looking back at 2013

Happy New Year, may 2014 bring you all success and joy! Looking back at 2013, it was a busy year and I photographed several award winning projects, travelled to Quebec and Edmonton and was published in Interior Design, Azure, and the Globe and Mail among others. My passion in capturing spaces and design is furthered and I am committed to the continual pursuit of high quality image craft. I also launched my blog: stevie rave on, which is the best way to see what I am up to. Be sure to bookmark and visit me in 2014!

Coca-Cola headquarters

Coke's Canadian HQ relocation to downtown Toronto was a bold but welcomed move. The LEED project added 3 storeys to the existing Toronto Sun building in King east where established neighbourhood and transportation system supports an environmentally responsible development. The sun-lit and modern workspace designed by figure3 features a large interior atrium with centrally located meeting rooms and communal spaces. The highly adored outdoor patio connects with the warm and inviting lunchroom where it houses the fun and popular freestyle coke machine - you can mix your own drink. Large graphic portals connect workspaces and the central atrium where brand messages and company value envelops the viewers as they pass through them. I was commissioned to produce some of the contents for art canvases and portal graphics as seen here and here.

Coke is a very exciting project and people are happy to be there, when told about being the designers during the photo shoots, the reactions were always amazement and grattitude. You can sure feel the buzz in the space!

wedding guest editorial

My good friend and talented designer AP tied the knot, take note of the breathtaking wedding dress she designed! They are the most fun couple I know and the wedding was indeed a blend of unique, hilarious and touching moments. The idea of cap guns for wedding favours is just through the roof! What a riot!

b-roll Cap gun induced scenarios of secret agents and simulation of a drunken gunshot accident scene. I emptied my pockets onto the plate - Bond, James Bond!

haworth toronto showroom

The newly renovated Haworth Toronto Showroom features a mix of workplace solutions and sexy Haworth Collections with classic to modern design that fits in many settings outside of the office. There is a cleverly disguised meeting/ping-pong table, multi-purpose to the core. I personally love the rocking horse chair-the shetland. You have to try it, loads of fun to ride and versatile for various tasks! The boardroom features a table with proprietary technology "workware" that enables easy collaboration and information sharing. The boardroom, raised floor, and presentation rooms feature large environmental graphic backdrops featuring image and adapted graphic from my streetcar portrait series. Haworth Toronto Showroom is opened from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday.

eli lilly

Eli Lilly looks to figure3 for their workspace revitalization and expansion in the east end home base. The design directive is to charge forward while preserving the company’s 135 year old heritage, providing amenities and meeting spaces where staff can relax and step out from the work routine.

In addition to collaboration spaces within workstation neighbourhoods, there are dedicated spaces such as open lounges, cafe, yoga studio, spinning room and gym. The games room features stimulating and laid back zones in a design that exudes class without losing the fun factor. It feels like home away from home and everyone just adores the space.

Eli Lilly’s Commons is a meeting/collaboration space designed with touches of vintage style that adds a sense of history. This hospitality-meets-workplace environment is meant for stepping away from work desk and having an unconventional meeting with clients, an internal office event, or simply an alternative space to work. The mix of residential and hospitality feel in design brings comfort, sunlight, nature and warmth - endowing a space that is surely an envy to other corporations.

zoom zoom, or more aptly named: ding ding

Toronto is one of the lucky cities to still operate streetcars in the downtown core. Though the experience of riders, inconveniences of cyclists and drivers along with weather hinderances are debatable factors; the trade-off of clean air unlike New York City or Hong Kong is welcomed in my books. Living with and adapting to these gentle giants is part of Toronto and an unique experience. Streetcar Portraits is a commissioned project to capture and convey the spirit of downtown - ding ding!

azzari fashions

Azzari Fashions designed by figure3.

