a complete and holistic dining experience. The biggest challenge was trying to incorporate aeronautical elements into the overall brand identity but using a typographically driven logo design as a start proved to be the right solution. The H monogram logo combines elegant geometry in the rounded corners with a touch of modernity through the use of simple and lighter graphic lines. Adding gold tones to the mix helps to create a sense of glamour and prestige. It is classic yet modern and current yet timeless. Design elements such as plane symbol adorned napkins, gold toned
cutlery, and an art deco inspired custom drink rail all come together with the interiors to create a memorable dining experience, one like no other in the Greater Vancouver region. “We love everything about this project from the flooring to the ceiling. The most amazing part of the design is not only is it beautiful but it also functions flawlessly for both guests and the staff,” says Chu. The successful branding for the lounge earned LIV Interiors an IDIBC Award of Excellence in the specialty design category. The overall renovation was honoured with an Award of Merit in the food and beverage category. “We are thrilled and honoured to get recognized by the industry, and see all the hard work put in by our amazing teams rewarded,” says Chu.
Interior Designer: NY Chu, RID, Dickson Chu Design Team: Olivia Lam, Sarah Ouyang, Candelaria De La Losa, Tiffany Lam, RID Photographer: Ema Peter
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND SALES | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Toronto PC Display Suite — LIV Interiors Inc.
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges Notes: “The details of the millwork are stunning.”
Display suites are a vital tool when it comes to marketing and attracting potential purchasers for new residential developments. For this Toronto display suite, LIV Interiors delivered a stunning contemporary design that exudes warmth and luxury through the creative use of materials, light, texture and scale. “Our concept for this project was trying to achieve a balance for a ‘home’ situated in a large and busy city like Toronto,” says lead designer NY Chu, explaining the idea was to convey the warmth and quiet of nature and woodlands. To capture the warmth and essence of nature, many neutral wood-tones were used and complemented with soft velvets and fur textures. Lightcolour stones and gold-colour metals were used as accents. “The overall colour scheme was kept light and bright to make the space feel larger. We fully utilized indirect lighting whenever possible to evoke the glow of sunrise and the beams of sunlight coming through the woods, creating a feeling of warmth and coziness,” says Chu. The design team played with scale, ensuring that furnishings offered both ample seating and promoted
proper traffic circulation throughout. Additionally, lighting and light accents were used to create design features and define focal points. One of the main challenges was working with a low ceiling height. In order to meet the client’s request to make the display suite feel spacious and roomy, the design team had mirror finished panels installed on the ceilings. This helped to visually extend the interior space, millwork elements and overall room height. “Mounting mirrors to the ceiling is a very unconventional and bold way of enlarging a residential space,” notes Chu. The display suite had to be completed in a very short timeframe and with a limited budget, requiring the design team to be creative with materials and finishes. Another big challenge was coordinating the amount of different types of woods used in the display suite. The design team was given three different colours and types of wood by the client as part of their standard finishes in the suite: light for flooring, medium for frames, and dark for millwork. LIV Interiors was able to create contrast and interest by using different texture, finishes and careful lines
and proportions within the design. For example, different depths were used in the TV millwork to create shadows. “Metallic accents were introduced to break up the neutral tones and create little focal points throughout the space. In the end, they all came together and worked hand-in-hand to reflect a calm and natural interior,” adds Chu.
