DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019 Vol. 20 No.2

Showcasing BC & Alberta’s architects and interior designers

fall 2019 Vol. 20 No.2

PM 40063056

d e s i g n q ua rt e r ly

IDIBC Awards of Excellence

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in this issue

06

Upper Skeena Recreation Centre

16 Features 06 Designer Profile

ON THE COVER: This stunning renovation

by Box Interior Design for the Fireside Restaurant at the Arbutus Club won the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award at the 2019 IDIBC Awards of Excellence.

Photo: Larry Goldstein

Architect John Hemsworth is passionate about creating spaces that are compelling, compassionate, sustainable and accessible.

10 Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

Departments 04 From the Editor Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

3

from the editor

Serious Change

FALL 2019 Vol. 20 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

This fall in Vancouver has seen a strong focus on our environment and the urgency to make serious change. Both the Global Climate Strike and the Ecocity World Summit were held in the city, inspiring much needed conversations about the climate crisis.

The building community has a big role to play through adoption of bold solutions and thoughtful planning. While the efforts to make buildings more energy efficient and “green” have increased significantly over the past decade, more still needs to be done.

When it comes to driving change, design can be a powerful tool. Most designers and architects already know that designing sustainable environments is fundamental, such as Vancouver architect John Hemsworth, this issue’s profile. As he states, “It’s not an impending climate disaster, it’s ongoing.” He is working with clients who want to push the boundaries and delivering quality spaces that are winning attention.

Interior designers also can make a difference by selecting sustainable choices to increase the quality of life inside buildings. Balancing aesthetics and functionality with choices that reduce environmental impact is a worthwhile endeavour.

The best registered interior designers in B.C. are committed to that endeavour and more. And the 2019 IDIBC Shine Awards of Excellence annually recognize those firms’ talent and creative visions.

Jay Brooks and the design team at Box Interior Design won the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award for the incredible transformation of the Fireside Restaurant at the Arbutus Club. For Interior Designer of the Year, Andrea Greenway of Studio Com was recognized for the Native Shoe store in Gastown. All the winners are highlighted in the following pages of this issue.

Let’s hope we all can make a serious change — big or small — wherever and whenever we can.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

November 4 & 5, 2020

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

Quality of Space

By Cheryl Mah

BC Passive House Factory

6

A

DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

Accolades are not new for Vancouver architect John Hemsworth. He was mentored by some of the best local architects and it shows in his early design achievements. Not bad for someone who didn’t enter architecture school until his 30s.

The Halifax-born Hemsworth took a circuitous route into architecture, attending the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie) to obtain his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. After graduating in 1988, he spent time travelling and working in a variety of jobs including engineering, bartending and nonprofits. It wasn’t until he went to South America to work on small community development projects that his interest in architecture was sparked.

Entering architecture school as a mature student was challenging, but Hemsworth excelled and obtained his Masters of Architecture degree from UBC in 2002.

He started practicing architecture in 2003 with Tony Robins at AA Robins Architect as a lead designer. His first project was the stunning Watermark Restaurant at Kitsilano Beach, which earned an AIBC Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Innovation. In 2006, he moved on to work at Henriquez Partners Architects.

“My mentor through registration was Richard Henriquez, who I worked for as a student. Richard is amazing, and very generous and supportive even today,” says Hemsworth, who then worked briefly for himself before joining McFarland Marceau Architects.

As project architect, Hemsworth led the design on the award winning Environmental Learning Centre at the North Vancouver Outdoor School (now known as the Cheakamus Centre) and Vancouver Island University’s Shellfish Research Centre. Both projects reflect design excellence in wood and sustainability — early projects that are certified LEED Platinum and feature innovative mass timber use.

“I learned a lot from Larry McFarland — honing my understanding of wood culture, wood techniques and the community,” says Hemsworth.

In 2012, he launched Hemsworth Architecture with “no plan and no job.” Fast forward to today and the full-service firm is a busy team of four, committed to creating spaces that are compelling, compassionate and accessible. The focus is primarily institutional, commercial and some residential buildings.

“We’re classically driven in our design approach here,” says Hemsworth, who leads all the design

work in the firm. “We still build physical models — everything’s done by hand and then when we get to a certain point, we roll everything into the digital world.”

Hemsworth says they have not followed the traditional path of smaller firms by starting with custom homes or becoming highly specialized. Instead, the interest is to work on a broad base of projects.

“We have lots of experience in institutional buildings. It is a challenge because you’re competing against bigger firms but it’s definitely more interesting work,” he says.

