Showcasing BC & Alberta’s architects and interior designers
fall 2017 Vol. 18 No.2
PM 40063056
d e s i g n q ua rt e r ly
IDIBC Awards of Excellence
in this issue
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Features
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06 Designer Profile
Architect Kevin Harrison, partner at Sturgess Architecture, is looking forward to moving the firm into the future.
13 Special Supplement ON THE COVER: Adler University earned Public Architecture + Communication the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award at the IDIBC Awards of Excellence. Photo: Martin Tessler
IDIBC Awards of Excellence
Departments 04 From the Editor Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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from the editor
Design Excellence
fall 2017 Vol. 18 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
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One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet and to know the amazing people in the design industry. The interior design community is full of talented and friendly people and I have been fortunate enough to share their stories and creativity within these pages. The IDIBC is a hard working group of volunteers and once again, we are proud to work with the association to put the spotlight on this year’s Shine Award of Excellence winners. The annual IDI awards celebrate design excellence in B.C.’s professional interior design community and the entries this year were exceptional. The 16 Awards of Excellence winners and 13 Awards of Merit winners are all showcased in this issue. There was also a People’s Choice Award, which went to LIV Interiors Inc. for Brentwood Presentation Centre. Public Architecture + Communication took home an Award of Excellence and the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award for the new Adler University downtown Vancouver campus. The colourful five-storey learning hub dramatically reflects the vibrancy of its faculty, staff, alumni and graduate students. For our profile, I speak with architect Kevin Harrison, partner at Sturgess Architecture. The succession planning has begun at the renowned Calgary firm founded by Jeremy Sturgess and Harrison will be charged with continuing the firm’s legacy of excellence.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
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.
DESIGNER PROFILE
Continuing Design Excellence By Cheryl Mah
Glas townhomes
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
DESIGNER PROFILE
S
Sturgess Architecture has been trans-
forming the urban fabric of Calgary for 40 years. Seminal projects such as The Bridges Master Plan, Calgary Water Centre, the 7th Avenue LRT Renewal and the Glacier Skywalk have firmly solidified Sturgess at the forefront of delivering innovative and engaging solutions. Founder Jeremy Sturgess has been the creative force and face of the firm for four decades, but the transition to the next stage for the practice has begun. Ensuring the legacy of design excellence continues into the future will rest on Kevin Harrison. He has spent his entire career with Sturgess and became a partner in 2015, part of a five year succession plan. “When I first started working here, Jeremy and I had this immediate connection...where we intuitively understood each other,” says Harrison. “It’s been a fantastic relationship from the start and I’m extremely excited about the next step and moving the firm forward.” He is quick to add that Jeremy will not be retiring, rather stepping back gradually to work on a consultant basis. “I don’t think he’ll retire per se, most architects don’t. But he’s at the age when he wants to enjoy life away from the office,” says Harrison, noting partner Lesley Beale (and Jeremy’s wife) will also be selling her shares and leaving the firm. With many baby boomer architects set to retire, succession planning is critical to ensure established firms carry on while also making room for new ones. “There’s definitely a shift going on. Calgary, in particular, has many firms where leaders are either at the age or close to looking at stepping down with a younger wave of people ready to make that next step,” says Harrison. “I’ve always, in the back of my mind, wanted to run my own firm and I’m fortunate that I have the opportunity to continue the success of this firm.” Harrison joined Sturgess straight out of architectural school, completing a Bachelor of Environmental Design
(2004) and a Master of Architecture (2006) at Dalhousie University. “Sturgess in my mind was the best design firm in the city and still is, so that’s what drew me here. I had one place in mind and that’s where I ended up,” says Harrison. Born and raised in Nelson, B.C., Harrison believes he always knew on some level that architecture would be his ultimate path. At a young age, he started working summers doing odd jobs for his father, who was a general contractor. “While I was learning the trade so to speak, I realized that as much as I liked the hands on application, I wanted to be designing buildings,” recalls Harrison, who moved to Calgary to study architectural technology at SAIT. Upon graduation from SAIT, he worked three years for what is now Brookfield before deciding to pursue architecture at Dalhousie University. During his schooling at Dalhousie, he came back to Calgary (where his future wife lived) and worked summers at Sturgess Architecture in 2003 and 2005. He joined the firm full-time in 2006 and rose quickly within its ranks. Today, the boutique firm of 20 is led by the three partners, offering full architectural services from conceptual planning and programming to contract documentation, sustainable designs and project administration. The firm boasts a diverse portfolio with the expertise to undertake projects of varying scales from distinctive single-family homes to large-scale public and civic projects. “We are a design first firm and deeply committed to sustainability in architecture and urban design,” notes Harrison. At the heart of the firm’s design process is a belief in creating spaces and buildings that foster community and contribute to the public realm. “Our philosophy really begins at the street,” explains Harrison. “The street is the lifeblood of the city and every building has a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing
