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

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

aRCHITECTURAL WALKING TOURS – VICTORIA BC

One of our favourite interns of all time, Vanessa Lloyd, will be one of the knowledgeable guides responsible for showing you a side of Victoria you have never seen before.   If you want a great adventure in Victoria BC, or you have guests from out of town and want to learn something new about your city while supporting the AIBC  (Architectural Institute of British Columbia) this will be a great opportunity.  Vanessa, amongst other design enthusiasts, will be a tour guide for The Architectural Walking Tours this summer.  This year they will have six stunning architectural perspectives of Victoria:

 

1.- Inner Harbour – Victoria’s famous waterfront

Experience the magnificent golden age of Victoría’s downtown Inner Harbour and surrounding areas.  Explore the heritage of this once central public space and learn about the many changes that have taken place throughout the history of this relatively young city.

 

 

2.- Fort Victoria – A city and its stronghold

Learn about the development of Victoria, from a small Hudson’s Bay
Company fur-trading fort to the provincial capital it is today. Follow the
outline of the fort walls along Government Street, and learn about the
architectural conservation and re-use strategies employed over time.
Explore Bastion Square, once the heart of Victoria’s legal community,
and Wharf Street, the city’s original “Commercial Row” converted into
residential and commercial spaces.

 

Board & Trade Building

 

3.- Chinatown – Canada’s oldest

Explore public plazas and back alleys from Yates Street to Waddington
Alley and Johnson Street, the heart of Old Town. Inspect surrounding
examples of circa-1880 architecture, Market Square, and Fan Tan Alley.
Learn about the culture, social, and architectural history of Canada’s
oldest Chinatown, and discover the gems found along Douglas Street
including the Hudson’s Bay Company Store, City Hall and Centennial
Square.

China Town

 

4.- Ecclesiastical – Faithful buildings

Enjoy a brisk walk featuring Victoria’s rich legacy of religious
architecture. Visit the city’s two cathedrals and Canada’s oldest surviving
syngogue. See how historical events have shaped and changed the look
and feel of some of Victoria’s most impressive buildings.

See what remains of a pioneer cemetery and stroll through the grounds
of early 19th century buildings of worship. The sheer size and massing of
these buildings is enough to make you want to learn more.

This tour includes several other landmark public buildings and presents
a great opportunity to learn about traditional architectural styles and
how they have been integrated into Victoria’s modern designs.

 

St. Andrew Cathedral

 

5.- Art Deco/Modern – A snapshot of influencial art

In the 1920’s, Victoria architects embraced the stylized, geometric Art
Deco and Style Moderne, the latests trends emanating from Paris and
New York. Discover how these styles suited new building types and
businesses, and how they altered traditional approaches to the use of
stone, marble and concrete. This tour includes a look at some of the
city’s innovative banks, office buildings, motels and residences, as
well as the Inner Harbour’s landmark Information Centre Tower.

 

Art Deco Building – Beacon Hill Park

 

6.- James Bay – A small town within a large city

Discover James Bay, Canada’s oldest residential neighbourhood on
the West Coast. Learn about the historic homes of some of Victoria’s
most influential residents, dating back to the days of colonial
administration.

Explore houses built in architectural styles from Queen Anne
Cottages to Arts & Crafts, many of which have been designated as
Provincial Heritage sites. Nearing Beacon Hill Park, you’ll find Emily
Carr House, the childhood home of the famed B.C. artist and writer

 

Emily Carr House

 

For more information please check  the online brochure below:

 

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