Fundamental to all projects is a commitment to excellence in the execution of the buildings and the desire to champion quality of space, community and sustainability.

Designer Profile

Whistler Skiers’ Chapel

“Passive House as a construction methodology makes sense”

“I think this idea of quality of space is a powerful part of architecture. A beautiful space is of great value,” says Hemsworth.

A good example is the BC Passive House Factory in Pemberton. The first facility of its kind in Canada, the 16,000 square foot building is used for the manufacturing of prefabricated Passive House panels and was conceived “as a simple, light-filled, wooden box.”

As much a demonstration project as a working facility, the building uses a number of different wood products including a glue-laminated timber (Glulam) post-andbeam structure, cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and prefab roof panels. The entire superstructure was erected in just eight days.

“On that project, we focused on the quality of light in the space.

We wrapped clerestory windows around the whole exterior of the building to provide exception light quality,” says Hemsworth.

The showroom and office walls are framed with wood I-joists, super-insulated, and certified to Passive House standards. With an airtight, double-walled system and high-performance wood windows, the envelope was optimized to

dramatically reduce the energy required for heating and cooling.

“Passive House as a construction methodology makes sense,” says Hemsworth.

Completed in 2014, the BC Passive House Factory has won numerous awards, culminating in a 2016 Governor General’s Medal. The medal is one of Canada’s most prestigious and coveted architectural awards.

“To win the Governor General’s medal for a factory in Pemberton with no budget alongside all these distinguished architects was crazy. It was a big surprise,” reflects Hemsworth, adding they are now in the process of doing a 22,000 square foot expansion to that factory.

The success of the factory has raised the firm’s profile and generated plenty of interest from clients calling about ambitious projects.

Current work includes the Whistler Skiers’ Chapel, a contemporary new sanctuary inspired by its mountain side setting; two mass timber Passive House commercial buildings — one at Ontario and 5th Ave. in Vancouver and one in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale. The firm is also doing a new 16,000 square foot mass timber factory in Squamish.

“We’re finding interesting people to work with that have projects that are

more than your straightforward tiltup concrete development types. We wouldn’t really take on a project if it didn’t have some sustainable underpinning,” says Hemsworth, noting that he has no preference for one material over another but conversations about sustainability tend to lead to wood as the best fit.

Such was the case for the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre in Hazelton, B.C. The wood frame centre opened officially in September, providing the surrounding communities with much needed activity space.

The centre includes one NHL sized ice surface, seating for 500 spectators, and a full sized gymnasium.

Hemsworth explains the project came about because of a case study conducted with Equilibrium Consulting on the potential design of wood arenas.

“We just happened to pick Hazelton for the study and when the report was released, we got the call about building the replacement arena,” he says. “The issue with using wood is you can’t do long spans but we came up with a system of double cantilevered beams which worked for this arena and made it cost effective.”

Hemsworth says good architecture today must address not only costs, but

also environmental and social costs.

While every project is driven by certain requirements and expectations, he feels architects should have conversations about holistic opportunities and sell a more progressive vision to clients.

“The word sustainability has been bruised over the years about what it means. But it’s our responsibility to talk about real sustainability and real world approaches to construction because there’s a real crisis going on. It’s not an impending climate disaster; it’s ongoing,” he says.

As for the future, the 54-yearold says he would like to see the firm continue to grow and expand its expertise to projects throughout Canada and into the U.S. “We want to actively pursue more aggressive sustainable projects in different communities,” he says. “We have the experience and expertise to do larger projects.”

Outside of work, the father of two contributes his time to the profession and community when he can.

Hemsworth serves as guest critic and thesis mentor at the UBC School of Architecture. He has also .taught a design studio at UBC and regularly supports intern architects. DQ Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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IDIBC Awards | 19

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President’s Message

Reflection I was both humbled and honoured to be the IDIBC president during the 2019 Shine Awards, and to walk among a group of so many talented, creative and awe-inspiring interior designers. 2019 saw a record 77 project entries, with a mere 17 awards presented. The trio of guest judges held each entry to the highest possible benchmark — critiquing each project with unsparing resolve, a keen eye, and lots of humour. The bar, by which our standards have been set, has moved up at notch. I am so proud of all the entrants, participants, team members and those who support them, for representing the IDIBC in such a profound way.

Very special congratulations go to Andrea Greenway for Designer of the Year for “Shoe Store” and to Jay Brooks, recipient of the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award for “Fireside Restaurant at the Arbutus Club”. Both of these designers and their teams demonstrate design excellence in their field.