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DESIGNER PROFILE
Steps Bridgeland
Glacier Skywalk
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
of the street — the vitality of the street and that ultimately defines what community truly means. Architecture is all encompassing and that’s what’s so powerful about design.” Sturgess Architecture is widely recognized for creating unique and compelling designs that have earned numerous local, national and international awards. The stunning Glacier Skywalk in Banff is the most recent project that has garnered the firm a slew of prestigious awards including a 2016 RAIC Governor General’s Medal in Architecture and a World Architecture Festival Award. “Both are very prestigious awards and we’re humbled by them,” says Harrison. “To receive global recognition [from the World Architecture Festival] for our work really puts us on the map beyond Alberta and that’s absolutely fantastic.” While projects are primarily located in Alberta, the firm has worked globally in places as far away as France and Japan. A live/work
office was established a couple of years ago in Vancouver where the firm has completed a number of houses. “We’re looking to build our brand there. As business develops, we’ll see if we need to establish a stronger presence,” says Harrison. The recent economic downturn in Alberta has impacted many projects in the city, but the firm has been able to maintain a steady volume and is “busier now than ever” thanks to its largest project to date, the $4.65 billion Green Line Light Rail Transit (LRT). “The new Green Line LRT is the single largest infrastructure project this city has ever undertaken,” he says. “We’re responsible for the station design and the urban integration, with almost half of our staff working full-time on it. It’s a really exciting project for the office in a time when the private sector is a bit quiet.” The 46 km long LRT will extend south from the north Pointe Station
feature PROJECT
Kootenay Phoenix
Contributing to the community and the pedestrian realm is a source of great pride for the firm.
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along Centre Street, through downtown, and terminate at Seton Station. The 28 station design must respond to a wide variety of conditions including integration with older inner-city communities, the downtown core and newly planned suburbs. The project will help shape a significant segment of the city for generations. It’s the type of transformative city shaping infrastructure that the firm is passionate about. “The work we’re doing now for the Green Line, beyond the stations, will lay the groundwork for transit oriented development along the line offering opportunities for creating good mixed-use developments and vibrant streets,” he says, noting construction is anticipated to start in 2020. The firm is also working on the Erlton LRT station in Calgary and the Coliseum LRT station in Edmonton. “We’re doing a lot of transit work which is exciting,” he says. Some other current projects include several houses, the Art Gallery of St. Albert and Steps Bridgeland, a 122-unit, six-storey condo development. Harrison believes once Steps is built, it will set a new precedent for multi-family design in the city.
“It’s based on a thesis that this office has been working on since before I started,” he says. “A courtyard idea where rather than creating a double loaded corridor with units on both sides, we actually separate the building and create a courtyard in between and what that does is to provide opportunities for two sides of natural daylighting and ...with narrower units, we can get more units to front the street, contributing to the pedestrian realm.” Contributing to the community and the pedestrian realm is a source of great pride for the firm. “This year marks 40 years for the firm and we believe we’ve played a large part in ensuring Calgary becomes an urban, dense and vibrant city,” he says. Harrison believes the opportunities in Calgary are endless. “I think Calgary has turned a new leaf. With some of the new buildings and new work that have been built in the city from local and global architects — that’s creating a new standard of architecture that firms will need to achieve,” he says. Outside of work, the 40- year-old father of two enjoys spending time with his young family and is an avid sports enthusiast. DQ
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Outstanding Talent The Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia was pleased to present the 34th annual Shine Awards of Excellence, a prestigious awards program that showcases the talent, skills and innovation of British Columbia’s registered interior designers. The awards program is not just a pretty picture contest. The judges are experienced interior designers themselves with each submission being assessed on its own individual merit. This is done by carefully studying all of the submitted information: the project design brief, submitted drawings, photographs etc. This
process ensures that every aspect of the project’s interior design scope is measured. An award-worthy submission must not only succeed in delivering a professionally designed interior, but must be an exceptionally well designed interior. It’s the above-andbeyond that the judges are looking for. We are very proud of this year’s Shine entrants. Their projects demonstrate the highest level of design expertise that is only gained through the education, experience and examination that culminates in a registered interior designer, and that
sets our members apart from others in the industry. IDIBC is committed to promoting the Shine Awards tradition and we encourage all of our membership to participate and shine. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Patricia Desmet President, Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
ROBERT LEDINGHAM AWARD PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Adler University — Public Architecture + Communication
Fostering Social Justice
