How Do You Work?
How Do You Work? featured four designers’ unique approaches to today’s concept of a work space. With the lightning speed acceleration of technological advances coupled with the rapid adoption of mobile technology, to many people, a permanent office space has been rendered obsolete. Today, the office is as near as your mobile device – be it an iPad, tablet or smartphone. Where do the boundaries of work and play meet? Where is today’s work/life balance? In what type of environment are you most productive? From architect to interior designer, these are the types of questions that How Do You Work? addressed.
How Do You Work? featured the following designers:
blackLAB architects
Principals: Joe Knight, Andrea Kordos, Tony Round and Sarah Knight
Founded by Joe Knight, Andrea Kordos, Tony Round and Sarah Knight, blackLAB architects is constantly looking to exceed clients’ expectations, and turn good projects into great ones. Multidisciplinary and collaborative in their approach, the innovative team blurs the connections between architecture, art, graphic design and cinematography, all of which combine to inspire and drive their work. With three architects and a business manager, each team member brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table. Recent projects include the transformation of their own blackLAB architects office from a warehouse into a studio space, a new residence on the Grand River in Cambridge, and another residence on Georgian Bay.
DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design
Principal: Heather Dubbeldam
DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design is a multidisciplinary design studio recognized as one of the leading young practices in Toronto. Founded by architect Heather Dubbeldam, the studio’s design process is characterized by teamwork and intensive collaborative exchange, resulting in projects demonstrating a conceptual clarity and crafted with a meticulous attention to detail and materials. DUBBELDAM’s award-winning portfolio ranges from architectural work such as single and multi-family housing, renovations of offices and institutional spaces, landscape design, the development of prototypical products, and architecture installations. In each project the studio strives to create innovative, environmentally responsible, and practical design solutions that are timeless and uniquely designed for their context. DUBBELDAM has received numerous awards for design excellence and recognition in national and international publications.
Igloodgn
Principals: Alain Courchesne and Anna Abbruzzo
Igloodgn (pronounced Igloo design) is a dynamic firm on the forefront of cutting-edge interior design and branding. Established in 2005 by award-winning interior designers Alain Courchesne and Anna Abbruzzo, the company has an illustrious international roster of projects. Based out of Montreal, Igloodgn is renowned for creating innovative spaces, from hotels, restaurants and retail projects to residential and condominium design. Both Alain and Anna bring an unprecedented passion and fresh approach to design, focusing on building a detailed brand identity in each project from inception to completion. Deeply rooted in distinguishing the overall experience and essence of a brand, Igloodgn creates a space while simultaneously establishing its identity. All elements of an experience must be in harmony with one another, from branding to interior design to custom furniture design. In 2012, Igloodgn opened its second office in Shanghai to service its strong demand in the Asian market.
Joel Loblaw
Principal: Joel Loblaw
A graduate of Ryerson’s Landscape Architecture program, Joel Loblaw’s approach to outdoor spaces is bold, strong and yet extremely gentle. His timeless creations reflect his love of colour and plantings (which can be enjoyed year-round). A committed and talented painter, Joel is involved in several community arts programs, including Nuit Blanche. His extensive practical experience in landscape design and construction – along with a passion for planting design – made him the natural choice to co-host HGTV’s Dirty Business.
Samare Studio
Principals: Laurie Bedikian and Mania Bedikian
Based in Montreal, Samare Studio offers design and interior consulting services, as well as produces its own portfolio of objects entirely handmade in Canada. The company revisits Canadian cultural emblems and translates them into contemporary objects, each of which is created to represent a different notion of living. Taking its name from the winged fruit of the maple tree, Samare Studio goes beyond the iconography usually associated with Canada. Like the fruit, the company’s approach represents the seeds that need to be sown in order to introduce a revisited attitude towards traditional Canadian design. Comprised of four architects and designers, the team is dedicated to the creation of locally-made objects. Using a vertical integration system, each step of the design process is conceived between the designers and a group of local craftsmen, ensuring the continued use of traditional building techniques.
