Inside II BY IV DESIGN » CULTURE

PRODUCT PERSPECTIVE

admin — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:45:33 +0000

In 2012 the Republic of II BY IV was founded; fueled by passion and dedicated to constant innovation II BY IV DESIGN’s product studio has evolved quickly from the seed of an idea to a fully realized company equal in ability and talent to our interiors studio.

Through collaboration with industry leading companies like ICF Group/Nienkämper, Metro Wallcoverings and Elte the Republic of II BY IV has developed a portfolio of award winning product lines that include furniture, lighting, wallcoverings, carpets and accessories. This month we are extremely proud to announce the launch of two new architectural fixtures, the ZED and HED lights, developed in partnership with Delviro Energy, as well as, celebrate the success of our Tear Drop table, a finalist in Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards. Finally we take a look at a few inspirational images from Paris and the recent Maison & Object fair where the emphasis was on materiality and objects with ambiance.

NEW RELEASE

Function meets form in the new architectural lighting fixtures designed by II BY IV DESIGN for Delivro Energy. With an elegantly slim profile, modular connectivity and state-of-the-art LED technology the ZED and HED suspension lights look amazing on their own or composed in a group. Equally suited to modern public amenity spaces or industrial environments these sculptural fixtures are extremely adaptable.

View ZED

View HED

BEST OF YEAR

Interior Design’s annual Best of Year (BoY) awards recognizes the world’s most outstanding projects and products. With over 2,300 submissions this year alone we are thrilled to announce that II BY IV DESIGN’s Tear Drop Table was recognized as an Honoree in the Residential/Occasional Tables category. Notably, this sleek, height adjustable piece is our second collaboration with ICF Group/Nienkämper.

View Winners

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INSPIRATION

An impressive collection of innovation and talent, Maison & Object has been described as one of the top three European events for Interior Design. Held bi-annually, the II BY IV DESIGN team made some interesting observations between the September 2017 and January 2018 shows; the earlier fair featured precious objects and curiosities within a curated living space while the most recent was a much more stylized affair, focused on furniture within the realm of design…essentially product designer eye-candy!

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Photo Credit:
Meridiani, show-booth

MAKING OUR MARK

admin — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 14:00:16 +0000

With a variety of noteworthy distinctions, II BY IV DESIGN finishes the year in impressive style.

On the heels of our latest international accolades, we opened a new studio in London and are expanding our service offering to new markets in the UK and Europe. Our marine work is prominently featured within the latest issue of Inside Marine, which celebrates our studio as the only Canadian firm to specialize in cruise ship design. And while at the Gold Key Awards in New York, where the Crystal Mozart was a finalist in the Best Suite design category, Dan & Keith took some time to explore The Salon Art & Design, an eclectic fair that displays works from art masters to young designers in creative combinations.

Our last newsletter for the year is filled with exciting news, aesthetic ingenuity and as always, inspiration.

LONDON

II BY IV DESIGN has opened a new studio in London! Despite the uncertainty created by Brexit, the UK remains the second largest design sector in the world and the largest in Europe. It is still the most attractive European country for employment and foreign investments continue to grow. Aligned with international clients and consultants, opening an office beyond North American borders was the natural next step. Here, we share our insights on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

View Press Release

OPEN WATERS

The only Canadian design firm to specialize in cruise ship interior design,
II BY IV DESIGN is profiled in the maritime industry publication, Inside Marine. Dan & Keith reflect on their marine design history and their creative work aboard ocean faring and river cruise ships, as well as how their land based design expertise seamlessly translates into the opulent designs found onboard. The article also speaks to their recent foray into the product design of IMO rated furnishings.

View Article

NEW YORK

Always seeking the new and inspiring, Dan & Keith visited the sixth annual Salon Art & Design at the Park Avenue Armory while in New York. 56 galleries came together under one roof displaying an invigorating fusion of design and the decorative arts. While some booths were set up like galleries and others mimicked living spaces, the showcase included historical works by distinguished masters juxtaposed with innovative and intriguing pieces from emerging artists. The thoughtful array of works attempt to pique interest, arouse curiosity and provoke thought.

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Photo Credit:
The Salon Art & Design, Wexler Gallery

EUROPEAN CELEBRATIONS

admin — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:09:15 +0000

We are celebrating sensational design with an unprecedented and tremendous win at the ABB LEAF (Leading European Architecture Forum) Awards. Transcending borders, II BY IV DESIGN is making its mark in London, winning not one, but two prestigious awards for The Residences of 488 University Avenue, a collaboration with Amexon Developments. Judged by a world class panel of 10 jurors that included representatives from Zaha Hadid Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group, and Vanessa Brady, President of the Society of British and International Design, The Residences of 488 University Avenue was recognized among an ambitious field of projects in a primarily architectural competition with only two interior design categories.