By Cheryl Mah Dedicated to social justice and graduating socially responsible practitioners, Adler University is not a typical school. So naturally, it follows that its new Vancouver campus could not be a typical learning environment. The progressive university needed an equally innovative environment that would reflect its unique curriculum. Public Architecture + Communication was challenged by the university to take risks and the result is a bold and effective expression of the school’s mission, vision and values. Extroverted and iconic, the design powerfully connects the university to the street and surrounding neighbourhood while empowering students to fuel change.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
The 30,000-square-foot university is devoted to positive change and a just society, through degree programs, training, and community engagement focused on socially responsible practice and offers an immersive curriculum that invites students to solve real-world social problems. Located on the first five floors of a slender glass tower in downtown Vancouver, the interiors are flooded with the university’s brand colours (red, brown, green, orange) to stand out from its neighbours and to welcome visitors. Large scale murals reinforce Adler’s vision and philosophy in all common areas with illustrative timelines and inspiration quotes from social justice leaders. “The design for the project is all about making an interior project an exterior representation of the Adler campus at the city scale,” says Public’s lead interior designer Teresa Miller. “Adler’s colourful cross section is designed to take on the scale of a campus without obvious exterior signage or representation. Seen through the tower’s glass exterior, colour creates a civic scale to a project that would otherwise be just an interior.” The design challenge was to foster a sense of academic community in a commercial office building designed for separate tenants. To achieve this, Public created a continuous student commons connected vertically and
horizontally through all five floors with geometric staircases. Vertical and horizontal wayfinding, conveying direction as well as the story of Adler University, wraps the circulation up and through the public areas of the building. “There were a variety of technical constraints associated with building an interconnected interior in a building that was simultaneously under construction,” says Miller. “We had a certified professional coordinating the approval process with the city throughout design and construction. On top of that getting all of the same product colours to match on each floor was also challenging. Reds are tough!” The floorplan includes generous open spaces that promote collaboration and productive student experiences. Small classrooms allow for meaningful student-faculty interaction and state-of-the-art technology is incorporated throughout. Sustainability was also an important driver for this project with the design team putting careful thought into the environmental aspects of the design, materials and furnishings. The project is targeting LEED Gold for Commercial Interiors certification. The outstanding and impactful design earned the firm an IDIBC Award of Excellence and the prestigious IDIBC Robert Ledingham Award for project of the year. “Robert Ledingham was known for his impeccable taste, imagination and
eye for detail so it is with great respect that we felt receiving the award — frankly we’re flattered,” says Miller. “It is all the more meaningful that the award is not granted every year and that it was a unanimous jury decision.” Officially opened in May 2017, the project has successfully transformed the way the university carries out its business and the once nondescript tower has now become known as “The Adler Building.” “It’s not often that a tenant becomes a tower’s landmark,” says Miller.
Judges Notes: Speaks to the power of what design is capable of
Interior Designer: Teresa Miller, RID Design Team: Brian Wakelin, Susan Mavor, Craig Simms Photographer: Martin Tessler
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
WORKPLACE TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
ACL Services – SSDG Interiors Inc.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
SSDG Interiors was commissioned by ACL to facilitate the interior design of their new Vancouver office at 980 Howe, a recently completed 16-storey, 250,000 square foot, AAA tower. ACL, a global GRC software company, moved into four floors of the building in early 2016. The software firm joins a number of technology peers in the movement toward revitalizing the Granville Street corridor as a high-tech hub. From the project outset, the goal was to achieve a new workspace that visually and functionally aligned with ACL’s corporate values and work styles, providing an environment that supports and encourages staff to excel as well as facilitates recruitment and retention. A creative layering of two concepts was adopted: ‘Global Reach, Local Roots’ and ‘Heroes’. The first was an overarching concept that symbolized
the local roots of ACL in Vancouver, while acknowledging their growth into a global brand. The second was an internal idea that represented the heroic qualities that ACL and their staff try to emulate on a daily basis, both in the office and out in the community. The space pays tribute to local, global and fictional heroes, as well as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement to famous and (occasionally) misunderstood anti-heroes. The space is reflective of ACL’s local roots and global reach, as a Vancouver founded technology company and as the world’s only provider of cloudbased GRC technology to more than 14,000 customers around the planet. From the idea of local vs. global, the design team explored contrasting ideas; how they push/pull revealing something new and sparking innovation. The resulting impacts are translated into the physical space through the layering of materials and creation
of ‘disruptive’ transitions between departments. Local wood wall accents and incredible views of the city through floor-toceiling windows further reflect the theme of local roots and global reach. The collaborative open workspaces align with their culture promoting accessibility, transparency and spontaneous creativity. The office features small meeting spaces and casual areas where employees can get away from commotion. Each of these spaces has a unique design, from cozy and private gallery seating to tranquil corners furnished with acoustic seating pods designed to absorb ambient noise.
