OUR FAVOURITE SERVICE PROVIDERS

Often people ask me how I can manage to do as much as I do.  My answer is always the same:  I have a great team at my studio and it is all about balance.  In the other hand, I also have a second  team of professionals that have made my business even more successful. Today I want to honor them and recommend their services as I have worked with them for many years and I know they are not only service providers they are also part of the family at Meade Design Group.

Their advice or their service always keeps us organized, in good shape and looking good.

LAW

Kelvin Sheuer  B.A., M.A., LL.B -
Beacon Law Center
1.250.656.3280



ACCOUNTING

Steve Wellburn / Sue Bohean
Hulko Cameron Wellburn LLP Chartered Accountants
1.250.388.6554



BANKING

Renan Yin – Senior Account Manager, Business & Personal
RBC Royal Bank
1.250.356.3826



FLOWER SERVICES

Tara McHugh
Tara McHugh Flora
1.250.880.1006



COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

Al Hasham
Maximum Express
1.250.721.3278



RECYCLING

Capital City Recycling
1.250.652.5008



RECORD STORAGE

Access Storage
1.250.652.5131


OFF SET PRINTING

Erwin Rietzler
Bayside Press
1. 250.386.8355


Gord Wright
Hemlock
1.250.388.7801



DIGITAL PRINTING

Andy / Alex
Metropol
1.250.382.2695



SIGNAGE

Marty / Ken Wallace
Garside Signs
1.250.385.4825



EVENT MANAGEMENT

Barb Raymond WPICC (Wedding Specialist)
French Kiss Events
1.778.678.2902



Aidan Henry (General Event Planning)
Brink Events
P. 1.250.882.9691



CAKES

Corina Ludwig
Passion for Cakes
1.250.588.2622


CLOTHES

Patrick Tier
Citizen
1.250.590.6716



HAIR

Robin Achterberg
Parlor
1.250.589.6191

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH LEANNE MCKEACHIE

Leanne McKeachie

 

Leanne McKeachie is a very sweet, eager and personable designer based locally in Victoria BC. She has recently begun her own firm – Leanne McKeachie Design, which specializes in residential design. She takes joy and pride in sharing her passion for design with homeowners – her friendly approach makes the design process with her a very personalized and enjoyable one.

 

Leanne is not a newcomer though, she has over a decade of experience in the design industry and holds a Bachelor of Interior Design Degree from Mount Royal University. Her work has been featured in Homes and Cottages Magazine and has received accolades at Vancouver Island's 'Care Awards'.

 

As a young mom, she truly understands her clients’ needs and that everything needs to be approached with balance. A master of evening out the needs, wants, desires, budget, aesthetic function and timing to deliver her clients the results they deserve.

 

A great asset to the design community, I look forward to sharing her insights with our readers, please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

 

Leanne McKeachie - At a lunch & learn in my high school career centre. I had decided I was going to become an orthodontist until that fateful day. Ha! what a disaster that would have been. I always loved the arts and creative exploration but was never fully aware of the interior design profession. I really should have seen the writing on the wall at an early age, as I'm sure I drove my parents crazy with the constant re-arranging of furnishings.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

 

Leanne McKeachie - It's fairly simple. I believe in designing to illicit positive change in peoples lives, positive change in their everyday functions, moods and wellbeing. I design to re-ignite the passion people have for their homes, and to create spaces that people hate to leave.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – What is your favourite local find, where did you get it and why is it important to you?

 

Leanne McKeachie - A vintage silver chandelier that I found at a garage sale while living in Calgary.  I don't think I'll ever be able to part with it, firstly because it was a steal of a deal, and I LOVE a good deal. My chandi's been hung in all different rooms in every house I've lived in: my dining room, my daughters nursery and now my kitchen. I'm way too attached :)

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

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

 

Leanne McKeachie - Colour!!! I'm so inspired by the amazing fresh and vibrant tones that we started seeing emerge in Fall 2012 and particularly this spring. My own living room now features a pretty prominent splash of emerald green.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – What do you consider your greatest strength and weakness?

