Aug 3rd, 2020 Every day is a different one where we are not quite sure what is happening next. The pilot, the client and I as we land to explore a country property that we are developing. A ride like this one allows us to get to our destination and back all in a morning to get to work on the design. Computer, choppers and ideas and we are good to go. This will be an interesting process as the development is the three dimensional as well as the plan articulation on 100 acres.
Jul 21st, 2020 A casing is enriched by a plinth block and can solve issues on site to aid in proper finishing. The design of a plinth block should follow the lines of the casing but be simpler as well it should be slightly higher than the baseboard. Ideally, the baseboard runs into the back of the back band of the casing. This may seem like another language to others but this is how we talk shop. Yes, this block head carpenter will be speaking our language soon, re-do.
Jul 14th, 2020 The original island had a wood cabin that was inhabited for the summer months by a family for 100 years from the United States. I kept the wood theme and grandfathered the original setback to build the new main cottage. Blue cedar shingles play with the sky and today travelling is between lakes. The island is in the shape of a bow tie and from the various angles you can’t tell whether is it mainland or island, it is constantly changing and settling in. What remains constant is the view looking out with the endless horizon and…
Jul 7th, 2020 Our new crest for our fashion capsule; we are ready to launch and in the process of grading the patterns for production. Designing a crest start with an impression of the past; I looked to Empress Josephine combined with Fred Perry for the historical reference then adding the depth of personal life. The butterflies, flower of peony, icebergs and water mixed with a crown of royalty. Freedom, beauty, strength/subtle and life all in a structured setting. It is powerful with lasting love.
Jul 1st, 2020 Working with amazing trades is a true treat and a long relationship develops which is the test of beautiful work and striving for quality every day. At THA we are very lucky with excellent trades that execute our work; we developed this transitional niche detail that we have highlighted in a contrasting material. A thicker frame with thinner shelves and a deeper bottom rail incorporating a reveal. This is cut into the slab and appears seamless. Further to this design is a border detail that frames each wall. Not just a simple place to place shampoo but…
Jun 22nd, 2020 My cottage lake house that has the rules set up to be broken. Setting up the bays with gable tops in a classical mode shingled in a blue cedar. In front a limestone column arcade with fir wood beams going back to the main cottage adorning the stair to the second floor on the exterior. The structure is set and now you can play between the columns with open to the sky and additional purlins with sail cloth sunshades. Rules are meant to be broken to create beauty.
Jun 15th, 2020 I travelled from island to marina to tennis to nursery for purchase of spices and back to island for planting. This planter is linear and plentiful comprising of rosemary, oregano, and lavender. The borders are closed, and our travel is limited and needs planning. Pre-ordered spices, soil and filter cloth and went at preordained time to collect all. Growth and moving forward is what we need to do now and the enjoyment of food with homegrown enhancements is life to the fullest. Eat, drink and play.
Jun 8th, 2020 Working virtually this week up north meeting with one of my favourite contractors who floated in for lunch. A beautiful blue sky day with a grilled steak and kale salad dockside lunch. The new world of northern paradise and who will be living in the city versus lakeside. What are our new goals for our lives? Rental in city, work virtually and a 4,000 sf cottage that becomes your focal point. Are you drawn lakeside or farm side?
Jun 1st, 2020 THA offices are open as they are an essential services of residential construction with staggered hours, social distancing and virtual meetings w clients. These fabulous four of THA made over 60 ham and cheese sandwiches for shelters in the GTA for a program called sandwich sisters; we are 100 strong!!! Individually wrapped and labelled we are doing our part on a daily dose. To all: help those less fortunate then us.
May 21st, 2020 On pondering a vanity that I designed and had made over 10 years ago, I am intrigued with the layers of details that have taken on a sheen level of comfort. The design was a framed cabinet with a bead and a burled interior flat panel with an ogee under the frame. They look like today and yester year which is a sign of good iconic design. Iconic design is ageless.
