Design inspirations, challenges, and trends

Earlier this season, we collaborated with Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) and fellow design professionals to create content on the latest developments in our industry. Design is dynamic and constantly evolving, and we’re proud to be part of an industry that continually sets new standards for excellence and innovation! As part of our collaboration, IDA asked our team a series of questions on design inspirations, challenges, and the trends we’re embracing; and in this blog post, we revisit our responses.

What's the most unexpected design trend you've embraced recently?

We’re embracing the resurgence of warmer wood tones. Pairing rich mid-tone woods with minimalist finishes creates a sense of depth—bringing life to a space without sacrificing its modern edge. You can see how we’ve worked this trend into our recent projects, including The Lounge at 400 Third.

Another trend we’ve fully embraced is biophilic design. Incorporating natural elements, like plants, into spaces brings both aesthetic and wellness benefits, as seen in StellarAlgo's new office. Even faux plants contribute to the sense of life and calm greenery offers. There’s no denying that biophilic elements enhance not only the look of a space but also how that space makes us feel.

Then there’s the influence of fashion colours—particularly the return of brown as a versatile, stylish hue. Once thought of as outdated, brown is being reimagined in contemporary designs, adding warmth and sophistication to interiors in a way that feels current and fresh. We’ve explored this trend in several recent projects, including the new offices for BGC Engineering and the Calgary Housing Company, bringing in bold colours and unique finishes that challenge the neutral palettes of the past.

Can you share a design project that challenged you and how you overcame it?

Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and our team thrives on finding creative solutions. One of our recent projects, Wellington Altus's Centennial office, presented a particularly tricky design hurdle. Initially, we planned to suspend planters from the ceiling above an eat-up ledge. However, site conditions meant we had to pivot, avoiding damage to the base building’s radiant heat panels. The solution? A sleek, metal structure supported from the ground, maintaining the aesthetic without obstructing views.

How do you stay inspired, and where do you find your design inspiration?

We've really been enjoying The Local Project. It’s great to discover elements from predominantly residential projects that can be incorporated into workplace design, and we appreciate how the publication effectively highlights top residential designs.

Our team loves exploring new cities and experiencing global design trends firsthand. Traveling allows us to immerse ourselves in different cultures, architectural styles, and design philosophies that we can bring back to our own projects. These experiences not only broaden our understanding of design, but also remind us of the need to create spaces that genuinely serve and connect with people.

What is your favourite project and what made it special?

With so many amazing clients and exciting projects on our roster, it’s hard to pick just one! We love projects where our team can flex their skills creatively and work with specialized consultant teams to create a space that gets people talking, including Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic, and Wonderment Child Centre.

What upcoming trends should we watch out for next year?

Designing for various sensory experiences across all sectors is becoming increasingly important. This shift is greatly influenced by the movement towards being neurodivergence-informed, which we believe will continue to be a key focus in design.

There’s also an increasing emphasis on evidence-based design, particularly regarding human-centred spaces. With a growing number of publications highlighting this topic, we anticipate that we will see more designs incorporating research findings in the coming year and beyond.

Finally, colour! We've seen more and more clients embracing colour in their spaces rather than sticking to minimalist palettes. This trend isn’t limited to merely adding pops of their brand colours; we’re witnessing bold and vibrant hues being integrated in playful and imaginative ways.

Looking forward

We're incredibly grateful to IDA and fellow design professionals for collaborating with our team on content that highlights the latest developments in our industry. And we’re counting down the days to two of IDA’s marquee events this month. First up, the masi Design Awards Gala on October 23, 2024, at The Percheron Ballroom, BMO Centre. This gala honours the region’s top design talent, and we’re excited to celebrate the achievements of our peers.

The next day, join us for the IDA Annual Tradeshow (Urban Encounters) on October 24, 2024, in The Palomino Room, BMO Centre. This tradeshow is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge materials, and dive into the latest design innovations. Grab your tickets today!

Can’t make it? We’ll be sharing highlights from both events on our social channels, so you won’t miss out. Follow us in Instagram and LinkedIn.