The criteria by which we are judged by our peers, the public, our clients and most often ourselves is stringent. There are sleepless nights spent thinking (and overthinking) design elements, endless hours spent drafting, selecting, and then reselecting the perfect material, and then still wondering if what we have

produced is the best we can do. This practice of reflection becomes second nature to an experienced interior designer, and continually ensures we push the boundaries of our own abilities.

It is then very fitting that the same process that makes us better was the theme to this year’s Shine Awards.

Congratulations to all the participants for making all of us look so good.

Megan Bennett President Interior Designers Institute of B.C.

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

ROBERT LEDINGHAM AWARD FOOD AND BEVERAGE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Fireside Restaurant at the Arbutus Club — Box Interior Design

Simple and Timeless

By Cheryl Mah

12

DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

When the Arbutus Club wanted to refresh the interior of their restaurant, they turned to hospitality specialist Box Interior Design.

The design team led by principal Jay Brooks applied their signature attention to details to deliver a subtle and sophisticated aesthetic for the Fireside Restaurant that has won over the client and patrons alike.

“The new restaurant concept has been identified by members as the best capital project they have ever done. The project has inspired the club to look at more renovations

to their other food and beverage venues,” says Brooks.

The Arbutus Club is one of Canada’s premier private members’ clubs and has been a landmark in Vancouver since 1964. To elevate the dated restaurant, the design team first addressed two key layout challenges in the existing 4,200 square foot space — the entry and the bar.

“There was this awkward waiting area with washrooms before you entered the restaurant proper. So we brought the start of the restaurant right off the common public corridor,”

explains Brooks, adding washrooms were relocated from outside the restaurant space to inside and reconfigured as single person occupancy for a more sophisticated feel.

The bar was moved from the back to the middle of the space, just off the entry to create a hub of activity that did not exist before. The modifications create a better progression where guests enter through the condensed wine “library” with its dark and rich blue wall covering, into a larger reception foyer and then the restaurant.

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

Judges Notes: The minimal detailing is transcendent.

To better serve a varied demographic, the redesign divides the restaurant into three zones for different experiences: a quieter dining area on one side, a central bar and casual dining, and an enclosed patio. New pivoting mirrored screens provide zone delineation and flexibility without adding solid walls.

“We unified the zones by using the same drapery throughout the whole space as well as the dark wood wall,” says Brooks.

The articulated oak millwork also serves as a grounding element, set against soft, textural upholstery to create a warm and engaging visual statement. The purposely restrained palette evokes sophistication and elegance in every corner. The idea was to create an upscale, residential look and feel that is timeless, according to Brooks.

An open patio was fully enclosed in glass to provide a four-season experience. Operable glass walls allow for a breezy open feeling in the summer, while heated floors create winter comfort.

How light comes into the restaurant — plays off textures and

materials — was an important consideration that drove the conceptual idea, says Brooks, noting the restaurant is located on the second floor of the club with lovely tree-lined views.

“The materiality and elements we used are quite simple and timeless.

The palette is purposely restrained.

We focused on the small details to create these moments like the wood paneling, ceiling design and mirrored screens,” he says.

The outstanding design earned the firm an IDIBC Award of Excellence and the prestigious Robert Ledingham Award for project of the year.

“It was a surprise,” says Brooks, who remembers Ledingham as a friend and mentor. “It’s always wonderful when your work is appreciated, and winning the award is personally meaningful since I started my career working for Bob.”

Interior Designer: Jay Brooks, RID Design Team: Cynthia Penner, Kate Read, Tricia Link Photographer: Larry Goldstein

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR RETAIL AND KIOSK AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Shoe Store — Studio CM

Clean, Clever Elements

By Cheryl Mah

14

DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

Located

in

historic

Gastown, Vancouver-based footwear brand Native Shoes’ first standalone store is bright, interactive, fun and reflects the brand’s passion for creativity and sustainability.

The 1,600 square foot space was transformed with clean and clever elements to showcase the company’s full line of vegan sneakers, slip-ons, and boots.

The inviting interior design by Studio CM incorporates details that evoke the brand’s Keep it Lite philosophy as well as the natural

environment, drawing from Native Shoes’ West Coast roots.

The store features universally available materials and an uncomplicated material palette to highlight the colourful merchandise while fully modular retail display units allow the space to be scalable. Birch plywood and white lacquer cubes are arranged into small islands to display the latest collection. A green wall, with moss and plants indigenous to B.C., provide contrast and warmth.