Judges Notes: “Well planned, excellent use of graphics and materials. Well zoned.”
Interior Designer: Julie Campbell, RID and Herb von Hockauf, RID Design Team: Sean Willcock, Kaylie Seeton & Alana Kuroyama Photographer: Barry Calhoun
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
WORKPLACE TOTAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Edgar Development head office — Dialog
For Edgar Development’s new stunning office in Vancouver, the Dialog design team was inspired by the client’s photograph of an alpine landscape. The result is a space that reflects a crisp, white mountain of ice, bringing the outdoors in, and creating an inspiring space for this real estate and investment company.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Located on the 15th floor of the MNP Tower, visitors are greeted in reception with an amazing 40-foot backlit mountainscape graphic, which is centred to allow natural daylight to filter in from all sides of the office. Another unique aspect is the angular 3D faceted meeting areas made from charcoal and grey tones of felt, which naturally resembled ‘cracks’ in the rock formations and serve as highly acoustical meeting areas that the Edgar staff call their ‘Man Caves’. Pristine white walls, black-framed clear glass walls and warm wood plank flooring complement the overall design.
Given the competitive nature of their business, the final design needed to leave a lasting impression on both employees and clients. What materialized through the design team’s bold undertaking is a new take on Alpine design through clean, elegant and unique aesthetics.
Interior Designer: Sara Remocker, RID and Michelle Sigurdson, RID Design Team: Alexa Bustamante, Marie de Montigny-Simoneau Photographer: Ema Peter
Judges’ Notes: “Excellent feature ceiling to create drama and tension.”
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SFU Charles Chang Innovation Centre — Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects + Designers Inc.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges’ Notes: “The interior feels quite simple allowing the users to activate the space.”
Opened in 2016, the Charles Chang Innovation Centre is a graduate student residence and innovation facility in downtown Vancouver. Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) new hub for technology and social innovation is a six-storey, 30,000 square foot building that features a coffee shop on the ground floor, an innovation centre on the second floor and 52 residential apartments on the top four floors. The project provides a contemporary learning environment designed to support different user groups with the primary tenant being RADIUS (RADical Ideas, Useful to Society), a social innovation group affiliated with SFU. The Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects + Designers Inc was called on to complete a full interior fit-out of the second floor, occupied by RADIUS. The well defined and flexible spaces support open innovation where students, faculty and community partners can generate and develop transformative ideas. A large multi-purpose space facilitates creative teaching methods as well as a range of social functions. With focused attention to the quality of space, light and views, as well as to the programmatic needs, graphics and finishes, the design
team crafted interiors that combine a sense of inspiration and collaboration, across the urban scale and down to the details. A neutral palette provides a dynamic yet timeless backdrop, while punches of red in the furniture and signage are noble gestures through which the design team integrated their design with SFU’s visual identity. The ash wood ceiling panels were purposefully designed with a playful geometry that is further emphasized by a layer of light fixtures hovering over the orderly space. “One of my favourite design elements is the custom wood acoustic ceiling that frames the work area below. We wanted the ceiling to be a feature in the space as it would be highly visible from the street below,” says Biggar, who enjoyed collaborating on a project that strove to benefit the community through fostering social innovation.
Interior Designer: Michelle Biggar, RID Design Team: Steve McFarlane, Vivian Chin, Hozumi Nakai Photographer: Andrew Latreille
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BMO Theatre Centre Proscenium Architecture & Interiors
The BMO Theatre Centre in Vancouver is the stunning new home for the Arts Club Theatre Company and Bard on the Beach. The centre was conceived as a hub for the theatre community and the Olympic Village neighbourhood. The project incorporates a 250-seat theatre, four rehearsal spaces, costume shops, storage areas, and offices for two of Western Canada’s largest theatre companies and a wine festival. “Working on a theatre project is always special and working with the Arts Club and Bard on the Beach to gain further understanding into how their
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges’ Notes: “The panels throughout the space provide cohesive design. Well executed.”
