In a world where living space is shrinking by the second, B.C.-based interior design group Bob’s Your Uncle Design Ltd. (BYU) believes in challenging the disappearing floor plan by optimizing flexible space and timeless concepts when designing projects.
“Since the cost of real estate is so high in Vancouver, a lot of the future of design, which translates not only to residential but also commercial, hospitality and retail, is in [a space’s] flexibility,” said Ada Bonini, principal at BYU, one of Vancouver’s leading design firms and winner of multiple Interior Designers Institute of BC awards for excellence, most recently for the Brentwood Tower 1 presentation centre.
“It’s quality over quantity now more so than ever,” said Bonini during a phone interview with Business in Vancouver. “It’s funny, we used to have the conversation about trends, but today it’s more about things that last and things that enhance people’s lives.”
It’s quality, Bonini agreed, that marks the death of “trend” designs.
“We see our clients investing more and more in materials and items that improve certain spaces while not inhibiting size.”
The theme of flexibility and commitment to high-quality material is one BYU hopes to translate to 8X On The Park, a planned Yaletown residential project designed by GBL Architects Inc.
The project, which replaces the affordable housing block previously sited at 1111 Richards Street, will have roughly 380 units, with about 190 market suites and 190 rentals. Units, which start at roughly $520,000 for a 485-square-foot one-bedroom suite, have open floor plans and luxury appliances and fixtures. The project is expected to be completed before 2020.
“The quality of classical architecture was defined in fine, ornate detailing, but what we try to do more now is have a bigger concept,” said Joey Stevens, associate architect at GBL. “The materials have changed, and we show conceptualization through richness in form and simplicity.”
The increasingly smaller sizes of units in urban buildings has become a design challenge requiring creative solutions. For example, the 8X will have bike storage with a separate elevator to alleviate the stress of overcrowding. Pet-washing stations are attached to storage areas, and roof access is being reserved for common space, fitness centres and theatre rooms.
“Everything in Vancouver is small spaces; the more you add into an apartment or condo, the more you are taking away from the homeowner,” said Adele Rankin, principal at Vancouver-based Chil Interior Design. “Paring everything back is good for the mind, body and soul.”
Chil Interior Design is one of Metro Vancouver’s top interior design firms. Both BYU and Chil are known more locally for residential interior design, but Rankin admits that residential interior design is more recently beginning to adopt some sensibilities of the hospitality industry.
“Hospitality has probably been on the forefront of design for longer than residential because with this authenticity of getting quality materials comes durability,” Rankin said. “In hospitality, you have to always design for something to be durable so the crossover to multi-level residential is already there in our ethos.”
Rankin said the importance of the stripped-down, simplified approach to interior design that is forecast for 2017 and beyond is a product of the younger generation’s love of experience.
“Your space is meant to be a blank canvas to which you can layer your life on top,” Rankin said. “Whether that’s artwork or furniture, you need to make your stamp. Airbnb has challenged the hotel industry because they provide an experience and personalization. Well, people want that same thing when they design their space.”