Continuing the celebration, we turn our attention to the soulful French interiors of Auberge On The Park, Tridel’s up-and-coming three tower condominium development. We then head to Paris for inspiration vis-à-vis a visit to the always engaging Maison & Objet trade show.

VICTORY IN UK

Dominating the highly prestigious 16th annual ABB LEAF Awards,
II BY IV DESIGN was honoured as winner of the Interior Design Award – Future category, sponsored by Axolight, and garnered profound recognition as Overall Winner of the Year for The Residences of 488 University Avenue. With projects spanning the globe from over 25 countries, the overall winner was selected from among 78 incredible shortlisted entries across 17 categories.

View Press Release

AUBERGE

Auberge On The Park is a new Tridel development with a distinctly French flavour and boutique hotel feel. Located along Eglinton Avenue East, two of the three planned towers housing 402 suites are currently in the works with completion expected in 2021. This, the first phase, recalls the notion of grand salons with 8,000 square feet of shared indoor amenities that will have an inspiring, amusing and distinctly social atmosphere.

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MAISON & OBJET

Known for designing luxurious interiors and unique products, II BY IV DESIGN prides itself on bringing the most innovative design solutions to life. And to create inspirational design worthy of applause, the studio continuously seeks out new inspiration.
II BY IV DESIGN recently attended Maison & Objet in Paris, a five day extravaganza that attracts 85,000 visitors and 3,200 international brands, connecting the international design and lifestyle community. A true sensorial experience, with three design themes spread throughout nine halls, the team explored the eclectic show for the new, bespoke and creative.

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Photo Credit:
Banner Image: Naomi Gabrielle Photography
Bottom Image: Maison Vervloet

A SENSE OF PLACE

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At II BY IV DESIGN we consistently strive to create memorable environments that inspire and shape an inhabitant’s experience. We consider every touch point an opportunity to influence and elevate the overall impression of a place; orchestrating elements of sight, sound and touch.

This month’s newsletter looks at three unique projects, each with very distinct appeal; the visually layered and exquisitely detailed Bianca Marketing Centre, the dramatic second Urban Infill location created for the LCBO, and the artfully designed lobby screen at Minto30Roe – as seen in Interior Design magazine and winner of the Residential category in the COD+A awards.

LAYERED DETAIL

Located along “The New Dupont”, Bianca by Tridel is one of the first condominium developments reshaping this residential neighbourhood which, as the name implies, is undergoing rejuvenation. Already 60% sold, the Marketing Centre officially opened August 11th, 2017 and offers visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand elements of the project’s alluring interiors and dynamic architecture.

View Marketing Centre

RETAIL THEATRE

Consumers have made it clear that they want, and expect retail experiences that are shareable and memorable. In the September issue of VMSD (Visual Merchandising & Store Design) partner, Keith Rushbrook discusses the LCBO’s dedication to their customer’s journey and the innovative design behind the beverage retailer’s Dunfield & Eglinton location.

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ARTFUL DESIGN

The latest issue of Interior Design Magazine features winners of the international site-specific art awards programme, COD+A Awards, including II BY IV DESIGN’s Minto 30Roe – Articulated Lobby Screen. Honored as the Residential Art category winner the screen integrates with the building’s architecture, making a bold and dynamic statement during the day and a wonderfully illuminated monument of shadow and light in the evening.

The COD+A Awards celebrates the most successfully integrated commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces, and was judged by an esteemed panel of 22 jurors from the international design, architecture and art worlds, including Gisue Hariri of Hariri & Hariri Architecture, Keith Fox of Phaidon and Nora Atkinson of the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum.

View Article

View Installation Photos

SBID AWARDS FINALISTS JUST ANNOUNCED!

admin — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:00:45 +0000

Finalists for the 2017 SBID International Design Awards (Society of British and International Design) have been revealed! II BY IV DESIGN is thrilled to announce that the elegant Crystal Mozart Staterooms, a collaboration with Crystal Cruises, has been selected as a finalist in the Hotel Bedrooms & Suites Design category. The SBID Awards is regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the interior design industry representing talent and design excellence across all corners of the industry, and winning an SBID Award is a notable achievement. We are truly honoured that one of our projects has been nominated.

With an immaculate attention to detail, II BY IV DESIGN successfully achieved a sumptuous aesthetic for all of the suite types aboard the Crystal Mozart, one of the six-star luxury riverboats in the Crystal River Cruises fleet. Resembling a high-end hotel or luxury flat, we applied a land-based design aesthetic that was achieved while working with the inherent challenges presented by a marine vessel: lower ceiling heights, weight considerations and limited space.

