In Conversation with ATMOSPHERE I.D.

Atmosphere Interior Design

 

Atmosphere Interior Design was founded in 2004 by Trevor Ciona and Curtis Elmy and has been bringing sophisticated design to Saskatoon ever since. One may recognize this design duo from their many appearances in Western Living or their prestigious collection of awards. However, their design firm produces stunning work and they have a great design studio and blog “Atmosphere Randoms” to complete the design package.

 

Trevor successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at Mount Royal College in Calgary and Curtis was formally trained as a graphic artist. Both have acquired substantial experience in retail – Trevor in architectural and design retailers, and Curtis was the graphic artist for a successful retail outlet. Another facet the pair have in common is their willingness and ability to achieve optimal client satisfaction and giving each home a unique personality.

 

“Trevor and Curtis have focused on studying the market so Atmosphere Interior Design is in touch with reliable resources of sophisticated, classic, traditional and contemporary design, sourcing furniture and design materials and products from around the world”. – Atmosphere

 

I am always excited to find successful Canadian design talents and wanted to find out more about this great canadian firm, please read on for my interview with Trevor and Curtis…

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Trevor Ciona – My childhood bedroom. I was allowed to design it entirely, at the age of 10. I had the first room in Saskatoon with black carpet, the walls were black with white and grey wallpaper –and red was my accent. I selected all of the furniture, which I later sold (at an outrageous price) to my younger brother. I still love black, white and grey, so it was an experience that was truly telling.

Curtis Elmy – My first experience with design came a little later in life when I furnished and decorated my first apartment while attending University. The budget was tight so it wasn't much, but I loved that it was mine and represented my independence and the beginning of a life that I would create for myself.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade - What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?

Trevor Ciona – Jack Black Lip Balm

Curtis Elmy – Tom Ford Cologne

** But seriously we would both say each other

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade – Your interiors are not just beautiful and contemporary but they are also very livable. How do you achieve that?

Trevor & Curtis - We design our own homes in a way that is entirely livable for us; however, we appreciate that the materials and finishes that we can live with, may be far too high maintenance for the average person. All of our clients LIVE in their homes, and don’t want to be slaves to the design, so, we focus on finding a balance where we can achieve the same look, but with a far less demanding attention. Luckily, we don’t mind being design slaves and live quite happily surrounded by polished, mirrored and lovely, breakable objects.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade - What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Trevor & Curtis - Many of our current clients have been referred to us by past clients, which is a huge compliment and responsibility. We want to make sure that we always create a result that lives up to the work that led them to us, and to do it with a spin that makes it uniquely their own.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade – How is the design scene in Saskatchewan? What do you like about it and what you don’t like about it?

Trevor & Curtis - The design scene in Saskatchewan is definitely growing. When we initially moved back to Saskatchewan from Alberta to start our firm, many people told us we were making a mistake. 6 years later we are pleased to say that our decision was the right one. The relationships we have built with our clients and within the local industry are what we find most rewarding about working here.

Occasionally we run into challenges finding just the right pieces in stock in Saskatoon, for a designer this can be a huge problem. But, what we can’t find locally we manage to find online, through catalogues or have custom made. One way or another, we get what we want.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

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Iván Meade – How have you influenced your community with your designs?

Trevor & Curtis - We often feel pressure to do things the way they have always been done, but we stand our ground. We continue to push the envelope and source new products and materials to bring to Saskatoon to keep things fresh and exciting. We also feel that by operating a professional, publicly recognized design firm, we’ve helped to created respect locally for our industry - it’s not just decorating and picking paint colours, it’s the entire package.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

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

Trevor & Curtis - It’s exciting that design currently has such a strong presence – on television, in magazines, on-line and in our surroundings. There is a growing respect for the industry and acknowledgement of how important great design is to our everyday lives.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

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Iván Meade – Your interior design firm seems to have the right attitude towards technology, What attracted you to social media?

