SOPHIE
RESIDENCE
THE
PROJECT
BUILDING TYPE:
Residential Single Family
New build
LOCATION:
Hounsfield heights,
Calgary AB
YEAR COMPLETED:
2019
ARCHITECT:
DESIGNER:
Becky de Graaf
BUILDER:
Inside every space are the humans who makes it unique. At Ethos&Edit, our design process begins with an investigation of our client; we get to know you, familiarize ourselves with the way you live and work, and challenge your habits and assumptions. Then, we consider the geography of your proposed space, align your vision with the energies and materials of the natural earth, and build sustainable structures from the ground up. By bringing spatial, emotional and spiritual experiences into alignment, we design spaces that bolster the people within them.
They look good, yes. But they feel good too.
01
INFO GATHER &
SITE VISIT
All great projects begin as conversations. We begin by discussing project parameters with you; scope, aesthetic, budget, things you love, things you don't, etc. You'll provide us with pictures and layouts of your space, inspiration images, and answers to a questionnaire. The most important part of this discussion is to understand your “why.” What is this space intended to do? How should it feel? No, seriously—don’t spare us the details. We want to capture your dream and intention; that way, we can exceed your expectations by a mile.
We then arrange a visit to your space to experience it in person. We take measurements, learn more about the environment, affirm our project goals together and maybe raise a glass.
THE INSPO
02
PEN TO PAPER
After the proposal has been approved, we begin doing what we do best: designing your space. This is the fun part for us—a time when no idea is off the table and creativity runs wild. No matter how outlandish the ideas or off-brief the “but what ifs…” are at this phase, it’s easier and better to reign in later, than to limit our creativity now.
Then, the fun part for you: we present our design concept to you with: moodboards, floorplans, elevations, and samples of spec’d finishes. We give you a glimpse into what’s possible for your space, and look for the moments your eyes light up. Those are the ideas we pursue.
03
REVISIONS
We want to be inside your head, not just ours. After receiving and reviewing the first design concept and accompanying sourcebook, you'll provide us with notes so we can make sure to get the design as close to your dream as possible. Two rounds of revisions (No.02 & No.03) are included in this phase.
We also begin meeting with candidates to select the greater team: engineers, architects, project managers, etc. It should come as no surprise by now that we only work with the best.
We met Becky through our architect when we began discussing our home renovation project in 2017. The renovation turned into a “knock down” and rebuild project but that’s another story. We were so impressed with Becky during the renovation exercise we asked her to stay on for the new home project. We had Feng Shui completed for the home prior to engaging any consultants and wanted our project to follow all the requirements. When we asked/told her we had Feng Shui done for the project and wanted the recommendations followed, we were anxious for her response. Becky took on the challenge with excitement, it was obvious she had some knowledge of Feng Shui and wanted to learn more. Her talent as a designer was demonstrated throughout the project and we relied heavily on her expertise. A simple “let me think about that” was enough for us to realize our idea may not be the best one and she would come back with a recommendation that was simple and elegant and fit in the bigger picture of the project. She was able to read our minds and make suggestions without coming across as “I am the designer and I know best”. We never felt that she was imposing a design concept on us that was not our intent. She understood our budget restraints and always suggested solutions that were in line with the budget.
During the construction process, her background in the industry was invaluable. She could talk the language with the trades and was not intimidated by any of them. We felt that she was actually our project manager on the job as she caught many details that needed adjustment, before it was too late.
We could not be happier with the outcome of our project, there really is not one thing we would change. Becky has become a family friend through the process and we highly recommend her!
- D & J
04
CONSTRUCTION
Once No.03 is delivered and approved, we move into the execution phase. Hiring us full service means we handle the things that you don’t want to handle. Including (but not limited to): managing budgets, placing orders, organizing deliveries, site visits, storage and quality check points at particular phases.
05
THE INSTALL
The best part. Our team of experts arrive on site to install all the magic bits. This includes all furniture, lightings, accessories that were sourced in steps four and five. Once we finish, your space is ready to enjoy for years to come. Welcome home.
And while we are at it, with your permission we’ll probably snap a few pics.