Interior Designer: Kerri Shinkewski, RID Design Team: Hugh Cochlin, Greg Piccini & Sara Theuerkauf Photographer: Andrew Latreille
organizations work and how they would work alongside each other was especially exciting,” says lead interior designer Kerri Shinkewski. The interior design concept by Proscenium Architecture & Interiors revolved around using material and pattern to weld spaces of disparate programme into a cohesive theatrical experience. It responded to diverse programme requirements, creating a unified spatial experience for reflection and play while complimenting an assertive base building. “The space was initially designed for a different program, so it took a bit of creative problem solving to mold and shape the space to meet the needs of the client and users,” says Shinkewski. The centre features a bright and open lobby, which is intended to
enhance the sense of a neighbourhood hub and provides visual interest to the street front. The design depends on overlapping planes of complimentary materials, ornamented with a punched pattern that appears in a variety of orientations and scales which also addressed a variety of technical requirements such as acoustic treatment. The consistent patterning helped to create a strong unified aesthetic experience between the various spaces within the facility. “The success of the project is the result of a lot of hard work by a group of dedicated and talented people including the design team, the consultants, the project manager and the client, as well as the construction team,” she says.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
WORKPLACE PARTIAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Oakwyn Realty – SSDG Interiors Inc.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Challenging projects often lead to the best solutions. Such was the case for Oakwyn Realty, a fresh new residential real estate brokerage that entered the Vancouver market to bring a collaborative model to the industry. For its flagship location at Oak and 16th, SSDG Interiors turned a former Blockbuster retail store into a real estate office unlike anything currently seen in Vancouver. The goal was to attract and retain new realtors by providing a modern office environment that encourages interaction and cooperation between realtors. “We love how the space turned out, and the clients were a really special group,” says Lynn Hughes, lead designer at SSDG. “They have such a great entrepreneurial spirit, and were so energetic and eager to change the way the real estate business works, which is as they say, is no small feat!” SSDG was challenged with a very tight budget and an existing building with a curved façade, but was able to deliver a very clean aesthetic for this job, using Oakwyn’s branding as the primary driver. “The strong brand identity was really helpful. We had a low budget to work with, so got a lot of bang for our buck with the strong black and white contrast,” explains Hughes. “We also focused on injecting small elements of richness alongside an otherwise simple design.” For example, a small stone transaction top was used for the reception on an otherwise plastic laminate desk and Tom Dixon gold pendants in the t-bar ceiling are showcased in the boardroom. The open reception sits adjacent to a large social area where realtors can work independently, compare listings with their peers, meet with clients over coffee, hold industry events promoting their latest project, or host large information sessions.
Judges Notes: Beautiful attention to detail.
Hughes says her favourite part of the project was the large atrium space in the front. “This was an existing volume, but we accentuated it by extending pony walls up behind reception which really extended the space. We recessed a black wall behind the reception desk to offset all of the white, and it acted as the backdrop for their gold logo which created a really punchy first impression.”
The success of this project earned SSDG a 2017 IDIBC Award of Excellence for their efforts. “There is really no higher compliment than being judged a winner by a group of peers. There was a lot of hard work from both their end and ours to make this project come to life, so winning this award is a great achievement for all of us,” says Hughes, noting the client is opening its second location in Yaletown this October.
Registered Interior Designer: Susan Steeves, RID and Lynn Hughes, RID Photographer: Kim Muise
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RETAIL & KIOSKS | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Spareparts – Cutler
Spareparts is a trendsetting, industry leader for retailing sunglasses, watches and accessories. With 12 locations in Canada and growing, Spareparts commissioned Culter to build upon its success with advances in store design and functionality while appealing to its wide customer demographic. To reflect the brand’s curated collection, the design team was inspired by the fashion runway and street style community for the store’s location in Pacific Centre, Vancouver. The goal was to create a retail space that invites clients to explore while shopping. The black and white colour palette and clean material scheme create a backdrop for the vibrant products to stand out and shine. The well executed design earned Cutler a 2017 IDIBC Award of Excellence with the judges impressed with the excellent “runway” concept.
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Judges’ Notes: “Distinct zones, compact, strong concept.”
Interior Designer: Sherry Haddow, RID Photographer: Luiz Valdizon
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & SALES CENTRE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Station Square Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects + Designers Inc.
The massive Station Square development in Burnaby is comprised of five residential towers being built by Anthem Properties and Beedie Development Group. An existing presentation centre had been used to launch several projects in the development. The Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects + Designers Inc. was challenged to take that existing presentation centre and completely transform it to present a fresh, new high-end residential product for the final tower, set to complete in 2021.
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges’ Notes: “Timeless. Sophisticated. Worth the wait.”
The design team successfully re-invented the existing 7,000 square foot presentation centre to communicate that the final phase was a departure from the approach presented in the previous buildings, while also evoking elements of the final building architecture and interior design. Cohesive branding, finishes and furnishings were used to reinforce the overall image of the project. “We achieved luxury through simplicity: a progression of spaces where the warmth of natural stones, white washed wood and bronze highlights with the texture of the geometric patterns add layers of sophisticated depth into a clean white milieu,” says lead interior designer Michelle Biggar.