Trevor & Curtis - Our business philosophy is to be different and stay ahead of the curve, and social media was just the next logical step for us. Social media is so important to any business for advertising and as an educational tool. There are no excuses for not being current or in touch with what your clients are expecting.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade – I found out about your firm through Twitter, when each of our blogs were nominated by House and Home as some of the best blogs in Canada. What does it mean for you to tweet, and to blog your ideas in design, your travel experiences and basically open your personal life to the web?

Curtis Elmy - I am the tweeter, and along with Heather, I work on the blog. It means a lot to us to be able to express ourselves to people who have an interest and appreciation for the field of interior design. It’s also a great way for us to show how proud we are of what we do, and how much we appreciate our clients for allowing us to be creative through them. A very wise client, who introduced us to blogging, assured us that using Twitter and a Blog is not a form of boasting, it’s an extension of one’s confidence and that we should embrace it.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade - Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

Trevor Ciona – Kelly Wearstler

Curtis Elmy – Jonathan Adler

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade – Curtis, How did you find the transition from graphics to interiors?
Curtis Elmy - It was a fairly natural transition, I feel the two avenues of design are very similar. A computer background is a huge asset when it comes to producing accurate technical drawings for our designs. Being a graphic designer has also helped tremendously as we are able to design and refresh the look of our website, blog and marketing materials in-house.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade - How have you found that the current economy has been shaping design trends?

Trevor & Curtis - The trend for us has been a move toward more custom furniture. Throughout the recession Saskatchewan’s economy has remained fairly strong, so while we may not have felt the effects in terms of budget or a slowdown in work, we have noticed a significant difference in the availability, quality and selection of items that we had relied on in the past. Many manufacturers have seriously cut back their catalogues, so, to fill the gap we design the pieces we need and have them custom made for our client.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

Iván Meade – On your website you can read about the “new mystery showhome” you are working on.  Can you elaborate on this project?

Trevor & Curtis - It will be the first showhome that we have designed in its entirety - modern & glamorous while still being very masculine. We are introducing great wallpapers from all over the world, unique millwork designs and a sexy freestanding tub. It is approximately 3600 sq.ft. and an official announcement will be made shortly.

 

 

Iván Meade – Speaking of mysteries - Also on your website, under team, there is a mystery woman with no write up… who is she and what role does she play at Atmosphere Interior Design?

Trevor and Curtis - She would be Heather! Heather is our Project Coordinator and plays a significant role in managing all of our projects, clients and assisting us with the day to day requirements of our firm. We have expanded our offices to include a "Design Showroom" showcasing the best wallpaper and fabric books in the city. Heather assists customers who are designing on their own with access to our great collection of designer exclusive products.

 

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

 

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?

Trevor and Curtis - We want to be known for influencing a strong progression in our interior design community. We want young designers to see what we were able to accomplish through our work ethic and strong client relationships. There are always buildings and spaces that have a distinct signature, and our dream is that Saskatoon will have many with ours.

 

I invite you to visit their stunning body of work in their website and interesting articles in their blog:

 

 

 

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In Conversation with Teresa Ryback

 

Teresa Ryback

 

As seen in SNAP, December 2009

 

Principal and Founder of tdSwansburg design studio, Teresa Ryback, is an expert in creating simple and sophisticated interiors. Teresa founded her firm in 2000 in Vancouver and opened an office in Victoria after she and her husband relocated to Vancouver Island. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and earlier this year she was recognized in Spectacular Homes of Western Canada, an exclusive showcase of Western Canada's finest designers (Hardcover). tdSwansburg has garnered both multiple CARE and Georgie Awards for design excellence.

 

tdSwansburg specializes in residential and hospitality design but the firm’s portfolio is filled with an array of projects including grand prize lottery homes, specialty spaces and international projects. There is a consistent theme of simplicity, complex tone-on-tone colour palettes, classic elegance and subtle detailing throughout tdSwansburg’s work. With the belief that interior design and decoration should elevate the architecture of a home, one can clearly see how passionate Teresa is about her work.

 

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find?