“The brief was to design a new way for customers to access this brand’s

best‐selling shoe, and to create an environment that was modular for easy reorganization, was adult and child friendly, and promoted the values of the company,” explains principal Andrea Greenway.

The most eye-catching element in the store is the large, ceiling high ‘shoe dispenser’ — a self-serve retail unit taking inspiration from a candy machine. The unit is a unique gravity-fed dispenser made to display and to serve any colour and size of the company’s best-selling shoe.

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

Judges Notes: This has a simple narrative.

That gravity fed shoe dispenser rocks!

“We designed a gravity-aided shoe dispenser and packaging method in order to provide visual interest and allow the customer to find the exact size and colour they needed without assistance during the selection and fitting process,” says Greenway. “The shoe dispenser is turned away from the street entrance so there is also an experience involved — a discovery as you make your way through the store.”

The store’s playful feel is carried through in the display cubes in the back that also act as self-contained little play pods, containing books, games and puzzles for kids. Another highlight is the recycled pads on the in-store seating, which are 100 per cent post consumer, recycled from the company’s own products.

Challenges included a tight timeline (90 days) and a strict grid for the dispenser display. The design

required extremely technical millwork with restrictive tolerances.

“Designing a gravity fed dispenser for rubber shoes that had to adhere to a strict grid required it to be drawn and built with a 1/32” tolerance to maintain the alignment of all the parts, POS systems, chutes, drawers, and also to wrap and completely conceal a huge structural column hidden within,” notes Greenway.

Ultimately, the success of any retail store is measured by its performance.

The store’s profitability has exceeded expectations from day one, according to Greenway.

“This was an amazing client who really knew their brand and their story, and when you have a great synergy and you understand each other, the design can really be explored because you are already on the same page. It was great to have that support to really think about what we could do, and

to have the client follow all the way through and trust you with an idea is so rewarding,” says Greenway.

The project earned the Interior Designer of the Year Award at IDIBC’s 2019 Shine Awards of Excellence, awarded to the lead designer for outstanding achievement.

“This is huge,” says Greenway, who attained her RID certification last year.

“To win [the award] is beyond any and all expectations, given the incredible calibre of the project work by our colleagues. This is a career highlight for me absolutely, and I’m very honoured and grateful by this recognition.”

Interior Designer: Andrea Greenway, RID Design Team: Ella Kane Photographer: Ema Peter

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Whistler Residence — Evoke International Design

Located in Whistler, this custom home offers a very active family of four a contemporary design that supports their outdoor activities and lifestyle. The family had relocated from Vancouver to live in the resort town and wanted a permanent — rather than recreational — aesthetic.

Completed in late 2018, the house is 3,900 square feet over three levels with four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The layout is non-traditional with all the bedrooms on the main level, and the open kitchen, living and dining areas on the upper floor.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

Large expanses of windows offer views to embrace the surrounding nature.

Evoke International Design chose to use a very minimal palette of materials and the result is a striking modern aesthetic that evokes the warmth and permanence of a family home. The majority of the floors and walls are clad in a rustic white oak board. Grey marble was used for the kitchen island and tiling in the master bath. Concrete with a mild steel backing was used to provide a plinth for the wood burning fireplace.

To achieve the feel of a mountain home in a modern envelope, the entire living area is clad in wood panelling, a subtle nod to log home life with the use of more rustic natural materials, and the wood burning stove creates a sense of belonging and place in the alpine community.

“My favourite part of the design is how it sits naturally on the site and the owners are able to experience a variety of outlooks, from the ski hills to the mountain forest in their back yard. I also really enjoy the open feel of the living areas on the top floor,” says principal David Nicolay.

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

Judges Notes: It’s really done well.

Sexy as hell.

Located on a heavily sloped mountain site, the biggest challenges were to connect the house to the outdoors on all three levels and to embrace the variety of viewpoints the site provided while also bringing in an abundance of natural light.

The house was sited so that lower level entry points were close to street level grade to provide friendly pedestrian entry. The main floor is aligned with grade at the west mountain slope, providing a physical connection to nature. The upper floor connects to the south facing roof garden by large sliding glass panel doors.

“The south provides views and much needed daylight into the space during the winter months,” says Nicolay.

The needs of the homeowner were all achieved through sensitive and thoughtful design choices by the Evoke team.

“We are extremely happy with the end result, and we often hear from the client expressing their happiness with the home, not just in the design form, but most importantly as functional,” says Nicolay.