The design team created a sophisticated gallery feel with a focus on careful planning to direct potential purchasers through the space, while demonstrating how the design elements will work together in the future building. The sculptural piece featured in the reception area and long stone bench spanning two rooms sets the tone for the rich materiality and unique design apparent throughout the rest of the space.
Interior Designer: Michelle Biggar, RID Design Team: Steve McFarlane, Josie Grant, Berit Wooge, Anabella Alfonzo Photographer: Ema Peter
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & SALES CENTRE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The Kirkland Kerrisdale – Area 3 Design Studio Inc.
The Kirkland is a luxury, boutique-style, five-storey concrete building featuring a collection of 20 high end boutique residences. Area 3 Design Studio Inc. was tasked with designing a presentation centre that would appeal to a downsizing clientele, and reflect a blend of contemporary and traditional elements with modern urban elegance. Natural materials such as marble, limestone, quartzite was used to create a luxurious ambience. For the gourmet kitchens, premium European appliances and two-tone
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Judges’ Notes: “Elegant luxury finishes that are well executed.”
cabinets included appliance towers, full height pull-out pantries and custom wine display millwork. The design team found inspiration in the building’s original 1920s architecture that suited the client’s desire to create a New York style lobby and grand entrance that would be unique to this project. “We accomplished this by including a black and ivory inlay detail in the tiled floor, full height wall panelling and hints of rose gold in graphics,” says lead interior designer Kulpreet Warraich, adding the project was a “designer’s dream” because the team was able to select finishes, fixtures and plumbing not typically found in multi-family projects.
For example, the ensuite features a built out, full height marble feature wall with a semi-freestanding tub and a wall mount tub filler. The attention to detail and the high-end finishes created a timeless design that earned the firm a 2017 IDIBC Award of Excellence. “It’s an honour considering how much talent and award winning projects that were submitted as part of this year’s Shine Awards,” says Warraich.
Interior Designer: Kulpreet Warraich, RID Design Team: Marion Nordin Photographer: Kristen McGaughey
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Mather’s Residence – HB Design
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
Having a great client goes a long way to making any project successful and for this particular residence, working with the family was the favourite part of the job for Jennifer Heffel, principal of HB Design. “They are young, fun and stressed ‘no stress’. They took the building process in stride and always made us feel appreciated for our work. They were the best part of the job,” says Heffel. The goal for this 5,800 square foot new build was to create what the family coined “a simple box” from the street yet reflected their love of entertaining, art and modern furniture mixed with eclectic antiques and family heirlooms.
The challenge for this project was to design a new home that made the owners feel like they had lived in it for years. Items chosen were to focus on the feel and flow of the family and create a home that felt relaxed, cozy and durable but most importantly, inviting to friends and family. Located in West Vancouver, the stunning view is framed by clean lines, black windows and white walls creating an uncomplicated backdrop to layer textural elements. “The input from the homeowners made this project a success and their trust in us to guide them to make the right decisions. They gave us their wish list, communicated their ideas well and then let us do our job,” says Heffel.
The result is a livable home that is full of warmth and personality with strong artwork throughout. It earned HB Design a 2017 IDIBC Award of Excellence. “Winning an IDIBC Award of Excellence is a great honour as the recognition is coming from the professional side of interior design in B.C.,” says Heffel. “The voting protocol is not based on just a pretty picture but how well the project is professionally implemented. We are honoured to receive this award amongst so many talented designers in B.C.”
Judges’ Notes: “Art makes a big impact on the space. Successful concept for active family.”
Interior Designer: Jennifer Heffel, RID Photographer: Ema Peter
Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Coal Harbour – Andrea McLean Studio
Judges’ Notes: “Thoughtful millwork detailing. Cohesive. The views are maximized.”
This 3,000 square foot Vancouver penthouse has amazing views of Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Because most of the exterior walls are glazing, the vista dominates the interior experience and has been considered in every room, making the rooms themselves feel more spacious. The bespoke, architectural millwork, made of specially treated white oak, provides an intentional thread that connects the entire space and creates flow. While the floor plan was not significantly altered, the transition between areas was carefully studied. Light colours and a mix of natural and recessed halogen lighting makes room bright and cheery. The result by interior designer Andrea McLean is a timeless space that the family can enjoy for years to come.
Interior Designer: Andrea McLean, RID Photographer: Ema Peter
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
White Gold Cabin – Project 22 Design Inc.
Located in Whistler, this 6,025 square foot vacation home was inspired by the landscape and designed for entertaining. Giant windows showcase outdoor scenery, while the material palette reflects natural elements: concrete, glass, stone and bleached-white oak. The wood soffit is continued into the ceilings to break up the expansive interior and add texture and warmth. The kitchen, living, dining and family rooms are one big, openconcept gathering place. Black accents, like the flamed-and-honed granite countertops and stone, metal and stained wood panel fireplace surround, ground the main floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom’s clerestory windows allow for both light and privacy while framing mountain views from the bed (a hanging chair is also positioned for prime gazing).