Teresa Ryback – As a designer, I have collected pieces that I love including many mid-century classics but, my favorite piece is a future classic: the Foscarini Caboche Grande Suspension Light designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

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Iván - Why is it important to you?

Teresa Ryback – It brings me joy-! This modern fixture is a beautiful translucent jewel that floats in the space; I never get tired of looking at it. 

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Teresa Ryback – "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - This piece embodies my design philosophy: simple, elegant, timeless and functional with a touch of glamour-!

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Teresa Ryback – I am an Artist first and my early experiences include carving soap figures and creating charcoal sketches of my surroundings, my family, my friends and my pets-!  Early in my career, I co-owned a boutique specializing in hand painted fashions and hand painted interior decor accessories.  I still enjoy oil painting and have an art studio in my Island home.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Teresa Ryback –  The purity of Neoclassicism and the elegance and glamour of the Art Deco era.

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Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Teresa Ryback – I would describe my style as a refined, elegant approach to West Coast interiors. The blending of natural woods and stone with luxurious materials and modern design elements--tdSwansburg’s projects reflect modern sophistication with an affinity for nature.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Teresa Ryback –   I love the work of  Billy Baldwin as he was a classicist and a modernist and I also admire the bold, confident style of Dorothy Draper. Current designers that capture my attention are Philippe Starck and Barbara Barry.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

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

Teresa Ryback –  My greatest strength is my ability to visualize a space completed, including the smallest details. My weakness... I'm an impatient perfectionist.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – You have done a great deal of lottery homes, what keeps you coming back for more?

Teresa Ryback – Once we present our design vision for the project and it is accepted by the board members, we are given the freedom to design a luxury dream home. In many of the projects, we work with the architects and builders assuring the integrity of the final vision is intact. Most importantly, the Lottery Home projects serve great causes such as the BC Children's Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital foundation.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – You mention on your website that environmental responsibility is a large part of your design philosophy; what steps have you taken to ensure that your firm does its part in global conservation?

Teresa Ryback – In addition to being members of Built Green British Columbia and The Canada Green Building Council, in 2007 we completed a Green Demonstration Home introducing green initiatives that could be incorporated into residential construction to Vancouver Island. When working with residential clients, we educate them on sustainable design options. Further, I believe that keeping ourselves educated, as designers, allows us to serve our clients better. I frequent design shows such as NeoCon West and I will be attending the ABITARE IL TEMPO 2009 in Verona, Italy.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What do you think most Victoria homes are missing?

Teresa Ryback - The design services of tdSwansburg design studio-!

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Teresa Ryback – I paralleled my design education with work experience, learning the diversity of a career in Interior Design.  In 2001, I was given the opportunity to present a design proposal for the 2002 BC Children's Lottery Home. I was competing against large, well established firms and was awarded the contract. I completed the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 homes winning my first two Georgie Awards. The exposure from these public projects positioned tdSwansburg design studio in the luxury residential market. We have not looked back-!

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What was it like to be published in Spectacular Homes of Western Canada?

Teresa Ryback – It was an honour to be invited to participate in the publication. Spectacular Homes of Western Canada allows the firm to showcase it's work not only in Western Canada but nationally and abroad.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

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

Teresa Ryback – I am excited about all the inspiring and innovative materials - from wallpaper to countertops-!

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

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

Teresa Ryback – Every successful project we complete gives me satisfaction. My favourite projects however, are the 2005 BC Children’s Lottery Home and the 2007 Win’ Fall Lottery Home because of the creative freedom that was entrusted in us.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Teresa Ryback – My dream project is to design a restaurant in an historic architectural setting. While preserving the history of the space, I would infuse modern materials and fixtures. The fabrics and wallpaper would flaunt traditional motifs reintroduced in contemporary colourways.

The space would be comfortable, yet intimate with stylized private rooms.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

 

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Teresa Ryback – We are working on several luxury residential projects and multi-residential communities. Our next design venture is a waterfront resort property.

 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

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Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Teresa Ryback – ­­That I inspired…

 

I Invite you to vist Teresa Ryback’s website for more information.

