Inside II BY IV DESIGN » INTERIORS

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

admin — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 14:00:27 +0000

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.

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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.

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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

ELEVATED LIFE

admin — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:00:53 +0000

As experts in current and emerging consumer lifestyles and attitudes, we design the interiors of our multi-unit residential projects, both locally and abroad, with superbly creative ideas to enhance the lives of individuals and communities that inhabit our designs.

Our portfolio of work is diverse, and this month we highlight several II BY IV DESIGN condominium projects beginning with a close look at the urban appeal of Aquavista, part of the Bayside community, which overlooks Lake Ontario’s blue vistas. Then we head over to Boston’s Pier 4, a new development also located along the water, in close proximity to the Institute of Contemporary Art with a distinctly tranquil feel. Lastly, we reveal the results of the recent Gold Nugget Awards, an international awards program presented by the PCBC (Pacific Coast Builder Conference), in which a few of our projects received glowing accolades.

AQUAVISTA

Aquavista is the second phase of the Tridel / Hines master planned Bayside community. As one of Toronto’s most luxurious and desirable addresses, spaces are designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul: from the state-of-the-art fitness centre, spinning and yoga studios, to the show-stopping rooftop terrace with infinity pool. With completion expected by summer 2018, Aquavista is distinctively modern in its styling and possesses an understated elegance.

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PIER 4

This nine-storey, 100-unit luxury condominium, is a striking architectural statement that sits on a reconstructed pier facing the Boston Seaport. II BY IV DESIGN is a co-designer on the project, specifically responsible for the marketing centre, suite finishes and the development of two kitchen types, transitional and contemporary. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2018 and the marketing centre opened to much anticipation in spring 2017.

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GOLD NUGGETS

Winners of the 2017 Gold Nugget Awards were revealed on June 29th at the San Diego Convention Center. Now in its 54th year, the Gold Nugget Awards is a prestigious competition honouring exceptional community design and planning. II BY IV DESIGN was honoured with four awards, chosen from over 600 international entries.

The Rockwell was a notable winner taking the Grand Award for Best Multi-Family Housing Community and the Award of Merit, Residential Housing Project of the Year, Attached Product. This San Francisco project is an elegantly appointed residential development featuring amenities that reference Pacific Heights’ Art Deco heritage. LUMINA, another San Francisco project, came away with the Award of Merit, Best Mixed Use Project, and Toronto’s own Minto 30Roe won the Award of Merit, Best on the Boards Multi-Family Community.

View all Winners

VISION WORX

admin — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:00:01 +0000

It all begins with inspiration, a flash of creativity and a vision. However, transforming this possibility to reality takes time, expertise and business acumen; something that II BY IV DESIGN understands well.

In this month’s newsletter we are excited to share with you the realization of several projects. The Bianca Condos, a highly anticipated residential development on The New Dupont, now in the pre-launch phase its chic interior designs have a rich sophistication and dramatic sense of scale. We also share with you our new furniture line, the Scribble Collection and a sculptural side table called the Tear Drop which officially launched June 12th at NeoCon. Finally we invite you to vote for Minto 30Roe and the faceted wood canopy that defines its main lobby. An exercise in engineering, the impressive millwork piece is up for the People’s Choice award in an international public arts competition called the COD+A Awards.

BIANCA CONDOS

Bianca is the first of its kind in The New Dupont community, the north Annex’s intriguing new destination for arts, culture, food and entertainment. This intimate boutique condominium, developed by Tridel, is distinguished by stepped terraces and snow-white cladding with dramatically scaled interiors that capture the essence of contemporary living.

View More – Bianca

NEOCON DEBUT

Revealed earlier this week at NeoCon 2017, II BY IV DESIGN (in partnership with ICF Group/Nienkämper) officially launched the Scribble Collection and Tear Drop table. Part of our ever growing line of modern furnishings these pieces provide workplace environments with “endless possibilities inspired by a single continuous line”.

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COD+A AWARDS

Creating place with art, rather than simply a place with art. The COD+A Awards is a global platform which celebrates design projects that integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, and public spaces. Selected as a finalist from over 460 international submissions, the impressive faceted millwork canopy that defines the lobby of Minto 30Roe is reminiscent of Origami, speaking to both form and function. People’s Choice winners are determined by public vote, starting today…see below.

VOTE NOW

FLASHBACK – THE RESTAURANT GUYS

admin — Fri, 26 May 2017 13:10:17 +0000

Spaces that stand the test of time are ones, above all, that you want to revisit; they continually draw you back because they are memorable…because they have a point of view. In this month’s newsletter we revisit a few of II BY IV DESIGN’s stand out projects from a bygone “era” that are still relevant today.

In the early 2000’s social networking was gaining traction, bedazzled pockets were hot, bold pastels were in (so were long pointy shoes) and everyone wanted stainless steel appliances. Thankfully, trends will come and go but good design never goes out of style.

2006

In 2006 the iconic high-end retailer, Holt Renfrew, first introduced Holt’s Café in their flagship Yorkville location. With a strategic selection of the retailer’s fashionable home décor products in a chic destination setting, the café helped position the fashion and lifestyle leader as the upmarket purveyor in Canada.

View More – Holt’s Cafe

2005

Izakaya Restaurant had critics raving when it opened its doors in the Spring of 2005. Voted one of Toronto’s Top 10 restaurants for 2005 and winner of four international design awards; Izakaya impressed guests equally with its food and interiors, a balance of traditional Japanese themes and contemporary styling.

View More – Izakaya

2001

The infamous Rubino Brothers opened an ultra-cool and glamorous dining venue in 2001; the recipient of numerous international accolades including “Best of Show” at the 2001 Gold Key, Hospitality & Design Awards, Rain was at the heart of the city’s see-and-be-scene. With deflected and reflected light as the key design elements, the dramatic interiors were all about softly gleaming shapes and mysterious shadow, the perfect backdrop for sparkling conversation.

View More – Rain

MADE YOU LOOK

admin — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 14:01:02 +0000

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.

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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)