Judges’ Notes: “Very subtly detailed, serene.”
The white-oak flooring continues up the wall behind the bed, adding to the modern-mountain-retreat look, along with luxury-hideaway touches
like a two-sided fireplace and spa-like freestanding tub crowned with plantfilled Bocci lights that accentuate the nature-first approach.
Interior Designer: Denise Ashmore, RID Design team: Sarah Lillos Photographer: Ema Peter
Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
RESIDENTIAL | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Arbutus Road – Bidgood & Co Interiors Originally built in 1928, this ocean view 4,000 square foot residence offers a blend of traditional architecture with a contemporary cottage feel. The clients desired a family home that reflected a modern classic style, but also functioned as a space to allow their family to gather and connect with the surrounding landscape. The layout of the interior is a balance of formal and casual spaces, wherever possible focusing the views out onto the Haro Strait. Over the years the interior had seen several renovations that had left the overall feel mix matched and lacklustre. After an initial walk through with the homeowners it was clear to the design team at Bidgood & Co Interiors that the interior, with its spectacular views, fireplaces, beveled glass, oak flooring and grandiose feel, had incredible potential for a welcoming family home. Taking inspiration from the dramatic arches and the historical style of the original space, the team executed a renovation design that features a high contrasting colour palette and bold patterns. White walls throughout the house keep the focus on features such as the ornate tile, refurbished hardwood floors, black painted arched windows, and brass hardware. The result is a charming and livable home that is a great fit for the homeowners, who were very involved throughout the process.
Interior Designer: Kyla Bidgood, RID Design Team: Mary McNeill-Knowles & Kristine Hageland Photographer: Janis Nicolay
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Judges Notes: “Lovely balance of historic elements with modern touches.”
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
FOOD & BEVERAGE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Shark Club: Sports, Bar & Grill – Northland Properties A memorable evening at a sports bar is not just about watching your favourite team win. Creating the right atmosphere with comfortable spaces is as important to the customer experience and making sure they come back as the selection of beverages. The Shark Club: Sports, Bar & Grill in downtown Vancouver, originally opened in 1993 needed a modern refresh and underwent a multi-million dramatic renovation. The sports bar, one of 12 across Canada, is now the flagship for the brand. Boasting a winning design by Daniel Meloché, the 9,250 squarefoot space features an open, large warehouse style concept with a vintage sports theme. The eye catching 66-foot long industrial steel bar is surrounded by two giant media walls with more than 40 screens to broadcast all the action. The updated bar has a capacity for 322 seated. The design team wanted to create a space that was inviting and inclusive and found inspiration in the club’s location near Gastown. The neighbourhood’s history and character were incorporated into the design. Another important objective was to involve local talent and materials in the project.
Interior Designer: Daniel Meloché, RID Design team: Paul Kwasnicky, Scott Harwood Photographer: Heather Merenda
Judges’ Notes: “Lighting is dramatic and well done. Warm, inviting.” Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
FOOD & BEVERAGE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Orchard Common, Open Kitchen – Perkins + Will Judges’ Notes: “Clean and simple. Doesn’t feel like your typical dining hall.” Open
Kitchen,
the
newest dining facility on the University of British Columbia campus, is a fresh and modern take on the cafeteria often seen in student dining. Opened in August 2016, the residence dining experience is strategically located within Orchard Commons, a new 450,000 square foot mixed-use campus ‘hub’ that combines student housing, an international college, and a daycare. Designed by Perkins + Will, the space is characterized by a clear simple plan and a deliberately restrained colour and material palette. The generous use of wood, both as the building’s structure and interior finishes, is a unifying element throughout the space. The wood is balanced by crisp white surfaces and a single bold accent colour — a lime green that pays tribute to the apple orchards that were previously on the property. Open Kitchen is an evolution of the university cafeteria experience, according to lead interior designer Kimberly Baba. “By incorporating design, branding, and technology, Open Kitchen manifested into a modern, cutting-edge and beautifully executed space,” she
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
says. “The design approach was more similar to a restaurant rather than a cafeteria. The integration of branding in all aspects was important to creating an impactful design. The intent of the design concept was to move beyond the traditional model, and create a modern dining experience.” The dining hall boasts a variety of seating styles from banquettes to harvest tables to high tops. The seating allows for a clear flow and site lines to the exterior, providing strong outdoor views through the corridor glazing. The raised wood booths along the perimeter had a two-fold purpose: one was to ensure that it gave an unobstructed view above the lower seating; and the other was to provide screening and a clear walkthrough to the dish drop off on the wall behind. “The vegetarian station in particular is dramatic and beautiful. It features a metal shelf enclosure that allows staff to grow their own herbs — a piece that is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing,” says Baba about her favourite element. The success of the model has meant that Open Kitchen has become a destination for the campus at large, serving students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Interior Designer: Kimberly Baba, RID Design Team: Alysia Baldwin, Kaz Bremner, Jana Foit, Derek Newby Photographer: Michael Elkan
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
HEALTHCARE | AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Dr. Jason Gallant – Sinclair Dental
Judges’ Notes: “Intelligent abstraction of key concepts, beautiful sense of discovery.” The
owner
of
this
children’s orthodontal office has a passion for bringing fun to dentistry. The project vision from the beginning was to be kid-centric while maintaining a modern, crisp and clean aesthetic. The design concept explores elements of outdoor play; these forms were abstracted into streamlined design elements relatable to kids and parents. Bold colours mixed with white and dark grey emphasize and exaggerate specific details throughout the clinic.
