From Shayla's Desk: December 2025

November felt like a blur. Between managing our office construction, keeping client projects on track, and somehow maintaining my sanity, this month tested every ounce of project management skill I have. But we're closing in on our December 29th office move-in date, and I can finally see the finish line. The exhaustion is real, but so is the satisfaction of watching it all come together.

Reflecting on November

Three Full-Time Jobs
When we decided to move forward with the office project, I made the call to manage both the design and construction myself. Typically we have a construction partner since it's an entirely separate job, responsibility, and expertise. But for our own space, I wanted the challenge—and frankly, I wanted 100% control. Pulling off the entire project in 12 weeks was always going to be a feat.

This month it really set in. It's been a blur of scheduling, problem-solving, site visits, and meetings for both Warm Welcome clients and our own HQ. But it's been completely worth it. I planned the move during January knowing it's always our quietest month, minimizing the impact on operations. Taking on more now means we'll hit the ground running in 2026 from our new space.

Planning this project from purchase to occupancy—design, procurement, construction, install, and moving in the boxes has been so satisfying. We're on track for our December 29th move-in, and the first week of January we'll be up and running at 217 Birmingham. As perfectly planned as you can be in construction! Our bathroom won't have a door yet, but we'll be in and operating.

Project Highlights

Forma by Ace: Opening December 11th
This month has been huge. We've watched the space transform with all our design elements coming together. Absolutely everything within the studio is custom, commercial-grade, designed to take the force and impact of hundreds of studio-goers each day. We spent the design phase procuring the right materials so the Forma team can focus on their programming while their equipment and space work seamlessly. Our millwork is fabricated in commercial-grade laminate with each shelf reinforced for the weight of the weights. The 100% polyurethane vinyl on the lounge banquette will handle sweaty body after sweaty body. The retail millwork has a merchandise slat wall that can display product and change with their offerings over time. We're so proud of how the details came together—Forma opens December 11th! If you're in the King City area or love trying different studios, download their app and book a class.

Project King III: Modern Basket Weave
Last month we wrapped painting and wall coverings. This month we finished the new tile floor in the kitchen and presented the design plan for all the bathrooms. In 2026, five bathrooms and the laundry room will be completely transformed. In the meantime, the kitchen tile floor turned out insane—it's a modern take on a traditional basket weave. We're completely in love with the personality tile trend dominating the industry right now and are weaving it through so much of our work.

Project Kingsway: Admiring the Details
So much progress this month! We were working towards a pre-Christmas move-in, but due to scheduling had to push it until the new year. The kitchen and laundry room is fabricated and on deck for December install, and our stone slabs are sitting in North York waiting to be fabricated. We're on standby ready to make magic happen, but until then are admiring all the trim carpentry. This home is full of elegant details and thoughtful mouldings, it's going to be special watching the homeowners move back into a home they've owned for years.

WWHQ: Drywall Is In
This month we completed and passed inspection for HVAC, plumbing, framing, and electrical. Drywall is now installed, and the space is completely taking shape! Next month we're focused on painting, trim carpentry, and flooring installation. With the December 29th move coming up, we're focused on getting the space "work-able" with millwork and a functioning bathroom completed in the new year.

Inspired By: The Eataly Mural
The Eataly mural in Sherway completely blew me away. I turned the corner beside Eataly and was transported to a piazza: full height, full width, creating so much impact. For what is likely a temporary solution, it shows the power of a bold design move. The picture doesn't do the feeling justice!

What's Coming in December

• Lots of holiday hangouts

• Forma's grand opening on December 11th

• Office move over the break

• Quality time with family

- Shayla