Interior Designer: David Nicolay, RID Design Team: Dean Collingridge, Mauricio Marcantonio Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & SALES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Akimbo Presentation Centre – Area3Design Studio

Judges Notes: It’s unlike any other design centre.

Akimbo is a new 40storey concrete residential tower in Burnaby’s Brentwood neighbourhood. Described as the city’s most architecturally significant tower, the design by IBI Group Architects features a pattern of uniquely shaped and angled balconies that wrap the building’s exterior.

Area3 Design Studio had to deliver a bold design for the presentation centre that would match the dramatic architectural expression.

Taking inspiration from the architecture and branding, the design team uses minimal and tailored finishes to successfully create an unconventional experience.

“Bringing in the attitude and tone of the brand into the interior space was important. We wanted the public to experience this while going through the presentation centre,” says principal Brenda Chiu.

“Our favorite part of the design was the reception desk and accent back wall and ceiling component. The

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

reception desk is made from solid surface material that allowed us to create the seamless angular reception front.”

From the sculptural Corian reception desk and furnishings to the black and white editorial photos, the correlation between graphics and interiors create a cohesive and unified vision.

To create a sense of drama, a moody, seductive dark colour palette was used. The black angled walls create the perfect transition between areas in the space.

The reception area has been designed to represent the aesthetic of the lobby including a honed marble feature wall, linear lighting, wood veneer ceiling detail and actually lobby furnishings.

The residential interiors consist of two colour schemes: one very light, white, clean, fresh, and minimalist; the second being intense, dark, edgy and more masculine. A kitchen showcases the dark scheme, while a twobedroom-and-den condo presents

the light option. Oversized marketing boards also capture the two colour schemes.

The end result is a beautiful sales centre that is unique yet classic and reflects the client’s desire to stand apart.

Interior Designer: Brenda Chiu, RID Design Team: Lisa Hansen Photographer: Kristen McGaughey

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & SALES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Paramount — Cristina Oberti Interior Design

Judges Notes: This is opulence meets industrial makes a powerful statement.

For

the

Paramount

presentation centre, Cristina Oberti Interior Design took inspiration from the project’s iconic architectural qualities to create a bold and memorable interior.

The Paramount, a new urban landmark in downtown Richmond, offers exclusive units in a mixed use project consisting of three residential condo towers. The goal was to carry the strong exterior architectural details seamlessly into the interiors, presenting a holistic aesthetic experience. Structural exterior elements are mirrored through pattern and form in the various finishes, fixtures and furnishings throughout the centre.

A strategic interplay of colour and light is used to help draw in and direct visitors across the space, while the repetition of graphic motifs evokes a sense of harmony and familiarity.

“Overall, I love how the design is very bold and visual. It makes an

impact and tells a cohesive design story,” says principal Cristina Oberti.

The biggest challenge for the design team was the location and existing premises. The Paramount presentation centre is situated in a quiet, industrial area where there is very limited foot traffic. Secondly, it’s surrounded by competitors trying to attract the same pool of visitors.

“Our challenge was to find a way to not only draw visitors into the presentation centre, but also to make The Paramount stand out among the crowd,” says Oberti, adding it was vital that the project have a strong design presence and to make a lasting impression.

From the angular lines to the stunning ceiling, geometry and light are used effectively. Materials played an important role in this project, particularly when it came to creating the overall design language.

For example, marble and gold were used to attract the eye while setting the stage for an inspiring

and sophisticated environment.

Marking the entry is a dramatic black marble reception desk.

“My favourite elements of the project are the reception area and model base design. We had such a great time working with the graphic team to create these spaces,” says Oberti.

The effective and timeless design was recognized with an IDIBC Award of Excellence.

“It’s an incredible honour to receive this award. We were incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing group of people, without whom the project wouldn’t have been possible. This award is all because of great teamwork,” says Oberti.

Interior Designer: Cristina Oberti, RID Design Team: Soo Yeon Lee, RID Photographer: John Sinal

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Interior Design Studio — BYU Design

Since BYU Design was founded by Ada Bonini and Cheryl Broadhead in 2003, the company has flourished into one of Vancouver’s leading interior design firms.

With growth and success over the years came the need to expand their design studio space. Moving into their new 5,400 square foot studio in 2018 was a dream come true.

“We’re so happy to be here and so fortunate to have such a beautiful studio,” says Bonini.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

The new space is double the size of their previous studio, where BYU was located for the past 13 years. The space is designed with flexibility and longevity in mind that will support higher team collaboration and allow for more meaningful interaction for users.