Interior Designer: NY Chu, RID Design Team: Olivia Lam, Sarah Ouyang, Nina An, Yuansheng He, Tiffany Lam, RID, Photographer: Steve Tsai
Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
UBC Aquatic Centre — MJMA
The need to balance a high performance competition venue with community recreational amenities under one roof has resulted in an award winning aquatic facility at the University of British Columbia. The hybrid program for the UBC Aquatic Centre creates a unique aquatic environment that allows for Olympic-level training while servicing students and the growing residential neighbourhoods on campus. This duality between competition and community became an inspiration and theme throughout the design, according to MJMA lead interior designer Tarisha Dolyniuk. 34
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
The bright, open and light filled facility includes a 10-lane, 52-metre FINA competition basin, an eightlane, 25-metre diving well with moveable floor, a warm-water leisure basin with a host of water features plus a hot tub. In addition, there is a 460-person mezzanine for spectators, universal and team change rooms, and multipurpose rooms. The plan was divided north-south into four program bars: change rooms, community aquatics, competition aquatics and spectator bleachers. The new facility is fully accessible and inclusive, provides ideal acoustics for coaching communication and training, and all finishes and systems are designed for durability
and ease of maintenance. Health and wellness concepts were also actively incorporated into the design, creating connections to exterior views, drawing in an abundance of natural light with minimal glare, as well as delivering innovative solutions to address indoor air quality. The ceiling system in the natatorium was to reflect the architecture of the tessellating roof structure, while having optimal acoustic performance. It also needed to perform in a humid corrosive pool environment and meet seismic design requirements — all within a very tight budget. “We wanted the ceiling to appear like a two-dimensional folded plane, creating continuity between the
ceiling and the underside of the white-folded architectural cladding system,” explains Dolyniuk. “We worked closely with the manufacturer to develop new trims and clips that allowed standard acoustic tile ceiling products to affix on a conventional t-bar suspension grid, creating the appearance of a monolithic and light ceiling with crisp folded vertices.” Through a rigorous and collaborative interdisciplinary approach, MJMA was able to create a beautiful building that expressed the design values of competition and community within an established campus context. The facility performs, functions and provides a great space to compete, play, train and socialize while also offering moments of repose both inside and out. “The Aquatic Centre has become a hub that defines diversity, inclusion, and accessibility providing health and wellness opportunities for students, families and athletes who simultaneously use the space,” says Dolyniuk.
Judges Notes: “The universal changing rooms are really cool.”
Interior Designer: Tarisha Dolyniuk, RID Design Team: Russell Acton, Mark Ostry, Ted Watson, Troy Wright, Vic Jaunkalns, Adam James, Ricardo Duque Photographer: Ema Peter
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
WORKPLACE TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
S&P Real Estate — SSDG Interiors Inc.
Judges Notes: “Did a really good job maximizing functionality for a small space.” 36
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The new Vancouver office of S&P Real Estate required SSDG Interiors to maximize the small square footage with well thought out planning and exploration of vertical spaces to capitalize on a sense of space. The boutique international real estate development marketing company is known for a high level of luxury and detail, and the design needed to be a strong visual representation of the client and their brand. The environment needed to function not only as an office, but also as showroom and event space to host clients.
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
It was essential that the space spoke the language of their global clients and investors. They had outgrown the office they were currently in and were hoping to create more spaces for employees where both private work and collaboration could occur simultaneously. The overall impact of the space was achieved by focusing on the inclusion of unexpected and wellexecuted details creating the perfect backdrop to showcase their premier developments. Custom solutions were used throughout to maximize the functionality of every corner. Being collaborative and pushing the boundaries of the expected made this small office space feel like no single element was over-looked. From each thoughtfully considered surface and intersection down to the smallest detail, the space exudes care and high design. The overall experience is ultimately refined and luxurious.
Interior Designer: Kenna Manley, RID Design Team: Annie Woolsey, RID Photographer: Barrie Underhill
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Cedarhurst
Interior Designer: Jennifer Heffel, RID, Lesli Balagno, RID Design Firm: HB Design Design Team: Alex McFayden, Joel Trigg Photographer: Ema Peter
A fun space! It was really beautifully done.
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Altamont Residence
Interior Designer: Jennifer Heffel, RID Design Firm: HB Design Design Team: Shannon Brander Photographer: Ema Peter
Exquisite minimalism. Extraordinary attention to the details. 38
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Marguerite
Interior Designer: Jennifer Heffel, RID Design Firm: HB Design Design Team: Alex McFayden Photographer: Ema Peter
Very beautiful space.
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Whistler Private Residence
Interior Designer: Mitchell Freedland, RID Design Firm: Mitchell Freedland Design Design Team: Aaron Mackenzie-Moore, RID Photographer: Ema Peter
The living room feels really Whistler. Feels cozy.