 

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

 

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In Conversation with Cobi Ladner

 

Cobi Ladner

 

Cobi Ladner was the editor of Canadian House & Home magazine for over 15 years (beginning in 1992). During her time at the magazine, Cobi and her team catapulted it to the forefront of the Canadian design scene. Canadians look to the magazine for inspiration, tips, tricks and resources with trust and confidence; readers are both enthusiastic and loyal – and with good reason - Cobi is a true pioneer of interior design in Canada.

Cobi’s talent is well warranted; she holds a degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University.  Prior to her career at Canadian House & Home, she honed her editing skills at two of the countries largest magazines:  Chatelaine and Canadian Living. Currently she is also a board member of the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.

Cobi’s new venture is www.cobistyle.com, where she not only promotes her design services, but also has developed a “Cobi Brand” – a style that is both “fun and personal”. This new company involves three facets, which is an excellent business model allowing cross-promotion and the makings of an empire. They consist of: cobi Comunications (a blog and website where fans can chat and be inspired, live appearances, and future plans of printed media), Cobi Creative (interior design services and events), and Cobi Collection (a line of comfortable, classic and chic home and lifestyle products).

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Cobi Ladner –  Oh gosh, you know, I was just at my 20 year Ryerson reunion party and a few of the women told me they always thought my dorm room was decorated so great - who knew?  I was only using hand-me-downs from mom and dad!  But I would say my first apartment not far from Yorkville, Toronto in the 80's.  I was junior decorating editor at Chatelaine which meant we could use it for all kinds of photo shoots and makeovers.  I had a bubblegum pink bathroom with a custom-made candy stripe fabric shower curtain, bird of paradise bedding (like I said, it was the 80's ;) grass cloth in the dining room, Marimekko wallpaper in the kitchen, I thought it was all very chic.

 

Vignette by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – What designers of past or present have inspired you?

Cobi Ladner –  So many, it's hard to choose.  But I have to say that it isn't always the designers who knocked me out - it's the creative homeowners with no experience.  I like it when a home really reflects the owners rather than just a design style.  Often the personal elements can go missing in professional residential designer work and I think it's a shame when they do.

 

Inspiration by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – One of the things that I found you brought to Canadian House & Home was that you presented interior design as not just aesthetics, but a lifestyle. How does this reflect in your design philosophy?

Cobi Ladner -  Well my philosophy is pretty simple.  I believe that homeowners should feel happy and comfortable in their home when they use it, and it should showcase their unique journey through life to others when they entertain.  Your home is a wonderful place for self expression but through mass production of goods, it's becoming harder and harder to make your home reflect your own taste.  I think the best interiors happen when someone has not only great taste, but the creativity and confidence to show their personality in their choices.

 

Inspiration Board by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – As the editor of a very popular design magazine, you must have seen several interior design trends come in and out of fashion. Do you have any that you miss? Or, any that you are very glad have not returned?

Cobi Ladner -  I don't mean to sound like a contrarian, but I just don't really think that trends should have a lot to do with how someone decorates their home (and I've been preaching that for a while).  Although fashion trends are fun to watch come and go,  I would never invest in something trendy for my home beyond the odd accessory or lamp.  Of course things should look fresh and current and I love to find something 'new' but I would never buy something trendy just because it is.  But now I feel badly that I didn't answer your question!  You know what I don't miss?  Big ruffly bedskirts.  They always seemed dusty to me and I couldn't find all the stuff I pushed under my bed.  A bed with legs is so much more elegant and clean looking (because I can't shove all that stuff underneath - it is cleaner!).  Same goes for sofas.  I don't like skirts.

 

Interior by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – What was your favourite experience as the editor of Canadian House & Home?

Cobi Ladner -  Oh, now you're going to make me feel nostalgic.  It would have to be having people stop me on the street - anywhere in Canada - and tell me that they felt like they knew me.  Everyone was always so nice and seemed to really want to connect with a real person in the sometimes intimidating world of design.  I felt so lucky to be that person.