canada goose | canada proud

World renowned for outstanding Canadian made extreme weather apparel, Canada Goose teamed with figure3 for the relocation of their offices within a north Toronto neighbourhood. Utilizing elements within the existing industrial building, figure3 planned the space to support Canada Goose's growing needs for functional offices, meeting rooms and showroom for both staff and clients. The space was designed to reflect Canada Goose's unique blend of rugged lifestyle and high-tech innovation. 'Box within a box' offices and meeting rooms are framed in black and run the length of the interior space which highlight the height of the space and expose the natural wood deck ceiling above. Crisp white epoxy floors guide users throughout, leading to key spaces featuring full height graphics and open workstation groupings. This customized corporate office has genuinely provided Canada Goose with a place they can call home.

Always looking for the next adventure, Canada Goose is currently collaborating with figure3 to relocate their Toronto manufacturing facility within the same building as their new office.

For behind the scenes of this photo shoot, click here.

concord opus model suite

Concord Adex's Park Place Opus condo is designed by figure3 interior design. The wide and shallow suites along the perimetre of the building take advantage of the abundant sun light and unobstructed window views. The efficient interior uses structural feature wall with fireplace to divide the dinning room and living room. The den is multi-functional which can function as a study or bedroom with a fold down bed.

mediabrands - award winning workplace design

IPG Mediabrands, designed by figure3, is an award winning workplace environment. The open floor plate features collaborative spaces in the core and casual lounge seatings are interspersed throughout. Coloured panels add excitement and act as wayfinding for neighbourhoods. The cafe, heart of the space where staffs interact also functions as breakout area near the meeting rooms. The complete transparency of glass fronts connect the culture and life for the staffs and visitors. Environmental graphic of buildings wrap the core and white, reversed images gives semi-privacy to the visitor lounge and executive meeting room.

downtown markham presentation centre

The presentation centre for Downtown Markham is designed by figure3 and features a swooping, nest-like structure that envelops the main entrance from exterior into an interior portal with immersive projection content. Inside the showroom, dark reflective glass panels divide casual, intimate lounges where clients can have a relaxed session while learning about the project with the salesperson. The main space features cafe settings and a large natural wood table with iPads where clients can explore on their own. In the high space above the lounges, images are projected to create dynamic messaging. Eventscape produced a really cool video showcasing the elements they engineered and constructed.

midsummer's night tree

Forest at night, trees are still and nondescript, immersed in darkness, breathing out CO2 just like us. I was curious to capture this still night portrait and play with external lighting similar to a studio. With the exception of faint night sky, everything is artificial light source. I have to say photographing in near darkness while running around is a strange sensation indeed, a little dangerous, a little dream like.

feature in the globe and mail for bridle path residence

Some images of the bridle path residence were featured in the globe.

tailwind

bridle path residence

Renovated custom home by Paul Raff Studio, featuring clever pivoting screens inside and out with an asian aesthetic. Paul's usual poetic architecture creates immersive dwelling with mixture of nature, sun, and organic natural elements in a minimalistic design that is an envy of modern living. What a beautiful home!

stair hopper

feature in interior design for coca-cola

The exciting new Coca-Cola Canadian HQ on King street is featured in interior design online exclusive. Design by figure3.

beach ball - design gives back

It's time for the design industry to give back, and beach ball was the event to raise funds against women's cancer for the Sunnybrook Foundation. The event was very exciting, along with the help from sponsors and volunteers, provided various fundraising activities and a great beach party that went well into the night. The highlight for me was seeing the stratocaster signed by Bon Jovi band members in the silent auction, petting the baby kangaroo and witnessing the emotional candle lighting in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.

boys night out

Boys like to hang out and a bachelor party is just official excuse to turn up the notch. The evening started out at the beer academy for an informative session - much a parallel to wine tasting. The rest of the night, well, is only shared and recalled with a nod and handshake for years to come.

model shoot

Had a fun studio session with beautiful Natalia who is entering the modelling world. Her versatile look suits various shoots and events. If you are interested for booking, drop me a line and I can connect you with her.