RBI Newer Projects

Whistler Town House, photos Josh Dunford

We've started off the new year by updating the RBI web site with three newer projects.  Some of the images from our two Whistler projects have been seen in recent publications;   Gray Magazine and Western Living. Many thanks as always to all those involved with the capturing and presenting of our work in a beautiful light.   

Kerrisdale, photos Janis Nicolay 

Alpine Chalet, photos Josh Dunford

Site Additions

Deans Knight Capital Management

We've added two new project portfolios and their descriptions to the RBI web site. Although very different in their intended use, they share common design principles.  Foremost of which is our belief in modern space, that is expressed in an honest uncomplicated way.    

Naramata Lake House

Project photography by Josh Dunford.

Schematic

When I began this on-line journal, my intention was to write about the firms activity, our processes and our results.  To add more meaning to the images on our web site.  It's proven to be quite an education. Words are not my natural method of communicating design thoughts. I'm much more comfortable using images. That's why drawing has been my premier tool when working with clients to construct the visual direction of their projects.  This is especially true during our schematic design phase, it's a time of free associations, and rarely linear or methodical.

For the renovation of a ski resort property our design development presentation (sketches and collages) , starts to identify a point of view.  We wanted to stray from the predictable alpine cliches, and grow our own concept of 'ski lodge'. Taking cues from diverse places and building in parts,  to form a whole. This schematic direction can now be applied throughout our process and adopted into all our aesthetic decisions.     

Noting this is my one hundredth blog entry, I look to the future + working to better articulate what we do, are doing, have done..... with visual assistance, of course!

Mobile Site

This week we launched two new RBI sites for iPhone + iPad mobile devices.  We wanted our mobile sites have the ease of operation that our site for computers offers.  Simple + straightforward.  My theory of design has the same starting point for all disciplines, 'Intuitive Common Sense; with sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation and facts'.   Aesthetics grow out of resolving functional requirements.  In my opinion anything that prioritizes look over function is more than a miss, it's broken.  With these two additions to our on-line presence, I believe we've accomplished easy navigation plus good looks.  Many thanks to Burnkit for their development + design expertise, to make these sites work deftly.

Modern Art Family

Recently added to our web site is the project portfolio for Silver Sea. It's the Vancouver home of an international art dealer and her family. Photographs are by Josh Dunford.
'Art does not reproduce the visible; rather it makes visible.' Paul Klee.

Plan for Silver Sea Project

We've also made some modifications to our web site, employing the talents of BB&co Strategic Storytelling to expand the depth of understanding of who we are and the work that we do.  Bill Baker is the author of a very informative blog, A Storied Perspective, that uncovers the value of storytelling to our daily lives,  and how it can engage us with its meaning, for our journey of discovery.  It's been an enlightening experience working with Bill Baker and Cookie Boyle (writer).  Our web site design is by Burnkit.

Project descriptions have been added to the RBI site

Desert Chic

We just added our Rancho Mirage project portfolio to the RBI web site.

Photography is by Rick Szczechowski.  Special thanks to our fabulous client + collaborator JS.

'Within the total meaning of function is included the purpose to please.' Milo Baughman.

P H

The Penthouse project we've added to the web site, was designed for an international couple who make Vancouver one of their global destinations.  Successful work is the result of many factors ... but chief among them, is client trust.  We have immense gratitude for our client's  continued belief in the work we do, and (always) for the pleasure of working with them.

Photography, Josh Dunford.

Much Appreciated

A big thank you to Kim at Desire to Inspire, for her recent post highlighting the work of our office.  I enjoy checking out her blog often; especially Pets on Furniture.  Where my own little Pierre got some love. 

Plus Three

KINGHORNE

We've added three new private residence portfolios to our web site. Each project is as unique as the clients they were designed for. Photography is by Josh Dunford.

MARINASIDE

DEEP COVE

Reflection

With the start of a new year, it seems apropos to reflect on the past before we address what's next.  There have been several absorbing projects this past year.  Some coming to rewarding actualization and some great new seeds. Two notable works our office is about to undertake (on the immediate horizon) are, an extensive renovation to an alpine home in Whistler BC and a new restaurant for Opus Hotel Vancouver.  Both will allow us to expand our design vocabulary. Looking differently and re-thinking, what has come before. 

In the walnut lined study (2005) pictured here, an Anish Kapoor sculpture reflects + alters it's surroundings, including the large standing painting by Chris Ofili, and classic Eames lounge.  Welcome the new + twenty eleven.

Fresh Looks

The talented team at Burnkit ( our web site designers) have updated the site with new images of recent projects.  All photographs by Josh Dunford.  More to follow this summer.

Newer Projects

We've recently added new project portfolios to the web site. Thanks to Josh Dunford for the great photography (as always), and Robert Munro for the perfect floral compliment.