“When this shell space came up for purchase in an up and coming neighbourhood, located in an architecturally interesting building, we jumped on it,” says Bonini. “Starting from a blank slate is always exciting. The best

part of the process was the ability to really look inwards to our values, our working methodologies, and our aesthetic and to be able to translate that to a physical environment.”

For the new space, BYU wanted to create a hallmark interior that would foster creativity, growth, teamwork, and a sense of pride in the firm. The result is an ambitious space featuring a timeless palette of bold black steel and glass, mingled with soft white oaks and concrete. The black, white

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

Judges Notes: I like everything about the furniture and the lighting.

That stair is gorgeous.

and grey scheme serves as a perfect backdrop for client presentations.

“One favourite outcome is the hang out zone at the mezzanine.

It’s been incredible to experience the effects of this arrangement on both creativity and on developing better and more meaningful relationships with our team members,” says Bonini. “It’s great to see people excited to show it off to their friends and to be happier and to be more creative in their work.”

A major design highlight is the stairwell to the mezzanine, which successfully adds a visual sculpture to the space. The intent was to create an experience and an anchor point with the solid steel stair. It is impressive but delicately proportioned.

One of the biggest challenges was time, according to Bonini. “We were ‘homeless’ for about two months of the construction process, which was

difficult for a team of more than 20 people.”

It was also challenging being their own client. “There is a lot of self reflection and review of what we formed as assumptions as we worked through the process, but in the end it made us and our goals even stronger than before,” she says, adding they fully evaluated every decision to ensure it was the right choice.

The beautifully conceived project earned a 2019 IDIBC Award of Excellence.

“It feels amazing to be recognized by your peers for a project which we feel is fantastic, especially since it’s our own environment. We are so very proud of the outcome and excited that it got recognized,” says Bonini.

Interior Designer: Ada Bonini, RID Design Team: Cheryl Broadhead, RID Photographer: Steve Li

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Engine Digital — Square One Interior Design

Engine

Digital’s

new

10,000 square foot office in Vancouver is people-centric and versatile, ensuring the space, people and technology remain aligned with their revolving business goals.

Spread over three floors, the focus was on creating large flexible workshop spaces to accommodate growth and changing business models. The renovated building had a base palette of glulam structure, concrete floors and

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

drywall allowing the design to remain simple, but intentional. A bold reception and focus on layered elements and division of space created an adaptable environment to host client workshops while promoting vibrancy and creativity in the workplace.

“Our client has a very collaborative approach to their internal design solutions. We wanted to provide a blank canvas with subtle detailing to ensure their work is the feature and

core of the culture,” says Jennifer Hamilton, principal of Square One Interior Design (SQ1).

The project budget was quite restrictive. Being conscious of this as well as requirements for their space to be adaptable, the design team was intentional in deciding where to erect new partitions, often choosing to utilize furniture and acoustic solutions to delineate space. Construction dollars were

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

Judges Notes: It’s a really restrained use of materials.

allocated to impact areas to maximize the project’s overall success.

“The SQ1 team had to be extremely creative to achieve the design solution within the parameters of the lean project budget,” says Hamilton.

The space consists of open work and collaboration spaces, and various-sized private meeting rooms — supporting the integration of a collaborative work culture. A main feature is the use of 3-Form felt ceiling

and wall panels to provide a variety of acoustical treatments to finely tune each space. Most notably the ceiling in the main level workshop was designed to allow the space to flex as needed and provide complete acoustic control.

The end result is a purpose-driven office that facilitates collaboration as well as improving client engagement and employee retention. The successful design earned the firm an IDIBC Award of Excellence.

“It›s really great to be acknowledged by colleagues who understand the process, effort and energy it takes to see a project come to fruition. We’re very grateful to receive this award,” says Hamilton.

Interior Designer: Jennifer Hamilton, RID Design Team: Cynthia Ziolkoski, Chloe Radford Photographer: Ema Peter

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

COWI — Square One Interior Design COWI is a leading international consulting group with a focus on specialized structural engineering. Over the years, their office space became dated and no longer supported their business or reflected their leading market position.

Square One Interior Design was commissioned to create a newly branded workspace reflecting a global vision with a local presence, and to have flexibility and seamless collaboration between all departments.

The open office is designed with thoughtful use of raw structural materials — concrete, blackened steel and solid walnut with a detailed focus on scale and proportion, and the seamless connections between materials. The space exudes strength and stability, reflecting the unique skills of COWI’s specialized engineers.