 

Leanne McKeachie - My weakness is answering strength and weakness questions… and I have a truly horrible memory. I write down everything and am an obsessive list maker. As for my greatest strength, I've been told by one of my closest friends that my strength is possessing the combination of enthusiasm and level headedness.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

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

 

Leanne McKeachie - I have two favourites that come to mind. First, I'm addicted to the moment during the design development where a solution all the sudden becomes clear, marrying aesthetic and function seamlessly. Second and most rewarding is the sparkle in a client's eyes as they show off their new space for the first time.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

 

Leanne McKeachie - A working professional (likely female) with a love for simple lines interlaced with feminine details, unafraid to show her energetic personality through her decor. This client would probably be so busy in her career that she craves for her home to be a private retreat; a place to relax, recharge and to enjoy life with family & friends. We would obviously hit it off instantly and she would become a lifelong client, designing many future properties together.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

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

 

Leanne McKeachie - It's advice my father gave me years ago: "You have to ask yourself, at the end of the day, is it worth it?". Although it was advice at that time given in a relational context I find it often comes to mind through the craziness that life & work bring. It's surprising how a simple piece of advice can help me re-focus on what's really important.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – Where do you see the local design scene going?

 

Leanne McKeachie - The local design scene is swiftly developing an strong inter-connected web of support consisting of: established design firms, independent designers, reps, suppliers, retailers, trades and students. With this growing positive energy and sharing of knowledge I believe there's truly outstanding design in store for our city.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – What's next for Leanne McKeachie Design?

 

Leanne McKeachie - I'm already so blown away by the amazing experiences I've had over the last two years. I can only imagine what's to come. For now I keep dreaming big and working smart.

 

Interiors by Leanne McKeachie

 

Iván Meade – Lastly, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Leanne McKeachie - I love the quote by Maya Angelou that says: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". I want people to feel like I made a positive change in their homes. Or that I made them feel understood through the design of their space. If I could positively impact everyone I met, that would be an amazing legacy to leave. 

 

I invite you to visit Leanne McKeachie’s stunning body of work:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

VIC 42–A SPECIAL Feature

Today I was included in a great feature that I would like to share with all our blog readers.  VIC 42 – A local website that celebrates the unique and interesting people in Victoria -  invited me to be part of their collection of personalities.  I feel very honoured to be selected and to share virtual space with some of the most influential people in my own community. 

 

I have always said that Victoria has great talent and that we should embrace it – Now we have an opportunity to discover our locals thanks to VIC 42. 

 

Teresa Lindsay & Al Smith are the geniuses behind the VIC 42 concept.  A very innovative and progressive platform to showcase talent.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa many years ago and thanks to VIC 42, we have rekindled our friendship.   Teresa took the time to learn about me and who I am and I could not be more pleased with her write-up. Al’s photography is outstanding – it can be appreciated not only in my own photo, but in the rest of the pictures you can see on their site. Working with Al was a pleasure.  He made me feel comfortable during the whole process and now I even have a photo of myself that I like – lol -

 

 

I invite you to check this great website and support out amazing local talent in Victoria.

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH LORENZO CASTILLO

Lorenzo Castillo

 

What a great way to start 2013! – This conversation has been one of my favourites as it originally happened in Spanish (my native tongue), and what better way to introduce the best of the best in Spanish design to North America?

 

Lorenzo Castillo is definitely the strongest presence in Spanish design nowadays.  Castillo’s design aesthetic has defined a unique voice not only in Spain but in France, Shanghai, Hong Kong, U.S.A. and many other places around the globe where he has worked on projects  – When you see a project by Lorenzo Castillo you know immediately that his unique vision and talent is behind it – Whether it is a residence, a wedding for the princes of Spain, a yacht,  a five star hotel or one of the exclusive Loewe shops by LVH group.  Castillo always brings an element of unexpected elegance while creating each of his memorable spaces.    His work has been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Marie Claire, Hola!, House and Garden, Attitude, Telva, Nuevo Estilo, and The New York Times.

 

Recently he has launched his own fabric line under the Gastón and Daniela brand.  A fresh take on design with one of the most sophisticated colour palettes I have seen in a long time.

