Sketchbook 17

P.S.

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As amazing new opportunities continue to come our way it is clear how important our relationships are.  We take great pride in sustaining lasting relationships with our clients, collaborators, builders and suppliers.

Thank you!

Furniture by JENNY FRANCIS Design

SIX DRAWER DRESSER_WALNUT
[click for larger photos]

We have designed a line of furniture, including a 6 drawer dresser, a long bench with bookshelf and illuminated panels, a modular system of stacking boxes with drawers and open shelves, and a stool with slender cast metal legs and solid wood seat (currently being prototyped).  The furniture has been designed for walnut, fumed oak, white oak, douglas fir, and catalyzed lacquer finishes.

New York New York

SCHILLERS

Even the most oblique experiences during this trip seem to bear relevance to design projects happening in the studio.  Union Square's vibrant farmer's market (which was hopping on a Wednesday afternoon), lunch at the recently opened DELICATESSEN, the familiar (yet shocking) colours of Monet's Water Lilies now showing at the MoMA, the rich wools and waxed cottons at the fashion houses, brash and brilliant comedy at Housing Works, the crescendo of noise at John Zorn's Masada, and even the oysters and champagne at Balthazar all contribute to a state of inspired excitement for projects that are upcoming and in progress.  It has been a privilege - an object lesson in the advantages of diversity and innovation.

New York XOXOXO

MERCER KITCHEN

New York has always been an amazing resource and inspiration - in the past couple of days we have seen incredible interiors, architecture, fashion, furnishings and art.  We are fully charged with new ideas, and the trip is not over yet!  What pleasure.

A few highlights include the BDDW showroom (gorgeous pieces, amazing space), WYETH's well curated collection of vintage furniture and fixtures, the High Line elevated rail park over the Meatpacking District (where the Standard Grill, tucked beneath is a perfect spot for lunch), and Freeman's Sporting Club - the store, men's clothing, and barber shop are all very well done. Plus, one can nip down Freeman's Alley around the corner for an aperitif after a long day of exploration.

NYC XOXO

We are flying down to New York for four days of meetings, research and sourcing, with a fantastic new list in hand of furniture stores, photography studios, restaurant designs, boutique hotels and buildings to investigate.  Plus, it's Fashion Week! 

What a city.  Having lived and worked in Manhattan for a few years, establishing some real connections, it is so convenient that NYC is a mere hour's flight away.  We simply have to hop on a Porter flight from Toronto Island after a serene ferry ride and cappuccino, and arrive ready to take on the Big Apple.

JF

Munich Reinsurance_Bay Street Office 12

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The whole reception area has been gutted and the new ceiling framing, sprinklers and electrical feeds are underway.  What a significant improvement, already.  We can't wait to see the new reception desk (Grigio Piove stone folded over sapele), the new glass wall, the custom lacquered credenza and tall pivoting lacquer doors installed.  We are working with Bernd and Brian from Galerie Lausberg to select a new showing of artwork for the CEO, so we will be hanging something amazing to test drive as soon as the walls are complete!  The Canal sofa in rich charcoal leather and two white leather chairs are coming before the end of the month, and the glass tables in black, lime green and milky sandblast are arriving in Toronto next week.

North Clinton House 2

Selecting Statuario marble from large slabs is quite romantic when one considers that it was cut from the same mountain as Michelangelo's David.  This whole slab will be used at the North Clinton House - we love the pure white and the sweeping veining.

Designing for the Next Season

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It is only February, but as we are currently designing two urban gardens to be realized in the spring we can't help but feel a frisson of excitement when thinking about what to plant.

The bounty of a city garden can be surprisingly rewarding and meaningful, and so we encourage the inclusion of a kitchen garden in all residential projects when possible, even when a client does not share our passion for cooking or has no time to tend to landscaping.  There are many low maintenance yet gorgeous edible plants that provide fragrance,  flowers and privacy, as well as the opportunity to supplement a dinner party with one's own fresh things at a moment's notice.  Even a warehouse site can have a green roof full of thyme and a wild bush of rosemary at the front door to perfume the air.

We are convinced that the immediacy of a garden truly connects owners to their property.  Each detail bears authenticity; a sense of place and character.  Creating this kind of real connection to the site is incredibly relevant to architecture. 

The fact that we have a role and responsibility as stewards of the land can elevate even the smallest garden in the heart of the city into an endlessly joyful extension of one's experience of design.

A Single Man

You must see Tom Ford's 'A Single Man'.  Absolutely gorgeous.  John Lautner's Schaffer Residence built in 1949 near Los Angeles is essential to the film, and it happens to be for sale.  The architecture, furnishings, clothing, and the achingly soigné Colin Firth and Julianne Moore together make a world that befits Ford's demands of beauty.  This is an aesthetic that extends well beyond the surface; there is soul in this elegance.

Sketchbook 16

Cabbagetown House 7

The spaces are coming together gradually; the lofty new side addition will be wonderful when filled with books, art and plants.  The openings to the right are to have tall sliding doors, to reveal the rooms beyond and niches for more books and art.  The side addition affords the owners a generous, bright new living space - a hybrid library / gallery / office - reclaiming the previously wasted side yard adjacent to the neighbour.  It feels much more spacious than one might expect from a single floor in a four apartment house.

The master bedroom in the new addition at the back of the house now has views toward the garden, and a freestanding fireplace near the foot of the bed will be gorgeous for winter nights.  The master bath and the side bedroom also now have large windows; the house has been opened up dramatically to receive light and air.

We are looking forward to seeing the Victoria and Albert Napoli egg shaped tub installed, the Alessi fixtures, and the new open kitchen with long island and concrete counters.

What Type Are You ?

This is a perfect marriage of our love of typography, sartorial wit, a suave accent, and a perfectly accessorized vignette:

http://www.pentagram.com/what-type-are-you/

My font is apparently the Archer Hairline.  Very modern, elegant, and nuanced with embellishments of emotion on closer inspection. I can't wait to use it!

JF

Snohetta, Joshua Prince Ramus

We heard Joshua Prince Ramus of REX speak at the Construct Canada Round Table for architects.  He gave this talk [shown here at another venue on TED] - very inspiring.

http://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_prince_ramus_building_a_theater_that_remakes_itself.html

Craig Dykers - partner at Snohetta in Norway - was incredibly interesting at the Round Table also.  He had a refreshing approach to the architectural practice and process, and that manifests itself in their work.

Sketchbook 15