“COWI’s workspace is now a powerful reflection of their culture and business. The refined use of raw materials and detailing is in line with their brand while feeling clean, strong, and sophisticated,” says Square One principal Jennifer Hamilton.

The impactful interconnected stair is strategically placed in the work cafe and designed for large gatherings, company functions and meetings. A connected space offers opportunities for collision and collaboration to occur naturally assisting with project workflow and increasing business revenue.

Challenges included addressing acoustics and a significant reduction in the budget just prior to construction. “We were challenged to reduce costs by 25 per cent,” says Hamilton, noting the budget was allocated to key features such as the interconnected stair, the lobby presence and workstations.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

Judges Notes: Love it.

It’s beautiful.

A variety of meeting spaces and collaborative zones are located throughout. A modular wall system and flexible office and workstation modules support future growth.

“Working with the client was one of the most enjoyable parts of the project. Being a consulting firm themselves they understood the process.

They provided input whenever required and listened thoughtfully

to the design teams’ recommendations,” says Hamilton.

Interior Designer: Jennifer Hamilton, RID Design Team: Cynthia Ziolkoski, Colleen Cridland, Anna Wex, Chloe Radford Photographer: Ema Peter, Barrie Underhill

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE PARTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Gaming Studio — Perkins + Will

To accommodate their growing workforce, this gaming studio wanted to create a satellite office from their Vancouver headquarters. The space needed to have an independent sense of brand and design that feels like an evolution of their headquarter space rather than an extension to it.

To achieve that vision, Perkins+ Will set out to create a work environment that evokes a sense of fun and playfulness, reminiscent of the multiplayer games they develop.

“We used materials in a simple respectful way and tried to keep the palette minimal to ensure that the graphics spoke strongly. Small hints of colour were used throughout to create a subtle wayfinding effect,” says principal and lead designer Kim Baba.

A major highlight is the graphics installation. The collaboration with

the graphic artist Chairman Ting resulted in the seamless integration of powerful art and brand statements into the architecture of the space.

The building’s waffle ceiling and concrete floor slab were left exposed, establishing a foundation which is contrasted by the warmth and human comfort of the rest of the scheme. The base building was not designed to house a progressive gaming studio and was originally designed to house very simple private office spaces, which was the antithesis of what the gaming studio thrives in.

“Our solution embraced the rigidity of the base building architecture and found a way to celebrate this ordered backdrop through our purposeful interventions and layering of newer functional components,” says Baba.

“Also, the technical needs from a gaming studio are above and beyond

what the standard office needs are, so the coordination between mechanical, electrical, and base building needed an extra layer of review and attention.”

A trusting relationship with the client allowed the design team to push the boundaries and to explore the evolving trends in tech-based workplace culture. The result earned the firm an IDIBC Awards of Excellence.

“We are very excited and honoured to win an Award of Excellence. The whole team loved working on this project and feel that it was a big success,” says Baba.

Judges Notes: It’s fun, as you walk through, you laugh and it’s clever.

Interior Designer: Kim Baba, RID Design Team: Joanne Wong, Jessica Kim, Darcy Collins, Sarah Stanford, RID, Shauna Pringle, RID Photographer: Ema Peter

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Miller Titerle Company office interiors Perkins + Will

Judges Notes: The high contrast and simplicity are so successful and not ostentatious.

The

new

space

for

Miller Titerle Company breaks expectations of conventional law office design. The forward thinking company wanted an office environment that embodies its unique corporate culture which is based on a more passionate and personal way of practicing corporate and commercial law.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

The design solution by Perkins + Will challenges the status quo for law practices. All employees, both lawyers and staff, work from identical openplan workstations with equal access to services, collaboration spaces, and amenities. The main boardroom, which is the hub of idea sharing and solution discovery, is centrally located and promotes complete transparency.

“The client really drove our inspiration to create this non-traditional law office that is dramatic and interesting. They had a great self awareness of who they are, and what they wanted, so we could clearly see where we might push the design,” says principal Kim Baba.

Located in Gastown, the project was a full TI from the shell and core with the architecture and infrastructure left exposed to celebrate the building’s significant heritage. At the heart of the space lies a generous social zone that adapts to accommodate internal meetings and regular social occasions.

“The initial approach to the floor plan was to do something unique and unexpected, which translated into breaking away from simple forms, helping to create these dramatic angles that were accentuated in black. We layered in moments of comfort and nature to create not only a space full of drama, but also one that is comfortable to work in,” explains Baba.

