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.

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 a small powder room to a full blown residential addition.  The book was a great way to show some of our work in progress from hand sketches, 3d renderings and scaled models.

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 LauraK and naming strategist Andris Pone.  Our more recent projects were also beautifully captured thanks to our architectural photographer John Heineman.

I’m not sure if we will publish another book, it was certainly an interesting exercise, but I think I would prefer to try something new instead… we will see.

Part of the effort to update the exterior of the house also included new address number and painting the old porch light in black.  It is a bit late in the season to start on the front door and landscaping, I’m afraid those will have to wait until the spring of next year.   

Our trip to Austria in June inspired us to add a flower basket to the railing.   It almost seemed like every window or balcony in the Alps had beautiful flower arrangements.  We found it to be such a wonderful site that we wanted to bring a bit of that to leslieville.  Travelling is a great source of inspiration, our trip to Germany and Austria was certainly refreshing and rejuvenating.  I wonder where 2012 will send me. 

Interalpen Hotel in Tyrol Austria

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. 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.

The porch had been entirely rebuilt by the previous owner 8-10 years ago and the structure was in good shape but the surface was made of tongue and grove pine which retained water and rotted quickly.  With our long term plans in mind and my obsession with durability, I decided to go with an ipe surface over the exiting pressure treated structure.  Once again, this project is taking much longer than anticipated, but I’m pleased with the results.  The underside of the porch still needs to be covered and the railings installed but the end is in sight.  You can see one of the assembled railings against the house.   

When we bought the house, it had a country look which didn’t suit our style.  The new colour scheme works well and is more contemporary. 

Next project: the front door and the landscaping.

All photographs by John Heineman.