 

Interior by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – One of the highlights from your time as editor at Canadian House & Home was the article that featured your own kitchen renovation. Was it daunting to open your home, personal style and private life to the public?

Cobi Ladner – It was very daunting!  I always felt vulnerable when my own home was showcased.  For one thing, I'm a real person with a real budget and restrictions just like anyone else.  And for another, I worried about being judged (since I was in a position where many thought I could judge).  You know, people often told me they were intimidated to invite me to their home - would it be 'good' enough? - but I always turned the tables and said, 'how do you think I feel?  Everyone expects my house to be perfect!".  Isn't it crazy what we do to each other?

 

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Photograph by Hello Magazine

 

Iván Meade – The “Cobi Style” design philosophy is described on your website as “…built not only on a unique style but a unique attitude” it goes on to say that “The attitude is lively, approachable, charming and fun”. How do you apply this mantra to your interiors?

Cobi Ladner –  Well I can't do anything that's too serious or stuffy.  I just can't imagine living that way.  I think homes should be lived in and enjoyed.  It makes me sad if I see a picture perfect home that has no signs of real life.  I think interiors should reflect the owners - their past, present, loves, interests, passions...all the things that make their life unique.  We all have a story - our home should tell it.  The other thing I feel strongly about is feeling grateful.  We should all be so grateful to have a warm home to complain and deliberate over, don't you think?

 

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Picture by Hello Magazine

 

Iván Meade – As a blogger myself, I was very excited to find your blog and to see the personal side of your knowledge and opinions in interior design. How has the creation of your blog benefitted you?

Cobi Ladner –  Well I'm so used to blabbing on about my life...how could I stop now? ;)  I'm kidding, but I suppose there is some truth in that.  Even though it often causes me angst, I seem to enjoy writing about the trials and tribulations of 'life at home'.  Now that I'm just writing for myself and not another brand, I feel quite free to just tell it like it is.  That's the great thing about blogs, they're so real.  Imperfections and all.  

 

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Iván Meade – As a graphic designer, in addition to my work in interior design, I noticed that your website is very fun, unique and colourful which is refreshing and reads very well with your design philosophy. Is this fresh new look going to be carried throughout the “Cobi brand” (ie. the products and print work to come) as an image that will be immediately recognized as your own? If so, great strategy and Kudos to you!

Cobi Ladner –  That's an interesting question.  I have used a lot of colour because I do believe that colour is one of the quickest ways to put personality into your home (and your website ;).  I speak a lot about colour, but not because I'm a 'colour freak', in fact my own home is a real mix of neutrals and colours, but because I think colours have been forgotten over the past 10 years or so.  We've been so concerned with creating things in 'good taste', we've forgotten about creating things that are fun to look at, or even pretty.  You would think 'pretty' was a bad word in many design circles.  I don't think that's true however for most homeowners.  I think people respond to pretty things and colours and frankly feel starved for some juice in their interiors.  We've been beiged to death!  In the new year I plan to show more interiors on my site that show what I'm talking about but in a nutshell, I love neutral interiors that have shots of strong colour to wake things up.

 

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Picture by Hello Magazine

 

Iván Meade – What is your vision for the future of the world of interior design?

Cobi Ladner –  My vision is for there to be more diversity and life in our homes.  Just like a party that doesn't have any music, I think things have gone a little flat in the last while and I'd like to turn up the volume a bit.  I think we all need to loosen up a little and have some fun. 

 

Inspiration by Cobi Ladner

 

Iván Meade – I read that you wrote a children’s book once you had your own children that was published through McArthur and Company – “Why is an Orange Called an Orange?”. I believe that the personal accomplishments are often the most rewarding, what was this experience like for you?

Cobi Ladner -  It was a wonderful experience to do a children's book.  You'll never get rich doing books in Canada but few things can compare to the feeling of accomplishment you get from having something bound on paper forever.  It's funny that the book was about colours and goes so well with my site.  I did it many years before I had 'cobi' on the brain.