Qualifying projects were initially evaluated by a technical panel of judges in the first stage of the process. The design savvy public now has a say in choosing the most inspiring projects, as their votes will be counted towards the overall results. Public voting is open until 12pm EST on Friday, August 25th, 2017.

Cast your vote today! We appreciate your support.

CRYSTAL MOZART

FINALIST, HOTEL BEDROOMS & SUITES DESIGN

MADE YOU LOOK

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At II BY IV DESIGN there is no signature look to our work, simply the right look. We create designs that leave a lasting impression; whether through facilitating an experience, provoking an emotional connection or through incorporating elements that are innovative and unique.

In this month’s newsletter we take a closer look at the Crystal Bach and Mahler, where we create a guest experience that references majestic European scenery; we search out new and notable inspiration at the Salone del Mobile in Milan; and Dan and Keith spend a weekend with Sandra Ainsley and Philip Baldwin exploring the emotional connections associated with art.

DOUBLE TAKE

Scheduled to make their inaugural voyages in the late summer/early fall of 2017, the Crystal Bach & Mahler are sister river-ships whose design was inspired by the striking, seasonal panoramas of the Rhine River from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Frankfurt in Germany. The sleek 110 passenger vessels capture the essence of old world charm in a modern aesthetic; a six-star guest experience from the main reception to staterooms.

Take a Sneak-Peek

EYE CANDY

For five days in April the international design world converges on Milan for a veritable feast of the senses. The highly anticipated Salone del Mobile showcases over 2,000 exhibitors in an area exceeding 200,000 m2, with many of the products and artwork on display never seen before. Armed with their phones (and comfortable footwear) Dan, Keith and several of our team captured over 300 inspirational images…here are just a few.

View New & Notable

THINKING IN GLASS

The Sandra Ainsley Gallery, the leading contemporary glass art gallery in Canada, is currently featuring an exhibit by renowned artists Philip Baldwin and Monica Guggisberg. Entitled ‘Thinking In Glass’, small delicate objects are composed in combinations to make larger sculptural statements; the meaning and beauty of each piece left to the eye of the beholder. Opening weekend, Philip shared a talk with a select group of collectors hosted at Sandra’s gallery – a spectacular industrial warehouse in the Don Valley Parkway and Eglinton Area – and followed up with a demonstration at the Jeff Goodman Studio (another of the artists Sandra represents).

View Artist Works

Banner Photo Credit:
Vibia, ‘Meridiano’ Floor Lights

CITY MUSE

admin — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:19:45 +0000

With projects located near and far, II BY IV DESIGN is an international design studio that continues to travel the globe in search of inspiration. By keeping in touch with consumer lifestyles and attitudes, and emerging trends, we gain further insight into the culture and communities we work with.

This month’s newsletter highlights the Afro-Portuguese inspired Nando’s in Kitchener. We then focus on urban city building with two of our condominium projects nominated for Toronto’s Building Industry and Land Development Association’s (BILD) People’s Choice Award. Our final stop is in Düsseldorf, home of EuroShop, the world’s largest retail trade show.

NANDO’S

By contrasting elements and layering colour and texture, Nando’s in Kitchener embodies the welcoming atmosphere that Nando’s has become known for. Custom wood screens add drama and explore the verticality of space as they define the circulation zones. Repeated hand-crafted cross-stitch motifs and authentic African art pieces pick up the rich hues while adding artistic flare.

View the Project

BILD AWARDS

Two of our condo projects have been nominated for several BILD Awards by a panel of industry judges. Aquabella, a collaboration with Tridel, has been shortlisted for Project of the Year – Mid/High-Rise. The Vanguard by Devron Dev. is a contender for Best Suite Design. Both projects are in the running for the People’s Choice Award, which is awarded by public vote until March 31st.

Cast your vote today

EUROSHOP 2017

Earlier this month, Dan, Keith and members of the II BY IV DESIGN team attended EuroShop in Düsseldorf, Germany, the world’s largest retail trade show. Occurring only once every three years, the show attracts visitors from all over the world, and features thousands of exhibits within 18 huge exhibit halls to peruse.

Dan, Keith and the team focused most of their attention at the Shop Fitting & Store Design exhibits, and also browsed through local stores and cultural venues. Here is a glimpse of some of the inspiration gleaned from this impressive trip.

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Photo Credit:
Banner Image: Hans Boodt booth at EuroShop 2017
Bottom Image: Genesis Mannequins at EuroShop 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:21:29 +0000

II BY IV DESIGN is an international design studio with projects throughout the world and offices in both Toronto and New York. Wherever our projects are located, it is essential to understand the culture and communities we are working with and in; taking design outside of the studio and into the urban sphere.

