As a designer there are many places where I could showcase and promote my work.  Aside from my own website there are a number of social sites or platforms that can be interesting.  It is often difficult to assess the benefit or impact these could have.  One site I recently started using is the tremendously popular Houzz.  Initially I was reluctant to use yet another forum to feature all of the same content currently found on my own website, however what makes this interesting is really from a user perspective.  Houzz is easy to search on a number of platforms and strictly showcases residential projects.   Let’s just say I have been surprised at the reach and exposure it is bringing.

Searching for an Interior Designer Toronto?

You can narrow down your search in a number of ways; room type, style, geographical location etc.  It’s also possible to search for design professionals involved in the projects and search for interior designer Toronto or Architects & Designers Toronto.  Even if the content is the same as shown on my website, in this version it can be viewed alongside other local projects or comparable styles.  Perfect for individuals trying to define what they like or even dislike, they can ask questions and save images to their ideabooks much like Pinterest.

Featured Kitchen of the week

Shortly after uploading images and content, my cabbagetown project was selected as the kitchen of the week by Houzz editorial staff.  Working in residential interiors, the projects I’m involved with are generally the result of a collaboration between the client and myself.  I don’t often get feedback from the public on these private homes.  It is fascinating for me to see how these projects are received on Houzz.

Houzzers really like this images… Added to 5k ideabooks and counting.

Interesting feedback

It is very interesting to see which projects resonate with people and what features seem to draw the most attention.  By far the two standout projects are the Cabbagetown residence and the riverdale loft.  Most comments are also positive which is refreshing to read.  Often case these open platforms offer too much anonymity and give individuals the freedom to speak negatively without justification.  That said it is humorous to read how passionate people are about how others live or their personal tastes.

Early last year, the studio published a case study book about Beauparlant design, the work we do, our architectural work and interior design, who we are and our process.  I am now coming to the end of the print run and wanted to post a few images of the book before I retire this last copy to the achieves.

Project approach

The book was a good way to explain in greater detail the process we go through with each of our projects.  When we submit a proposal for an entire project it is typically broken down in 5-6 phases depending on scope and scale;

1- Planning and schematic design – high level space planning, programming and functional requirements.

2- Design Development- identification of materials, finishes and design details.

3- Construction documentation – working drawings, specifications and consultant coordination.

4- Permit application and project tender – preparation of application package and contractor negotiations.

5- Construction administration – regular site meetings, shop drawing review, deficiency reports

6- Furnishings and accessories – furniture plan, budget definition, decorating, execution.

Case Studies

Our process was explained in the book through a number of residential and commercial retail case studies showcasing our range of styles and scale of projects.  Everything from a traditional face-frame walnut kitchen, to a contemporary interior in a Toronto Victorian.  We were also able to show the range of scope from small powder rooms to large residential additions.  The book was a great way to show some of our work in progress from hand sketches, 3d renderings and scaled models.

Design Process

To showcase our retail projects we explained the thought process and thinking that went behind the interior planning.  In the case for Sant’urbano spa the objective was to develop a powerful selling environment and a layout that draws customers to high-profit categories.

As for LPK’s, effort was placed on creating operational efficiency and a compelling and adaptable merchandising display.  Since the LPK retail space was launched at the end of 2008, the store has gone through some evolution and more recently the addition of some casual seating at the front.  The seating was incorporated at the bottom of our flexible display wall; this was achieved at no additional cost to the store, a true testament to the quality of the interior design.

The book was rounded out with a few quotes from our wonderful clients and business partners; graphic designer Laura K and naming strategist Andris Pone.  Our more recent projects were also beautifully captured thanks to our architectural photographer John Heineman.

This carport concept is for a narrow and deep urban lot with laneway access. The small yard space has to fulfill many roles and the goal of this project is to compromise as little as possible and create a structure that strikes a balance between all of the spatial requirements. Parking space is of course a big asset in Toronto but this family also needed; storage, a little green space, an outdoor eating and cooking area and a vegetable garden to round out the wish list. This concept would be able to achieve all of these by making the parking structure open to the yard and convertible from parking pad to sheltered dining pavilion.

Green Roof Carport

Proposing a carport instead of a garage reduces the visual volume of the structure and keeps the sightlines open. An incorporated storage unit is fully enclosed for security. The roof is accessible by ladder and provides both intensive and extensive green roof mediums, a portion of which would be used as a vegetable garden. The existing one storey addition at the rear of the residence is also improved with an extensive green roof. The remaining rear yard is divided as a stone terrace area, garden and a wood deck leading from the house.

On a recent trip to New York for the ICFF and Design Week, I came across these old cast metal floor tiles.  These particular ones are in a retail space in Soho New York.  They are a remnant from Soho’s industrial past and today offer such a great visual impact.  I think they would be wonderful in a mud room or residential interior entrance.  Maybe an indoor-outdoor space with in-floor heating?  What is also great is that their low-tech manufacturing would mean that it could be custom designed specific for the project and cast locally.  They could be cast in bronze and left to develop a wonderful patina over the years.  This look might not be for everyone but it would make a very durable floor with a unique pattern. It would need to compliment the architecture and context, but I find this inspirational.

Here are some renderings for our latest commercial project; an afterschool kids program space in Oakville.  The project is currently being reviewed by the client and will move to the construction phase soon.