AWARD OF MERIT Yaletown Residence
Interior Designer: Andrea McLean, RID Design Firm: Andrea McLean Studio Inc. Design Team: Marcela Trejo Photographer: Ema Peter
What a neat place. Love that they exposed the concrete structure. Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Kerrisdale Residence
Interior Designer: Andrea McLean, RID Design Firm: Andrea McLean Studio Inc. Photographer: Ema Peter
Dramatic transformation.
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT West Point Grey
Interior Designer: Robert Bailey, RID Design Firm: Robert Bailey Interiors Photographer: Ema Peter
It’s amazing. The details were just perfect. 40
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Casual Classic Home
Interior Designer: Geralynne Mitschke, RID Design Firm: Geralynne Mitschke Design Photographer: Ema Peter
Pretty dramatic transformation. RETAIL AND KIOSK AWARD OF MERIT Ross Gold
Interior Designer: Rachel Clarida, RID; Shanna Martin, RID Design Firm: Hatch Interior Design Inc. Photographer: Andrew Lipsett
A lot of imagination was utilized to transform the space.
SPECIALTY DESIGN AWARD OF MERIT Beach Avenue Feature Stair
Interior Designer: Aaron MacKenzieMoore, RID Design Firm: Aaron MacKenzie-Moore Design Inc. Photographer: Ema Peter
Stair post and tension point is really remarkable. Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
FOOD AND BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT JJ Bean UBC
Interior Designer: Michelle Sigurdson, RID Design Firm: Dialog Design Team: Alexa Bustamante, RID; Mark VanBockhaven, Brady Dunlop Photographer: Brett Hitchins
Love this space. Great Job.
SPECIALTY DESIGN AWARD OF MERIT Beach Avenue Glass Screens
Interior Designer: Aaron MacKenzieMoore, RID Design Firm: Aaron MacKenzie-Moore Design Inc. Photographer: Ema Peter
Loved the slumped glass. Remarkable.
WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Regional Headquarters
Interior Designer: Dana Graf, RID; Fiona Rimmer, RID Design Firm: Kasian Architecture Design Design Team: Carol Jones, RID; Cara Seeton, RID; Alicia Majercinova, Judy Ting, RID; Anna Szczepaniak, Jorge Palos Photographer: Ema Peters
It is a well done space. 42
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2018
2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
FOOD AND BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT H Tasting Lounge
Interior Designer: NY Chu, RID Co-Designer: Dickson Chu Design Firm: LIV Interiors Inc. Design Team: Oliva Lam, Sarah Ouyang Photographer: Ema Peter
Really nicely done and some fun things about it.
WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT KPMG offices
Interior Designer: Carol Jones, RID; Rick Gruetz, RID Design Firm: Kasian Architecture Design Design Team: Ken Bunn, Fiona Chatterji, RID; Dana Graf, RID; Therese Ethier, RID Photographer: Ed White
The before compared to the after is just off-the-chart awesome! Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
WORKPLACE PARTIAL AWARD OF MERIT Global Consulting Firm
Interior Designer: Sara Remocher, RID Design Firm: Dialog Design Team: Michelle Sigurdson, RID; Janay Koldingnes, RID; Alexa Bustamante, Marie de Montigny-Simoneau, Nicole Broughton Photographer: Ema Peter
The bold graphics give it a sense of place.
HOSPITALITY AWARD OF MERIT The Denna Club at Seylynn Village
Interior Designer: Adele Pransky, RID Design Firm: CHIL Interior Design Design Team: Adele Rankin, Paul Morissette, Marina Charters Photographer: Brandon Barre
The ceiling is amazing. They did a great job. 44
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2018 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
HOSPITALITY AWARD OF MERIT Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Interior Designer: Karen Wong Design Firm: CHIL Interior Design Design Team: Adele Rankin, Laura Durrant, Mansoureh Jabbari, Marina Charters Photographer: Ema Peter
It’s lovely that they brought original elements into the space.
