MODERN GREEN DESIGN

Little by little, we are seeing Vancouver highrise projects integrate LEED certification. Unfortunately, you don't see much of this in single family residential projects or in townhouse communities. Each individual project may be small-scale when compared to a tower but collectively, our suburbs full of these projects make up a large percentage of our developement industry. While more and more we are seeing projects advertised as "GREEN" or "LEED" certified, I think we as consumers need to recognize it isn't just credits that are given to a project that make it "SUSTAINABLE." The other day, I watched a news broadcast that credited Toronto as a leader in energy efficiency. With Vancouver geographically a perfect center of natural resources, how is that we as a city have not become or are not recognized as a leader in this area? I find it interesting to know that some of my favorite pref-fab companies fabricate their product right here in Vancoouver. While most of us in the industry recognize the challenge of finding good trades, companies like MICHELLE KAUFMANN DESIGNS have managed to find the right trades in Vancouver to launch their pre-fab home manufacturing. I refer to MKD's brand campaign being easily accessible to the general public by offering a variety of modular layouts. For aesthetics, an excellent example of modern design and planning, I refer to MARMOL RADZINER & ASSOCIATES.

I am inspired by their exceptional work as progressive leaders in pre-fab residential design and consider these two companies to be excellent design models for creating a business that will be essential to future residential devlopments.

MODERN CHAIRS

One design source challenge for local Vancouver clientele is trying to find the right arm chair for that special room. Unfortunately, with only a handful of showrooms, clients are left with few options for seeing the quality of product and actually testing a chair in person. The difficulty is not in convincing a client to invest in quality. What is difficult is convincing a client to invest over $5,000 in a chair with only a picture in a catalogue. Where does one go to in order to find the right chair? Well, the internet is a great start for sourcing. Fortunately, with travelling back & forth to New York and visiting showrooms, I can also offer my personal opinion on comfort from trying chairs myself. However, some of the couture and avante garde pieces may require a visit to the Milan show if I want to see the real thing in person. I welcome readers' comments for those of you who have had the opportunity to see my favorite chairs in person.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - MARMOL RADZINER

I am inspired by the architecture and design of MARMOL RADZINER & ASSOCIATES and their innovation in pre-fab residential projects where they "combine the efficiency of factory-built homes with the benefits of custom residential design". To view their pre-fab home designs - view www.marmolradzinerprefab.com. With the increasing cost of living and real estate, more and more we are starting to see the industry develop new concepts ... it will be interesting to see who will be the first residential developer to integrate this concept as a standard in Vancouver.

MODERN FURNITURE - ISSUE #1 - VANCOUVER

WHEN SEARCHING FOR MODERN FURNITURE STORES IN VANCOUVER, THE MUST GO SHOWROOMS START HERE ... and for those of us who appreciate the power of sourcing on the internet, showrooms I love have recently revamped their websites making it all the more easier to shop without the headache of parking or waiting. Key tip to shopping is to browse through the store websites and get a feel for what you like best. Always come prepared with measurements of your space and a digital camera to take notes. Since many of the local stores carry a large variety of product lines and there isn't enough floor space to display them all - invest into an opportunity of working with an interior designer to help streamline your search.

SPENCER INTERIORS
www.spencerinteriors.ca
1565 West 7th Avenue
Vancouver BC Canada V6J 1S1
T 604 736-1378
F 604 736-1338
E stephen@spencerinteriors.ca
free parking
Mon - Thurs: 10:00 - 6:00
Fri: 10:00 - 8:00
Sat: 10:00 - 6:00
Sun: 12:00 - 6:00

MY "SPENCER" FAVORITES

CECCHINI - want a statement piece, enjoy the quality craftsmanship and detailing of zebrano wood or combined with high gloss lacquer. Beautiful tables, sideboards, cabinets ...
http://www.cecchinicollection.com/

DEMA - the "EXTESO" sectional provides excellent value with modern, sophisticated proportions, steel frame combined with goose down filled cushions for the as Spencer states "the Rumpled Money Look" without compromising a clean look or being overly stuffed.

http://www.dema.it/




LIVINGSPACE
www.livingspace.com
188 Kingsway
Vancouver BC V5T3J2
T 604-683-1116
F 604-683-1164
E shop@livingspace.com
free parking
Mon - Fri 10:00 - 5:30
Sat & Sun 12:00 - 5:00

MY "LIVINGSPACE" FAVORITES

MDF ITALIA - the "IDEA" sofa with the signature european proportions, simplicity of scale, the single seat cushion with no place for crumbs to fall, the low, extra deep seating allows you to trully lounge and lay back.
http://www.mdfitalia.it/

MDF ITALIA - the "SLIDING" sofa has slightly more conservative proportions, less deep with a higher seat and the hydrolic option of an adjustable back
http://www.mdfitalia.it/

MDF ITALIA - "LOWBOARD" media console in aluminum, precision in it's finest with extra wide integrated drawers plus the options for full internal media storage & organization.

ARKETIPO - "LOFT" sofa, adjustable cushions and extra deep for lounging
http://www.arketipo.com/



INFORM INTERIORS
http://www.informinteriors.com/
97 Water St
Vancouver BC
Canada V6B 1A1
T 604.682.3868
F 604.682.0293
E info@informinteriors.com
Mon - Fri 10:00 - 6:00
Sat 10:00 - 5:30
Sun 12:00 - 5:00

PORRO - "GARDEN" post framed low platform bed, hovers over the floor combining the elegance of clean lines and simplicity ...
http://www.porro.com/

B&B ITALIA - "ANDY" sectional integrates the flexibility of adjustable seat & back cushions
http://www.bebitalia.it/

ITALINTERIORS
http://www.italinteriors.com/
1028 Mainland Street
Vancouver BC V6B 2T4 Canada
T 604-685-0037
F 604-685-1073

CASSINA - "MISTER" represents the Bently of sofas, with full upgrades including the option of a built-in surround sound system developed by famed designer Philippe Starck
http://www.cassina.com/