Hotel Le Germain_VICTOR 2

The first design presentation for HOTEL LE GERMAIN is today.  The design concept draws from a few particular passions - travel, the experience of great restaurants, and ideas about public spaces in cities - celebrating the grand tradition of the sophisticated hotel.  It is to be a strong architectural space layered with sensual materials, iconic shapes, and pieces that are an homage to certain eras of urban ambition.  We are in awe that the design is to serve as a backdrop to chef David Chrystian's mastery - how wonderful.

Photo credit: Peter J. Thompson / National Post

Hotel Le Germain_VICTOR 1

We are thrilled to be designing the complete renovation of the boutique HOTEL LE GERMAIN'S restaurant, bar and private dining room VICTOR, a property helmed by the incredibly talented chef David Chrystian and business partners Michael Sullivan, Groupe Germain and Tony Cohen.

Little Things

Small, everyday details make such a difference.  These flowers from Parkdale's boutique florist Coriander Girl and the porcelain cup from Ochre are simple delights to enjoy while working away on the (much more prosaic) laptop.  It may seem frivolous, but finding little ways to bring beauty to commonplace tasks somehow also adds pleasure and attention to detail to the larger projects.

NYC - Spring

Looking forward to another jaunt to New York City, this time for three busy days during the ICFF.

May is a favorite time to visit - the city always feels incredibly alive and vibrant, and the balmy weather begs for leisurely detours through Central Park.  Bliss!  A freshly frosted cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery is definitely also a part of the spring ritual.  (Any season, really).

We are planning to visit dozens of showrooms, a few boutique hotels, and of course several culinary gems all over the city.  Every trip is an incredible opportunity to learn, soak up expressions of culture, and keep in touch with what is happening in the world of architecture and design.

Forest Hill South House 2

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It is always exciting to see the leap from design drawings to fabrication - we visited Parallel General's pristine custom millwork shop this morning and saw the pieces being made for the painting studio: the beautiful sliding walnut doors, a generous island worktable with solid edging and perfectly veneered surfaces, and long floating shelves.  The care taken for the selection and installation of each machine in their millwork shop was impressive - revealing a thoughtful economy and understanding of craft.  The abundance of cake and delicious espresso was also extremely charming.

The lacquer colours, hooks and hand made sand-cast metal handles have been selected for the full height custom cabinetry also being fabricated for the front hall entrance, so those pieces will be completed very soon as well.  Can't wait!

Serge Mouille

We are working with the distributor of the Serge Mouille lamps to design a beautiful little book as well as a limited edition silk-screened poster series for these iconic fixtures.  Each piece is gorgeously animated - the delicate poise and personality of this floor lamp is masterful.

Sketchbook 19

Another sketch made while at the infamous Bar San Calisto in Trastevere, Rome; the scene of many a morning espresso (with a wink), and the mandatory midnight gelato (chocolate and hazelnut).

The Gladstone Hotel

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Thanks to the Gladstone for the mention in their recent NEWS posting.