 

Castillo’s appreciation for the past is evident in all his work. He holds a degree in Art History and has owned an antique shop since the 90’s.   His signature style is a mix of antiques with contemporary pieces.  Places and spaces that are timeless, but have a current vibe. 

 

I can’t wait to get Lorenzo’s input on design’. please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – I used to design for my own pleasure since my youth.  Design has always given me a very unique pleasure.  Perhaps my first experience with relevance was the design of the LOEWE shops for the LVMH group.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – What is the story behind Lorenzo Castillo – How and when did you start working in the interior design industry?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – I started in a very natural way.  I used to be really involved in the antique world, the use of antiques had a boom in Spain giving a really decorative feel to the spaces they were used in.  My clients started asking me to decorate their homes and the rest is history.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – What tip would you give to someone who is just starting in the profession?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Open your eyes and see your surroundings very carefully and rediscover that hidden beauty.   Discover that unique moment that everybody misses and use it to your advantage.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – I remember the kind advice of an old decorator friend that told me to dedicate myself to something else, but I didn’t follow his advice – lol – Now being serious, the best advice I have received was to always be professional and always over deliver, as the new work will always come from that initial work.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – One of the qualities I really admire in your residential work is the mix of antiques with contemporary pieces. This is a very European design aesthetic in which you respect the past to make the present valid.  This is perhaps a parameter that identifies your style and the memorability of your projects.  How did you conceive this unique mix and how do you imprint your signature style in your projects?

 

Lorenzo Castillo –  The mix is always about intuition, it is quite difficult to establish rules for a successful interior.  There are mixes that work and others that look awful and don’t work.  This is part of a trained eye and the way you can balance harmony.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – How do you achieve a balanced harmony?  – I can see symmetry and classic lines in your projects but how do you give them a contemporary feel?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Not all my work is symmetrical, actually I prefer asymmetry or the balance of different volumes.  I know that Greek or Roman classicism is based on order and balance.  I always base my designs on a classic root and I reinterpret this base from a more contemporary point of view.  Using a more up-to-date colour palette, and including the architecture of the space and as always, playing with light.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – Your use of colour is always very sophisticated which makes your projects really resonate with me.  How do you create your colour palette?

 

Lorenzo Castillo -  My colour selections are definitely the influence of the world around me.  I am always very attentive to see how a specific colour interacts with others.  Again, a visual harmony that you could see on landscapes, book covers, paintings or museums.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – How do you define luxury?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Having your dream and perfect home.  Your home is a refuge for your taste and needs. 

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – What is your main luxury?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Having the freedom to live in the way I want to live and being fortunate to have the perfect home for myself.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade –  What is the project that has given you the most satisfaction and why?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Usually the last one, why? Because I really enjoyed my clients reaction and to see that I have created the perfect space for them.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – What is next for Lorenzo Castillo?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – Being grateful for the work I have received and continue working.  Spain is in a difficult economic time so I really feel blessed to have good projects on the horizon.

 

Interiors by Lorenzo Castillo

 

Iván Meade – Lorenzo, lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

 

Lorenzo Castillo – I would like to leave a legacy as a person, not so much as a designer.  But I also understand that the legacy of a person always disappears and what is left is the ideas.  I think my legacy should be to leave an understanding that design is a constant search of harmony and balance; always inspired by colour, volume, and style - but adapting this to a modern and clean sensibility to create that special oasis for the individual who lives in that space.

 

I invite you to visit Lorenzo Castillo’s website at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFF SMITH

Jeff Smith

 

Jeff Smith is the owner of Smith Designs, a reputable and innovative architectural and interior design firm in Victoria BC. I admire Jeff’s attention to detail and his ability to tackle any style of project while continuing to find new solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Smith Designs has also not only worked on a range of styles, but also project types (residential to commercial) and locations (local and international).

 

In business since 1987 and the recipient of multiple CHBA CARE Awards, and Georgie nominations, Smith Designs is known for the words that Jeff lives by “Clean, focused and finished”. The company is also renowned for the customer service and personal attention given to each project.

 

I can’t wait to get Jeff’s input on design (locally and globally), please read on to get in on the conversation…

 
Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Jeff Smith -My mother loved wallpapering, so I had to learn to survive.... my childhood daydreaming was renovation.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 

Iván Meade - What is your favorite local find? Where did you get this item?

