autonomous FURNITURE COLLECTIVE

One of the most exciting  projects we have worked on this year is the development of the brand and graphic identity for Autonomous Furniture Collective.  A Victoria BC based company that develops furniture made with traceable resources by local designers.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Kirk Van Ludwig and Jodie Webb a long time ago, and when they decided to start their own furniture company they, invited me to be involved with the graphics and brand direction.   Since the first meeting I was blown away with their product and concept for their shop.  After our first meeting I knew we needed to design something that is relatable not just locally but globally.  Their product has so many unique qualities that I wanted to be part of the brand: traceability, local design, quality design, unique materials, and the list keeps going.

 

Alta Table by Autonomous Furniture Collective

 

To have a solid product in the marketplace we needed to start developing a brand that will complement the product and the idea behind it, as well as where the product was going to be sold.  After all, Autonomous is a new business and we wanted to use their fresh approach as an advantage.

 

Walnut  Coffee Table and Ebony Bow Tie Detail

After much deliberation, the name was decided: “Autonomous Furniture Collective” – We wanted to give the shop a gallery feel and create a new experience for every customer.  Every time you purchase a piece you will know where the history of the wood or other materials used – their former life and where they are coming from; in addition to the designer of the piece – Autonomous’s designers are mostly local and talented artisans that are members of the Furniture Collective.  People who appreciates good design, quality, and timeless pieces that act as sculptural forms while maintaining their ability to be used in everyday life. The pieces become a part of your home and lifestyle developing a nice natural patina and depth.  Aging as they would in nature.

 

 

After we had the logo designed we needed to position the company, so we came up with a phrase to distinguish them in the marketplace - “the new west coast”. This phrase was born as a way to let the customers know that this is a new product and that it is possible to re-invent what people consider to be pure west-coast design.  After all, the main material in their furniture pieces is sourced in the west coast. We further this notion with the phrase “Sculptural forms that are at once urban and rural”.

 

 

With all the brand elements and logo in place it was time to start having some fun and develop their stationary package.  We wanted something sexy, unique and memorable; just like their pieces of furniture.  We selected a beautifully textured, thick paper in black and we foiled the card in gold to reflect that they are current and that the product is pure quality. 

 

 

The launch of the brand was at IDS West this year and it was extremely well received, the pieces have already been invited to 3 of the most prestigious show rooms in Vancouver.  Thanks to the power of social media, design gurus such as Margot Austin and Joe Ruggiero have shown interest in the pieces which is an incredible sign.

 

IDWest 2013

 

All in all we cannot wait to see how far Autonomous will go in spreading the product around the world.

 

Intrigued???  Visit their new showroom and be surprised!!!

 

2101 Government Street, Victoria B.C  V8T 4P2

www.autonomousfurniture.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH AMBER KINGSNORTH OF MAK INTERIORS

Amber Kingsnorth RID LEED AP

Alas, the Victoria market lost this gem of a designer to the mainland, but Amber Kingsnorth is making a name for herself in the big city with her new design firm, Mak Interiors. After nearly a decade of Vancouver Island based design experience, she's moved on to see what Vancouver has to offer

.

Not only is Amber a talented, professional, and smart designer – she is also one of the most fun! Her blog and social media pages never fail to make her readers smile. Plus, she is award-winning (2011 IDIBC Awards of Excellence – Silver), a LEED Accredited Professional and a Registered Interior Designer and a very active member of IDIBC to boot.

 

Amber takes on a wide-range of projects including; hotels, condominium and town home developments, offices, restaurants, healthcare, retail and residential. The connecting thread? She approaches projects with a mind for salvaging the unsalvageable.

 

We had previously interviewed Amber with Inoui Design in 2010, but with a new firm, new city (Vancouver) and new projects, we wanted to get an update from this spirited design aficionado.

 

Amber also has a special place in my heart, she is the team captain of the Designer Survivors Tour, an industry team of cyclists raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation – and she dedicated on of her treks to me when I was first diagnosed – I will be forever grateful for that.

 

Read on to get in on the conversation and find out what Ms Kingsnorth has been up to…

Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?