The building grid was deliberately bisected with two strong angular circulation paths, each intercepting the central social spine in the space, which is the main connecting element for guest and staff.

“The pure enveloped black angles at the entrance of the rooms are so strong and exciting, without them I don’t believe the design would have been as successful,” says Baba.

Interior Designer: Kim Baba, RID Design Team: Markus Brown, RID; Joanne Wong, Sarah Stanford, RID Photographer: Ema Peter

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

HOSPITALITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Innovative Fitness — Dialog

Judges Notes: Strong central narrative carried through the whole space.

Transforming a cluttered basement into a sleek and fresh flagship gym for Innovative Fitness required the Dialog design team to overcome several challenges including a long-phased process with various obstacles during construction.

Collaboration was key to making this complex renovation a success.

The design needed to make a bold statement, one that attracted the public in from the street. The clients wanted the space to have a strong sense of brand, status and adrenaline using unique design form.

Located in the iconic Telus Garden building, the floor plan was especially difficult due to its forced separation in the plan. The space had multiple shafts, uneven walls and a thick Telus shaft slicing the space in half. With no way to achieve a visual connection, the design team emphasized the separation by integrating a tunnel. It was an opportunity to embrace the separation and

make that connection and intersection the special, big move element of the design.

The vibrant yellow branding colour is used to draw in passerbys and act like shots of caffeine at the entryways to drive the heart rate up. Suspense is generated through a winding tunnel interrupted by moments of respite, allowing users to emerge with a rejuvenated body and soul.

The open concept design is intended to evoke a specific experience: rejuvenation. Dialog uses design elements, colour and form to toy with people’s emotions. The sense of scale and contrasting finishes create the boldest impact while the wood material is designed to soothe members. The space is anchored with white painted ceilings and dark rubber floors.

Strategies also include using paint through colour blocking forms and volumes to achieve a dynamic space.

The use of colour helps move users

through the space and engages with the design narrative.

The result is a vibrant and attractive storefront that inspires the public, athletes and trainers.

Interior Designer: Michele Sigurdson, RID Design Team: Alexa Bustamante Photographer: Brett Hitchins

Fall 2019 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

WORKPLACE TOTAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

We the Collective — SSDG Interiors

Judges Notes: Polished yet whimsical, professional.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

In the spirit of the entertainment companies that they design for, the new office of We the Collective (WTC) is a fresh and bold space evocative of the youth demographic that they serve. They are specialists in marketing entertainment brands to a youthful audience and their

parents so the space needed to showcase a professional vibe without taking itself too seriously.

SSDG Interiors delivers a playful and minimal design, creating a strong brand presence and an unpretentious sense of fun set against a backdrop of Scandinavianinspired simplicity. Their previous office was “splitting at the seams” so their new space needed to suit their growing staff ’s need for more personal space along with opportunities for collaboration.

The design does just that, providing opportunities for employee wellness and social engagement in a relaxed and inviting space that expresses the personality of the company. Food and socializing is a big part of WTC, so gathering spaces were grouped to enable all staff to come together to eat, drink and play.

The design of WTC’s office

demonstrates brand awareness in every decision made.

The project reused much of the client’s existing furniture and the majority of the existing walls were kept in place. Applying restraint in the architectural interventions allowed the personal touches to shine in contrast. Choosing to make changes only where they would have the largest impact shows respect for the client and didn’t break the budget.

The end-user experience was placed first and foremost in the design, providing a balance in amenity vs. work space allowing for variety as well as employee comfort and engagement throughout the space.

Interior Designer: Kenna Manley, RID Design Team: Pembrooke Collier, RID Photographer: Barrie Underhill

2019 IDIBC Awards of excellence

AWARD OF MERIT

RESIDENTIAL PARTIAL AWARD OF MERIT

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & SALES AWARD OF MERIT

Deep Cove Renovation

2nd and Main

Interior Designer: Ada Bonini, RID Design Firm: BYU Design Design Team: Nicole Gomes Photographer: Ema Peter

Interior Designer: Jim Toy, RID Design Firm: False Creek Design Group Design Team: Shannon Brander Photographer: Robert Stefanowicz

Materials are gorgeous.

It’s well done.

RESIDENTIAL TOTAL AWARD OF MERIT Easy Street

Interior Designer: Deborah Ross, RID Design Firm: DRDC — Deborah Ross Design Company Design Team: Ross Armistead Photographer: Ema Peter

That concrete is gorgeous!

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2019

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