Jeff Smith – A teachers 'learning' to read book with Janet and Jack and Lucky the dog and Puff the kitten from the 30's, It makes me smile and think of innocence and unbridled joy. I bought it in a thrift store twenty odd years ago. I thought I'd use it in a child's room one day but have yet been able to give it up. 

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 

Iván Meade – Why is important to you? How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

 

Jeff Smith – To embrace new technology, be open to discovery and never be afraid to try something new. Design is an organic process that sometimes can take you by the hand and lead you to something innovative and fresh.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade – What is unique to contemporary west coast design?  I believe you are breaking the mold and showcasing your work in a new and more up to date interpretation of west coast design – how do you achieve this?

Jeff Smith - I think we have come to a point in time that we no longer have to apologize for our love affair with nature and our more laid back west coast lifestyle. That doesn't have to mean driftwood railings and beer can art, it simply means we've found the balance where contemporary living incorporates a new sensitivity to nature and quality of life style. Our homes and offices should support our personalities and not cause us to stumble throughout the day. I try to be honest to the space and incorporate new elements that reflect light and offer up a fresh attitude.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade – I noticed that in your projects you like to use chrome, I actually should say a custom use of chrome; which definitely adds a sense of uniqueness to each of your projects.  How do you sell the idea of custom to your clients?

Jeff Smith - Custom work is like a fingerprint , uniquely yours. It expresses an individuality that I feel is important in almost every project...and it often is the only way to resolve design issues when they come up. We always have said there are no problems, only solutions. Not all solutions are in a tidy box at your local supply store. So if custom is where you end up, just make it beautiful . 

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade - Space nowadays is at a premium – As a designer, it is clear that the adequate use of space is really important to you, but how do you incorporate these principles into your personal home?

Jeff Smith -For me, the truth in design lays in the act of reduction. Its easy to fill a space with a lot of beautiful objects but that doesn't make the room beautiful. Again, balance is the operative word. finding that place where anything less isn't enough and anything more is, well, too much. Let the space breathe, give it light and let the elements have their 15 minutes of fame...and all that other stuff, get rid of it. Enjoy what you have.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade - What is the most practical thing that you own and what is the most rare?

Jeff Smith - My sense of humour is a practical aspect in my work. This industry involves a lot of on the spot decision making, mix in some handholding of nervous (never renovated before) clients, trades people, and shipping and handling of products and equipment, neither of which tend to show up when you really, really want them  and you better have a healthy sense of humour. The most rare is a tough question. I love art, each one different and each with something that makes me love it everyday. I find I don't covet one over the next, a piece from 300 years ago can hold the same value to me as something I picked up yesterday. Put them close in the same environment, and see the dialogue they have have together, its that juxtaposition, that playful contrast, that is rare.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade - If you could design a home for anyone, who would it be?

Jeff Smith – I loved this question. We all have our heroes. In history and in contemporary life. If I had to pick one, Marcel Duchamp.  I think as a client, he'd be amazing and his input would be engaging and challenging. I'd get to explore all aspects of positive and negative space, review preconceptions and journey down a new path of discovery. My design wouldn't necessarily involve a uninal in the living room.

 

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

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

Jeff Smith – New technology integrating into environment. I love the idea of seamless living where all the bells and whistles are there but not visible. Remember those ginormous speakers you had in University, or the television to had to get up to turn a knob to change channels?

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade - What project has given you the most satisfaction?

 

Jeff Smith - I've been blessed with amazing projects and clients who have been open to wonder and change. I couldn't possibly compare one from the next because each one is different and special. Having said that, the projects that have spanned a couple decades, where we staged out the renovations in five year increments, and I've watched their families grow up, and their homes evolve, fulfilling  their wish lists...they are my warm cuppa on a chilly windy day.

 

Interiors by Jeff Smith

 
Iván Meade –  Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Jeff Smith - That people would say 'He helped us to see more, find a softer, kinder way of living'

 

I invite you visit Jeff Smith’s stunning body of work at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011