 

 

Iván Meade – Lastly, your work has done wonders for the interior design industry in Canada. What would you like your legacy to be?

Cobi Ladner -  Just to help people be happy and comfortable in their own home - I figure that shouldn't be hard. ;) 

 

I invite you discover and learn more about Cobi Ladner

 

 

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In Conversation with Sandy Nygaard

 

Sandy Nygaard

 

As seen in SNAP, November 2009

 

Sandy Nygaard has been creating comfortable, unique and enduring interiors for the last 15 years. Her refined eye has developed a style that is all her own – understated, contemporary, warm, and full of textural tone-on-tone details in natural materials with an emphasis on West Coast style.

 

As the principal designer of Nygaard Interior Design, Sandy takes on a wide range of projects, from homes to restaurants, from offices to retail and she puts her own spin on the projects with wonderful execution. She does however, keep the clients’ needs and style at the forefront of her designs – incorporating Asian details, a Tuscan palette, or whatever their needs may be into a Sandy Nygaard original.

 

Sandy and her firm has recently been featured in the book “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada” by Panache, with a four page spread of one of her residential projects. An excerpt from the book sums it all up nicely – “After more than 15 years in the industry [Sandy] continues to derive energy and excitement from the cohesive design process, creating lasting design and unique living and working spaces.”

 

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find?

Sandy Nygaard –  That is hard to answer. I find things that inspire me all the time. I can’t say there has been one thing that has made me say  - that’s it, that is my favourite !

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade - What is important to you in design?

Sandy Nygaard-   what’s important to me in design is simplicity. Things I find that I get excited about are often about materiality, colour and texture and how it can be integrated into a space .

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade - How does this reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Sandy Nygaard –. I think it is a challenge to not overdesign .    Therefore,  using natural materials and letting them be what they are can bring the energy into a design.    You don’t have to add a lot of extra stuff to make it exciting.    Simplicity in design allow the colours and textures of the materials do all the work.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade - Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Sandy Nygaard – I have many projects on the go.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Sandy Nygaard – Being involved in the design of a house I was going to live in.  Coming from a 2 dimensional fine art back ground I thoroughly enjoyed the scale and 3 dimensionality.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Sandy Nygaard – It is evolving all the time.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Sandy Nygaard – contemporary, clean, uncluttered.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – Being in business for over 15 years I’m sure you’ve seen many styles come and go in Victoria. What do you think is the worst trend we’ve seen here on the island?

Sandy Nygaard – I do not think Victoria is a bubble and has it’s own worst trend. I like where we are now, the doors are open to all influences and design.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Sandy Nygaard – I studied and have my degree in Fine Art. We were designing and building a new house and I totally got side track ed . I loved considering space, function , light and colour and actually living in the art.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – Although you are known for your contemporary spaces (such as Carriero hair salon), you have also created some stunning traditional spaces (such as the Rogers Chocolates stores). Which shows your versatility as designer – Is it fun to change it up once in a while?

Sandy Nygaard –Definitely.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

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

Sandy Nygaard – the use of materials as a focus versus adornment.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – Your work at the Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa is one of my favourite projects you have done I believe is one of the best examples of Contemporary West Coast Style. What was your inspiration for the project?

Sandy Nygaard – For all projects the architecture of the building comes first.  What the architect is expressing is the beginning of the story, I try to respond and respect that and finish the story on the inside.  The building is contemporary, strong, and about the west coast materials. The interior had to carry those elements  through or it would not have been successful.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

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

Sandy Nygaard – There are not many that I have been dissatisfied with. I truly enjoy the process, getting to know the clients and working with them to create the end product. It is these relationships that fuel the design, good or bad. I have been lucky to have had wonderful clients that have allowed me to respond to their needs and create spaces that satisfy all of us.  Some of these houses have received National recognition.   It’s nice to know that the designs you create reach beyond the clients and are recognized nationally.

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Sandy Nygaard – I am not concerned about my legacy I am working in the now! 

 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

 

invite you to discover Sandy Nygaard work at her website:

 

NYGAARD INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com