Case Study: PorVida

Por Vida Mezcal and Mexican is a celebration of latin food and culture in the heart of Bronte, Ontario. Vivid colours, rich textures and eclectic lighting are combined to create a lively and layered experience for guests. Reclaimed furniture adds an authentic, rustic flare — with an original stained glass window acting as a colourful, definitive design element for the space. Customer wallpaper designs adorn the space, bringing character to the bathrooms and entrance. A custom bar design plays into repurposed, gothic cabinetry which adorns the walls and houses varieties of rare liqueurs and tequila. In order to button down the food and beverage program, the culinary director spent three months in Oaxaca and Miami, studying latin flavours in both contemporary and traditional restaurants and learning from local mezcal farmers. Por Vida offers a truly immersive dining experience, transporting guests to warmer climates with rich, Mexican flavours.

Upon entering West End Social, the first thing guests see is a fifteen-foot bar, stretching from one end of the lounge to the other. Bartenders whip up seasonal cocktails and engage in conversation with patrons. Live music and vocals drift from the piano throughout the week, and local DJ’s fill dance floors on the weekends. West End Social is designed for a social experience, where interaction is encouraged and televisions are notably absent. The food program is playful and designed for encouraging conversation. Small, shareable plates are ordered family-style and shared amongst friends — with an authentic sushi program adding an unexpected, exotic twist. Intricate, dark millwork fills the space, being accented by warm lighting and deep, hazy wallpaper. Vintage posters add a Chicago speakeasy vibe to the space, encouraging friends to gather and relax.

Case Study: Duckies

Sweet and sassy is the attitude of this playful, waterfront ice cream shop. The youthful interior is designed to bring out the kid in everyone, with colourful patterns, signage and installation adorning the walls and encouraging picture-taking. The strategy behind this concept was to create a space composed of multiple backdrops, ensuring patrons will snap pics and share with their social networks. 500 pink rubber duckies align the walls of the space, paying homage to the namesake ducks in the adjacent harbour. The juicy hues of the interior reflects the sugary ice cream flavours and cookie cones, and on hot, summer days families can be seen with sticky fingers and wide smiles as they peruse the boardwalk.