Amber Kingsnorth - After about a year of traveling back and forth between Victoria and Vancouver to see clients, I finally set down roots on the mainland.  That move came with a lot of change and a lot of personal reflection.  This is an industry full of amazingly talented people and no shortage of vision so it was important to me to define what I was bringing to the table.   I believe in bringing value and purpose to bricks and mortar construction and creating spaces that support goals and foster growth.  A store isn't just a place to buy things, it's a way to experience the message behind them.  A doctors office isn't just where you go to see a doctor, it's a place of comfort and care.  Not to get too deep on the first question but it's the basis for my new interior design firm!  Māk Interiors (pronounced 'make') is all about making space work for the people it serves; commercial and residential.  We also have a great team of collaborators who help extend our services into the branding, business development and marketing realms for those commercial clients who need a little help finding their own message.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Amber Kingsnorth -  Community!  I've always been an advocate for an open and collaborative interior design community and that's crossing into other disciplines as well.  For commercial clients seamless messaging is very important; from business cards, to website, to environment, the feeling needs to be cohesive.  By coming together with graphic designers, web developers, and industry specific suppliers, we can create spaces that are tailored to each client and the needs of their business.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Mãk Interiors?

Amber Kingsnorth –  We're really carving out a niche for ourselves in the retail industry; helping retailers better define their brand and create engaging spaces that showcase their products in unique ways.  Right now we're just in talks with one of my favorite furniture retailers in the city.  I can't say much right now but I'm very excited to be working with them!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – I have seen that you’ve been featured in GRAY magazine for your concept window displays?  What is the process to design a window display and where did you get your inspiration from?

Amber Kingsnorth -  First of all; GRAY is a great publication that your readers should definitely get their hands on!

The feature was of a window display we created for a great local retailer; espace d.  The store itself is a gorgeous modern space (designed by the Office of Marfarlane Biggar) and the owner was looking for a creative way to display his very unique houseware and objet d'art for the holiday season.  He wanted a very provocative display to draw attention to the store so we took a chance and presented a concept that placed his products amongst a pile of discarded ordinary home goods.  The premise being that the quality and unique aesthetic of his offering would really stand out.  He took a risk  (I love a client who trusts the vision!) and it completely paid off.  The installation has outlived the holiday season and is still going strong, attracting new clients and creating a buzz about the shop.

Because they're temporary, window displays offer a lot freedom in design but they also need to showcase the products in a practical way.  Drawing people into the store is a major value to a retailer but only if you're attracting the right people so you really need to understand the brand before diving in.  You want to design something that will have meaning to their target audience - those are the eyes that you need to catch!

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Amber Kingsnorth - If we're really talking 'Dream' jobs ... I would love for Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director of J. Crew) to call me up asking me to re-design their flagship store, conceptualize a years worth of art installations for their store windows and design her personal home ... And then we would become friends, of course :) *
*this will likely come back to haunt me in a future interview ... Or if Jenna ever does call!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – You always have at least one stroke of genius in terms of repurposing in your projects – where does that inspiration come from?

 
Amber Kingsnorth -  This is definitely a product of my childhood!  My Dad can often be heard saying 'Hey! You know what you could do with this?! ...' while holding up some construction cast-off.  Well, that turned out to be hereditary :)  

Seeing the potential in ordinary objects and having that light-bulb moment is something that I've refined through my design work.  What started as a way of achieving impact on a budget, has revealed itself to be an important aspect of my work; giving new spaces a feeling of familiarity and meaning.  These customized touches always end up being the most memorable.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both!

Amber Kingsnorth - I'd call it Modern With Meaning.  No matter what type of space I design, it must has to strike a chord with those who are intended to use it.  I personally prefer modern spaces with an injection of fun through colour, pattern, or those unexpected touches to keep things from getting too austere or predictable. 

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What is your favourite thing about being a designer?

Amber Kingsnorth - The parties of course!  I kid :)
I have two favourites:
1)  Working both sides of my brain.  Design allows me to test the limits of my creativity and be very analytical and technical at the same time.  
2)  Inspiration is on my to-do list.  My job is literally to be inspired by my clients and their stories and to return the favour through my work.  Not bad!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received – design related or otherwise?

