Toronto design firm
Union31 was recognized three times at a recent industry gala for its interior designs of a high-end condo and two condo sales centres.
The high-end condo – one of the discreet units at 155 Cumberland – is obvious prize bait, but according to Union31 principal Kelly Cray, sales or presentation centres can be designer catnip.
"There's a certain gratification," he says, speaking about the two award-winning projects he worked on for Tridel towers. "They happen so quickly…. Getting to see something go from start to finish in eight to 10 weeks is pretty gratifying."
Though it's design by committee – the designers have to come up with their approach in consultation with the developer and their marketers – there’s a certain freedom that comes with the tight deadlines, allowing the designer to sometimes overlook minor details in pursuit of the greater aesthetic.
Both presentation centres use materials from the exterior of the buildings in question –
101 Erskine,
300 Front and 10 York – in the design of the interiors, both to give a taste of the as-yet unbuilt buildings to potential buyers, as well as bring together inside and out in the final product, which Union31 will also be designing.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Kelly Cray