Interior Designers: Robin Bailey, RID and Kathe Epp, RID Design Team: Jennifer McRoberts, RID Photographer: Luke Potter
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RESIDENTIAL AWARD OF MERIT Vancouver Residence
Interior Designer: David Nicolay, RID Design Firm: Evoke International Design Design Team: Dean Collingridge, Simon Montgomery, Mauricio Marcantonio Photographer: Janis Nicolay
“Simple modern. Seems to respond to the design challenge well.”
RESIDENTIAL AWARD OF MERIT Waterfront Residence
Interior Designer: Robert Bailey, RID Design Firm: Robert Bailey Interiors Design Team: Massimo Lanaro Photographer: Ema Peter
“Wood and concrete work well to define spaces/nice art placement.” 42
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
RETAIL AND KIOSKS AWARD OF MERIT Still Life for Her
Interior Designer: Kyla Bidgood, RID Design Firm: Bidgood & Co Interiors Photographer: Michelle Pichert
“Clean lines & casework. Great lighting to highlight product.”
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL AND SALES CENTRE AWARD OF MERIT Langara West
Interior Designer: Brenda Chiu, RID Design Firm: Area 3 Design Studio Inc. Design Team: Lisa Hansen Photographer: Kristen McGaughey
“Beautiful staging & material palettes.” SPECIALTY DESIGN AWARD OF MERIT Vancouver PC – Lighting
Interior Designer: N.Y. Chu, RID Design Firm: LIV Interiors INC. Design Team: Olivia Lam, Ken Liao Photographer: Ema Peter
“Concept to execution is perfection. The big idea can be ‘felt’ by looking at the piece.” Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
FOOD AND BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT Fable Diner
Interior Designer: David Nicolay, RID Design Firm: Evoke International Design Design Team: Amanda Hugessen Photographer: Janis Nicolay
“A bright, airy interpretation of a diner.”
FOOD AND BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT Lot 1 Pasta Bar
Interior Designer: Tamara Bush, RID Design Firm: Inhabit Designs Inc. Photographer: Sarah MacNeill
“Great graphic, high impact. Graphics compliment interior.” 44
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Intracorp
Interior Designer: Patricia Desmet, RID Design Firm: Omicron Interiors Ltd. Photographer: Brett Hitchens
“Origami — executed so beautifully and so simply.”
WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Cossette
FOOD AND BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT Earls Mall at Millenia
Interior Designer: Wendy Tait, RID Design Firm: Earls Design Studio Design Team: Abigail Stephens Photographer: Barry J. Grossman
“Lighting package and mural are exceptional.”
Interior Designer: Julie Campbell, RID and Kenna Manley, RID Design Firm: SSDG Interiors Inc. Photographer: Ema Peter
“Clean crisp space with warm wood and pops of colour.”
Fall 2017 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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2017 IDIBC Awards of excellence
AWARD OF MERIT
WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT DHX Media
Interior Designer: David Nicolay, RID Design Firm: Evoke International Design Design Team: Suzy Pesa, Lachlan Knox, Elizabeth Hodge, Adam Maitland Photographer: Janis Nicolay
“Lovely balance of bold and neutral colours.” HOSPITALITY AWARD OF MERIT Kwa’lilas Hotel
Interior Designer: Judy Henderson, RID Design Firm: Inside Design Studio Photographer: Barry Calhoun
“Art is stunning and incorporated well. Very dramatic renovation.” HOSPITALITY AWARD OF MERIT Princess Panhwar: Myanmar Luxury River Cruise Ships
Interior Designer: Karen Wong, RID Design Firm: CHIL Interior Design Photographer: Henry Low
“Elegant reflection of cultural context.” 46
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2017
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