Amber Kingsnorth - When you give, you are never without :)

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Back in 2010 I asked "Do you think Victoria is ready for a change? Where do you see things going in the next ten years?" and you had replied "YES. Since entering the field 6 years ago, we’ve noticed a huge shift in the design community. Designers are finally seeing each other as colleagues rather than competition, sharing ideas, sources, information, horror stories… and it’s great!" How do you feel about your prediction so far? Would you adapt it, agree with it, or change it completely 3 years later?

Amber Kingsnorth - I have to stick with my prediction, see question #2 :)

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Likewise, one final question - would you have changed your legacy from "we just want to love what we do everyday and know that people are enjoying the spaces we’ve designed"?

Amber Kingsnorth - I wouldn't necessarily re-write that answer but I can add to it; enjoying the space isn't enough, I want my clients to feel that the investment in their space has a measurable return to them.  For my commercial clients that may mean keeping their overhead low by making efficient use of less square footage, better employee retention & workflow, and a greater experience for their own customers or patients.  For my residential clients that could be an increase in the value of their property, or a more enjoyable homelife in a space that supports and encourages what they love to do.  I hope my legacy is that I opened people's eyes to the value of a well-designed space.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

 

I invite you to visit Amber’s stunning body of work and to read her fantastic blog at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

GREETINGS!

You may wonder why I have not written a post in such a long time.  I had taken some time off to visit my family and friends in Mexico,. I then came back to catch up with the work at the studio and now I am leaving to France and Spain in order to celebrate my 40th birthday.

 

Meanwhile I leave you with some cool pics I took in my home country.

 

Mexico

 

Mexico City

 

San Luis Potsi, Mexico

 

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

 

Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Studios – Mexico City

 

Diego Rivera Studio – Mexico City

 

O’Gorman Studio – Mexico City

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH KYLA BIDGOOD

As seen in SNAP

Kyla Bidgood

 

You may recognize this name around town – and I believe it will only continue to become more recognized as her career forges ahead – the name is Kyla Bidgood, a registered interior designer right here in Victoria BC. Kyla has been featured in local publications, is very active in the design community (including being a committee member for IDIBC: Vancouver Island Chapter) and has done some guest speaking at design events. You may even recognize her from right here on our blog, we had previouslyinterviewed Inoui Design in 2010, but with change in environment comes change in perspective, and I wanted to follow up with Ms Bidgood for a fresh new interview.

 

She now has her own boutique namesake firm, Kyla Bidgood Interior Design, after years of experience with some of the best designers in the city. I couldn't describe her philosophy better than these words which come straight from her website: "With every project I strive to open my client’s eyes to new possibilities, spatially translating their brand or style into an interior that surpasses their initialvision. I create meaningful and enduring environments that perfectly align with both my client’s budget and needs".

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Taking on projects from various fields – residential, commercial, and hospitality alike – she approaches each one with passion which has had award winning results. With her attention to detail, innovative thinking and approachable attitude, it's not wonder Kyla has a long list of happy clients with beautiful spaces.

 

Ready to find out what Victoria's young design scene is up to right now? Read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Quite a bit! I tested the corporate waters and worked for a large design firm for 6 months, on a range of large-scale projects including a university, a hospital and several airport concessions. I love commercial work, but what I found most valuable from the experience was re- discovering where my heart truly lies: with highly creative, boutique projects. You can really only have complete creative control with projects of a certain size. So I ventured out solo working under my own name, with a focus on out of the box retail, hospitality, office and residential projects.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

 

Kyla Bidgood – No surprise here: I get geek-giddy over colour and pattern. Bold repetition, mixed with the right combination of scales & textures is perfection in my world. Throw in a bright pop of colour in an unexpected place, like hardware or fixtures, and that’s the cherry on the cake. I also love incorporating unexpected historic details into modern spaces, like turned wood spindles or abstract patterns tufted into upholstery. But ask me tomorrow and the list would be completely different. I have commitment issues when it comes to design, everyday I’m excited about doing something new.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Kyla Bidgood interior Design?