This month’s newsletter focuses on some of the exciting growth and events happening in Toronto. From a new midtown location for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) with geo-targeted design and product selection; to a new retail promenade in St. James Town and the chic Via Bloor condominiums; to seeking out inspiring creative visionaries at the Interior Design Show and the active participation of our own designers in the TO Design Offsite festival.

LCBO

Open December 2016, midtown Toronto is home to a new LCBO located at Eglinton & Dunfield that is earning rave reviews. Unique and specific to the neighbourhood, the design features over 7,000 square feet of display space imbued with a feeling of bespoke craftsmanship and a curated selection of higher-end product.

View the Project

VIA BLOOR

Walking distance from several dining and shopping destinations, Via Bloor will be the heart of a new retail promenade. Two condominium towers will rise 38 & 46-storeys from a shared podium structure in Toronto’s revitalized St. James Town neighbourhood and feature a handsome array of hotel inspired lifestyle amenities.

View the Project

IDS 2017

Each January design enthusiasts and professionals from far and wide converge on Toronto for Canada’s premier showcase of new product, innovative design, and avant-garde concepts.

The Interior Design Show, now in its 20th year, was held January 19-22, 2017 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre; over 3.5 inspiration-packed days, the show celebrated both leading brands and rising local talent in the field of interiors, with international speakers that included David Adjaye, Jaime Hayon, and Nika Zupanc.

Running concurrently, the Toronto Design Offsite festival hosted a series of art focused events and exhibitions (January 16-22) that challenged attendees to think differently about the physical world.

View Show Images

Photo Credit: Cole Swanson, “Alvearium” at Living Well, TO Design Offsite 2017 (Newsletter Banner Image)

STYLE & FORM

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II BY IV DESIGN is guided by a design philosophy that is client focused and we are known for creating interiors with longevity that surpass trend. Each project is unique, with its own distinctive story, there is no signature look to our work simply the “right” look which results in a portfolio that is quite diverse.

In this month’s newsletter we take a look at Aquabella Condominium whose innovative form influenced its interiors; Dan and Keith share pictures of iconic sights in Rome; and we reveal the results of the highly prestigious SBID International Design Awards ~ a UK based competition that elevates style with recognition for some of the world’s most exceptional projects.

TASTE OF ROME

Italy’s capital is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. From ancient Roman architecture and the Baroque styled Spanish Steps to high-fashion retail stores and a side-street delicatessen; Dan and Keith share a taste of their recent trip to Rome.

Images from Rome

AQUABELLA

The third and most luxurious addition to the Bayside community, Aquabella is a boutique condominium with a unique L-shaped and terraced design conceived specifically to maximize views of the lake, city and surrounding parks. Following the contours of the waterfront, the 173 unit residence has a distinctive form and will boast an array of social and recreational facilities.

View the Project

SBID AWARDS

The International Design Excellence Awards were revealed last Friday, November 25th at the glamourous Dorchester Hotel in London. II BY IV DESIGN was honored by the SBID (Society of British and International Design) as Winners of the highly competitive Show Flats & Developments category; The Residences of 488 University Avenue, a collaboration with Amexon Development Corporation, was recognized as best of class among projects submitted globally, everywhere from the UK to Australia and China.

Winning a SBID International Design Award is a distinguished achievement as each category undergoes an exclusive two-tier judging process by panels of leading industry experts for both technical content and aesthetic creativity. II BY IV DESIGN was short listed as finalists in multiple categories, including: restaurants (Kasa Moto) show flats & developments (The Residences of 488 University) and visualizations (Crystal Bach & Lumina Condominium Development).

View all the Winners

II BY IV DESIGN HONOURED

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 19:43:50 +0000

The 2016 finalists for the prestigious SBID International Design Awards (Society of British and International Design) have been revealed; II BY IV DESIGN is honoured to announce that four (4) of our creative collaborations have been nominated in three (3) categories: Kasa Moto restaurant, The Residences of 488 University Avenue show flat, as well as, Crystal Bach and LUMINA Condominium Development visualizations.

Category finalists have been selected by a panel of distinguished Design Industry experts and winners will be awarded by public vote.

With only a few days left until the winners are decided we invite you to vote for your favourite
II BY IV DESIGN project in each of the following categories!

Public voting will close at 1:30PM (EST) on Friday, September 16, 2016.

We appreciate your support.

Thank you,
II BY IV DESIGN

KASA MOTO

VOTE NOW Restaurant Design Finalist

THE RESIDENCES OF 488 UNIVERSITY AVENUE

VOTE NOW Show Flats and Developments Finalist

CRYSTAL BACH LUMINA

VOTE NOW Visualization Finalist
Note: One vote per category, please choose either Crystal Bach or LUMINA