HEALTHCARE & PERSONAL SERVICE AWARD OF MERIT Apex Cardiology
Interior Designer: Monica Jeffers Mcleish Design Firm: MJID Photographer: Martin Knowles
Refreshing for a cardiology office. Fall 2018 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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design headlines
VPL rooftop garden opens The new public rooftop garden at the Vancouver Central Public Library is officially open. The expansion adds almost 4,000 square metres (42,000 ft2) of new interior space, as well as an additional 1,560 square metres (approximately 16,800 ft2) of outdoor space. Working with the Vancouver Public Library, Moshe Safdie, the internationally renowned architect of the original 1995 building, conceived of a sky-lit double-height atrium with a grand stair leading the public from level 8 to level 9 to the roof garden. “We are delighted that after 23 years, the original concept of an accessible rooftop garden is being delivered to the public,” said Safdie. The library turned to the original design team for the library to realize the project — Safdie Architects as design architects and interior designers, with DA Architects of Vancouver, the original associate architects and current Architect of Record. The noted Canadian landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander conceived of both the original roof garden and the expanded public roof garden. She has designed such iconic public spaces such as Robson Square in Vancouver and the gardens of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The Vancouver Library Square building occupies an entire city block of downtown Vancouver. The upper two floors were leased to the provincial government for 20 years as part of the financing for the building. When this lease expired, the upper two-stories were able to be reclaimed to expand library functions — a grand stair and seating feature which can be used for lectures, receptions, and other gatherings, as well as a new reading room, staff offices, and a board room. Multi-purpose rooms, an auditorium and a series of display areas afford those visiting the library the opportunity to study and explore Vancouver’s rich history.
Expansion Cityline wins IDEA Gold Teknion’s Expansion Cityline furniture system has been selected as a Gold winner in this year’s International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Expansion Cityline earned Gold in the Office & Accessories category and is among 145 winners in “one of the world’s most prestigious and rigorous design competitions.” IDEA is sponsored annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Expansion Cityline is a furniture system based on the concept of planning for a workplace as diverse and dynamic as a modern city. With a unique beam framework and robust accessories program, Expansion Cityline creates workstations, collaborative spaces and mixed-use areas where people feel comfortable and empowered as they pursue individual and collective goals. It offers a highly active setting that allows people to move, to gather and to disperse when privacy and focus is desired. The system provides the unique ability to go from a full, freestanding workstation to a simple, casual beam and fence-like application that integrates gathering areas. Its breadth of offering delivers a wide range of flexibility for designing office spaces, from playful to elegant and sophisticated environments.
Perkins+Will marks 10 Years as Greenest Employer Perkins+Will celebrates its 10-year milestone named as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers by Canada’s Top 100 Employers 2018 competition. The architecture and design firm has a long history of sustainability leadership that includes the promotion of environmental awareness in its workplace culture. The firm’s commitment is demonstrated in a number of initiatives such as alternative transportation subsidies, cycling facilities, composting and landfill waste diversion programs, sustainable product procurement, and an employee-managed organic rooftop garden. The office has achieved LEED Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Platinum Certification, hosts a living green wall to improve air quality, and operates with passive ventilation during the summer months. Over the past 10 years, Perkins+Will’s initiatives have expanded to include workplace well-being, pledging to certify all its North American offices to the Fitwel standard. The office encourages health and wellness with active design through interconnecting stairs, open daylit workspaces, fitness benefits, and yoga classes. Further demonstrating their commitment, the firm employs more than 1,000 LEED accredited professionals worldwide and encourages LEED certification within six months of hire. Other paid courses include a Passive House certification course hosted in-house annually that has resulted in the addition of 16 Certified Passive House designers on staff.
New UBC Student Residence A new gateway student residence building on Student Union Boulevard at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Point Grey campus will meet growing demand for more housing. Vancouver-based design firms Hotson Architecture and Ryder Architecture have been selected by UBC Properties Trust as the architects of the project. The $108 million residence building will provide 1,000 beds for upper year students, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the intersection at the northwest corner of Wesbrook Mall and Student Union Boulevard that includes existing student service areas, student residences, and a large mixed-used academic / student housing hub.
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“The project will introduce more of a urban development around the existing Gage Residences, which will address, reinforce, and animate the street frontages along Student Union Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall,” says Kai Hotson, principal, Hotson Architecture. According to Norm Hotson, “the intent is to allow for the creation of new academic and social spaces that will contribute to a complete community on campus for people to live, work, learn and play.” The residence will consist of a number of buildings, totaling an area of approximately 395,000 square feet. The project is to break ground in the spring of 2019 with a targeted opening date of 2021.
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