 

Kyla Bidgood – I’ve recently started a magical collaborating with the multi-talented and graphically gifted Sarah McNeil. We’ve pooled our skills and similar aesthetic to seamlessly integrate interior design with window graphics, custom wallpapers & signage for Blenz Coffee in Vancouver. A well-branded company goes beyond a logo, the entire experience from the second you step in their door should communicate a company’s culture, values and vibe. Understanding a companies brand and developing their branded interior is something I thrive at.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

 

Kyla Bidgood – I am busting at the seams to do a restaurant. Since I’m hopelessly lazy when it comes to cooking I eat out often, and every time I redesign the restaurant space in my mind. I have so many great ideas banked, I would love to give Victorians and Vancouverites a new dining experience, something buzzworthy, totally out of the box different.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – I find your projects to be consistently fresh, cheerful/playful and sophisticated yet urban. How is this balance achieved?

 

Kyla Bidgood – Why thank you Ivan! My aesthetic is at a constant tug war with itself. On one hand I adore the simplicity, materials and craft of Scandinavian and mid century modern design, and on the other hand I’m a total sucker for over the top pattern, colour and whimsical concepts. I think the method to my madness is interweaving these two extremes into a refined eclecticism. It’s about striking a carefully curated balance without going overboard.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both!  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Fun, modern & eclectic. I think the same can be said for my personal style. My house is a laboratory where I experiment with ideas that might be too bold for some clients. For example, my living room is painted a dark ink-blue and an artist friend of mine Miguel Afonso da Conceicao created a large scale instillation with hot pink yarn covering all the walls, kind of like a non-repeating geometric wallpaper pattern. I also wallpapered the ceiling in my home office with a small-scale white, gold & black triangle print. Experiments paid off, looks amazing!  

 

  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What is your favorite thing about being a designer?  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Everyday, every project, and every client is so vastly different from the next, no day is ever repeated. I am never bored, always challenged, and constantly being inspired by new things. I heart my job, and I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.    

 

  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received – design related or otherwise?  

 

Kyla Bidgood – “Worry is a misuse of your imagination” and “Change is the only constant”. Truer words were never spoken!

 

I invite you to visit Kyla’s stunning body of work at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

CONDESEO – A logo concept

Earlier this year we were invited to brand what has become the most important Gynecology Congress in San Luis Potosí, México – CONDESEO ( National Congress for Safe Pregnancy and Obstetric Emergencies).  This is the first time a congress of this magnitude was presented in Mexico, and even though the logo work was pro-bono (as it was a non-profit event), it was also a great opportunity to support my brother Dr. Paulo Meade Treviño who was the executive president for CONDESEO, it was also inspiring to design something that was going to be heavily featured in my home country.   He wanted a new and contemporary image that could represent the event and showcase the state of  modern medicine in México.  When he completed my creative brief for the logo I was actually surprised to see that he wanted something new, fresh and different.  - “Please don’t give me another logo with a mother and child” (apparently this is the standard in the industry).

 

After we discussed the direction for the logo/brand for the congress I was very fortunate to be given carte blanche to design the graphic identity for the event.

 

 

Here are the thoughts behind the logo:

 

1.- First of all, we wanted to convey a message of communication as this was going to be the first opportunity to discuss this particular topic, also, all the best Gynecologists from México and Latin-America were reuniting for the congress.

2.- We wanted to use colours that represented the city where the congress was going to be held – San Luis Potosi, México – We got the inspiration from the colour that you can see when the sky sets at the end of the day.  The skies of my hometown are famous for these hues

3.- To maintain the simplicity we used an organic form and reproduced it 3 times, reducing its size to convey the Mother, the Doctor, and the Child while the interactions/transparencies and changes  in colour represent the meaning of their relationships, the smallest element, which is an oval figure represents – Life and the  moment of birth. 

4.- For the typographical solution we used a font from the Zag family to playfully arrange the text in a block using uppercase lettering to represent the importance of the event.  The softness and roundness of the typography was selected to add a friendlier atmosphere.

 

This congress was held last week and it has been considered the best congress ever held in the field.   I just want to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of my brother for organizing CONDESEO and  setting the bar so high and for inviting us to participate. 

 

I invite you to see a quick video of the congress and the branding elements used throughout.  From banners, to pins, and informational brochures, etc.

 

CONDESEO

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011